Call for Papers and Book Chapters

Interactive Narratives: Rethinking Interactivity and Digital Archiving
Seminar at the 2025 American Comparative Literature Association (ACLA) Conference
and an edited volume to be published by Routledge
ACLA: May 29 -June 1, 2025; Online
https://www.acla.org/interactive-narratives-rethinking-interactivity-and-digital-archiving

Deadline for proposals for ACLA Seminar: October 14, 2024

Interactive storytelling has become a cornerstone of modern narrative forms, reshaping the processes by which stories are crafted and experienced. Drawing upon the discussions and insights from last year’s conference seminar, this year’s Interactive Storytelling Seminar seeks to undertake a deeper exploration of the concept of interactivity. Additionally, it will address the challenges posed by the archiving of digital culture and the preservation of interactive projects, emphasizing the need for innovative methodologies and critical frameworks to sustain these narrative forms for future scholarship and engagement.

SEMINAR OVERVIEW:

This seminar will explore the transformative potential of interactive narratives and the challenges in archiving digital culture. In a comprehensive dialogue, we aim to engage scholars and practitioners from various research fields, including literature, communication, film, digital, games, and cultural studies. We encourage submissions that engage with the following key themes:

1. The Notion of Interactivity:

• Reevaluate traditional concepts of interactivity, moving beyond user-computer interface paradigms to explore more nuanced interactive dynamics.
• Address how meaningful and engaging interactive experiences can add value to narratives and gameplay.
• Explore various forms of interactivity, from physical installations requiring user actions to digital platforms that offer narrative superposition and user agency.

2. Archiving Digital Culture:

• Investigate the challenges and methodologies involved in preserving interactive media.
• Examine the preservation of virtual reality experiences, multimedia installations, software, interactive fiction, and video game narratives.
• Highlight the need for innovative solutions to maintain these media’s interactive and experiential qualities for future research and accessibility.

Proposals should offer fresh insights, demonstrate critical engagement with the seminar’s core themes, and contribute to a deeper understanding of interactive storytelling and/or the complexities of digital archiving. Submissions on related topics will also be considered.

CALL FOR PAPER PRESENTATIONS:

We invite participants to submit paper presentation proposals that engage with the seminar’s themes, focusing on interactive elements in novels, films, comic books, games, digital platforms, or other narrative forms. Proposals should demonstrate critical engagement with the seminar’s core themes and contribute to a deeper understanding of interactive storytelling and the complexities of digital archiving. Submissions on related topics will also be considered. Possible areas of focus include but are not limited to:

• Novels and reader engagement
• Interactive mechanisms in comic books
• The history of interactive storytelling
• Hypertext literature and non-linear storytelling
• Video games and interactive films
• Immersive storytelling in virtual and augmented reality

Submission Details:

• Proposal Length: 300 words
• Keywords: Include four relevant keywords with your proposal
• Submission Deadline: October 14, 2024
• Submission Link: https://www.acla.org/interactive-narratives-rethinking-interactivity-and-digital-archiving

This interdisciplinary seminar and book welcomes proposals from scholars in Comparative Literature, Communication and Media Studies, Philosophy, Film and Game Studies, Digital Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Interactive Design.

PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITY (EDITED VOLUME):

In addition to presenting their papers at the seminar, contributors will be invited to submit their work for inclusion in a forthcoming edited volume to be published by Routledge. This book will focus on interactive narratives and storytelling, allowing participants to develop their papers further and contribute to a much-anticipated collection that unites essential theoretical discussions and critical perspectives in one cohesive volume. This edited volume aims to serve as a key resource in interactivity for film and media studies, providing valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of interactive storytelling. Submission for the volume is separate from the conference presentation, and inclusion will be subject to peer review.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Hudson Moura (hmoura@torontomu.ca)