Both Ami and Pablo hail from the publishing biz, and know their stuff. Their perspectives are influenced by their involvement in digital content creation, marketing and publicity … as well as years of exposure to the traditional publishing model. If you’re looking for a respectful and progressive exploration of the state of publishing and where it’s going, this interview is a must-listen.
- Find the blog at TheNewSleekness.com
- Learn more about Ami’s work at GetGlue.com
- Learn more about Pablo’s work at Tor.com
- Promo: Basil’s Alaska Weekly News Review
- Promo: ShadowCast Audio Books
- Promo: PodioRacket Presents: Visionaries
Dig what you hear in this podcast? Tell a friend! Use the “Share This” feature found at the end of this post!
The anthem for Hey, Everybody! is “Chip Away” by Jane’s Addition, distributed freely via BitTorrent and the Nine Inch Nails/Jane’s Addiction tour site, Ninja2009.com.
]]>
Yo, 7th Son fans — I’ve got a killer concept cooking over here, and I need YOUR help.
With the help of some super-savvy iPhone app developers, I’ll soon unleash a cool Kilroy-themed app for the iPhone and iPod touch. We’re cramming lots of goodies inside, but the show-stopping main feature will be a sassy, talking Kilroy2.0!
The gist: When you give your phone a solid “shake,” the mad hacker Kilroy2.0 himself will spout one of dozens of random quotes. He’ll be a delightful, giggling mess, saying such things as “Shake, shake, shake your Kilroy” and “I just rooted your iPhone” … and of course, “Kilroy2.0 is evvvvrywhere.”
The twist: We’ve got an aggressive deadline for this project, so I need YOUR help to write dozens of funny Kilroy quotes for the app, which I’ll record and port into the program. Are you up for “becoming” Kilroy and putting words in my most famous character’s mouth? If so, keep reading!
Participating in this fun, creative crowdsource project is easy-peasy:
- Simply think of as many fun (and funny!) one-liners that you think Kilroy would say, and post them in the comments.
- You can include many quote ideas in a single comment.
- The best user-created quotes will make it into the app!
- Be sure to include your name in your blog comment … we’ll include your name in the app’s credits!
And that’s it! If you wanna participate, you gotta do so at Hutch-speed — and I move fast. The deadline for your Kilroy2.0 one-liners is this Wednesday, Feb. 3. So channel your inner Kilroy, cook up some fun one-liners and post them in the comments!
–J.C.
]]>Two days ago, the wife of podcaster and author Tee Morris died unexpectedly. In addition to the devastating loss, Tee now faces the challenge of raising his daughter as a single dad.
I spoke to Tee on the evening of his wife’s death. Despite the incalculable loss, the eternal optimism Tee is known for was still there, in his voice. He was deeply moved by the support the community had shown for him, and appreciative.
We cannot change yesterday, but we can help ensure Tee and his daughter have a brighter tomorrow. Please help them by contributing to a fund that will help cover funeral costs, and create a trust for his daughter. Give generously, if you can.
–J.C.
]]>
Happy 2010! In this episode of Hey, Everybody!, J.C. chats with Rebecca Keegan, author of The Futurist: The Life and Films of James Cameron.
With cooperation from writer/director James Cameron himself, author Rebecca Keegan has written a truly terrific and insightful biography. Learn how Keegan connected with Cameron, and what she discovered about this amazing storyteller during the creation of the book.
Expertly reported and masterfully written — and featuring an exclusive chapter about Cameron’s new film Avatar — The Futurist is a must-read for admirers of Cameron’s work and beyond.
- Learn more about The Futurist
- Purchase The Futurist
The anthem for Hey, Everybody! is “Chip Away” by Jane’s Addition, distributed freely via BitTorrent and the Nine Inch Nails/Jane’s Addiction tour site, Ninja2009.com.
