Interactive Fiction Option

As with last year, we're offering an interactive fiction option. There will be only one age category for this option (we don't expect too many elementary or middle school entries, so this really shouldn't be a problem), but there will be two type categories, traditional interactive fiction (parser) and choice-based interactive fiction (like the choose-your-own-adventure stories). Obviously creating such an entry requires some computer skills in addition to writing skills, so we're not expecting too many entries and hope to make all of them directly accessable online on Saugus.net. Although we'll be posting entries, we won't be claiming ownership. Just as with the prose entries, authors retain copyright. In fact, all of the rules are essentially the same as for ordinary prose entries (except where noted). If you're interested in this option but don't know where to start, send us an and we'll provide some pointers.

While we don't have a specific example available yet for this year, samples from both 2003 and 2002 are also still online, and all the prior years' winners are as well.

Information (including examples) on how to create parser interactive fiction plus free tools to do so can be found online.

Information and free tools for creating choice-based interactive fiction can likewise be found online.

Also, introductory books like Creating Interactive Fiction with Inform 7, Writing Interactive Fiction with Twine, and Make Your Own Twine Games may be available in your local library.