Interactive Fiction with Nat Mesnard 2024
June 11-July 9
Craft Course
$300
$275
This class was amazing. It totally opened my mind to new ways to write fiction in every form!
In interactive fiction, we add an element to the practice of storytelling that changes everything: choice. Whether you’re working with video games, immersive theater, choose your own adventure novels, or the avant-garde, a world of creative possibility opens up when you offer your readers this freedom. As a writer and game designer, playing with experimental, interactive forms has taught me so much about my “traditional” literary short stories. It has also invited me to bring literary depth to the expanding world of games. This journey into the nonlinear narrative woods has been a source of delight and inspiration for me throughout my life as a writer—and I’m eager to share it with you.
While interactive fiction takes many forms, in this five-week class we’ll focus on building a short interactive story using a tool built for creative writers: Twine. This browser-based app allows you to create interactive stories without writing code. Through video lectures, slideshows, message board discussions, and online meet-ups, I’ll teach you how to use Twine, while also enticing you to play with and think about interactive fiction craft. In addition to your own work, you’ll also be reading and playing Twine fiction by Monique Laban, Aaron Edwards, Lydia Neon, anna anthropy, Porpentine, and others. By the end of the course, you’ll have written a first complete draft of an interactive story that you can choose to release online or use as the starting point for any number of future interactive works created on your own.
Note: The content in this course is adapted from the asynchronous course Interactive Fiction, which we ran in December 2022.
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for beginner and intermediate Interactive Fiction writers: those who are new to Interactive Fiction and are curious about learning to compose narratives in Twine, and those who have some experience with the platform. Advanced Interactive Fiction writers may be familiar with some of what’s being taught but are welcome to join if they’d like.
Course Expectations and Schedule
This course will feature both asynchronous and live components. Each week, course material will be released in the form of pre-recorded video lectures, written lessons, and assignments. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and share work for feedback from me and your fellow students on the discussion board. I’ll also be available on Zoom for a weekly live drop-in session where you can ask questions and work on your projects alongside your classmates. Students should plan on spending approximately 3-4 hours per week on assignments.
I’ll also be providing feedback on assignments and answering discussion board questions during virtual office hours. At the end of the class, we’ll meet for a final session on Zoom to playtest your creations.
Thursday, June 6: Thinkific Portal Opens
Tuesday, June 11: Week 1 material released
Tuesday, June 18, 7-9pm ET: Drop-in session 1
Wednesday, June 19: Week 1 exercises due, week 2 material released
Tuesday, June 25, 7-9pm ET: Drop-in session 2
Wednesday, June 26, Week 2 exercises due, week 3 material released
Tuesday, July 2, 7-9pm ET: Drop-in session 3
Wednesday, July 3, Week 3 exercises due, week 4 material released
Tuesday, July 9, 7-9pm ET: Final stories due, playtesting session
About the Drop-In Sessions
The optional (but encouraged!) drop-in sessions are a chance for students to meet, mingle, and work on their assignments together on Zoom. I’ll be there to answer any questions that come up, but there will not be any lecture components. Students can also participate in the course without attending the drop-in sessions. These will not be recorded.
About the Playtest Session
This final session is a chance for students to try out each other’s interactive stories live. Unlike the optional drop-ins, this is a mandatory part of the course.
About Nat Mesnard:
Nat Mesnard is a writer and game designer based in NYC, where they teach Narrative Design, Game Design, and Game Studies at Pratt Institute. Nat has published poetry, fiction, and nonfiction in Brink, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, Cartridge Lit, Autostraddle, Bodega, Blackbird, Kenyon Review Online, Ninth Letter, and elsewhere. A 2023 recipient of the Paragraph Jane Hoppen Residency, Nat is faculty in the Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop, and teaches classes in interactive fiction for One Story.
FAQ
When can I register for this class?
Registration is open now and will close on Monday, June 10, or when the class reaches its cap.
How does the class work?
Each week, course material will be released in the form of pre-recorded video lectures, written lessons, and assignments. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and share work for feedback from me and your fellow students on the discussion board. There will also be weekly optional drop-in sessions on Zoom and a final playtesting meeting at the end of the course (see schedule above for details).
Is there homework?
Yes. There will be generative exercises to assist in the creation of a Twine story. The instructor will be providing light feedback on student work.
How much time will the class take?
The drop-in sessions run for 2 hours each week. Students should plan on spending approximately 3-4 hours per week on assignments.
How many students are in the class?
This class is capped at 25 students.
Can I take the class on my phone?
Yes, the class can be taken on a phone, but we recommend a computer or tablet to get the most out of the experience.
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships for this class?
Yes, we have a limited number of scholarships for the class. Scholarships cover 50% of tuition. Recipients will be selected at random. You can apply for one here. The deadline to request a scholarship is Tuesday, May 28. We will notify all entrants by Tuesday, June 4.
Discounts & Policies
Our online classes are designed to be safe spaces for all who participate. One Story will not tolerate hate speech, bullying, or harassment directed toward instructors or fellow students, and reserves the right to remove participants who engage in such behavior from our classes.
Patron Discount: In order to qualify for our patron discount, you must be a member of our patron circle at the time of registration. Patrons commit to annual donations and receive benefits that allow them to participate in our non-profit organization in more meaningful ways. Not all One Story subscribers or supporters are patrons. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a patron, you can do so here.
Refund Policy: Students can receive full refunds prior to one week before the class start date, and 50% refunds from in the week leading up to the class. Class payment is non-refundable on or after the class’s start date. For questions about the refund policy, or if you are unable to take the class after you have registered, please contact maribeth@one-story.com.
If you have any questions, please contact edu.support@one-story.com.
