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Can a story could have more than one ending? Can a reader choose the next line of a poem? Interactive fiction allows readers to make decisions about where the narrative of a work should go next. In this workshop, you’ll create short hypertext works using the online software Twine. We will learn the basics of writing stories and poems that allow for reader agency and experiment with writing several stories and poems. You can then publish your experiments as HTML files, and upload them to a personal website created during the session. No previous computer coding or website experience necessary. This session is included for Writing Retreat participants.
Class size 15
Level Beginner and above
Student Supply List Bring a laptop, an email address used to register for a website, and a willingness to experiment with a new form of expression!
B.J. Best is an award-winning writer and educator. His interactive fiction And Then You Come to a House Not Unlike the Previous One won the 2021 Interactive Fiction Competition, the most prestigious annual competition in the field. In 2023, he finished second in the same competition with LAKE Adventure. B.J. has published seven books of poetry, most recently Everything about Breathing from Bent Paddle Press. He is also the author of more than fifty children’s nonfiction titles for grades K-2 through Cavendish Square. B.J. is a Professor of English and Interactive Arts at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Workshops
Introduction to Interactive Fiction
Class Confirmation
You will receive a registration confirmation via email. If you do not have an email address, you will receive a snail-mail confirmation.
Please read your class confirmation carefully as it may include a supply list and other important details, and note our current COVID-19 protocols on our Planning Your Workshop Experience page.
Materials Fees
Many classes have materials fees in addition to the tuition. These are identified in the class listing and are usually paid with the tuition payment, however in some cases materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at class time (check the class listing).
Cancellation Policy
While we recognize that life intrudes and plans change, in consideration of the time and energy instructors invest in preparing for classes, we must adhere to the following cancellation policies:
Student cancellations
> Cancellations made 31 days before the published registration deadline date for any given workshop are eligible for a full refund less 25% of the workshop fee OR a gift certificate in the full amount of the workshop fee. The gift certificate can be applied to workshops or lodging one year from the date of cancellation.
> Cancellations made 30 days or less than the published registration deadline date for any given workshop are not eligible for refunds. We encourage all students to purchase trip insurance.
> Cancellation requests must be made by calling our office at (608) 987-3292.
> If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with your class, please refer to our lodging page for the lodging cancellation policy.
Cancellations by Shake Rag Alley
> If Shake Rag Alley must cancel a class you will be notified immediately via email or phone and will receive a full refund or transferable gift certificate.
> If a class does not meet a minimum number of students, it may be cancelled. A decision to cancel a class due to under enrollment will be made on the day following the published registration deadline.
> If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with a class cancelled by Shake Rag Alley, you may receive a full refund on lodging should you wish to cancel the lodging. Please call the office at (608) 987-3292.
Waiting Lists
If a workshop you are interested in is sold out, please fill out this waiting list form. We will contact you if a spot becomes available. The class code requested on the form is the Workshop ID shown at left, beneath the Add to Cart button.
18 Shake Rag St.
Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 987-3292
