FK: So, I understand that, when you're not working on World of Depleted or your other passion projects, you work as a teacher. What and who do you teach?
JS: I teach environmental science, geology, meteorology, physical science for one local community college as an adjunct faculty member. I teach earth science, GIS (geospatial information systems) and computer tech part time for another local community college and I work full time at a technical high school teaching technology, oceanography GIS and environmental science.
FK: What are some of the coolest things you've seen in multimedia these days?
JS: I could fill the interview just answering this question as I am a techno-geek (I do not think I would be very popular with certain [anti-Tech]0 WoD group). But, let's see, cool things. I really like the way new visual tools are springing up that allow content to be published in different formats. Tools like Tiki-Toki and dippity.com that allow you to make timelines using text, video and images. I also like tools like voicethread.com that take the conversation idea up a notch as people can use text, audio and video. There are also more community tools that allow you to build and form cultures around a topic. And then there is the world of Apps – I've read a few articles that mention the next big revolution in technology is the decline of the computer and the rise of the App device – we see that with mobile and tablets as there have been a few studies where web app usage has been greater than website usage.
FK: That's true. In fact, I seem to recall that World of Depleted's planning to release an App version for that very reason. Now, besides World of Depleted, what are some of your favorite franchises?
JS: This is an unfair question because I like a lot and trying to pick one is not something I can easily do. I tend to favor science-fiction (Doctor Who), fantasy, urban gothic, westerns, post-apocalyptic (I favor non-nuclear and non-zombie PA stuff)! I've always loved smaller films (indies) and webseries. And I love properties that expand beyond the boundaries of the main story (for example Tilt: The Movie and Ghosts of Albion).
FK: I'm right there with you on the typical genres, although I'm a fan of The Walking Dead and Zombieland, as well! So, what are some of your literary and media inspirations?
JS: Again, not something I can easily answer because I read and watch and listen and love entertainment. If I have to mention a few: Steven King (especially his older work), mysteries (Sherlock Holmes and many others), "The Westing Game". I remember my 6th grade teacher reading this story to me and how I loved the word play and "games" in the book. I also happen to love female protagonists and heroes (Nancy Drew, I'm talking about you). And I have a fondness for BBC shows (comedies, science fiction and mysteries).
FK: I tend to dig female protagonists as well, although I could never get into Nancy Drew. I think there were two many characters for me to keep track of! (Probably one of the main differences between that series and the Hardy Boys!) Now, as you were one of the earliest, most vocal fans, what was one of the things that attracted you to World of Depleted?
JS: That I could touch it.
Ok, I know that sounds, odd.
What I mean, is that I could not just read or watch the story, but I could actually interact, participate and not feel like I was boring anyone. Also, I found Gavin's story to just draw me in. Then came stage two, which included Jeremy and others associated with production and other creative elements; they talked to me. I also found Gavin's Journal to be a bit like a soap opera, a serial drama that unfolded piece by piece. I'd wait for a new entry to be posted, wondering what would pop up next.
FK: Yeah, the interactivity is extremely compelling. Finding secrets and being involved in the mysteries is something that's very cool and I love that it's not just for fans, but that it actually intensifies once you become a contributor. That makes me want to make more stuff, too! Now, I understand you'll be covering Gen-Con on behalf of MicroFilmmaker Magazine this year. What are some of the trends you're hoping to explore?
JS: The way content flows between mediums and shared storyworlds. I also am on the lookout for how others are using games to deliver story as well viewing the entries in the Film Festival to offer a summary of what films are currently making the rounds and what catches people's eye. I intend on watching the fans watching the films and games as much as the entertainment property itself. I love human curiosity and I am always curious as to what drives a person to do something.
FK: People watching is something I love, as well. Not much to watch besides people in Houston, in my opinion! So, now, what are you most excited about at Gen-Con?
JS: Meeting people and seeing a story "in action" (whether it is a table top game or a roundtable or a bunch of people hanging out at the lounge chatting). I also hope to start finding and connecting to people who like the things I do. Going back to WoD, that is one of the elements I like exploring; how humans crave connections (whether writing about it or reading/watching someone else).
FK: The elements of how we're all human and how things make sense to use in certain situations, but not in others, is definitely something I find compelling in the Depleted stuff. Speaking of which, let's get into some of the elements of your new series.
JS: The generically nicknamed "Business" Series.
