A guest post from writer Bill Gourgey:
As I was writing my novel, Glide, it occurred to me (during the process) that the material would be perfect for a variety of media formats. Of course, most writers would be thrilled to see their book turned into a film or TV series (that is, after achieving best seller status!), but it’s only recently that writers sit down to write considering the full transmedia possibilities of their story. Transmedia is another hifalutin term not to be confused with multimedia. Where multimedia involves presenting content using media combinations (audio and imagery, text and video, etc.), transmedia involves presenting content on different media platforms altogether (eBook, film, app, game, connected TV, etc.). Anyway, as I was writing Glide, creating its future worlds (both the apocalyptic and the post- ), defining the “green” inventions that populate its landscape, I realized that the story had great transmedia potential.
When I finally finished the novel earlier this year, and self-published (both in e- and paperback), I set out to create prototypes for its other media possibilities. First up was a smattering of invention imagery, (available on my website, www.glidethebook.com), which was designed for an app that might look something like the very popular Elements app. I hope to build out the full app in the near future either in the form of a book called Magigate’s Inventions or A Guide to Glide.
Next up was the video, which was designed to tap the film potential of the story. I must confess that I had no immediate plans to put together a trailer until I joined Wattpad and realized that trailers were more commonplace than I thought—in fact, they are almost a marketing prerequisite! Of course, I am just a lowly writer in the grand scheme of transmedia, but I had the good fortune to meet someone whose career began in Hollywood, Aaron Feldman (founder of Addictive Media), a creative genius with a rich network of other creative geniuses who all know how to design apps and video, etc. So, I give you Glide’s trailer, courtesy of Addictive Media, which I like to refer to as a Concept trailer. My goal is to drum up book sales while bringing to life the cinematic possibilities of the story.
While I envision a game as part of the transmedia package (think Neology), that will have to wait until I sell some books and complete the sequel (well underway).
Thanks to the Wattpad team and to all of my fans who have read Glide and provided such encouraging feedback. You are what keep me going as I endeavor to promote Glide and the underlying themes of the trilogy.
Read Glide, The Novel on Wattpad FREE!
