Gwyneth Dodson

Save the Digital Cat is a framework guidebook for new fiction authors to grow and maintain a Gen Z following, addressing the problem that this age group rarely reads for pleasure. The project consists of a guidebook with activities and QR codes which link to example content presented on a website, social media, and through AR. The goal is to inspire authors to create digital content around their novels that is appealing and accessible to Gen Z.

From an author’s perspective, writing is solitary and private. It’s often confronting and overwhelming to put out a book publicly. To have a chance of success as a storyteller today, authors must make the shift from author to marketer. This is often an entirely new skill set.

Gen Z are addicted to digital media and have a hard time focusing due to their short attention spans. A healthier balance of media consumption would include written novels. Reading has the potential to relieve stress, promote imagination, aid in sleep, and provide a less passive form of entertainment.

The name “Save the Digital Cat” is based on the storytelling structure “Save the Cat”, alluding to authors bringing the digital Gen Z back to books and stories.