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[Father Luke]

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Stephen: testing...

Kay: 123

Stephen: Oh cool.  This technology nowadays...amazing!

Kay: Hi, how are you doing?

Stephen: Not bad - quiet morning. I was going to eat some cake but I don't think I can stomach it just yet.  You?

Kay: On phone with insurance company, listening to crappy on hold muzak.

Stephen: sounds fun...

Kay: Oh, you have no idea.

Stephen: Insurance companies are an American past time.

Kay: Yeah, well... we're a society that thrives off stress.

Stephen: And money.

Kay: That would be what capitalism indicates, yes.  So.  Wanna get on with the interview?  Or should we just toss questions around?  Or practice our German…

Stephen:  Haha, I don't think so.  I guess we should get over with it.

Kay: Fair enough.

Stephen: So, whatever you want to do?

Kay: I'm pulling up your questions now.   Maybe I'll ask you something then, you ask me something.

Stephen: sure

Kay: Okay, first things first…WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?

Stephen: Haha, uhm, aside from a Latvian spy… I'm Stephen Wegmann,18.  Lilburn (crap town outside Atlanta), GA.  I work at a chain bookstore and listen to lots of downloaded music.  No one buys CDs anymore.  AND YOU ARE??

Kay: I'm Kate Tuxford. Kay for short. I AM short.  About 5'2" on a good day.  I'm 24.  I go to film school in Orange County, CA.  About to get my Masters. So, I have no current job.  But, I used to work at a water testing lab...which was quite boring.

Stephen:  Ooo… film school!  I've been considering that.

Kay: I heard.

Stephen:  How do you like it?

Kay: My type of program is like a conservatory... so it's less emphasis on classes and more on making movies, or scripts in my case.  I really like it, but it's expensive...

Stephen: Are everyone’s screenplays terribly cliché?

Kay: Not IN film school.  But in Hollywood, yes.  The amount of cheesy scripts I see on my desk at my internship… man oh man.

Stephen: Haha.

Kay:  But in film school... we all want to be the next Garden State/Juno/Little Miss Sunshine.

Stephen: So, at your internship, do you read them first and then give them to the big people?  If it isn't horrible?

Kay: You know, I work for a little production office so it's just me, the Vice Pres, and the owner of the company most days.  So... if I read something I like, yeah I could give it to the VP.  But I can't remember the last time I recommended something to the VP…

Stephen: I should give you a script.

Kay: I confess, you should give me a month.  As soon as I graduate and turn in my thesis, I'll be a whole person again with real person time and feelings.

Stephen: That's always nice.

Kay: Anyway, what's going on in Atlanta?  Or near Atlanta?  I read you are living with your bro and his wife.  How's that working out?

Stephen: It's - fascinating.  To say the least, it works.  We're all going to try to find a bigger place, maybe something 20 or 30 times bigger.  A small estate maybe (I'm making this up now).  Atlanta is an interesting place though I’ve grown tired of the heat and annoying people.

Kay: You've lived there all your life?

Stephen:  Pretty much. Here and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  I want to move somewhere where i might die of frostbite, preferably.

Kay: LOL. What ambition.

Stephen: Or somewhere where they don't watch TV.

Kay: And people don't watch TV where it's cold?

Stephen: Exactly!

Kay: Riiight.

Stephen: Haha.  You know, the cold NE. Maybe Boston or Maine.  And yes, they do watch TV there, but I can manage.

Kay: I've actually never really been in the east coast area.  Like, once to North Carolina, that's it.

Stephen: I've never been to the west.

Kay: Wow.

Stephen: Yeah...

Kay: We're like, opposites.  I bet Jen, Gigi, and the gang planned it this way...

Stephen: Those bastards.

Kay: :: shakes fist::

Stephen: Damn you!!

curses!  foiled again!!  ~gigi

Kay: Okay, next question…

Stephen: Yes, yes.

Kay: When did you start writing?

Stephen: Oh, I was 14 or 15.  It was all terrible (naturally) but I needed to get the crap over with so I could move to 'real' work.  Some people say it takes, what 10 or 15 years before you write something 'real' -- I disagree.

Kay: "Real" work?

Stephen: Publishable, or - at least readable.

Kay: So, do you send your poetry out?  If so, to what Lit. Mags?

Stephen: A while back I sent a batch of poems out to various online mags - a few got published (3 - i think) which was neat.  The rest (about 15) I either never heard from or they said 'nice - but not interested.'  So, that was a start.

Kay: Sounds like a great start.

Stephen: Do you write mostly fiction or poetry, or just scripts?

