Accessibility is key to digital storytelling

Penguin books invested in digital storytelling earlier this year, I would like to reflect on one of their stories: 21 steps by Charles Cummings. This is a good digital story primarily because this is a good story. It is a thriller based on the 39 steps told in energetic bursts of writing that keep the reader interested. Now for the bit that interests me: What makes this good DIGITAL storytelling?

Charles Cummings has used a digital device in everyday use to tell the story: Google maps. The story is told through notes attached to Google maps and the journey the protaganist takes in the story is shown on the map.

Why is this good digital writing?
I find this an exciting and interesting use of digital writing as the digital reader is familiar with maps thus giving them a familiarity with the story. Charles Cummings has already hooked the reader when the first screen opens thus allowing all the short concentration span of the digital reader to be given to the storytelling and not to build up.

Accessibility is more than just a technology buzz word

A key to ditigal storytelling is for the digital reader to be reassured that they will be able to access the story and should invest their time in reading the story.