Mark Barrett
I have been a professional freelance writer and storyteller for over twenty years. From 1987 to 1997 I was an agented writer and a dues-paying member of the Writers Guild of America, west. During the mid-90′s, as the personal computer began to take hold, I became interested in the potential of interactive entertainment and worked almost exclusively in that industry. Along the way I learned a few things about interactivity that are still not widely understood, and I’m thankful that I had the chance to watch a new storytelling medium develop in the aftermath of yet another technological revolution. (See also the printing press.)

In mid-2003 I stepped away from the interactive industry, both to take a break from the medium and to focus on other interests — all of which involved writing and storytelling. In 2008 I returned to the interactive industry and worked on two projects, but I also became interested in taking a broader look at myself as a writer, and a closer look at the internet as an evolving medium.

And once again I am reminded that I am living in an age of unparalleled change.

More here.

The Ditchwalk mission
To understand and pursue the craft, art and business of storytelling in the digital age.

The Ditchwalk name
Explained.

The Ditchwalk spirit

I don’t want to sell anything, buy anything or process anything as a career. I don’t want to sell anything bought or processed, buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought or processed, or repair anything sold, bought or processed.

—Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack), from the motion picture
Say Anything, written by Cameron Crowe

Ditches

• Ditch defined.
• Ditches explained.
• Ditches in the news.
• Ditches at work.
• Ditch identification made easy.