Literary Coup: readers take control of how new book unfolds

Votes to determine plot developments in new online serial novel

Brampton, July 23, 2007 - Readers and writers from around the world have the opportunity to influence the writing of a new book that unfolds week by week. The online serial novel is the brainchild of Plot Party.com founder, Josh Martin, who has agreed to bow to the will of the masses and to write the story according to their votes. At the end of each weekly installment readers are asked to vote on one of two options for how they want the story to continue. The following installment is then written accordingly.

Giving readers the chance to be a part of the storytelling process is a literary innovation whose time has come, according to Martin. "We've seen increasing interactivity and participation in TV shows like American Idol and Big Brother, as well as this growing sense of community in the world of online gaming. So why not do the same in the world of literature?"

The prologue for Pocket-change Parade, the latest interactive serial novel by Martin, is now available at www.PlotParty.com. Readers are asked to vote on who they think should join the lead character—recently released from prison, Luke Haggert—in an attempted train robbery. Who the readers choose will affect the success of the mission when Chapter 1 is posted on International Literacy Day on September 8th, 2007. The story will then unfold in weekly installments until the end of August 2008.

"It's an exciting and suspenseful way to tell a story for both the reader and the author, not knowing how the plot will unfold from one week to the next," says Martin. "I may want one thing to happen but if the voters choose otherwise I have to honour their decision."

Parade is by far Martin's most ambitious project to date, offering readers the chance to vote on plot developments, submit their own story ideas, solve brainteasers and dialogue with the author. A Facebook group has even been set up to serve as a forum for readers to interact with one another and give their opinions on recent story developments.

Participation in Pocket-change Parade is free and subscribers receive notices whenever a new installment is added to the ongoing story. Those interested in joining the storytelling adventure can do so at http://www.plotparty.com/.