The Shattered Glass Project - part two: press release

  The Shattered Glass Project (Used with permission)

The Shattered Glass Project is a unique project in the works by Jess Hartley to promote an as-yet-unpublished work.

The following is the second part of Jess' press release from March 21, 2010, reprinted with permission:

The Shattered Glass Project--featuring Shattered Glass, a modern fairy tale short story--was inspired by the convergence of two situations: Hartley's growing interest in these new forms of experimental fiction interactions, and the death of her laptop computer.

"I've been intrigued by the direct connection that reader-supported writing provides to both authors and their readership. It's a personal connection, and one that is very appealing to me." Hartley mentions successful writers such as C.E. Murphy and Catherynne M. Valente, as inspirational in encouraging her interest in direct-market fiction projects.

But it took an unfortunate accident to encourage her to take the leap herself. "As a freelancer, I rely on my computer completely. Not only the actual writing process, but for research, for staying organized, and for the constant electronic interaction necessary to stay abreast of current trends, promote my work and find new job opportunities. When my laptop "bricked" on me, I couldn't wait for my next freelance check to come in to replace it. I'd had lots of readers asking where they could find more of my work, so I decided to try something new."

And so, The Shattered Glass Project was born. Running for a limited time, between March 21 and June 21, 2010, Hartley is inviting readers to play an integral role in the creation of an urban fae story by acting as supporting Patrons, or even becoming a character in the story itself. Shattered Glass will be produced in both physical and electronic format, available to different levels of Patrons, in hopes of being able to provide an opportunity for every reader to enjoy it.

Patrons, Personae and Personalized Fiction
What makes The Shattered Glass Project unique? "For the first year after its inception, I promise Patrons that they will be the only readers enjoying Shattered Glass in its entirety," Hartley says. "In that way, along with being personally thanked in the book and the opportunity for Personae Patrons to actually be characters in the story, Shattered Glass Patrons will know that they're a part of something special. This isn't going to be just a story they read and forget. It's an experiment that they play a huge part in. It wouldn't exist without their support."

A life-long fairy tale enthusiast, Hartley plans on incorporating aspects of modern life and traditional folklore to create Shattered Glass, which will (appropriately enough) feature a fae laptop computer.

  Jess Hartley (Used with permission)

Three levels of Patronage were originally available for The Shattered Glass Project, ranging from $5 to $150. Response was so overwhelming to the Personae Patronage ($150, which included a Patron's name and likeness being used as a character in the story) that the Personae Patronages were closed only 24 hours after The Project was announced to the public. Other Patronage opportunities will remain available throughout Spring of 2010, however.

More information on the Project can be found at the author's website: www.jesshartley.com