Interactive
(or 'hypertext') fiction is a significant new art
form because of the highly innovative narrative
structures and delivery platforms it embraces, and
yet in many extant examples the narrative and the
delivery platform, the interface, are not happily
wedded. This 'mis-match' can lead to negative
experiences for readers. This paper discusses the
style and usability of the interface, aiming to
offer some guidance to writers. As well as
considering the relevant literature, I refer to
data from my empirical study of readers' responses
to a range of interactive (hypertext) fiction, as
supporting evidence for the conclusions offered. I
argue that the design of the interface and its
navigation systems are of absolutely crucial
significance for readers' engagement and absorption
with the narrative.
1. Introduction
2. Interactivity design
3. Navigation
4. Conclusion