by Lisa Norman

Interactive storytelling is transforming the way readers engage with narratives. It's no longer just about following a story—it's about shaping it.

This emerging trend allows authors to connect more deeply with their audience. Every choice the reader makes—provided and limited by the author—can alter the course of the story, making their experience personal and immersive.

Interactive storytelling isn’t just about crafting a story; it’s about creating an experience where readers feel their decisions matter. This type of storytelling engages readers on a deeper level. They become co-creators of the story, exploring different paths and outcomes. This method of engagement is particularly powerful in our digital age, where readers are not just passive consumers but active participants in the stories they love.

I’m going to give you an example of interactive storytelling in this article. Click your answer to the question below:

How much do you know about Interactive Storytelling?

1. Nothing—what is this you are talking about?
2. I’ve heard of it, but I have no idea how to do it.
3. I’m a pro. I could give you examples!

The Appeal of Interactive Fiction

Interactive fiction stories, or branching narratives, invite readers to influence the plot's direction. More than just offering a personalized experience, you are creating a bond between the reader and the story.

When readers have a say in the outcome, they are more likely to revisit the story. They want to explore different possibilities, making the experience feel richer and more engaging. Imagine the excitement of a reader who uncovers a hidden path, leading to a completely unexpected ending. This kind of engagement doesn't just entertain; it encourages readers to think critically about the story and their role in it.

My daughter told me a story about how this happened in a game she was playing and how it sparked a fan following that overwhelmed the game developer. For a while, it was the highest-rated game on the market. Almost 10 years after its release, it still ranks among the top 50, with the writing being credited for that success.

For authors, this opens up endless creative opportunities. Non-linear storytelling allows you to explore multiple scenarios within a single framework, offering a new level of depth to your writing. You can develop complex characters and intricate plots that reveal themselves in layers, depending on the reader’s choices. This flexibility can be incredibly rewarding, both for the writer and the reader. If you come to a point in a story where two possibilities both intrigue you, imagine the possibility of writing both outcomes! If you are a pantser, maybe you have even done that to help decide which way you want to go. In interactive storytelling, you write both endings. The reader chooses for themself which option they want.

A Visual Example

I’ve been following the author of a visual novel on Patreon and World Anvil known as The Sea Hears Our Cries. Each character has a rich back story, but the true magic of the story comes when you begin to play and influence their decisions. While the novel is still under development, you’ll see a lot of beauty there from writer SailingOcelot. Readers can engage with the world and story in a way that feels participatory, as they follow the progress of this ongoing project.

Tools for Creating Interactive Fiction

Several platforms can help you craft interactive stories, but World Anvil stands out for those who love world-building. Everyone knows I love World Anvil*!

In my own project, The Spaceport, I used World Anvil to create a brief narrative adventure where readers’ choices drive the story forward. They can discover different endings, all while exploring the world I've built.

World Anvil’s strength lies in its ability to combine detailed world-building with interactive storytelling. It is an ideal choice for authors who want to create complex, layered experiences. The platform offers tools that allow you to map out your world in detail, from character biographies to the intricacies of your story's timeline. This level of detail helps to create a truly immersive experience for your readers, who can explore the world you've created as if they were living in it.

If you want to get caught up in a world, check out The Comprilith from Stormbril and venture within.

World Anvil is not specifically designed for interactive fiction, but it creates an environment that supports it extremely well. They even have a tutorial on the topic that helps writers learn to plot interactive fiction..

Other tools you might consider—ones more limited to interactive narratives:

• Twine: A user-friendly platform for crafting text-based branching stories. It's perfect for writers who want a straightforward way to explore interactive narratives.
• Inklewriter: This tool is great for creating and sharing interactive stories online, allowing you to reach a wide audience with your branching narratives.

Incorporating Interactive Elements in Traditional Writing

You don't need to fully dive into interactive fiction to benefit from its principles. Small, interactive elements can bring new life to traditional formats.

Consider offering your readers a choice between two different endings in your novel. Or, run a poll on your blog where readers can vote on what happens next in your serialized story.

These small steps can make your audience feel more involved in the storytelling process.

Something as simple as inviting fans to help choose cover art can help them feel connected to your writing.

Interactivity deepens readers' connection to your work, making them more invested in the outcome. Imagine the thrill your readers will feel when they realize they’ve had a hand in shaping the story, even in small ways. This kind of engagement fosters a loyal readership, as they return not just for the story, but for the experience of being part of something larger.

The Future of Interactive Storytelling

The future of interactive fiction is bright, with new technologies like AI and virtual reality on the horizon. Imagine a story that adapts to the reader's emotions or unfolds in a fully immersive VR environment.

As these technologies develop, authors who experiment with interactive storytelling now will be well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities. The integration of AI could allow for stories that evolve in real-time, adapting to the reader's choices and even their emotional responses. Virtual reality offers the potential for readers to physically immerse themselves in the narrative, exploring the story world in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.

Whether you're curious about these possibilities or just looking to try something new, interactive fiction offers endless ways to innovate in your writing.

Have you tried writing or reading interactive storytelling? Are you interested in exploring this art form?

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About Lisa

Lisa Norman's passion has been writing since she could hold a pencil. While that is a cliché, she is unique in that her first novel was written on gum wrappers. As a young woman, she learned to program and discovered she has a talent for helping people and computers learn to work together and play nice. When she's not playing with her daughter, writing, or designing for the web, she can be found wandering the local beaches.

Lisa writes as Deleyna Marr and is the owner of Deleyna's Dynamic Designs, a web development company focused on helping writers, and Heart Ally Books, LLC, an indie publishing firm.

Interested in learning more from Lisa? Sign up for her newsletter or check out her school, No Stress Writing Academy, where she teaches social media, organization, technical skills, and marketing for authors!

Top image by Deleyna via Midjourney.

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