Social media novel November in Manchester launches today

If the dizzying darkness, drizzle and, let's face it, depression of the approaching winter months are taking hold of you already, then maybe it's time for a touch of escapism with, we believe, the first ever social media novel to launch out of our home region.

Okay, now in terms of escapism Manchester isn't exactly the Maldives, but Tom Mason's November in Manchester project (launched via its own website today) does offer an alternative and interactive reality that, if enough people get involved, could whisk you away somewhere exciting.

As previously reported on How-Do, the 'novel' is running throughout the course of the month with regular updates via Twitter and blogs. Readers are encouraged to get involved and send suggestions and media files to incorporate into the story - something that, according to Mason, has already started in earnest:

“We received a great response to our request for photos, events and videos, which gives us confidence that the story will have a real authenticity," he said.

"It is very important that the novel fairly represents the vibrant nature of the city; plenty can happen within a month and thankfully Manchester isn't short of things for the characters to do
 
"We have been setting up the back-story for the characters over the past couple of weeks and established Manchester venues, unaware of their fictional nature, have responded to their blogs and tweets.

"Now the story has officially begun, we hope to see more users and venues interacting with the characters.
 
Mason added: "Telling a story over this period of time via social media networks such as Twitter is a daunting prospect, but it will be exciting to see if a novel can run via these mediums.”

The website will include a daily summary of the story so far, making it easy for new users to submerge themselves in the plot, while the growing photo and video stream will, Mason and co hope, give an insight into Manchester life.

www.novemberinmanchester.com
 

Something to add? Then leave a comment below or email us now.