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I think I've talked before about how tough it is to market small press books. That's why I'm endlessly fascinated by the lengths publishers and creators will go to in order to get attention for their stuff. When cool, original ideas for doing it come along, it catches my attention.

Ty Gorton and Josh Medors have hit upon a cool, original idea to promote their Runes of Ragnan book from Silent Devil Productions. It's sort of a twist on the 24-hour comic concept. Starting tonight at midnight, Gorton will write and post on his website a 200-word segment of a Runes of Ragnan story each hour for the next 24 hours. Starting an hour behind him, Medors will create an illustration of Gorton's last segment each hour for 24 hours.

In order to keep themselves honest, the pair have asked members of a couple of forums to suggest (a la improv theater) what character and time period the story should cover. Medors is further encouraging participation by giving away the art he creates to readers who discuss the story as it unfolds.

Whether or not you like the Viking theme or know who these guys are (Gorton's self-published a book called Gunn and Medors illustrated the Steve Niles Dark Horse series Fused), their idea is creative as hell and it should be a lot of fun to watch it grow over the day.