Who ever said writing was a lonely pursuit?

Choice.
Readers vote on how they want the next chapter to unfold.

Chance.
The outcome of real-life events (weather, elections, etc) affects the direction of the plot.

Join the party.
Visit the homepage to sign up and receive email notices whenever a new chapter is posted!

Literary Coup: Readers take control of how new book unfolds
Votes to determine how plot developments in new online serial novel


Brampton, Ontario, July 23, 2007—Readers and writers from around the world have the opportunity to influence the writing of a new book that unfolds week by week. The online serial novel is the brainchild of Plot Party.com founder, Josh Martin, who has agreed to bow to the will of the masses and to write the story according to their votes. At the end of each weekly installment readers are asked to vote on one of two options for how they want the story to continue and the following installment is then written accordingly.

Giving readers the chance to be a part of the storytelling process is a literary innovation whose time has come, according to Martin. “We’ve seen increasing interactivity and participation with TV shows like American Idol and Big Brother, as well as this growing sense of community in the world of online gaming. So why not in the world of literature as well?”

The prologue for Pocket-change Parade, the latest interactive serial novel by Martin, is now available online. Readers are asked to vote on who they think should join the lead character—recently released from prison, Luke Haggert—in an attempted train robbery. Who Luke decides to bring will affect the success of the mission when Chapter 1 is posted on International Literacy Day on September 8th, 2007. The story will then unfold in weekly installments until the end of August 2008.

“It’s an exciting and suspenseful way to tell a story for both the reader and the author, not knowing how the plot will unfold from one week to the next,” says Martin. “I may want one thing to happen but if the voters choose otherwise I have to honour their decision.”

Parade is by far Martin’s most ambitious project to date, offering readers the chance to vote on plot developments, submit their own story ideas, solve brainteasers and dialogue with the author. A Facebook group has even been set up to serve as a forum for readers to interact with one another and give their opinions on recent story developments.

Participation in Pocket-change Parade is free and subscribers receive notices whenever a new installment is added to the ongoing story. Those interested in joining the storytelling adventure can do so at www.plotparty.com.

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Contact Information:
Please contact Josh Martin for more information and to arrange and interview.

Website: www.plotparty.com
Phone: 1-416-993-0949
Email: joshmartin@plotparty.com

Who ever said writing was a lonely pursuit?