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Theme # _ __Name:

THE INTERACTIVE NOVEL Good Copy due in class:__ _ __Revised Good Copy due__ _ __Uploaded on Wiki by__ _

I’m sure that you have seen the books that offer choices as the choices as the story progresses. These are called “ Choose Your Own Adventure” stories or Interactive Novels. Typically, the story begins with the EXPOSITION. Then, after a COMPLICATION, a choice is given to the reader:

“If you think that our hero, Harry, chases the thief to Germany, turn to page 9, If you think he runs away to Bermuda, turn to page 14.”

The reader turns to whichever page he/she chooses, reads on, and is soon offered another choice. This continues until a end is reached. The reader can go back and follow another plot line is he/she wants to.

For Theme _ our class will be creating one of these novels. Instead of making literal pages, we will put the submissions on a Wiki and create links to allow the reader to navigate through the story.

Today, we will choose one person to get it started. This person must be dependable and a bit creative!! The first person will create the original setting and premise and the main characters and will leave us two choices. On the due date, the writer will bring in a hard copy of the paper. We will discuss the developments and the writer can make small changes/additions/deletions based on group input. Then, two people will be chosen to carry on. As class size and interest dictate, we will vary the total number of choices each person must create and will also assign people to write endings. This assignment is high level in that it pulls together everything you’ve learned about narrative pace and detail, description of setting and character, character development, and the mix of speech and narration to balance a story.

General Requirements: You can’t be late!!! The entire class will be disadvantaged if you don’t do this correctly and promptly. You will write 1.5-2 pages. You can include dialogue. You cannot simply kill off the main characters and start again… and again… and again… If you do that, we end up with a bunch of expositions and no real plot development. Work with what you have and work new characters/ideas into the story. Read through the previous material so that you can include relevant detail. Try not t o leave loose ends.