ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE OCTOBER 2023 VOL VI. ISSUE XXXV | LITERATURE
Article Published on: 07th NOV 2023 | www.demodemagazine.com
"DARK PARK" - BY AUTHOR KATHE KOJA
DARK FACTORY opened the doors to a reality-bending dance club, an online immersive portal, and the feeling that the whole world is on the brink of something new. DARK PARK takes you there.
DARK PARK follows visionary filmmaker Sergey Kendricks as he tracks Ari Regon and Felix the DJ through the fever and chaos of stardom and celebrity culture, while Max Caspar quests deeper into the unstable gaming landscape of Birds of Paradise: pursued and idolized by fans, acolytes, haters, and schemers, all dazed by beauty and searching for the end of the world. DARK PARK is the encore to DARK FACTORY, Kathe Koja's wholly original novel from Meerkat Press, that combines her award-winning writing and her skill in directing immersive events, to create a story that unfolds on the page, online, and in the reader's creative mind.
EXCERPT
Out from the lav in a whiff of sweetish smoke, a few fortifying Kuba Kuba puffs, Ari pauses for Sergey the filmmaker—black braids and red wristband, red camera rigging looped like veins across his sky blue t-shirt—Sergey nimble, backward as Felix advances, head high, gaze fully inward, down the hallway lined with event posters, RIDE THE LIGHT, BANG & BLOOM XIII, a brand-new QUEST FEST with Felix’s own stylized face gazing back. Meghan follows, blue leather shirtdress, intent on her phone—“Then it is available? We can get on-site?”—as they all turn the corner toward the glassy studio space, the Mix Masters hosts waiting, music already thumping, “Balcony” of course. And Ari feels Felix sigh, Felix beside him so beautiful and tired, no time today even to shave so “One second,” he says, hand up to halt Sergey’s camera, halt Meghan too to give them space, their own space and “You want to go back to the hotel?” his murmur, “after this? We’ll talk to these people, me and Meg will talk. Then you and me are out.” “Out till tonight?” “Out till tonight,” a nod, a promise: tonight will be long and loud and crowded like all their nights are now, but the hotel is small and very private, an old stone convent with slit windows, and a vertical plunge pool adjacent to their suite, the concierge said it was once used for baptisms.
DIRECT LINK TO BUY 'DARK PARK' IN INDIA - CLICK HERE
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JOURNEY OF THE AUTHOR KATHE KOJA
Kathe Koja is a literary force known for her versatile and boundary-breaking contributions to the world of fiction. As a prolific author, she has penned both novels and short stories, exploring a rich tapestry of genres and themes that challenge traditional storytelling boundaries. Koja's work is marked by its ability to seamlessly traverse and blend genres, resulting in narratives that are both thought-provoking and artistically innovative.
Her novels and short fiction have garnered critical acclaim, earning prestigious awards and recognition in literary circles. The breadth of her talent is evident in the multiple translations of her works, which have allowed her thought-provoking stories to reach a global audience. Her ability to craft narratives that resonate across cultures underscores her status as a truly international writer.
Koja's storytelling prowess extends beyond the written word. She is a pioneer in the creation and production of immersive fiction performances. Whether performing solo or collaborating with a diverse ensemble of artists, she has redefined the boundaries of storytelling by immersing audiences in a sensory-rich, interactive experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of literature.
Her works have not only captured the imagination of readers but have also attracted the attention of the entertainment industry. Koja's books have been optioned for film adaptations, a testament to the cinematic quality of her narratives and their potential to engage audiences across different mediums.
Kathe Koja's creative spirit is deeply rooted in her connection to her hometown, Detroit. Yet, her work resonates far beyond its geographical origins, as she explores universal themes and challenges, making her a writer who truly thinks and connects globally. In a literary landscape characterized by its ever-evolving nature, Kathe Koja stands as a trailblazer who fearlessly pushes the boundaries of storytelling.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE AUTHOR - www.kathekoja.com
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF AUTHOR KATHE KOJA WITH DE MODE
Q: "Dark Park" is your newest book, and it explores genres like Speculative Fiction, Sci-fi, and LGBT themes. Can you tell us what inspired you to create this unique blend of genres in your latest work?
