Writing Interactive Fiction

For game writers and those interested in trying interactive writing, at any stage of their careers.

If you’ve ever found yourself choosing between possible endings or plot twists, why not try a storytelling format that lets you explore them all? Games and interactive fiction invite the reader to join in the storytelling process, and invite the writer to consider multiple facets of agency, characterization, pacing and plot. Learn some fundamental principles and techniques for interactive formats, or just gain a new perspective on ways to develop your non-interactive prose.


Your Instructor


Kate Heartfield
Kate Heartfield

Kate Heartfield is the author of two interactive novels for Choice of Games, The Road to Canterbury and The Magician’s Workshop, both of which were shortlisted for the Nebula award in the game writing category. Her debut novel Armed in Her Fashion won the Aurora Award for Best Novel and was shortlisted for the Locus First Novel, Crawford and Sunburst awards. Her two Alice Payne time travel novellas were shortlisted for the Nebula and Aurora awards. A former newspaper journalist, Kate lives in Ottawa, Canada. When she isn't working on her current novel in progress, she edits, writes for video games, and teaches. Her next novel, a historical fantasy called The Embroidered Book, will be published in spring 2022.


Course Curriculum


  1. Let's Play
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  2. Choose Your Path
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  3. Interactive Storytelling
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  4. The Shape of Things to Come
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  5. Oh No! You Have Fallen Into a Pit
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  6. The Rules of the Game
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  7. Breaking In
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  Wrapping Up
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!