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By CCPD / May 14, 2020 May 14, 2020 / Staff Picks

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Andy P. Smith (2004, Writing) is our last Pratt Fe

Andy P. Smith (2004, Writing) is our last Pratt Feature Friday of 2020. He is the author of the new book CAN YOU SURVIVE 2020, a vivid and surreal interactive adventure available now on Amazon. Link in bio.
www.Survive2020Book.com
www.AndyPSmith.com

We asked him some questions about his new book and writing process:

What led you to create/develop your recent interactive fiction "choose your own adventure" book?

I've always loved CYOA books... since I was a little kid! And I've often thought of writing one myself. During the pandemic, I revisited the books, read a few, and just kept thinking... how would I approach the format?

Why covid?

During the spring, I felt like every day I had to make decisions that weighed and mitigated risk... to stay inside or go outside? Take a car ride? A plane ride? This pandemic is tragic. And I've grieved. In one way I felt like I wanted to bring some levity and fun to fictionalized pandemic scenario. Also, personally, I think it was cathardic. Certainly, escapist!

Was the process for this book different than your other books?

Big time! I started with a full outline, a map of all the decisions and paths and endings. And I set out to write it as a 30k word book in one month, so 1k words a day, which I tracked meticulously in a spreadsheet. Of course, it took me two months to write, landing at 42k words. But without my word count goal and daily tracker there's no way I would've finished. Though my dog, Luigi, did help keep me on task.

What advice would you give those who want to make the best of this pause time to complete a project?

We all have a ton of ideas, ambitions, potential projects. It's important to prioritize. Decide to focus on one endeavor and follow through, all the way. And hold yourself accountable: deadlines, daily trackers, whatever. Inspiration is nothing on its own. Be professional. Go to work. Even if no one is paying you.

#prattinstitute #writing #cyoa #prattfeaturefriday

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