Waylines - Issue 6

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  EDITORIAL

  One Year Old

  2013 Reader's Choice Award

  INTERVIEWS

  The Writers Room

  Featured Film Maker – David Karlak

  FICTION

  Best Regards by Andrew S. Williams

  A Long Fuse to a Slow Detonation by Anaea Lay

  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/344123031/waylines-magazine-year-two

  Editors: Darryl Knickrehm & David Rees-Thomas Managing Editor: Dawn Bonanno Illustrations: Darryl Knickrehm Contribution Writer: Alisa Alering First Readers: Beth Cato, Micaiah Evans, Ewan Forbes, Marina J. Lostetter, Emi Morimoto, Sandra Odell

  https://waylinesmagaizne.com

  We've made it! Our 6th issue! We are officially one year old! We must give a special thanks to everyone who has gotten us here -- those initial Kickstarters, our wonderful slush readers, our amazing writers and film makers, but most important of all: readers like you.

  And to celebrate the end of our first year, we have our 2013 Reader's Choice Award. Thanks for all that voted!

  Unfortunately, we do have some sad news for this issue. David, will be moving on from Waylines. He's been an integral part of the Waylines phenomenon and he will be missed. We wish him the best in all his endeavours.

  Now, let's get on with Issue 6. For our stories this issue:

  Anaea Lay takes us on a walk on the dark side in, “A Long Fuse to a Slow Detonation” -- a journey into the mind of a woman skirting the edge of sanity.

  And…

  Andrew S.Williams goes to the opposite end of the spectrum with a whimsical tale of a computer tech and his struggle with customer complaints for the X-7000 Teleporter in, “Best Regards.”

  For our films this issue:

  David Karlak's "The Candidate" is a masterpiece of filmmaking; a trip into a secret society, you won't want to miss.

  "The Eagleman Stag" is Mikey Please's delightfully esoteric animation of a man, his past, and the Eagleman Stag.

  And last, but not least, we have Raf Anzovin's "Eleven," a fun take on the hassles of voice menus.

  For our interviews, Alisa sat down with Wesley Chu for the Writers Room. And we have interviews with our writers and The Candidate's David Karlak.

  Also, Waylines is gearing up for Year Two and will be running our fund raising campaign from January 10-February 10, 2014. If you like the magazine think about heading over to our Kickstarter campaign then. There are pledge rewards like posters, bookmarks, and our Zero Issue - an issue made just for our supporters. Help make Year Two a reality.

  For now, enjoy Issue 6! Safe Journeys!

  Sincerely,

  D

  P.S. - If you want to send us a message, you can do so on our site, and we can also be found at Facebook and Twitter.

  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/344123031/waylines-magazine-year-two

  Welcome to the first annual Waylines Reader's Choice Award! A special thanks to all of you who voted out there. We had a great turnout. Here is what your chose:

  FAVORITE STORY

  FAVORITE FILM

  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/344123031/waylines-magazine-year-two

  Wesley is the author of the upcoming novels The Deaths of Tao (Angry Robot Books, Oct 29, 2013) and Time Salvager (Tor Books 2015). A former stunt man, Wesley is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and can be seen in film and television such as "Banzai Chef," Fred Claus, and putting out Oscar worthy performances as a bank teller in Chicago Blackhawks commercials. His debut novel, The Lives of Tao (Angry Robot Books), is out now.

  We’ve heard that you personally acted out every fight scene in The Lives of Tao. Do you act out dialogue too? Are there other ways in which your acting experience has informed your writing?

  I don’t act out the dialogue because that would just be silly. Okay, maybe once or twice to work out the breathing. After all, have you ever tried to punch someone while you’re talking?

  Actually, I think acting has helped with the timing of writing banter. The Lives of Tao has many light moments and a lot of what makes dialogue successful is pacing and comedic timing. Acting helped out with that immensely when I ran the scenes in my head.

  You’ve published two novels, but don’t have any short story credits—what’s up with that? How did you decide to leap straight into novels?

  I don’t have any short story credits because I’ve never written any. Personally, it’s not my bag. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever tried to write a short. They are an entirely different beast from novels, and in many ways, they’re much harder. With short stories, you have to make every dang word count. Every meaning has to be exact. I like to take time with my scenes, let them slowly unfold, and be leisurely in playing it out.

  You've mentioned that due to some OCD tendencies, you lost touch with friends while writing The Lives of Tao. Did you do better working on The Deaths of Tao? Any tips for other writers with the same tendencies?

  Actually, no. I think it’s gotten worse. Well, not true. Let me start over.

  In regards to my friends prior to my writing career, yes I don’t see them as much anymore. Part of it is because we’re old now. Folks I used to go to the bars and clubs with now have families and babies and houses in the suburbs and all that jazz. I’m still clinging to living in the city with just my wife and dog.