]]>I’m a geezer in the podcast fiction game. I’ve been a podfic creator for four years, and a podcast listener since February 2005. I was there for the debut episodes of Scott Sigler’s Earthcore, Stephen Eley’s Escape Pod and other fiction projects — and I was dazzled by those scrappy creators’ ingenuity and the quality of their work. Podcast fiction was a curious storytelling anomaly back then, but soon became legitimized as dozens — and then hundreds — of authors embraced the distribution model. These days, I receive an email a week from a determined creator who’s hungry to launch her or his own podcast novel. That’s pretty cool.
I’ve watched the space grow, and — as I did in 2005, when I considered releasing 7th Son as a podcast novel — still study the most successful storytellers to understand why they are successful, and what they do that impresses their audiences. They lead by example, and I feverishly take notes on what seems to work best. (Speaking selfishly for a moment, I’m honored that these storytellers and others now study what I’m doing in the space. Some of us even collude, scheme together, and shamelessly steal from each other. It’s a hoot.)
I’m stating the obvious here, but the very best podcast fiction shows fall into two categories: Short Form and Long Form. Both are amazing ways to tell stories. Both have strengths…
- Short Form: Most short form fiction appears in “magazine-style” programs such as Escape Pod and Variant Frequencies. Nearly all of these stories are one-shots — they economically build universes, narratives and characters. They are easily digestible, short and resonant. They stand on their own; there are no “previously ons,” no need to hear prior stories in the podcast feed. Low barrier of entry for newcomers.
- Long Form: Novel-length stories dedicate far more time to building rich characters, plots and subplots. In addition to the richness creators can add to the universes and narratives, listening to a serialized audio novel week-to-week is an experience like no other. Cliffhangers abound, and opportunities exist for fans to converge and discuss where the story’s going. If you’ve listened to my stuff, you’ve been there. I’ve been there too.
And both also have weaknesses…
- Short Form: Audiences craving an in-depth look into a short story’s universe and characters may come away wanting more.
- Long Form: Latecomers to serialized Long Form fiction have to start wayyyyy back at Episode One. (Or in some cases, Book One.) That’s a huge time investment, and a high barrier of entry for newcomers.
I’ve thought long and hard about that high barrier of entry. I suspect I’ve lost listener-to-be’s simply because they realized they’d have to listen to hundreds of hours of content to catch up with my unfolding stories. Since 2006, I’ve quested to make my content easy to obtain from a technical perspective and a narrative one. My recent Personal Effects: Sword of Blood and 7th Son: 7 Days prequels were specifically designed for newcomers — they’re both low-impact ways to introduce new fans to the Personal Effects and 7th Son universes.
As I schemed on a new podcast fiction project in late 2008, I realized I wanted a model that both celebrated the low barrier of entry of Short Form fiction, and the rich creative opportunities Long Form presents. I pondered this long before I considered the project’s storyline or characters. I looked at other media for inspiration. The answer came pretty quickly, once I stopped thinking like a podcaster.
The 33 is episodic TV for your ears.
Like the best episodic TV, episodes of The 33 will have consistent lengths (45 minutes). Most episodes will be one-shots — “monster of the week” stories (ala Buffy, Supernatural, etc.) so newcomers can hop aboard with any episode, quickly grok the characters and setting, and have a blast. Also like the best episodic TV, there will be season-length story arcs — think of the Cancer Man eps in The X-Files — that will unfold in some episodes. It’s the best of both worlds.
Like the best episodic TV, there will be core cast members. Three of them, to be exact: Napoleon Black John Swords, Bliss and Knack. They’ll be accompanied by lots of guest characters called Shifters — folks recruited for specific missions because of their unique skills. (Some Shifters slated to appear include Mad Anna, Arachnarcana, Bada Boom and Kill Screen. Expect nothing less from a dude who grew up watching The A-Team and playing with G.I. Joe dolls. Codenames rock.)
And like episodic TV, there will likely be commercials. And like episodic TV, it might even be recorded in front of a live audience. And there may be spinoffs.
The format is very familiar but, to my knowledge, has not yet been executed in podcast fiction form. I’m having a blast concocting The 33 universe, episode plots and characters … and I can’t wait to unleash it later this year. (That’s as specific as I’m going to be about its release. Check this recent post to learn why.)
