"All we're seeing now in the market are multimedia phones. It's clear that this isn't a fad. The cell phone is becoming a different device."– Brian Alger
About a year ago I wrote a blog about cell phones novels being all the rage in Japan . Not only did it boggle my mind that anyone could or would want to write more than a short text message on a cell phone, but that there was also an audience clamoring to read the stories.
I have recently discovered that the craze has migrated across the ocean. Cheryl Kaye Tardif is evidently the first person to write a novel on an iphone3G. The novel, Finding Bliss, is a work in progress. When asked why she would do such a thing, she said ideas come to her anywhere, anytime, so making use of her phone is ideal. She is also is receiving an incredible amount of publicity.
Books and blogs that give ideas on marketing to authors always say to think outside the box for ways to get your name out there and Cheryl’s done just that. Way to go!
While learning about Cheryl, I came across another surprise, textnovel.com. Fascinated by the rage in Japan, the founder, Stan Soper, decided to start an American site. I believe textnovel.com is fairly new, however, there are already many entries in every imaginable genre. I think the Mr. Soper has a hit on his hands.
One thing I am not clear on is how many words constitutes a text novel, though it appears to be considerably fewer than an old fashioned book with paper pages. I would call them short stories or even flash fiction. My guess is that these novels are perfect for anyone with a short attention span or little time to read.
For now, I plan to continue writing using my trusty computer keyboard and to keep utilizing my cell phone for making or receiving calls. However, I’ve learned after all these years to never say, “Never.”
Would you consider reading or writing a novel on your cell phone?
Thanks for stopping by.
Tags: Cell Phones, Brian Alger, Cheryl Tardif, iphone, Stan Soper, textnovel.com,
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9 comments:
I get irritated sending messages on my Iphone, but do it when necessary. I prefer the keyboard on my laptop or desktop computer.
I can't imagine writing a book on one.
Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
http://www.morganmandel.com
http://twitter.com/morganmandel
I'd never say never, but I'd sure have to learn to text faster. I don't have a phone with a keyboard. Mine is just a regular old phone (no camera, etc.). And I am a sloooow texter. I'd need more practice. I've probably sent less than a dozen texts in my life. The other big drawback would be sending my work out to the world without editing. Don't know if I could do that!
Helen Ginger
http://straightfromhel.blogspot.com
I can't say never, but I'd have to learn how to text first! It's one technology I simply haven't mastered yet - or had an interest.
I'd think those text stories would have to be real short - and not use big words! I can't imagine wanting to read on a device that small, but the next generation of adults has been raised to read their cell phones and will likely embrace the idea!
L. Diane Wolfe
www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
www.spunkonastick.net
www.thecircleoffriends.net
Considering the awful screen keyboard on the IPhone, I'm impressed that folks would actually type a novel on it. I much prefer the slide-out physical keyboards on other phones.
Wild idea-I'd need my phone to have a qwerty keyboard-and even then it would take me a long time- and my reading glasses.
It takes me 10 minutes to text 3 lines of hello to my niece. Can't imagine writing a novel on one. Although I can see the youngest generation reading that way, if they read at all.
Heidi
Oh my gosh, my mind boggles at the concept of writing/reading a book on a cell phone. But then, my dad at 84 struggled to grasp the concept and workings of a VCR (never mind the DVD . . . that was far beyond him). And I give him credit for trying.
Personally, I can't imagine texting out a novel. A haiku, maybe.
I'll leave that to the thumb-pushing generation!
Jane,
Great post on cell phone novels. Cheryl's got her work cut out for her writing an entire novel on an iphone! Personally I like using my blackberry.
Thanks for mentioning Textnovel! One of the things I knew from the beginning was that U.S. writers would be less likely to write on their phones. That is why we set it up so you can write with your phone, online, or you can even email in your new chapters. Readers can read online or receive updates by text message or email so that adds another dimension.
Anyway, thanks again! You have a very nice blog. I hope you try textnovel out some time.
Stan Soper
Founder
Textnovel.com
http://www.textnovel.com
I stumbled across your blog and couldn't help but see a familiar name--mine! hehe
Yes, I am writing a novel on my iPhone, crazy as that may sound. It's progressing very well, even though I can't quite focus on it yet (am editing another novel).
The keyboard for the iPhone is awesome--very much like a regular keyboard, except the numbers, punctuation and symbols are on another page. One tap gets you there easily.
I'm gaining some speed now that I'm used to it. I actually type much faster with one index finger than trying to thumb-text like teenagers do. :)
Wild idea? You betcha! Can I do it? No one can tell me otherwise! :)
Will it make my novel more marketable? It already has. I already have 2 companies vying to be the first to release a digital version. I like being a bit different. :)
Thank you for writing about this; I appreciate the mention.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
bestselling author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention
www.cherylktardif.com
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