A Preview of Decay Preserves project
My first novel, “Decay Preserves,” was a multimedia, web-based fictional narrative (a special form of transmedia novel). “Decay Preserves” updates the epistolary novel form, in which the story is told in the form of letters between characters. “Decay Preserves” tells the story of Skid, Red, and Vita in real time through emails between characters, web sites, blog postings, YouTube posts, and Tweets.
To: devonb@wordfire.net
From: skidb@decaypreserves.org
Subject:
Your web site
Dad,
Here’s the link to your web site. How do you like it? I tried to make it look like other sites for petition initiatives.
I read your essay on Decay Preserves, and it explains them pretty well, I suppose. But do you really think you have a snowball’s chance in hell of getting this initiative on the ballot?
Also, Red wonders how you’re doing. She asked what your plans are. I showed her the web site. She rolled her eyes, said it’s typical Skid. We both wonder How are Decay Preserves going to be your day job?
To: skidb@decaypreserves.org
From: devonb@wordfire.net
Subject:
RE: Your web site
Glad it makes sense to you. But you forgot to include the link.
Red gave up the right to worry about how I’m doing when she left us. Maybe that sounds a little harsh, but come on. Once she moves out, I don’t see how she still has an opinion about my career decisions. Anyway, just to set your minds at ease, I cashed in options before they laid me off, so I don’t need a day job for a while, and the project doesn’t have to support me. It’s a petition-initiative drive. Nobody lives off those things except that guy who has two or three every year.
To: devonb@wordfire.net
From: skidb@decaypreserves.org
Subject:
RE: Your web site
Oops. Okay, here’s the link: http://www.decaypreserves.org/dphome.php
I didn’t say Decay Preserves make senseâ€â€Âjust that you explained them well. In a way.
Red still cares about you. I think you know it, but that’s all I’ll say. Except that she was always a good semi-mom to me. And she’s a smart woman. I still like hearing what she thinks about what I’m doing. Her advice is good even if I don’t follow it. Well-grounded. Unlike some parental figures I could name were it not for a son’s natural affection and loyalty.
What I really want to know is, what are you doing it for? You don’t really believe in this.
To: skidb@decaypreserves.org
From: devonb@wordfire.net
Subject:
My first blog
Devon, You think I don’t believe in it? The web site you made has a blog on itâ€â€Âso go see my first blog.
Why I’m Serious About Decay Preserves
Dad