A. Life is a remix: every day, our world is different, change is constant and all the boundaries are fluid. I see my work the same way, in terms of genre—it’s not queer fiction or SF fiction or metafiction, it’s Dark Park.
Q: The book's premise involves a reality-bending dance club and an online immersive portal. Could you share more about the world-building and the challenges of merging digital and physical realms in your storytelling?
A. Dark Factory is where the world-building really began: Meerkat Press was a true creative partner in reimagining what a “book” can actually be, as we put together the moving parts of this narrative—video, audio, interviews, merch from the club, all there to make it all feel real.
Q: "Dark Park" appears to explore themes of stardom, celebrity culture, and the search for meaning. What do you hope readers will take away from the characters' experiences and journeys in the book?
A. I hope each reader has their own conversation with the book—every reader is an individual, so every reaction to that breathless, airless rush of celebrity, what it is to be “a star”, where meaning really lies, will differ every time. And I love those conversations, they’re the reason I write.
Q: Your work is known for its immersive qualities. How do you approach the challenge of immersing readers in your narratives, and how do you believe this approach enhances the reading experience?
A. I want to write and create work that mirrors life, that feels lived, not just observed. And life is immersive: every moment life immerses us in a million, a billion, discrete little pieces of sensation and information, that we constantly assemble into a mosaic narrative, by choosing what to focus on, react to, or let go.
Q: Collaboration seems to be a significant aspect of your creative process, working with a rotating ensemble of artists. How does collaboration influence your storytelling, and how do you choose the right collaborators for your projects?
A. Collaboration is a beautifully serious play, and play is essential to creation. I’m so fortunate to work with other artists I admire, from all kinds of disciplines, and Dark Park and Dark Factory gave me the chance to invite even more people to play and recreate reality with me.
Q: In addition to traditional print books, you also create online narratives and immersive experiences. Could you share some insights into your approach to storytelling in these different mediums and how they complement one another?
A. Each medium has its own parameters and voice, so I learn those parameters, learn how the story will operate there, and let the voice and the process lead the way.
Q: “Dark Park" is set in a world that feels on the cusp of significant change. How do you use speculative fiction to explore the possibilities and consequences of such change?
A. The Dark Park tagline is “Welcome to the end of the end of the world,” because our own world has ended, and our old ways have driven us past a breaking point, into an unknown situation. That’s an immensely significant change, and it’s really just begun.
Q: Your work often defies genre boundaries. What draws you to genre-blending, and how does it allow you to express your creative vision more fully?
A. I always go where my interests and curiosity lead me, as a writer and as a reader. And genre doesn’t have to be a fence!
Q: As someone who thinks globally while being based in Detroit, how do you find the balance between local and global perspectives in your storytelling?
A. The life we live is always local, hyperlocal. Big changes—climate change, political turmoil, societal upheaval—impact us no matter what, our world is inescapably global. But where we are is local: the place where we wake up, the day’s hunger and joys, the people we touch, the breeze on our skin. The tension between all those spaces is life.
Q: Your career has spanned traditional publishing, immersive performances, and now, AR/VR experiences. Can you tell us about your future plans and what you're excited to explore in the realm of augmented and virtual reality?
A. Right now I’m collaborating with a VR/AR maker, Charlie Athanas, to create a Dark Park VR experience: think multiple levels, a cherry picker, a dancefloor, an octopus, an endless forest of mushrooms, and lots of ways for visitors to play.
Q: "Dark Park" was released recently. What can readers expect in terms of the narrative experience, and are there any particular aspects of the book that you're particularly proud of?
A. Meerkat Press and I decided “encore” was the best description of Dark Park: it picks up exactly where Dark Factory ended, with Ari, Felix, Max, Marfa, and now Sergey navigating a dazzling minefield between what was and what is, what’s lost, what’s gained, and what’s forever. And I especially love Sergey, his calm, his candor, and his vision.