Akting Out

April 29, 2011
I am very pleased to announce that Universal Warrior: Atherean Defenders will be published by JournalStone Publishing, an independent publishing house based in San Mateo, California. The publisher primarily focuses on science fiction, fantasy, and horror titles, and Universal Warrior: Atherean Defenders will be one of JournalStone’s first fantasy books.

About Universal Warrior: Atherean Defenders
Combining aspects of modern and ancient religion with real-world events, Universal Warrior is set in a fictional world in which mankind ultimately decides its own fate. Part one of a three-part series, Universal Warrior: Atherean Defenders chronicles the first battle in the war between Heaven and Hell.

At the beginning of time, when Earth and the Universe were in their infancies, before the Devil, before war and chaos nearly ripped the Universe apart, a dissension between Heaven’s two rulers sparked a conflict that would rage for millennia. Here, at the aftermath of this conflict, referred to as the Great Divide, the story begins.

One morning, four children go playing in the Atherean, Heaven’s largest body of water. Only one comes home alive.

The child’s last words speak of monstrous creatures that have overtaken the water, igniting fear and panic in the Angels, whose need for vengeance clashes with their most sacred commandments. To quell an uprising before it begins, four Angels are dispatched in secret with one objective; bring the responsible party to justice.

But upon entering the water, they will find much more than the Atherean has been taken from them. They will discover the true nature of the unexplored Southern Lands, a realm which will become synonymous with pain and suffering. They will discover secrets that should’ve remained buried and former Angels willing to do whatever it takes to reclaim their homeland.

The war will begin.

JournalStone
JournalStone is an independent publisher specializing in science fiction, horror, and most recently, fantasy. The label has produced the well-received JournalStone: 2010 Warped Words For Twisted Minds, (which the author of Atherean Defenders worked as a contributor on) and Duncan’s Diary: Birth of A Serial Killer. Most recently they released Any Witch Way by Annastaysia Savage. Universal Warrior: Atherean Defenders will be among their first titles based in pure fantasy.

Working With JournalStone
When I first announced Atherean Defenders nearly 18 months ago, I was so disillusioned by stories of writers who had been repeatedly rejected by big publishing houses that I had no intention of even pursuing the option. Besides, I’m a relatively unknown author. I didn’t see the point in asking people to give their hard earned money to someone they’d never heard of for something they weren’t even sure they’d like. I figured I knew enough about marketing and self-promotion that I could go it alone.

I met the head of JournalStone about a year ago on Facebook. We shared mutual interests, and he’s from my hometown, so we hit it off. From the outset, I thought he was an excellent writer and strong self-promoter. He pushed his novel harder than I had seen anyone do before or since. I respected his work ethic and passion for the craft. Eventually, we got onto the subject of my own writing, and he asked me to send over the first two chapters of my novel. Reluctantly, I did.

He was so impressed with the writing that he immediately offered to publish the novel. I was hesitant, but interested; my primary concern was retaining creative control over my intellectual property.
Over the next few weeks, he practically bent over backwards to ensure a mutually satisfactory arrangement. The contract was refined at least 10 times, and in the end, he allowed me to retain full creative control, as well as merchandising and rights to distribute through other mediums. I’ve only been in this business for a few years, but I’ve never worked with anyone who was this passionate and driven about the craft. And, so I signed.

So…What Does This Mean?
Universal Warrior: Atherean Defenders will be released through JournalStone and be available in softcover, hardcover, and e-formats. While online distribution is planned, no arrangement has been finalized yet to release the novel in actual bookstores.

A second draft of the manuscript is due to be turned over by June 1, 2011. Tentative release for the novel is Christmas 2011.

This also means that those of you reading can be first in line to win some of the limited edition gear we’ll be handing out as we ramp up to the release. This gear includes specially engraved iPod Shuffles, limited edition posters, and the graphic novel Four Before Red Morning, which is a series of short stories revolving around Atherean Defenders’ key characters at pivotal moments in their lives, before the tragedy of Red Morning.

Stay tuned to see how you can get a jump start on this stuff, and keep following for updates!

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Akting Out LLC

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A Triumphant Return To Fighting Game Greatness

For those of who mimicked Scorpion’s infamous “GET OVER HERE” and felt slighted by Mortal Kombat 3, this one’s for us.

No more clumsy run button. No more “Heroic Fatalities”. No more saturated roster featuring palette-swapped versions of Scorpion and Sub-Zero. Netherealm studios resurrects one of gaming’s great franchises with a simple, yet robust control scheme, some of the best visuals ever presented in the genre, and enough blood, guts, and gore to turn even Hannibal Lecter’s stomach. In almost every way imaginable, Mortal Kombat is a success.