  My #1 recommendation for any writer is to get a dog. We’re in a lonely profession. Sometimes, I forget to leave the house for days at a time. Eva the Terrordale is one of the few reasons why my pasty white ass sees the sun once in a while.

  As for friends after my writing career begun, I have more now than I’ve ever had in my life. The writing community has been kick-ass awesome. That would be my advice to writers who find themselves falling into a “cat lady” lifestyle. Join the writing community online, be it online forums, twitter, Facebook…etc. It’s a great community out there. Be involved. Lastly, attend conventions. They’re a blast and a great source for networking with agents, publishers, and other writers.

  You've mentioned that due to some OCD tendencies, you lost touch with friends while writing The Lives of Tao. Did you do better working on The Deaths of Tao? Any tips for other writers with the same tendencies?

  Actually, no. I think it’s gotten worse. Well, not true. Let me start over.

  In regards to my friends prior to my writing career, yes I don’t see them as much anymore. Part of it is because we’re old now. Folks I used to go to the bars and clubs with now have families and babies and houses in the suburbs and all that jazz. I’m still clinging to living in the city with just my wife and dog.

  My #1 recommendation for any writer is to get a dog. We’re in a lonely profession. Sometimes, I forget to leave the house for days at a time. Eva the Terrordale is one of the few reasons why my pasty white ass sees the sun once in a while.

  As for friends after my writing career begun, I have more now than I’ve ever had in my life. The writing community has been kick-ass awesome. That would be my advice to writers who find themselves falling into a “cat lady” lifestyle. Join the writing community online, be it online forums, twitter, Facebook…etc. It’s a great community out there. Be involved. Lastly, attend conventions. They’re a blast and a great source for networking with agents, publishers, and other writers.

  What do you wish you were reading but aren't, because it doesn't exist?

  Ok, this one is easy. If I had one wish to read something but can’t because the damn thing doesn’t exist, it would be Wang Dulu’s Crane-Iron Pentology.

  What the devil is that, you ask? It’s a five book wuxia series that was never translated to English. Movie goers will probably know the film adaptation of the fou
rth book, which is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It is a travesty that this series has not been brought over to the western world. Someone get it done!

  By the way, in case you’re wondering why I just don’t read the Mandarin version, it’s because my Mandarin speaking abilities rival that of a five year-old’s and my Mandarin reading ability even less so. That’s what happens when you get snatched from your natural habitat at five years old and migrated to the dangerous outlands of Nebraska.

  What should a reader do after reading this? 

  Paint a self-portrait. Learn Tai Chi. Adopt a pet. Taste your alcohol. Buy a stranger a meal. Call your mom (I’m bad at this). Leave your phone at home. Punt a racist. Watch at least the first season of West Wing. Lastly, try stinky tofu.

  We chatted with David Karlak about his masterful short film The Candidate, now screening in the November issue of Waylines. Here’s what he had to say.

  What was the inspiration behind The Candidate, the story behind the story?

   

  The inspiration behind THE CANDIDATE was wanting to create a modern take on the voodoo trope. I came across a voodoo-themed short story by the same title written by Henry Selsar in 1961 and thought it was the perfect springboard for a contemporary adaptation.

   

  What was the production like for The Candidate? We'd love to hear some technical details. How long did all this take?

   

  THE CANDIDATE was shot in Downtown LA over the course of 5 days. Brandon Cox was the director of photography and together we decided that shooting on 35mm anamorphic would service the story and achieve the tone I wanted. The film was predominantly shot on dolly. Everything was storyboarded and the actors arrive to set rehearsed. I was fortunate enough to get everything within 3-5 takes and we averaged 35 set-ups a day.

   

  How big of a crew did it take to achieve The Candidate? Are there any juicy production tales you'd like to talk about?

  The crew consisted of about 30 people. In terms of juicy production anecdotes... there’s a final scene that we shot that didn’t end up making it into the final cut that took place in the midst of a marathon. For the scene, we shot in downtown LA during the LA marathon, and because of the time restrictions and cost, we elected to shoot without a permit. While we were shooting this scene guerellia-style, I was slightly nervous because we were just feet away from the police tent and Tom Gulager (Burton Grunzer) was the only dude wearing a suit and tie in a sea of running shorts and sneakers. When the police confronted us, we just told them we were shooting a documentary, and I guess they bought it.

  Why do you want to tell visual stories? Why did you become a filmmaker?

   

  I decided that I wanted to become a filmmaker because filmmaking allows me to be interested in and participate in a multitude of disciplines and ideas. I get to pick something I’m immensely interested in at any given time and devote myself to it. Movies have also had a big impact on my life. I remember watching Lawrence of Arabia for the first time at my local theater. They were able to project a pristine print of the film and I came out of that theater completely pulverized and wanted to understand why it made me feel the way it did. Creating an experience for an audience is rewarding because I’ve been an avid audience member myself and know first hand that movies can fundamentally change the way people perceive the world.

  What are you currently working on?

