4) Where can I read more about Interactive Fiction theory?  Some recommended
background reading on Interactive Fiction includes:
 
  Buckles, Mary Ann. "Interactive Fiction: the Computer Storygame
  'Adventure'" (University of California at San Diego, 1985).  Focuses only
  on the original adventure game.  Limited in scope, but a fun read for any
  hard-core fan of Interactive Fiction theory.
 
  Laurel, Brenda.  "Towards the Design of a Computer-based Interactive Fantasy
  System" (Ohio State University 1986).  See also her "Computers as Theatre"
  (1991, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co, ISBN 0-201-51048-0).  This book extends
  the work that Laurel began in her PhD dissertation.
 
  Meehan, James.  "The Metanovel:  Writing Stories by Computer" (Yale 1976)
  Meehan used the natural language technology of Roger Schank's Yale group
  to construct some primitive Aesop's fables.
 
  Sloane, Sarah.  "Interactive Fiction, Virtual Realities, and the
  Reading-Writing Relationship" (Ohio State University 1991).  Sloane presents
  her views on narrative theory, as well as analyizing IF R&D in progress at
  CMU (led by Joe Bates) and at Interactive Fantasies (Brengle and Graves).
 
--MORE--(40%)
These four PhD dissertations are available for ~$50 each from University
Microfilms, 800-521-0600.  (Half price for students).
 
The following are also recommended:
 
  Lebowitz, Michael.  "Creating Characters in a Story-Telling Universe"
  Poetics, 13, 171-194. (1984).  Poetics is a periodical; check your library.
 
  Thurber, Macy & Pope. "The Book, the Computer and the Humanities"
  (Aug '91 issue of T.H.E. Journal (Technology in Higher Education)
  Discusses a project to foster critical thinking using a computer with
  hypertext and interactive elements becomes a humanistic new medium.