Q&A with Michael Wolk

 

 

 

Michael Wolk is the author of the new cyber novel DevilsGame. He is also a Broadway theater producer and a playwright.

 

Q: What inspired you to create DevilsGame?

A: I realized that whenever there was a world crisis I was experiencing it through my phone – I’d scroll through the news and madly click on links for more information or context.

DevilsGame imagines an internet Armageddon and I thought how cool if readers could experience it on their devices. Plus that way the novel would offer the bonus of hyperlinks so readers could click on popup illustrations and links to websites that are either created or curated to expand the world of the story.

Q: What do you see as the role of cyberfiction in people’s reading choices today?

A: Cyberfiction is hyperlinked fiction – fiction that gives you choices whether to click or not on elements that deepen the narrative. So it is more personalized, and gives readers more freedom than print fiction can!

And cyberfiction is insidiously portable – it’s right in your pocket when you’re waiting in line or for laundry, wherever and whenever you have time to scroll and click through a bite-sized bit of fiction

Q: How do you see your experience as a theater producer playing into the creation of DevilsGame?

A: I think my theater background makes me think of readers as an audience, real-time witnesses to the action. I want DevilsGame to feel like it is unfolding as a live event, and one that requires your engagement.  

Q: Who do you see as the perfect audience for this work, and what do you hope they take away from it?

A: In my mind, anyone who picks up DevilsGame is perfect! I do hope to reach traditional readers, but I’m also hoping to capture folks who are more used to reading their phones than books! I think cyberfiction like DevilsGame can reach many potential readers that print fiction does not.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: Right now, I’m thrilled to be working on a couple theater projects in the U.K., Kenrex, which is a phenomenal solo show, and The Pianist, a musical based on the bestselling memoir. I hope to bring both productions to New York soon.

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: I'm so grateful for your time and interest. Please visit us at Wolk Transfer Company to see some of the projects we’re working on!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb