I got the ridiculous idea in my head recently to write a branching-narrative story, similar to the old "Choose Your Own Adventure" books from the 80s.

(I originally wrote the story with you all voting at a few decision points along the way. Remember that? I called the project Mine Zero.)

But then people said "I want to know what happens with ALL of the choices!" So I said okay, fine. I'll write out all the damn choices, with all the options, and readers can decide what happens as they read by clicking around just like in those old COYA books.

I can't call this style of writing "Choose Your Own Adventure" because that's a copyrighted term. However, helpful reader Jason suggested the phrase "What's The Fate?" as something I COULD call this kind of story, pointing out that the acronym is the rather on-brand-for-me "WTF."

I'm doing this because I'll be giving away my first "WTF" book, with its branching narrative, to the backers of my current Kickstarter campaign. (I have no plans right now to distribute or sell this book OTHER than as a Kickstarter reward, so if you want it, the only way is to back the campaign by clicking here.)

I took my first stab at figuring out how to write a branching-narrative book today. Look at the ridiculous mess I made:

Yeah. It's very much a work in progress. I've blurred some of the more sensitive stuff so there's no spoilers for those of you who read this WTF eventually (see? I'm trying to make "WTF" stick), but honestly it probably doesn't matter. I don't think I can plan it out in advance like designing one of those infuriating "press 1 for the accounting department" phone systems.

The stuff on this flow chart will probably change. I'll probably end up making it up as I go, then trying to make all of the puzzle pieces fit.

It feels incredibly difficult. But also incredibly cool. Because: Imagine once it's done! You'll reach a decision point, then click inside the ebook to choose what you want the characters to do.

(Then, if you're like me when I was reading those Choose Your Own Adventure books as a kid, you'll cheat and go back if you reach an ending you don't like. There will only be a few good endings, along with some shitty ones! That's the fun of this kind of story.)

Anyway, I thought I'd share. I'm really taking some risks and venturing into totally uncharted territory lately for you folks. I guess you bring out the adventurous weirdo in me.

​If you want to read my first branching-narrative "What's The Fate?" book when it's finished, the only way to get it is to back the City of Fire Kickstarter campaign here.

I can't wait to get started writing it!

JT

P.S: City of Fire is book 2 in the Gore Point series -- an us-versus-demons horror/adventure/mystery -- and you can get signed copies and all sorts of other stuff I don't usually do in the Kickstarter. And YES, you can get the first book (Gore Point) in this campaign too ... even also as a signed edition, if you want!)