SpliceLit x [empath]QUARTERLY
So recently, Veda Kumarjiguda reached out to me about a cross-interview between her magazine, SpliceLit and [empath]QUARTERLY. I was very pleased to receive this offer, and I immediately said yes.
Veda is the editor of SpliceLit, an interactive quarterly literary magazine. It's "based on digressions — in every medium". They ask "artists, writers, and filmmakers to collaborate on one story by building on the themes and images that inspire them". It allows "you, the reader, to navigate and arrange the diversions".
So I asked Veda five questions, while she, in turn, also asked me five! Be sure to check out her answers (and my questions) below!
X
1. SpliceLit is distinctive in its willingness to verge into multimedia. What inspired you to start SpliceLit?
I was playing this computer game called The Path, a re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood. The game reconstructs the story by adding a layer of audience participation. The player can pick up items, stay on the path to grandmother's house or explore the woods. Throughout the game, the player witnesses character flashbacks and it's up to the player to piece together the larger story. The game made me think about the way we consume information. We could read a a twitter feed, watch a video and listen to a podcast on the same incident--and each medium would provide us with new information and understanding. The multimedia approach expands the story. I wanted to bring that element to fiction, so my friends (Rachel & Meagan) and I started SpliceLit.
2. I notice that your quarterly has a heavy emphasis on collaboration- and collaboration isn't always easy. What are some effective ways for your contributors to manage teamwork?
I manage all the communication between the collaborators. The central artist creates a prompt and a theme. From there, we open submissions and pick the ones that best build on the story. This is our first time working with an image, so I'm excited to see what people come up with. I hope that we are able to develop a larger story from the collaborators.
3. What is by far your most favorite collaboration done so far? It can be from any of your two issues.
In Prayers, I love Noemi's collaboration. The story is about a young teen couple in India, figuring out their relationship and their boundaries. Noemi flips one of the paragraphs and chooses to write about the secret movements of Lord Ganesha. Her additional paragraph (hidden until you press a button) adds a sense of magic to the piece.
4. Do you agree with the idea that any story can be conveyed through any medium? Interpret this question in any way.
Yes, I do. However, every medium highlights a different element and emotion. I love podcasts, and listening to a story via audio is somehow more personal (for me) than just watching a video. Some stories are better for particular mediums. I recently saw Fun Home, originally a graphic novel, as a musical off Broadway. At first, I was like: "How are they going to make this a musical??" And surprisingly it worked! The musical kept the structure of the novel, and the songs underlined the humor of the piece.
5. Do you want to build a snowman? C'mon, let's go and play.
I never see you anymore! Come out the door!
Check out their website: http://www.splicelit.com
Tumblr: http://splicelit.tumblr.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Splicelit/544405852282972
The submission period for their third volume is also open! So, please, if you feel awesome today, then submit to them!
-Jenny