Kay: Ah, well, I started out writing fiction and poetry. I didn't even know I could write a script, ya know?  It was only in college, I signed up for the wrong senior capstone creative writing class that I stumbled upon screenplays.

Stephen: I love writing scripts.

Kay: I love them after they're written.

Stephen: Not to get into screenwriting (FINALLY!), but do you use a particular structure for your works?  I've been trying 8 sequences.

Kay: Ah. 8 sequence method. Yeah, I do use it.  Paul Guilino has a good book on it.

Stephen: It works well, I think.

Kay: I think it helps you remember to put everything you need to put in... in.  Don't get
me wrong, one of my favorite films is Garden State and it's not really a strong 8 sequences.  But, I think it had some other things going for it.

Stephen: True - do you think most films can fit one particular structure?

Kay: Absolutely

Stephen: Garden State was just...good. Really not much more to it.  And I mean good as in great.

Kay: It also addresses far more than a boy meets girl situation.  If you look at it... the first half hour just addresses ONE central question.  Which is... what the hell are you supposed to do with your life?

Stephen: Yeah.

Kay: Which gets my attention.  But I think a strong structure is a really good way to start.

Stephen: what about doing all the outlining first?

Kay: Oh, hells yeah.  Outline is like writing the first draft.

Stephen: Exactly, yes.  How much do you think should just be allowed to...happen?

Kay: Like... while you're writing?

Stephen: yes

Kay: tons.

Stephen: But doesn't the outline go against that? Really, how much should you outline?

Kay: If an outline is like a first draft, not a blue print... when you're writing... it's like a revision.  It's not like going off course, unless suddenly your whole story changes. And now it's about a murderer.

Stephen: True.  I just hate the useless scenes.

Kay: No scene should be useless.  What do you think? What's worked for you?

Stephen: I have the problem of writing too detailed of an outline - and then not bothering to want to write the actual script!

Kay: Haha.  I know what you mean!

Stephen: I’ve done that several times.  I mean, I feel like I've already written the thing.

Kay: Wait till you get to draft 6.

Stephen: Scary.  I usually rewrite my outlines.  I just never get to the script.

Kay: LOL.  Well, save those outlines.  You'll want to write the script eventually.

Stephen: Maybe I just hate scripts and love outlines.

Kay: Well, then you need to find someone who hates outlines and loves scripts and you'll be set. : )

Stephen: does that happen a lot?

Kay: Oh, yeah.

Stephen: And the script doesn't end up terrible?

Kay: No idea. Without being rude. Most writing does wind up being more on the terrible side for everyone. It's what makes the good stuff so special.

Stephen: True...a good - well, anything - is one in a million.  Have you read anything and just thought 'this is perfect'?

Kay: Some script that was not yet made into a movie? No.

Stephen: Anything.

Kay: Oh, sure.  I'm kinder to short stories and poems.  Scripts, I feel, get the short end of the stick when it comes to writing.

Stephen: they do...

Kay: So very few prove extraordinary compared to other forms of writing.  Same with comics, which is a shame, because I'm a comic book lover.

Stephen: Yeah - I've always loved comics, too.

Kay: Really? You have some fav. titles? Sy loves comics, too.

Stephen: Some are little comics, some are the big ones. I've always loved Spider-Man of course, and mostly anything Marvel.  Not so much DC but I like the Batman movies.  Also a comic called Scott Pilgrim.

Kay: ...Looking it up now...Scott Pilgrim:  'An inventive, genre-tweaking tale of young love, platonic bed-sharing and epic battles unlike anything else you will likely pick up. So, go on, pick it up.'

Stephen: Haha. Exactly.

Kay: Platonic bed-sharing, eh?

Stephen: Oh, mostly the 'epic battles' part.

Kay: I assumed so.

Stephen: And I like the artwork.

Kay: It looks very Manga influenced, but cartoony.  I do like it.

Stephen: So, I can read something like manga and not feel like a geek! Yay!  Oh, we've only burned through, what, two questions?

Kay: I know... We can organize this all afterwards.  No worries.  Ok.  So, what do you want to be when you grow up?

Stephen: Oh, when I grow up!  Maybe it sounds a bit gay or lame but I'd like to do photography, mostly wedding and the likes, some work with letterpressing (which i know nothing about) and poetry.

Kay: First you call yourself a geek, now gay and lame...

Stephen: It's self depreciation time.

Kay: Nah.  I guarantee you I'm gayer, lamer, and definitely geekier, so just embrace all your uncool factors and wear ‘em like a badge. Anyway, that's cool.