So that’s the creative philosophy fueling The 33. I’ll share more in a few weeks. In the meantime, I’m heading back to my brainstorming.
Because the world needs The 33.
–J.C.
]]>
–J.C.
]]>Baby I’m ready to go … I’m back and ready to go … From the rooftops, shout it out. Shout it out. (Listen to the song here.)
Goodness, yes. A thousand hell yeses. From the rooftops, shout it out. With the new year here, are you ready to go? Ready to roll up your sleeves, put on a playful self-confident sneer, and get your hands dirty with some go?
I am. 2009 was an epic year. Personal Effects: Dark Art. 7th Son: Descent. Both on bookstore bookshelves, a dream come true. I conceived and personally executed several ambitious never-before-seen online promotions — Commit Yourself To The Brink, groundbreaking “vlurb” book trailers, multi-site cross-promotional projects (including a 10-chapter 7th Son excerpt distributed across more than 20 websites, and the recent “In the Nick of Time!” holiday sampler). More than 30 promotional blog guest posts. More than 70 podcast and radio interviews. Lots of first-evers and more-thans and many-mores.
I spent most of 2009 running on three or four hours of sleep each day. I went broke promoting the books. (This is not an exaggeration. Flat-ass, overdrawn-bank-account broke. My finances still haven’t recovered.) The result was stellar “Week One” debuts for both novels, followed by weeks of better-than-average sales. The publishing business is brutal and hyper-competitive, people. Standing out requires a lot of creative thought and effort (which I had) and money (which I didn’t, and wasn’t provided).
I also released two podcast-exclusive fiction projects in ‘09, both prequels: Personal Effects: Sword of Blood, and 7th Son: 7 Days. Both were written in the midst of actively promoting the novels, and I’m pretty proud of how they turned out. This brings me to 2010.
I love the crazy-cool creative challenge of podcasting and promoting my stuff. For the past four years, I’ve lived to entertain you with my stories, and dazzle you with unconventional, fun promotions. I’ve made deliberate, informed decisions on how to spend my time, money and creative energy. Since 2006, most of my free time has been funneled into projects designed for you to consume and enjoy, for free.
Businesspeople talk about ROI: return on investment. I realized long ago that it would be impossible to receive an equitable ROI on the time, energy and monetary investment I’ve made in being an active creator in the social media space … so I stopped thinking about that. Instead, I bit into new media and social media with the same abandon I have when chomping into a nectarine — and you rewarded me with amazing feedback and unrivaled devotion, and helped make my lifelong dream of becoming a published novelist come true. My wallet may be a burnt cinder, but my soul lives in a palatial emotional mansion thanks to your generosity and kindness. I am forever grateful for that.
But baby, I’m ready to go.
Here are some not-so-secret secrets about most social media creators: We obsess about statistics. We keenly watch our blog subscriber numbers, our downloads, our website traffic, retweets and more. We crow about consistency, and how a steady output of content ensures the sustained interest of longtime readers (or listeners), and attracts newcomers. We relentlessly “feed the feed,” as I call it — we pipe out stuff of varying quality in our blog/podcast feeds to keep you coming back for more. Some of us do this successfully, and turn a profit. Some of us do this successfully, and don’t turn a profit. Still others feel beholden to these rules and produce content, even when they don’t want to. Burnout. A lack of perceived value from the audience. Real world obligations. It goes on.
I’ve been obsessing and red-lining it for so long, I’ve forgotten what a normal life feels like. I need to know what a normal life feels like. What eight hours of sleep feels like. What writing fiction feels like.
That last part — writing fiction — is critically important, peeps. This year, I felt my most alive when I was writing Sword of Blood and 7 Days, and brainstorming new projects. I took great pride in creating stories around my promotions (World War 7 is a recent fictional scenario that was a blast to concoct and execute), but when just it’s me and the page and the words … oh baby-baby, that’s the primo stuff. I live to tell tall tales, my friends. I’ve missed telling tall tales.
And so it’s time to go.
