Key concepts

1. Input and output

To create a Hypstory means to write source text.

To read a Hypstory means to navigate a processed version of the source text.

(The relationship between the source text and the Hypstory is similar to the relationship between a manuscript and a printed book.)

2. Input: Source text

2.1 It's all lines

Just like any other text, Hypstory source text is a sequence of lines. A line ends wherever you hit enter. Consequently, a paragraph is also a line.

(This may seem trivial. But it actually is the most important concept in Hypstory. If you keep that in mind you'll do fine from this point onward.)

2.2 Sequential order

The order of the lines in your source text is meaningful. Hypstory processes the source text line by line.

(In other words, what comes first is processed first.)

2.3 Special lines

In the source text you write text paragraphs like you're used to as a writer. And you add a few special lines. All special lines start with a tag.

Special lines accomplish different things:

• Some special lines structure the source text.
  (Example: card lines)
• Others make your text interactive.
  (Example: link lines)
• A third group of lines manipulate subsequent lines, e.g. hide or reorder them.
  (Example: shuffle lines)
• Plus, there are also lines to record data behind the scenes.
  (Example: switch lines)

3. Output: Hypstory

3.1 Structure of a Hypstory

A Hypstory is split into cards. Cards are similar to pages in a book. They contain text and links.

3.2. Interactive reading

Readers click links in order to navigate from one card to another.

3.3 Non-linear story

In a book readers usually just flip a page and continue reading on the next one.

In a Hypstory, a card (which is similar to a page) can lead to more than one next card. The readers get to decide where to go. Their decision influences how they experience the story.