FK: Indeed! So, for readers and fans who haven't had a chance to read your work, why don't you tell us the main premise of your stories so far?
JS: Well, in some ways, I see a post-apocalyptic world sharing a few elements with westerns. To quote advice from writer/director Nancylee Myatt,
"The truth about writing a western, or any series for that matter, is that stories reveal themselves in one of two ways. The stories start in town or come to town, like Gunsmoke or The Rifleman. Then the characters in that location solve the problem or react to the event. Or the stories go from town to town following a character, as in Have Gun Will Travel or Kung Fu. Then we watch the character negotiate his or her reaction to being the event or story that they carry with them."
I chose the latter as I wanted to explore the world, not just the characters. With that came the idea of rebuilding, restlessness and two women who are very lost. I also wanted to choose a style that would chunk into manageable pieces rather than a huge epic as I'd be more likely to finish the small pieces (attacking an epic novel can be very daunting and end up on the unfinished heap).
FK: I hear that. I'm still struggling to get all of my Shards of Glass series out there! One day soon, I'll get it finished! But I interrupted. Continue.
JS: So, you are seeing Jo and Minako through small vignettes and often through the eyes of others.
FK: We noticed that you're starting to get into some of the darker elements of the characters' past in this new story. Care to comment on some places you're thinking of taking the main characters?
JS: First, I have to admit, I hate movies that have sad endings or make me cry. And yet, realistically, not everything or everyone is happy, especially in post-apocalyptic pieces. Humans crave connections and they crave survival. Are there other motivators at work? Yuppers, but, in a "new" world like the one in the WoD, those two things are going to drive a lot of people. And, survival, honestly, is not very nice or pretty. Technology and our industrial, material ways mask how dirty survival can be, somewhat. If you take that mask away, you see people relying on some pretty basal instincts; instincts that prefer the ME to the WE. Minako is a WE mindset (her cultural upbringing and her profession molded that). I am still so inspired by how the Japanese people responded to the Fukushimu event. It was how I wish all people responded to disaster. But for every WE person there is a ME person. Josephine is more of a ME. I hope to show more of the differences between the ME and the WE mindset as well as exploring the world.
FK: I understand that these characters have been with you for awhile before adapting a version of them into the World of Depleted. What were some of the inspirations for these characters?
JS: I mentioned Fukushimu as one source for Minako. I also wanted to explore what might happen to a doctor in a world like Depleted. Another source for Minako is a good friend who runs games and studies history. She has been introducing me to Japanese culture through the game Legend of the Five Rings as well as other sources.
Josephine is a character I have used in games, in writing groups and in my own stories in many aspects (I think she first started to take shape about seven years ago). I like to take characters and personalities and then tweek them. It's the alternate universe idea. Along the lines of "What if we'd lost the Revolutionary War?" What if Josephine's overbearing father had died before her tenth birthday? What if she'd studied technology instead of being a librarian? I like to take an idea and twist it different ways to see what shapes take form. I've worked with Jo for so long, I feel comfortable when I write her. I wanted something a little comfortable as WoD is something new. It makes life easier, for me, if I have a little old mixed in with the new.
FK: That's a very good point! I like that WoD makes it easy for folks to do that and makes ownership distinctions simple and non-confusing!
Now, you've introduced a new character to your series with the new novella (That's None of Your Business). Can we look forward to seeing him as a recurring character, or is he simply one of the people who they pass in their travels?
JS: I want to see more Humphrey, I do like him. I think, for now, in Business, he'll be mentioned perhaps, but not directly visited. However, I love creating characters and background (blame my love of the RPG). So, expect some other characters. I have one, for a short story, that I am trying to craft, a young adult/teen overseeing a city almost empty and he is a graffiti artist. He is also dying as he had a condition that with medicine and technology was treatable, but now, there is nothing to be done but watch him slowly die.
FK: Very dark, but very much in keeping with this series. It seems like a lot of Depleted kind of goes to that thing from Fight Club: "You have to know, not fear, but know that you're going to die!"
So now, what are some goals you have for this serial?
JS: For Business I just want to have fun and explore. I use my stories and writing as a way for me to explore ideas and topics. There is so much potential in World of Depleted. Minako and Jo will help teach me about what living in a world like this might entail; a way to think about the ups and the downs.
FK: What are your thoughts on some of the new elements that they're opening up in the World of Depleted Contributor section?