Time to roll up my sleeves, put on a playful self-confident sneer, and get my hands dirty with some go, that is. You didn’t think I was abandoning this site, and you, and several thousand other awesome peeps, didja? Heavens no. The party’s just getting started. I may not be the ever-present host I was in 2009 and years past, but I’ll certainly be here to entertain you in 2010.
There’s lots to give you. The Personal Effects: Dark Art serialized audiobook. My new podcast fiction project, The 33. I’ll still interview people who amaze me — the people I call UltraCreatives — and I’ll post written and podcast updates on my life, creative projects and other sundries. (I know most of you care less about my non-fiction content than my fiction. That’s okay. But these non-fiction projects are important to me, and I will continue to pursue them.)
So yes. Content shall abound in this blog/podcast feed in 2010. But I need to make something clear, in the kindest and most constructive way possible: this content will be released when my schedule permits. In addition to the Dark Art audiobook (which will debut by Spring 2010) and The 33 (which will debut not long after), I have other creative projects to pursue. There are movie treatments I owe my film agent — original story ideas we want to sell to Hollywood for big bucks. There are other novels to write, which I want to sell to publishers for big bucks. God willing, there will be 7th Son books Two and Three to edit for print release. And I want to pursue ways of telling stories you’ve never seen before; stuff that’s as wide-eyed and untested as a newborn.
Jeepers, all the stories. All the stories I need to tell.
If you choose to abandon my blog/podcast feed because I won’t be delivering free audio content on a weekly basis in 2010, I understand. I do hope, however, that you have an equal understanding and respect for my decision. Of course, I also hope you’ll stick around. There’s a great deal of fun and adventure in what I do … and you can’t beat the price with a stick.
2010 is my year of go. Go beyond podcasting, beyond 7th Son and Personal Effects, and Twitter and Facebook, and my always-shameless, sometimes-crass ass-shaking. It’s time to take down the megaphones. It’s time to start building more worlds. New worlds. Go worlds.
Wanna come along? Just take my hand. There’ll be weeks when I’m loud and sassy, and weeks when you may never hear a peep. But we’ll be running toward the horizon together, grinning at the sun. Running together, adventurers.
Come with me. Baby, I’m ready to go.
–J.C.
]]>GOALS! What are some of YOUR goals for 2010? Zip me one.
Here’s what you said. Lots of creativity and ambition here — and yet, all are attainable…
- Buying a 50 inch plasma!
- my goal is to double the reach of my podcast
- To finish ‘Outcast’ by end of January, and its sequel by August.
- i want to make significant progress on one if not more then one, of my books if not finish them.
- Get first novel complete and subsequent audio drama started.
- Same as my one word mantra: DO!
- To get an article or story published in something with a pricetag, ISBN or ISSN on it.
- Graduate law school!
- to podcast on a more regular basis…
- Finish writing my book.
- Doubling my clients from 2009. Need 140 new clients for 2010 to do that.
- Write more words, eat more bacon, make more friends. I figure if I walk around with a plate of fresh bacon…
- my biggest goal is to get my comics and photography financially independant from me.
- On a more practical note: To reduce my debt to just my mortgage, and then pay that off within 10 years or less!
- To write, produce, and release the first Adventures of the Snarky Avenger Audio Drama.
- Finish jobs needing to be done.
- Shooting MB’s Famous in early 2010.
- To be fearless in anything related to my writing.
- finish writing, editing and recording first novel and start 2nd that’s already chomping at the bit to start already
- love more, save money, write daily are my goals
- Test for my green belt in Kenpo
- my goal in 2010 is to star in the 7th Son movies
- get “Closet Treats” published. Finish writing “Garaaga’s Children” series and podcast it all.
- Goals for 2010: Finish 2nd draft of my novel and find beta readers; organize and name all my digital photos
- get back into shape after surgery on the 30th of this month
- 2010 goal: Serialize my first novel
- my biggest goal is to be a better father
- To do more volunteer work for a cause about which I am passionate.
- my plan is to read more. but i need quantifiable goals. so, read one book a week. and not just yours, over and over.
- write 500 words a day. Submit one story for publication.