Stephen: I s'pose

Kay: do you have photos up on the internetz?  And what camera do you use?

Stephen: not many photos (yet) - right now i have an old canon powershot (3 or 4mp i'm not sure) i hope to buy something MUCH better very soon, maybe a nikon d40.

Kay: You know, Douglas Addams had a Nikon, so, there's that.

Stephen: We'll he was awesome, so that makes sense.

Kay: He was also very rich…

Stephen: And a philanthropist. Did I spell that right?

Kay: He was, and I have no idea. My spelling Nazi days are over.

Stephen: Haha, spelling is now overrated.

Kay: But sadly underrated at the same time.

Stephen: I'm generally glad.

Kay: On to bigger questions!

Stephen: Of course.

Kay: So, you've found your writing niche as a poet…

Stephen: Mostly.

Kay: (well, I mean on LM).

Stephen: Yes of course...

Kay: Tell us about your process, what you write why your write

Stephen: Well, I mostly write with the hope that it is good. That's always a start. And if I don't really like it of course I won't post it because I can imagine everyone else will hate it. I'm critic #1.  I write mostly because I'm either terribly bored or just have a great combination of words I want to try to work out. I let some people sit for days or weeks until I finish them or consider them done.

Kay: People?

Stephen: hm?  Huh.  Why did I say people?  Haha, I meant poems.

Kay: Because your poems are your peeps!

Stephen: Oh yeah. And I write on their faces.

Kay: And you're their god.

Stephen: I smite them in good measure.  I prefer poetry because it's more free to work with then, say screenplays. A little more than lit works as well.

Kay: On the poems you've posted on LM, you've gotten many different responses.  Some saying great use of words, pacing, etc,  other poems you get responses that say... after the first two lines it went somewhere else, etc… and then you get responses like (Wax Paper she Put Between Every Page) where you say this poem wasn't challenging you.  What does this varied reaction mean to your writing?  What's going on with your writing journey right now?

Stephen: That's really the big issue.  I'm looking for a challenge, but I also want it to make sense.  There has to be a limit to the experimentation. I wish I could keep writing the same way and keep it fresh, but I need to try different stuff.

Kay: Can you give us an example on how you might tackle an idea?

Stephen: Keep myself entertained by it.

Kay: And experiment or try different points of attack?

Stephen: A little of both - but mostly experiment.

Kay: Like, different line breaks, word choices?

Stephen: When I begin a piece usually it's the phrase or title that I'm working with.  Then I write a little and get a feel for the line breaks/enjambment flow... then I try to break them down into stanzas and see if it's...well, reasonable.

Kay: Okay. Do you feel like you've just given away a secret recipe?  

Stephen: Oh, a little.

Kay: What inspires you?

Stephen: Photographs. Nature.  Scenes. I like the visual aspect and sometimes I'll put words to it.  I try snippets of description to reel in the reader; sometimes it's too random though

Kay: Well, for what it's worth, the Wax Paper She Put Between Every Page was the best title I've seen in ages.  I guess your tactics work

Stephen: Haha, thanks.  My more recent stuff I'm trying to be more fun. Just write it and see what happen.  I don't like depressing works though some people do.

Kay:  Do you have any poets you admire? Alive or Dead?

Stephen: Hmmm.  I've always liked Billy Collins.  Georges Perec (only technically a poet).

Kay: I have Collins’ Sailing Around the Room on my shelf.

Stephen: It's a good one.

Kay: Alright, I put you on the spot for a long bit, I can shut up for a while if you like.

Stephen: So what do you want to do now?

Kay : I'm going agent hunting.

Stephen: I have some research to do.

Kay : Oh, you mean now.  I thought you mean post- school.  Yeah.

Stephen: Yup.

Kay : Why don't we continue later?

Stephen: Ok...do you want to save this?

Kay: Yeah, I'll save it.

Stephen: Ok.  Oh boy.

Kay: Hi, just put the coffee on.  Wanna cup?

Stephen: Sure!  I'm super tired.

Kay: Well, while that's getting to work.  How are you?   Ooh, you already responded. Clever boy.
 
Stephen: Yeah.  Absolutely!  (That's the answer for a later question).

Kay: But I wasn't going ask if  you wear women's panties… or... insert joke here, etc.

Stephen: Haha.

Kay: So, what do you do during the week?  You work, you write? You live you love? Etc?

Stephen: Mostly (as I already said 'absolutely!’).  I try not to sleep too much.

Kay: Pshh.  Fine next question. Tell me your deepest, darkest secret.

Stephen: The Gilmore Girls is probably my favorite show, like, ever.