This is a deft reimagining of the story, blending the familiar with an edgier storyline. Old-school gamers may remember that the first Mortal Kombat game was actually the tenth in the game’s story; Shang Tsung had been victorious in the previous nine tournaments, thanks to Goro (and we all remember the four-armed, what-the-f*ck-is-that monster Goro). In this new story, Shao Kahn, lord of Outworld, has conquered Earthrealm, massacring everyone in the process. Defeated and broken, Rayden, the series’ god of thunder and protector of Earthrealm, sends a message to his past version of himself.

On the eve of Mortal Kombat’s ninth tournament, the younger Rayden receives this warning, along with visions of the future that will pass should Earthrealm’s warriors fail. Galvanized by these visions, Rayden hurriedly assembles Earthrealm’s warriors, along with anyone else who might stand against what’s coming, and leads them into Mortal Kombat.

Netherealm returned Mortal Kombat to its five-button roots (two punches, two kicks, and a block) and revamps the system from Deadly Alliance. Thankfully, you no longer have to switch stances repeatedly to execute certain moves; weapons are drawn automatically throughout the course of battle. While some characters have extra stances from which they can deliver more powerful strikes, they are no longer mandatory, functioning more like add-ins. Sequential button strikes are still the key to success. Interface is tight and responsive. New to the gameplay are a super meter, which allows players to execute Enhanced moves (think Street Fighter’s EX moves), Breakers (think Killer Instinct’s Combo Breaker) and X-Ray moves (think PAIN). Thankfully, all of these moves are simple to execute, usually requiring two button presses to get things going.

This may be one of the best-looking fighting games ever made. Netherealm demonstrates their mastery of Epic’s Unreal engine by presenting characters that register plausible emotional depth along with gut-wrenching broken bones and bloody mutilation. None of it is drastic, or jarring; when your character gets up a bloody mess because Scorpion just stepped on their chest, it’s believable. The X-Ray moves are the game’s visual standout, aside from the fatalities. As a jaded gamer who has lost track of how many foes I’ve digitally decapitated and dismembered over the years, I still winced every time one of these was executed. Cyrax’s is a good example; with the Powerbomb finisher, you actually see the spine contort and the jaw shatter.
The arenas are so well-executed that they’re almost distracting. One scene I couldn’t get enough of featured priests making a human sacrifice during the battle. Arena fatalities, such as our beloved pit, are back.

The fatalities are back, and they are awesome, there is no simpler way to put it. Thankfully, among the two million game modes Netherealm gave us is a fatality tutorial, which is great for practicing button inputs and distance. Plus, if you want to skip all of the action, this is for you. Kung Lao’s saw fatality is most certainly not for the faint of heart—and it never gets old.

Speaking of game modes, Netherealm has assured that you’ll be playing for months; aside from the traditional climb-the-ladder, the game comes complete with a variety of test-your-might modes, including a roulette-like Test Your Luck. The Story mode, while occasionally feeling hurried, raises the bar for storytelling in fighting games. An extensive quest involving every character in the game, this nine-hour mode provides in-depth looks at some of our favorite characters. You’ll see human versions of Cyrax and Sektor, and learn the truth behind the hatred between the doomed Scorpion and Sub-Zero.

Mortal Kombat is a vivid and stellar reimagining of a defining franchise. For those of us who had waited for its return to greatness, it’s worth the asking price. For those of us who enjoy fighting games and want to see what all the old-schoolers are talking about, it’s still worth the asking price. Here’s hoping Netherealm keeps things going, and we get a Mortal Kombat 2 in the same vein.

Note: This game is rated M by the ESRB. This may be one of the most violent video games ever made. Not recommended for children.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Akting Out LLC

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This is a story about how words—perhaps the most devastating weapon in the human arsenal—ruined what could’ve been a wonderful friendship. It illustrates the ability to bring people to their knees without raising a single finger.

Immediately following the end of my relationship, I promised myself that I wouldn’t become seriously involved with anyone until I got my own issues resolved; figured out who I was, what I wanted from someone, and most importantly, what I wanted from myself.

About one month ago, I was invited to go out with a group of people I work with. Aside from a great time, I met a woman that I seemed to click with on every level that mattered. I wound up spending most of the night talking to her alone. From faith, to spiritual beliefs, to creativity, to even being mutual fans of video games, Batman comics, and Robot Chicken, day one all but promised months of decent conversation. Plus, it was really good to know that finally, I wasn’t alone with my interests.

I want to take this point to stress that not once, on any occasion, did anything ever happen between myself and this woman. We made it clear from the outset; I was fresh out of a relationship, and she was involved with someone. I honestly believed, with us having that out and on the table, that things would go well. (At this point, I should’ve learned; things rarely go well when I expect them too.)

We first began hearing rumors that we were dating shortly after we hung out together for the first time, alone, at Chili’s. To a few friends—people I trust—I had said that I was very interested in this woman, and that if I had been in a position too, I would’ve gladly pursued a relationship with her. I don’t know if I should’ve said that, but the rumors it generated stressed why I’m such a private person.