- to write something polished enough to podcast… And then podcast
- From 70% autonomous to 100%.
- Making time & $ to attend a con – preferably one that you’re at, so I can thank you in person!
- 2010 goals: Start re-writing Mallville, and start podcasting it. Try to write some more short stories.
- goal- finish novels #2&3 and get podcast author career off the ground. Been a groupie long enough.
- goal for 2010 = write something publishable
More will likely flow in (which I can’t add to the list here), but these 2010 goals are remarkable, brimming with drive and passion. Let’s all exhibit some Pure Badassery™ and make good on these goals next year.
What’s YOUR goal for 2010?
–J.C.
]]>- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Learn about WORLD WAR 7
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
Like what you’ve read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>
Welcome to the final episode of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Catch up with the story by downloading past episodes. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Learn about WORLD WAR 7
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com,BoingBoing.net
- Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
- Episode intro provided by Sam Bradley (from the Sam Bradley’s Writer’s Blog)
7th Son: Descent’s anthem is “Descent” by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.
Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>I won’t bore you with a review of plot points and performances; that’s what Google and Roger Ebert are for. I want to talk about the flaws of the movie, why they don’t matter … and why James Cameron is now officially in the “2.0″ phase of his career.
I came up in the same era in which Cameron was cutting his teeth as a writer/director. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched and rewatched his movies. I’m convinced that if there’s any one storyteller to study, it’s him. His movies are often dark and dystopian, packed with memorable, brilliantly-written ensemble casts. They’re perfectly contained stories, yet feel untamed, subversive. They bristle, hungry to make with the violence — and they always deliver it.
Something seemed to change within Cameron’s stories in the 1990s. The decade started strong for superfans with Terminator 2 (dystopian, violent science fiction). A few years later, he delivered True Lies, an action comedy. It’s an optimistic gunblazer, great popcorn fare. What the film lacked in brains or story, it more than compensated with action and visual effects. A rock-solid B for superfans like me.
Titanic became his obsession. Say what you will about the story (and I will, in a moment), but it was a cinematic masterpiece. Avatar is even better. Both deliver stories with the epic scope of the Truly Great films such as Gone With the Wind; seeing these things on anything less than a movie house screen is a mortal sin.
But both also represent a shift in Cameron’s writing, which in many ways disappoints superfans like me … but also showcases a breed of brilliance worthy of admiration. The man is smart, understands narrative, understands audiences — and it’s now clear that he deeply understands the business of making narratives for those audiences.
Long gone are Cameron’s days of bubblegum-and-a-prayer movie budgets. He now makes supermovies – stupefyingly expensive movies. Avatar’s budget was at least $250 million, but rumors put the pricetag as high as $350 million. That’s money that defies meaningful understanding.
Supermovies are high-risk endeavors for producers, and there are well-documented tradeoffs that come with superbudgets. Make the film PG-13 to ensure as many people as possible can see it … make stories simpler to accommodate that mass appeal … make the concepts of the story more universal as to snag the support of international markets and filmgoers … it goes on. The worst supermovies, like Transformers 2, fully embrace these compromises and treat their audiences as idiot children.
Cameron does not, though savvy superfans like me spot the compromises in what I’m calling the ”2.0″ stage of his career. Titanic’s story has been characterized as “romance on a sinking boat,” and Avatar is now getting the inevitable (if unfair) Dances With Wolves comparisons. Both parallels are completely accurate, and yet absolutely inaccurate. To keep focus on Avatar: It is not a dumb movie. It is a movie that has a simple storyline with nigh-universal theme and appeal. There isn’t much development in many of the secondary characters. And I insist that’s just fine.
Much like Titanic, the movie is gorgeous, and absolutely convincing in its execution. It’s the first film I’ve ever seen in which the extended use of CGI didn’t harm the overall product. I was spellbound throughout, dazzled and dwarfed by the world Cameron created. It’s not a perfect story, but it’s a perfect movie — it fully embraces the big screen experience.
