STORYSPACE: Hypertext Methods
What Patterns has taught me, and I’m very glad now that I did read it, is that hypertext has options that straight linear narrative does not offer comfortably (I say this because there are ways of introducing backstory or sidetracks but it’s not as readily accomplished without risk of annoying the reader). What this essay has done is recognized and acknowledged some of these techniques and named them. This enables further study of these methods and the ability to look for them and discuss them when encountered in hypertext critique.
What it hasn’t done is show exactly how these feats were accomplished though it hints at the general reasons and purposes so that the loop or thread can be imagined according to the plots or sequences within the narrative. This is good; I am left with the knowledge of purpose and can apply that to my own revamping of Paths without feeling like I am, well, following a specific Pattern.
Armed with this better understanding of hypertext opportunities, I can better imagine the paths and structure of this story and how it may be presented in its best form that not only contains the elements of story in conflict, arc, tension, etc., but that it contains the additional elements of foreshadowing, freedom, reinforcement, intrigue, etc. of hypertext.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology