1337: A Game Novel is now a custom paperback

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Last week, I published the final chapter of my new novel, 1337: A Game Novel.

That day, as I sat finalizing the FBML programming, I paused for a moment to look back through the mess of files contained in my "1337" computer folder, a grand total of 622 files in 21 subfolders totaling 519 megabytes.

The earliest-dated document is titled simply "Outline" and it delineates a three-part narrative structure with plot summaries for chapters 1-10 and vague and meandering notes about parts 2 and 3. It is dated July 20, 2009, which means that I actively worked on this novel for almost a year. And for six months, from January through June, I worked on it as my primary, full-time thing.

What does it feel like to be done? Bittersweet. A year ago, the prospect of completing something of novel-length size and scope seemed impossibly leviathan. Now, though the narrative line has run its course, I find myself feeling like there's still so much to say. (And of course the compulsive reviser in me disagrees with the question completely: it isn't really done. It never will be done.)

What happens next? I don't think this is completely a first, but 1337: A Game Novel is now available in print as a custom-made paperback. Just as the Facebook application puts you and your life and friends into the story, the paperback puts you on the printed page.

Which is kind of hard to visualize, so check it out:

Paperback preview

Then consider buying a copy

($18.98, shipping inclusive)



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