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Underground > Books, Criticism & Writing >

Internet novels - know any good ones?

Caroline

00:09 / 20.05.03

I was reminded recently of a nice little internet novel by Geoff Ryman that I read a few years back called 253 which makes use of hypertext links to show relationships between passengers on a London train. It can be found at www.ryman-novel.com but be warned, it is hugely addictive once you get started and is likely to give you a god complex for days.

There are more novels like this around, and I would like to get some recommendations from anyone that has found good ones. Just to clarify, I'm not looking for fanficton or dotcom adaptations, something a little less linear with good use of links would be perfect.

adamswish

16:23 / 20.05.03

bang goes me recommending my own internet novel then.

I to would be interested in finding some as well. Although I haven't made use of the hyper-link format in mine it's an idea I've toyed with. Imagine something like American Psycho, but each label name mentioned is a link to the company site. It's a thought.

And thanks elle for reminding me of the original internet novel. Am I right in thinking it's since been published?

Persephone

16:37 / 20.05.03

You know what I always thought would be cool? A novel in bulletin board format. Think of all the tools you have at your disposal, all the different places you could put information...

pinstripe fictionsuit

17:05 / 20.05.03

253 was published in book form yonks ago. It's an ok little book, imho, but not spectacular. Supposedly there is a sequel in the offing, for which the 253 site invites submissions from the public. However, nothing more has happened with it for years, so, who knows?

Kit-Cat Club

17:27 / 20.05.03

I don't know of any other hyperlinked novels, though perhaps you might find Jorn Barger's internet Ulysses interesting.

Matthew Branton, who's had several books published though the only one I've read is The House of Whacks (amusing noir pastiche), has made his latest novel freely available on the internet at his site - much to the disgust of his publisher, apparently. However, it is not hyperlinked - just a straightforward novel.

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