Cell Phone Novels Part 2

"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,