Why Writers Are Like Magicians
(Featuring Guest Author Al Seckel)
Novelists are experts at creating illusions. We authors spend endless hours putting words on paper; making something out of nothing. And readers are our willing and receptive audience.
But did you ever stop to wonder why inked letters on a page or digital reader can become more than just that – can in fact become a make believe world so real we often forget that what we are reading is fiction?
Al Seckel,an internationally renowned cognitive neuroscientist, author and speaker, uses illusions to drive home the point that what we see – or think we see – is really all about our perception.
As one of the world’s leading experts on visual and sensory illusions and how they relate to the underlying mechanisms of sensory perception, Seckel has lectured extensively on this subject throughout the world at many of the most prestigious universities and venues.
He is the author of several best-selling and award-winning books on the science of visual illusions and perception and has been active in designing and building interactive galleries on the topic for science and discovery museums on a global scale.
His recently released eBook, Eye Wonder: The Magical and Paradoxical Illusory Worlds of Jerry Andrus (www.eyewonderpublishing.com) features the very best of the late master magician Jerry Andrus’ creative genius in the worlds of magic, illusion, and paradox.
“The non-static medium of the electronic book, free from the constraints of the printed page, allows for the sharing of magical and illusory effects, sights and sounds, which were formerly prohibited in a static medium. Further, the digital format allows one to experience Jerry Andrus: the man, his thoughts and his vision, through his own distinctive voice,” said Seckel, speaking about why he decided to make his newest title an eBook.
Seckel has, in fact, previously authored three works on the subject of illusion, each of which is very varied in content and approach.
“Jerry Andrus first introduced me to optical illusions at a talk of his I hosted for him that was held at Caltech back in 1982. Approximately, ten years later when I decided to actively research and study optical illusions as a window into the science of perception, I was very interested in Jerry's creative work, and from that time forward we spent countless hours researching, discussing, and creating new optical effects,” noted Seckel, adding that in the mid-1990s he professionally filmed Jerry's marvelous optical illusion creations which are presented in this volume, many for the first time, along with detailed scientific explanations of why they work.
The book is further augmented by many audio interviews as well, providing the reader with a real sense of "Jerry the Illusion Creator, Jerry the Magician, and Jerry the Human Being." In addition, magician Mark Setteducati provided an essay on Jerry's contributions to magic, and Barry Brilliant, Jerry's best friend, contributed an essay as well.
In addition to his work as an author, Seckel is a sought after lecturer. In his capacity as a guest lecturer for TEDx, he spoke at length on the “Nature of Belief.” View that talk at: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU8WE...).
Both writers and readers alike will find Seckel’s books and lectures to afford an enlightening look into why we are so willing to allow our minds to enter into another realm… the wonderful world of make-believe.
I’m thrilled to have had Al Seckel as a guest on this, my third Goodreads blog post. Be sure to check out his engaging video, as well as his latest book!
Novelists are experts at creating illusions. We authors spend endless hours putting words on paper; making something out of nothing. And readers are our willing and receptive audience.
But did you ever stop to wonder why inked letters on a page or digital reader can become more than just that – can in fact become a make believe world so real we often forget that what we are reading is fiction?
Al Seckel,an internationally renowned cognitive neuroscientist, author and speaker, uses illusions to drive home the point that what we see – or think we see – is really all about our perception.
As one of the world’s leading experts on visual and sensory illusions and how they relate to the underlying mechanisms of sensory perception, Seckel has lectured extensively on this subject throughout the world at many of the most prestigious universities and venues.
He is the author of several best-selling and award-winning books on the science of visual illusions and perception and has been active in designing and building interactive galleries on the topic for science and discovery museums on a global scale.
His recently released eBook, Eye Wonder: The Magical and Paradoxical Illusory Worlds of Jerry Andrus (www.eyewonderpublishing.com) features the very best of the late master magician Jerry Andrus’ creative genius in the worlds of magic, illusion, and paradox.
“The non-static medium of the electronic book, free from the constraints of the printed page, allows for the sharing of magical and illusory effects, sights and sounds, which were formerly prohibited in a static medium. Further, the digital format allows one to experience Jerry Andrus: the man, his thoughts and his vision, through his own distinctive voice,” said Seckel, speaking about why he decided to make his newest title an eBook.
Seckel has, in fact, previously authored three works on the subject of illusion, each of which is very varied in content and approach.
“Jerry Andrus first introduced me to optical illusions at a talk of his I hosted for him that was held at Caltech back in 1982. Approximately, ten years later when I decided to actively research and study optical illusions as a window into the science of perception, I was very interested in Jerry's creative work, and from that time forward we spent countless hours researching, discussing, and creating new optical effects,” noted Seckel, adding that in the mid-1990s he professionally filmed Jerry's marvelous optical illusion creations which are presented in this volume, many for the first time, along with detailed scientific explanations of why they work.
The book is further augmented by many audio interviews as well, providing the reader with a real sense of "Jerry the Illusion Creator, Jerry the Magician, and Jerry the Human Being." In addition, magician Mark Setteducati provided an essay on Jerry's contributions to magic, and Barry Brilliant, Jerry's best friend, contributed an essay as well.
In addition to his work as an author, Seckel is a sought after lecturer. In his capacity as a guest lecturer for TEDx, he spoke at length on the “Nature of Belief.” View that talk at: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU8WE...).
Both writers and readers alike will find Seckel’s books and lectures to afford an enlightening look into why we are so willing to allow our minds to enter into another realm… the wonderful world of make-believe.
I’m thrilled to have had Al Seckel as a guest on this, my third Goodreads blog post. Be sure to check out his engaging video, as well as his latest book!
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