   

  I’m currently working on RISE at Warner Bros. and OUTLIERS at Fox. Both are based on original pitches/ideas of mine and I’m attached to direct both. Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton are writing the screenplays. Both projects are hard science-fiction.

  From: Quasarion Systems

  To: Alexa Kinston

  Subject: RE: WHAT HAPPENED TO MY MR. FLUFFLES!?

  Hello Ms. Kinston,

  Thank you for contacting Quasarion Technical Support. We are sorry to hear about your difficulties with the X-7000 Home Teleportation System, and send our condolences for the loss of your beloved Mr. Fluffles. We urge you to take comfort in the fact that Mr. Fluffles is still very much with you, in sum if not in whole.

  In the technical warnings, we clearly state that the X-7000 Home Teleportation System is rated for transport of only one Class III or higher organism at a time. Please refer to page 6 of your User Manual for details. While we can screen out Class IIs and below to avoid the unfortunate "Brundleflies" that were so widely publicized during beta testing, the "One Mammal at a Time" rule still applies, even for purse dogs such as the late Mr. Fluffles.

  Unfortunately, failure to heed the warnings in the X-7000 Home Teleportation System User Manual voids the lifetime warranty and absolves Quasarion Systems of all legal liability for use of the product. We appreciate your business, and wish you the best of luck in overcoming this unfortunate tragedy.

  Best Regards,

  Garrin Lipnik

  Quasarion Systems

  From: Quasarion Systems

  To: Zak McFrampen

  Subject: RE: I have an evil twin!

  Hello Mr. McFrampen,

  Thank you for contacting Quasarion Technical Support. We are sorry to hear about your difficulties with the X-7000 Home Teleportation System. Unfortunately, the "Evil Twin" phenomenon is an unavoidable risk with any sort of quantum teleportation, even in our competitors' products such as the iPort and WinGoes.

  Would you please refer to the "History" screen and send us any error codes listed there so we can determine the status of your X-7000? In the meantime, we recommend that you cancel your credit cards and change the locks on any critical properties or vehicles you may own. Identity theft is the most common side effect of Evil Twins, followed by personal injury, emotional trauma, frequent migraines, violent death, and sexual dysfunction. If you experience any of these symptoms please contact your primary care physician immediately.

  Also, until this issue is resolved, we recommend you keep your facial hair closely shaved and do not, under any circumstances, grow a goatee.

  Best Regards,

  Garrin Lipnik

  Quasarion Systems

  From: Quasarion Systems

  To: David Hasenpfeffer

  Subject: RE: Ow, My Ass!

  Hello Mr. Hasenpfeffer,

  Thank you for contacting Quasarion Technical Support. We are sorry to hear about your difficulties with the X-7000 Home Teleportation System, however, as of Firmware Upgrade 7.8.1 the removal and/or disintegration of vestigial body parts during teleportation is now classified as a feature, not a bug.

  The location of your former tailbone at the base of your spine will likely be sore for several days, however, rest assured that once you are fully healed you will be immune from any tailbone-related injuries, fractures, or mishaps for the rest of your natural life. This is just one of many extra benefits you can expect to receive from using the Quasarion X-7000 Home Teleportation System.

  Don't hesitate to let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

  Best Regards,

  Garrin Lipnik

  Quasarion Systems

  From: Quasarion Systems

  To: Alexa Kinston

  Subject: RE: RE: RE: WHAT HAPPENED TO MY MR. FLUFFLES!?

  Hello Ms. Kinston,

  Unfortunately, the growth of canine "whiskers" is an unavoidable side effect of the recent assimilation of Mr. Fluffles' genes into your own. However, once the growth stabilizes, electrolysis or regular shaving should take care of the problem handily. The tail is more permanent, but any tailor should be able to alter your wardrobe to compensate for minimal cost.

  The unusual dietary cravings pose a different sort of challenge. I am enclosing a coupon for a free one-month supply of Milkbones, to aid in that regard. In addition to reducing the desire for less palatable comestibles, they will also aid with canine halitosis, should you find yourself so afflicted.

  Note that the Milkbones are provided as a voluntary p
art of our first-rate customer service and do not, in any way, imply or indicate legal or financial culpability on the part of Quasarion Systems in regard to the recent incident.

  Best Regards,

  Garrin Lipnik

  Quasarion Systems

  From: Quasarion Systems

  To: Zak McFrampen

  Subject: RE: RE: RE: I have an evil twin!

  Hello Mr. McFrampen,

  Due to the reality-bending nature of teleports, the appearance of evil twins, doppelgangers, and/or clones is always a risk. The "Evil Twin" scenario is most often caused by a misalignment in the Karma Polarization Unit, and this is confirmed by the error you included in your last message.

  I can dispatch a technician to your house to fix your X-7000; however, the soonest available appointment is next Tuesday between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Please confirm that you and/or Evil Zak McFrampen will be home at that time and I can go ahead and schedule the appointment.