Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an account to read?

No. You can read most visible stories and follow ordinary choices while signed out. An account is required for personal features such as likes, comments, favorites, bookmarks, following, notifications, and Story Map reading markers.

What is the difference between Customizable and Game Mode?

A Customizable story lets you choose reader details that appear in its text. A Game Mode story remembers story progress and can make choices depend on saved values or items. A story can use either feature or both.

How do I save my place?

Use the bookmark icon below the chapter choices. A bookmark returns to that exact chapter. Use the star icon when you want to save the whole story in Favorite Stories.

Why is a chapter choice unavailable or missing?

In an active game, a choice may require a value, item, or earlier decision. Check Game state, try another path, use Back to restore a recent state, or reset the game. The author can choose whether inaccessible choices appear disabled or remain hidden.

How do I return to the beginning?

Choose Start Over below the chapter choices. In an active game, this resets the game's values as well as returning to the first chapter.

How do I find a particular story or author?

Enter a few distinctive words in the header search. On the results page, switch between Stories, Chapters, and Authors, then use filters or sorting to narrow the list.

I forgot my password. What should I do?

Choose Forgot password? on the login page. Enter the email address connected to the account, then follow the reset link sent by CHYOA.

My account is not confirmed. What should I do?

Open the email-confirmation page and choose Send confirmation link. Check the displayed email address and your spam or junk folder. You can resend the message or update the address from that page.

How do I change my username, password, or email address?

Open the profile menu and choose General Settings. Each item has its own Edit control. Usernames can be changed once every 30 days; password and email changes require your current password.

How do I delete my account?

Open General Settings, find Account deletion, and choose Delete account. Confirm with your username and password. Deletion is permanent; stories and chapters you published remain on CHYOA without being attached to the deleted account.

How do I report a chapter or a user?

For a chapter, open Chapter actions and choose Report Chapter. For an account, open the additional-actions menu on the user's profile and choose Report user. Include a clear description of the problem.

Where should I report a technical problem or suggest a feature?

Use Site Feedback on the CHYOA Forum for technical problems and general feedback. Use its Suggestions area for feature ideas. Search for an existing discussion first.

How do I start writing?

Choose New Story from the profile menu to create your own story. To continue a story that accepts contributions, choose Add a new chapter at the end of a chapter. Read the Content Rules and the Writing and Publishing section before submitting work.

Where can I ask a question not answered here?

Use the Contact page for the appropriate contact route, or ask a general writing question in Authors' Hangout.