Chain novel
Encyclopedia
A chain novel or chain story is written collectively by a group of authors. The novel is passed along from author to author, each adding a new chapter or section to the work, with the rule that each subsequent chapter or section should elaborate and follow the plotline of preceding chapters or sections. Legal theorist Ronald Dworkin
has compared common law
jurisprudence
to chain novels by suggesting that judge
s, like chain novel authors, must elaborate and follow the laws set before them.
The story continues through the participation of others; no one knows what happens next except the next person to add to the story. This method of writing is a shared project and often leads in unexpected directions. This collaborative effort is used to stimulate creativity and the exploration of new ideas.
One problem with chain stories is they can become long and complicated due to the number of different people adding new bits and twists.
Ronald Dworkin
Ronald Myles Dworkin, QC, FBA is an American philosopher and scholar of constitutional law. He is Frank Henry Sommer Professor of Law and Philosophy at New York University and Emeritus Professor of Jurisprudence at University College London, and has taught previously at Yale Law School and the...
has compared common law
Common law
Common law is law developed by judges through decisions of courts and similar tribunals rather than through legislative statutes or executive branch action...
jurisprudence
Jurisprudence
Jurisprudence is the theory and philosophy of law. Scholars of jurisprudence, or legal theorists , hope to obtain a deeper understanding of the nature of law, of legal reasoning, legal systems and of legal institutions...
to chain novels by suggesting that judge
Judge
A judge is a person who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, method of appointment, discipline, and training of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. The judge is supposed to conduct the trial impartially and in an open...
s, like chain novel authors, must elaborate and follow the laws set before them.
The story continues through the participation of others; no one knows what happens next except the next person to add to the story. This method of writing is a shared project and often leads in unexpected directions. This collaborative effort is used to stimulate creativity and the exploration of new ideas.
One problem with chain stories is they can become long and complicated due to the number of different people adding new bits and twists.
External links
- Chain Stories, a European Union funded education project to promote language intercomprehension in young learners.
- Legal Pragmatism, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy