The Shale Project is a multimedia storytelling initiative roughly in the shape of a planet. It's about three things:
Frequently Asked Questions
Wait, so what is this exactly?
The Shale Project is best described as a multimedia storytelling initiative roughly in the shape of a planet! We see Shale as a hub for all of the stories we publish, and treat it like a worldbuilding playground. Our award-winning website provides the tools to navigate different parts of the planet that are featured in our stories, and offers more in-depth information on these places. Feel free to ask us questions about the planet as well–your curiosity helps us to know where you’d like to see us grow!
Why build a planet?
Well, because we wanted to. We believe that storytelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and that it is absolutely essential to the human experience. At the very least, it’s how we keep ourselves sane. Using the entire planet as a resource gives us the opportunity to interweave these stories on a large scale. As artists, it creates a sense of consequence. Sometimes, the tiniest things can change the entire world. Sometimes, the big things aren’t actually that big.
On a less existentially fraught note, it’s a lot of fun to do! There are a lot of questions we have about our own world that we are able to explore and play with here. How do people navigate a world far less globalized than Earth? What if money wasn’t the primary tool of exchange? Precisely how big and ugly can we make a creature called a “molewhale” before it goes from an adorable mascot to a blight on society?
When do you plan on opening up the rest of the planet?
It takes a long time to write a story, but we do intend to touch down on every continent! So far we’ve explored a lot of North Berena, the setting of the Heretic’s Guide to Homecoming duology, as well as certain parts of Cygmia with Avi Silver’s Sãoni Cycle series. As new locations are featured in in our works, new detailed segments of the website will open up. Sign up for our email list to be the first to hear when new locations have been unlocked.
I want to write a story for Shale!
We’re so glad that you’re excited about the project! Unfortunately, we are not currently accepting story submissions. However, if you are interested in worldbuilding alongside us and have a specific skill to offer (visual artists, costumers, musicians, etc), please shoot us an email at hello@welcometoshale.com. We may be interested in checking out your portfolio and seeing if you’d be a good fit as a one-time or regular contributor!
Where can I find your fine works?
All over the place! You can order any of our titles from your local independent bookstore, as well as the big boys like Barnes & Noble, Indigo, etc. Our whole catalogue is also available via Amazon.
Prefer eBooks? Not a problem! Shale’s titles are also available through all the usual eBook channels, such as Kobo, Nook, Apple Books, and Kindle (not to mention you can lend a copy from your library!)
If you like what you’ve read, help spread the word by writing a quick review on Goodreads, Storygraph, or your own personal blog/newsletter/piece of the Internet!
How can I help Shale continue to grow?
Thank you so much for wanting to support us! The best way to help us out (aside from engaging with the stories we tell!) is by becoming a patron over on our Patreon. For as little as $2 a month, your name will be featured in the back of the books we publish, and higher donations give you access to all sorts of bonus content. All of the money we receive helps us continue to run The Shale Project and help it expand!
I want to smooch Ronoah, is that allowed?
That’s his choice, really. We’re just the publicists.
