T.A. Pratt, author of the Marla Mason urban fantasy series, is embarking on a reader supported serial novella called Bone Shop. Editions will be posted on Mondays, and readers can donate whatever they like for the chance to read it.
The proceeds benefit Pratt’s family as his wife has been laid off. As Pratt said in his LiveJournal entry:
As I mentioned yesterday, my wife was laid off this week, and while we both hope she finds a new job soon (and that I sell some more novels, as far as that goes), we’re in sudden need of money now. I could have just straight-out asked for financial help—and for those who’ve offered that, thanks, it’s appreciated—but I’m a writer, and if there’s one thing I have in ample quantity, it’s stories to tell.
Specifically a story I’ve been wanting to write for a while, but couldn’t find the right market for: a longish piece about the early adventures of my series character Marla Mason.
Bone Shop is a serialized, donation-funded urban fantasy novella, available for anyone to read for free.
I know a few folks have been talking via Twitter about how they’d be more than happy to purchase a book directly from an author. Here’s one opportunity from a frank storyteller.
Thanks so much for posting this, SB Sarah. I’m a big fan of this series—Marla Mason is a kick-ass heroine, smart and cocky, with some damage in her past and a vulnerable side. I’m excited to get to read her backstory! I think this is a great chance for readers to get to know the character from the beginning, as well as to check out whether Tim’s voice and world-building work for them.
Also, Tim’s wife is a former student and of mine, and their toddler son (who has some special medical needs) is just adorable. If people were wondering, this really is a chance to help out a struggling young family.
Thanks for the information! I think it’s a fascinating new model that’s developing, where authors post material online and ask for donations rather than going through traditional print and e-pub venues. Great opportunity to provide expanded backstory, in this case, or set up a whole entire new world, with supporting materials and “extras” (I’m thinking primarily of the fabulous tv-series-that-doesn’t-exist “Shadow Unit” here).
JD
T A Pratt is a fantastic writer, and I love Marla’s story. Thanks for posting this—I’d definitely be in!
wow, how cool. more authors should do this.
I’m so going to be one of them! I love this idea and I’m all about supporting someone in such an easy way.
I’m in! I agree that this is a great way to get to know the characters in a new series. Now to figure out how much….
How cool! I’m totally in!
T. A. Pratt was one of the first authors that I bought his entire backlist from a Kindle freebie. I’m happy to have a new Marla story to read and pleased to donate.
This is flipping brilliant. i’ve never read the series, but I’m going to pay for this.
Sweet, I think more authors need to do this.