This is a book on writing for multimedia and the Web... and much more.

To be effective, an interactive writer has to be more than just a great wordsmith. The interactive writer must understand the structure, tools, and interactive power of multimedia. This book addresses this need by providing a detailed explanation of the process for creating interactive multimedia that both the multimedia newcomer and the experienced multimedia professional will find valuable. A wide variety of programs (education, training, games, interactive movies, advertising, etc.) are discussed. These programs include examples of most major multimedia formats, including CD-ROM, video disc, and the World Wide Web.

Part I, "Interactive Media and the Writer," examines the particular demands that multimedia makes on the writer, including interactivity, writing for many media, organizational tools, and script formatting.

Parts II and III, "Writing Informational Multimedia" and "Writing Narrative Multimedia," are devoted to in-depth case studies of a wide variety of multimedia programs, ranging from Web sites, to training, to games. Some of the top writers and designers for multimedia and the Web reveal their secrets for creating powerful programs. Their ideas are documented with extensive script samples, flowcharts, and other writing material.

Part IV "Conclusion: Becoming A Successful Interactive Writer" outlines the challenges the interactive writer faces and provides tips from developing an interactive writing career.

The attached CD-ROM includes script samples, screen shots, program demos, multimedia production information, links to scriptwriting software, a video on the creation of a multimedia program, and much more.

Read this book and CD-ROM interactively; choose what is valuable to you.

If you are a MULTIMEDIA NEWCOMER, start at the beginning of the book and browse through the background material on the CD-ROM.

If you are an experienced MULTIMEDIA PROFESSIONAL, focus on the later chapters and the case studies to see how some of the top professionals in the field work their magic.

If you are or want to become a WORLD WIDE WEB WRITER or DESIGNER, you will benefit from the chapters about Web sites and from the other multimedia case studies as well, because many of the techniques used in disc-based programs can now be applied to Web-based multimedia.

If you are a GAMER, read the last part of the book to learn how some of the classic games were created.

If you are a MEDIA SCHOLAR, study the entire book for a solid grounding in the principles and practices of multimedia.

If you a JOB SEEKER, check out Part IV for suggestions on how to develop a interactive media writing career.