JS: I like them! I know some of the kinks and ruffles are being smoothed out, but I like tech so it's a challenge and fun to explore a new system. I like the way there will be levels to the site; it mimics the themes in the storyworld. I also like the creative challenges. They are a great way to jump in and participate. I hope to connect to people interested in WoD in the community section as I like to talk about the ideas and story with others.
FK: Based on the rumors of codes in the Day 419 film, do you have any guesses on what they might be or what they might concern?
JS: Can I just state, for the record, morse code is my bane.
I am now trying to find someone to either translate, find a way to isolate the audio enough so I can run it through a morse code program, or (horrors) try to learn it. As to some of the other elements in the story, I am still thinking about those codes and puzzles. When I have to stretch my mind, look something up or learn something new, I like that. It keeps me involved, interested and active. Ok, can you tell I am procrastinating in answering your question? I suspect they tie in to the mystery that has preceded the film and I am hoping they are a message or connection to Gavin, because I really like Gavin and hope he makes it through The Fall.
FK: Completely agree with you there. I have heard a rumor that the DVD of Day 419 detangles some of the code with some special audio options. Not sure if that means they give you a verbal translation or if they just remove the other elements. (I think there might be an app that can audibly detangle morse code, but am not sure on that.)
So now, speaking of updates, do you think the new Achievements element is one that will encourage folks to get more involved, or do you think that it'll be something that's perceived as cheesy?
JS: I do not think it is cheesy and a lot of fan bases do not. We all like to record and show achievements; it is also a nice element of the social network being developed. For those that are over-gamified, they can easily not worry about those badges. Also, for those who want to be more into WoD, but do not plan to create, it could be another avenue of participation. I know some "grown", mature adults who live for the day when they are made Mayor ala Foursquare some place. I also like what TILT did with their Tilt Town. They gave supporters a character and place in their Tilt Town. Having a tie to the storyworld helps connect people not only to the project but to other fans.
FK: Good point on that. That'd be a cool thing if they opened up special characters we could "inherit" in this world. Nice unlockable there for RPG fans!
So, with the new group options available, I've heard rumors that different groups might have access to certain group-specific extra items that others don't have. As you know, I was recently inducted into the Knights of Xeno, although I am still in the initial stages so I'm not sure what I'll unlock or if I'll stay if they make me break my allegiance with the Dark Dreamers. Again, I digress.
So, back to the element of group exclusive content. What are your thoughts on that?
JS: Some people come to a story/group and have a very limited reason for hanging out and participating. Others like to scoop up as much as they can. Big properties like Star Wars are great examples of this. Group specific items can also help build a sense of belonging and loyalty. It is something that I like. People can find niches and places to connect.
FK: I agree. And who knows, as exclusivity doubtless becomes a requirement for certain groups, it might be that people will be trading resources with one another in a representative reflection of how they really would be trading secrets in that future world. It's a rather compelling thought!
Now, to conlcuded, I heard a rumor that you discovered the other piece of Gavin's Catacode. Could you describe how you came into possession of this? Can you describe your best guess on what it means?
JS: I will give my guess only if others will please jump in and offer ideas. I love talking about mysteries and possible stories…. The pieces have been scattered, and I admit I know I am still missing a lot, but starting with Gavin Hesterdale's journal, I made contact with Gavin (I think it is Gavin, I hope it is Gavin ). Between Gavin's journal entries, messages and also another Dark Dreamer (you know who you are) we found this spreadshirt website called Deep Thoughts. One of the items at the site has a QR code. If you decode that code, you have a URL that links to… a half a Catacode. I went OOOOOO and pasted it together with the one from Gavin's journal. From there three pieces of information were given.
I think, given something Gavin said in his journal about his vision that produced the half code, that this may somehow reference a major date, perhaps a place and it might be an event that is big. I do not want to spoil too much, but if people want more specifics, I wrote a couple blogs about the code. Also, if the date is right, well it happens to coincide with another important date which might have a link to the Palidins (yeah I may be reaching there, but have to research Ireland and a certain holiday a little more).
If anyone knows has ideas – please LET ME KNOW! I am in the Dark Dreamers group on the World of Depleted Site as well as other places – give me a holler. Let's discuss. Also, if anyone is interested in working on a story together, or in a group, I love group projects and would be up for that as well.
FK: Thanks so much, Julie! I really appreciate your taking the time to chat with me!
To read Jojo's World of Depleted work, go to: JOJO's WoD Page.
