My Top Five Tips for Twine

Sophie Byers
Mar 10, 2024
3 min read

Twinery.org or twine for short, allows you to make non-linear interactive stories on your computer through the use of different programs like SugerCube, Harlowe, Chapbook, and more. Normally dynamic stories require lots of complex programing but twine is the most user friendly program for digital storytelling. This makes it possible for anyone to bring their ideas to life. I created my twine with Harlowe so keep in mind if you're using a different program that the tips on this list may be of little to no help to you.

And now without further ado here are my top five tips for twine!

Tip #1 - Figure out basic functions and lingo

Once you've figured out the basics you can do anything with twine. For starters, a passage is a new page. Think of it as a page in a book. A hook links one passage to another by using double square brackets. And text colour or font is put in brackets. If you're confused or you want to do something try consulting the the Harlowe handbook. There is also a question mark in the upper right corner that will take you to a page called the twine cookbook.

Tip #2 - Come up with a simple concept

From your favourite book to the creation of the internet, everything started with an idea. If you want to design a compelling twine keep it simple. In fact the simpler the better! Once you have a solid idea that you like. Start to build off it and if you're feeling stuck just have a brainstorm to get the juices flowing. And be sure to keep in mind of the number of passages as you go.

Tip #3 - Create an overall aesthetic

An aesthetic consists of underlying princeples used throughout a work of art or in this case passages in a story. The best way to create an overall aesthetic in your story is to use a CSS style sheet. This can be found by clicking "# Styleheet" under "Story." It may be a little difficult for a beginner to create a stylesheet without any prior experience so I recommend adapting someone else's work. Just make sure that you have permission and you give credit!

Tip #4 - Don't be afraid to ask for help!

Creating a twine can be incredibly daunting. I know it was for me! lucky for me there are plenty of online resources and I had a professor that went through the steps for the entire class. Even with her thorough tutorial I still felt a little lost and I had to ask a couple questions. So don't feel bad if you know how to do something because everyone needs a little help now and then!

Tip #5 - Don't be afraid to think outside the box

I know it may sound a little cliche but don't be afraid to think outside the box. Art is all about exploring new ways of doing things and taking chances. Creative technologies uses technology but let's not forget that when it comes down to it, it's still a form of expressing yourself and thus is art.

In Conclusion

In short, try everything! You never know how the final result will turn out and if you don't like something it can easily be undone. I've listed a couple resources below so I hope that helps. Good luck!