Kay: Lol.  It's a good show.  I may have snuck my way on the Warner's lot to see the sets of Stars Hollow…so... I'm with you there.

Stephen: Lol.  You win.

Kay: I'm sure if you lived here, you'd do the same. (Oh, but PS: I always win).

Stephen: Well of course. Haha.  I'm on too many forums at once.

Kay: Lol… and it's gotten you in trouble?

Stephen: I wish, then I'd stop.

Kay: How many forums are you on?

Stephen: A screenwriting one, a general filmmaking one, four writing forums, and of course the Grand Theft Auto forums.

Kay: Wowee.

Stephen: I'm not proud of myself.

Kay: THAT is your deep dark secret there

Stephen: Most likely.

Kay: You're on WF, right?

Stephen: I go on, I just don’t participate as much.  I lurk on most forums, that's my secret.  

Kay: What does it take for you to post and start talking?

Stephen: Usually someone being very stupid… or amazing.

Kay : Can you think of what made you start talking on LM?

Stephen: Hmm.  It was a little smaller than WF, so I thought hey, more 'individual attention'...

Kay: ::nods::  I know what you mean.  I prefer to post on LM, because I get real responses instead of "I likd it."

Stephen: Yeah, I prefer to be talked down to.  In a good way...However that is.

Kay: Ok, Coffee is done.  Do you want the snowman mug or the Woody from Toy story mug?

Stephen: Oh jeez...I'm gonna have to take Woody.

Kay: Tee Hee.

Stephen: I mean, it's Hanks!

Kay: And a brilliant script.

Stephen: Well, yeah.

Kay: Worked on by someone of the best peeps around…Lassetor... Whedon…  I'm going to cry in my snowman mug about it.

Stephen: Haha, the snowman has no ending.

Kay: He doesn't?

Stephen: He is built, he melts, and he becomes part of nature.  It's the truth.

Kay: ::wipes a tear:: That's beautiful.

Stephen: or.. he comes to life and tries to kill you

Kay: And if you’re a woman, you get screwed by his carrot nose.   Wonderful.

Stephen: Oh, I forgot that.

Kay: Okay, hard hitting questions we can use… I said we were opposites last time. You're on one coast, I'm on the other. You have spiritual beliefs, I have none.  You're virginal, I'm a swinger.  We got lots to discuss.

Stephen: Oh scary.  Let's do this!

Kay: Lol.   So, do you want God or Sex first?

Stephen: First question or do I literally want one first?

Kay: First question. lol.

Stephen: Oh, ok.  Probably sex…Even though it/he/she is god (or God), sex is really 'present' right now. I don't see god taking as much action.

Kay: Lol, okay.

Stephen: God needs to be less passive: i'll put that into the suggestions box.

Kay:  You should!  So, I've got this quote here from you: "The only reason I don't want to have sex is because I don't want to become a cliché."  This was talking about sex being overrated or not as important, etc.

Stephen: Oh, great.  Breakin’ out the quotes.

Kay: It's a noteworthy quote my friend and an interesting one. Will you talk about this?

Stephen: Sure...as I stated previously, sex is taking a lot of 'action' - in many different ways of course - maybe too much.  It's almost become a past time.  It once had a definite purpose, now we use it to win arguments and backstab.  It has become the human cliché really, as humans are a walking cliché, like the 'tragically flawed character'.  As in, sex itself is a 'tragically flawed character'.

Kay: So, sex without procreation has less of a purpose?  Or what do you mean the purpose to be?

Stephen: Not to be a Nazi, but yes. Sure it is intended to be a source of pleasure but it also had a...'real' purpose?  I suppose. The enjoying it bit was secondary. We should be having sex, don't get me wrong, and we will have it because we're animals governed an enormous amount by hormones and bodily functions - it's our heads that really get in the way, or maybe, our hearts. Animals have the right idea, they are not (also) governed by wants (maybe not even needs) just, 'requirements'.

Kay: How does this fit into your perception of sexuality and sexual identity?

Stephen: Hmm that's a hard one to talk my way out of!

Kay: It's ok, it's not a debate, it's an interview.  So no worries, just what ya feel.

Kay: Actually I’m sorry...

Stephen: Hmmm?

Kay: I just got called for a meetin' at school.  Do you have time to talk a little later?

Stephen: Oh

Kay: Like in an hour or so?

Stephen: Uhm sure.

Kay: I'll let you meditate on that question

Stephen: yeah.

Kay:  Awesome and apologies

Stephen: It's cool.

Kay: Here's your coffee.  Tata.

Stephen: Oh, great.