When she asked me about it, I told her what I had said. We reiterated where we stood with one another, life went on, things became great again. Wars across the world ended, the budget crisis was solved, and if you look out your window right now, you’ll see a winged pig going by.

We hung out one more time, at my house, where we made pizza and plans to begin hooking up every week for coffee and reading at Barnes & Noble.
I’m actually starting to let guards down at this point; in the light of the breakup and the inevitable depression that follows, I was really beginning to draw strength from this friendship. An attractive woman who had her head on straight, knew most of what she wanted out of life, and I could talk to her about anything, plus there was no pressure that came with pre-dating; if she’s into me, does she really like me, and all that nonsense.

But the rumors persisted; this time, it was really rattling her. Impulsively, recklessly, I fell on my sword, telling her I’d have no further contact with her (no contact, no rumors, right? I know, not my finest moment). She didn’t like the idea, but didn’t fight me on it, either.
Moments later, I ‘came to my senses’ and said I’d fight it out, hoping she’d believe me. But the damage was done, the awkward conversation had set in, where you’re talking to be polite, but holding back. It made me angry, and thoughtless.

A few days later (the longest we had gone without speaking since the day we met) I asked for the items I had loaned her back (which I still haven’t received). After that, through a series of harshly-worded text messages, the friendship ended.

Writing about this now, it seems like such a waste. A bunch of he-said-she-said nonsense bringing something very beautiful to ruin. This isn’t about placing blame, because there are no right parties in this whole debacle; I should’ve kept my mouth shut. I should’ve thought the situation through, not been so reckless. Whoever instigated this never should’ve done it, because they went into it knowing they were wrong. She should’ve thought better of me.

I’ve done a lot of bad things in my time, but I can honestly say that I’ve never once set out to harm someone just because I wanted too. Then again, maybe whoever did this thought I’d wronged them somehow.

I don’t understand why people find it so difficult to be so straightforward with one another. Granted, I can be a little extreme, but what is gained by taking an issue you have with one person and discussing it negatively with someone it has nothing to do with? Even if you don’t like someone, for the sake of peace, wouldn’t it be easier to simply leave them alone, live and let live, rather than tearing them down? Such acts do nothing but weigh down those who perpetuate them.

One truth may be ugly at times, but it will always be better than a thousand lies. I look forward to the day when the lie no longer holds power.

Thanks for reading.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Akting Out LLC

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The Child Assassin Misses The Mark By A Wide Margin

Hanna (Saoirse Ronan, The Lovely Bones) is not your average teenage girl. She can speak Spanish, Italian, German, and Arabic like a native. She can bring down a two-hundred and fifty-pound buck with near-pinpoint accuracy. She is a deadly close-quarters combatant with a diminished capacity for fear and a high tolerance for pain. Hanna has lived sequestered from the rest of the world, raised by her rogue CIA-agent father Erik Heller (Eric Bana, The Time Traveler’s Wife). But as children tend to do, Hanna desires to see and explore the outside world, despite the enormous danger the revelation of her existence would put her in. She convinces her father that she is ready for this by first disarming, and then reversing, a fatal situation in her sleep.
So, with a flip of a switch that places father and daughter back on the grid, the film begins.

And pretty much ends there, as well.
An excellent cast and veteran acting skills are not enough to save this cinematic hodgepodge.
All of the ingredients are here for a great film; the naïve, but deadly child assassin who wants to know who she is, and what her place is in a world she’s never known, the equally deadly but aging father who bravely accepts the inevitable by releasing his daughter into the wild, to the highly-ranked, cold blooded agent (aptly played by Cate Blanchett, in a far cry from The Lord Of The Rings) tracking them both, this movie should’ve been much better than it actually was. Joe Wright’s direction is disjointed and disorienting at times, meant to demonstrate the frenetic pace at which Hanna must take in her new situation, but actually jarring the viewer. The pacing is abhorrent, with long, sometimes unnecessary scenes of Hanna trying to fit in with an offbeat family. These scenes might have worked had the characters been fleshed out at all. Instead, the family is only used for about a third of the film, and then cut loose.

Chemical Brothers provide decent music that doesn’t match the film. It comes off as inspired by the Bourne franchise (as does much of the movie), but the electronic tempo moves faster than the jagged action sequences. Speaking of the action sequences, they’re nothing spectacular. Eric Bana looks physically in shape, but much more time should’ve been spent on executing the choreography. Saoirse Ronan moves quickly, fiercely, and fluently, with the training of someone who began studying only a year ago; just well enough to pull it off.

The ending is horribly predictable and insulting, the climax falling flat.

In good conscience, I can’t recommend spending money on this movie. It feels like several average ideas thrown in with a few great ones and then put on film. Instead of “Adapt Or Die”, the tagline should be changed to “See And Regret”.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Akting Out LLC

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