Did I pine for scenes that better-illustrated the main character’s inner conflict, or better-explained the reasons why the villians were being so villainous? Sure. Do I think that, given the compromises a filmmaker must make when they’re $300 million in the red, the movie suffered greatly from those omissions? No way.
Avatar is a cinematic masterwork. It doesn’t hail from the uberbrainy tradition of the best science-fiction stories. (Neither did Star Wars back in 1977. And while it’s my favorite movie, Star Wars is a rather simplistic and noisy tale.) It doesn’t hail from Cameron’s dark and dystopic sci-fi roots, either. But it is absolutely beautiful, ultimately optimistic, and an absolute blast to watch.
See it. On the big screen.
]]>
I’m delighted by this project, which I coordinated — and am honored to have worked with the amazing authors who participated…
Books make terrific holiday gifts, but finding perfect books for friends and family can be a time-consuming challenge. If only if the bookstore could come to us.
That’s the idea behind this In the Nick of Time! holiday sampler PDF. Inside are excerpts from a dozen new novels and nonfiction books by these New York Times bestselling authors, successful entrepreneurs, and wickedly talented storytellers:
- Laurell K. Hamilton — Divine Misdemeanors
- Seth Godin — Tribes and an exclusive excerpt of Linchpin, out next year
- Joseph Finder — Vanished
- Cory Doctorow — Makers
- Chris Brogan & Julien Smith — Trust Agents
- Robert J. Sawyer — Wake
- Mitch Joel – Six Pixels of Separation
- Cherie Priest — Boneshaker
- Tara Hunt — The Whuffie Factor
- Scott Sigler — The Rookie
- Seth Harwood — Jack Wakes Up
- J.C. Hutchins — 7th Son: Descent
DOWNLOAD THE IN THE NICK OF TIME! HOLIDAY SAMPLER
Spot a great gift opportunity? Order from online retailers directly from the PDF, or print the order form at the end of the document and present it to your local bookseller. Helpful staff will find what you’re looking for.
From high adventure to savvy business advice, you’ll find something special for the special someones on your holiday list — including you. You’re also welcome to share this free sampler with friends and family. Refer them to this web page to download In the Nick of Time! — http://JCHutchins.net/holiday .
Click here to download the In The Nick of Time! holiday sampler — and have the happiest of holidays!
]]>- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Learn about WORLD WAR 7
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com,BoingBoing.net
Like what you’ve read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>Welcome to the ninth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Catch up with the story by downloading past episodes. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Learn about WORLD WAR 7
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent -Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com,BoingBoing.net
- Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
- Episode intro provided by Zachary Ricks (from the Geek Survival Guide)
- Promo: Cybrosis
- Promo: The Casting Game
7th Son: Descent’s anthem is “Descent” by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.
Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>
It’s not every day that the world’s most popular marketing blogger asks you collaborate on a project designed to get folks thinking about their lives, the world, and positive ways to improve them. So when bestselling writer Seth Godin invited me to participate in What Matters Now, I dove right in.
As Seth wrote in his post announcing What Matters Now, this eBook “encourages people to focus and use their energy to turn the game around,” providing big thoughts and small actions to make a difference in the world. More than 70 authors contributed to the project, including big thinkers I’ve followed and respected for years: furturist Kevin Kelly, publisher Tim O’Reilly, writer and programmer Gina Trapani, artist Hugh Macleod, brilliant writers and entrepreneurs such as Merlin Mann, Derek Sivers, Chris Anderson, Guy Kawasaki, Paco Underhill … the who’s who list goes on and on.
I’m honored to be in such ultra-creative, ultra-talented company. My contribution, titled “Gumption,” can be found at the end of the eBook.
Each contribution is well worth your time, and may provide a nugget of resonance — or encouragement — for you as we enter the new year. If you find value within its pages, please share What Matters Now with your friends and coworkers.
–J.C.
Click to download the PDF
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Learn about WORLD WAR 7
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com,BoingBoing.net
Like what you’ve read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>Welcome to the eighth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Catch up with the story by downloading past episodes. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Learn about WORLD WAR 7
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent – Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com,BoingBoing.net
- Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
- Episode intro provided by Drew Beatty (from the Lost Gods podcast novel)
- Promo: DragonLance Canticle
- Promo: ScotchCast
- Promo: TrekWest5
7th Son: Descent’s anthem is “Descent” by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.
Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>What’s the most dog-eared book in your home? Mine’s my copy of THE STAND.
Here were your replies:
http://twitter.com/CWSeidman/status/6436593692
http://twitter.com/Rasplundjr/status/6436588543
http://twitter.com/MarvelSmartAss/status/6436571187
http://twitter.com/Rasplundjr/status/6436469815
http://twitter.com/NukeHavoc/status/6436395897
http://twitter.com/PGHolyfield/status/6436359833
http://twitter.com/Quonundrum/status/6436298609
http://twitter.com/AlasdairStuart/status/6436286252
http://twitter.com/otherdoc/status/6436261538
http://twitter.com/pfischer/status/6436239493
http://www.twitter.com/MisterDubbs/status/6436135966
http://twitter.com/Cynical_Woman/status/6436934554
http://twitter.com/zard/status/6436127818
http://twitter.com/tabisue/status/6436088021
http://twitter.com/brucefp/status/6435985866
http://twitter.com/shiatis/status/6435909443
http://twitter.com/DanDanTheArtMan/status/6435895224
http://twitter.com/spiritualtramp/status/6435870801
http://twitter.com/martyndarkly/status/6435868046
http://twitter.com/DrunkasaurusRex/status/6435866457
http://twitter.com/mplested/status/6435862545
http://twitter.com/madpoet/status/6435848506
http://twitter.com/BetaClone076/status/6435819437
http://twitter.com/Battlemouth/status/6435801384
http://twitter.com/MistressJett/status/6435778298
http://twitter.com/SVAllie/status/6435771648
http://twitter.com/thegr8merlyn/status/6435759830
http://twitter.com/melissamdavies/status/6435756693
http://twitter.com/jramboz/status/6435742488
http://twitter.com/Selorian/status/6435740172
http://twitter.com/MsBobbilicious/status/6435729312
http://twitter.com/dcperry/status/6435725906
http://twitter.com/KateSherrod/status/6435725845
http://twitter.com/glemak/status/6435720000
http://twitter.com/mark_marshall/status/6435713205
http://twitter.com/brandg/status/6435711099
http://twitter.com/rsmit212/status/6435708756
]]>
After a week off for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, 7th Son: Descent is back!
Welcome to the sixth (of ten) serialized PDF episodes of the novel 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
Synopsis: The story shifts to Houston, where billionaire oil tycoon A.U. Rookman conducts a videoconference with a business associate. Michael, John, Dr. Mike and the 7th Son soldiers reach Los Angeles. After a tense ride through the streets of West Hollywood, the team arrives at Folie a Deux. The mission to stop John Alpha — and save Dania Sheridan — begins. At the 7th Son facility, Father Thomas, Jack and Jay learn more about Kilroy2.0’s world. A powerful benefactor lends a hand.
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Learn about WORLD WAR 7
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
Like what you’ve read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>After a week off for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, 7th Son: Descent is back!
Welcome to the seventh (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Catch up with the story by downloading past episodes. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
Synopsis: The story shifts to Houston, where billionaire oil tycoon A.U. Rookman conducts a videoconference with a business associate. Michael, John, Dr. Mike and the 7th Son soldiers reach Los Angeles. After a tense ride through the streets of West Hollywood, the team arrives at Folie a Deux. The mission to stop John Alpha — and save Dania Sheridan — begins. At the 7th Son facility, Father Thomas, Jack and Jay learn more about Kilroy2.0’s world. A powerful benefactor lends a hand.
Chatter: J.C. teases a fun 5-minute fan-powered presentation that appears after the chapters. 7th Son: Descent needs your support now more than ever.
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Learn about WORLD WAR 7
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
- Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
- Episode intro provided by Brand Gamblin (from the Tumbler podcast novel)
- Promo: The Gift of Lit
- Promo: Glitter Girl
- Promo: A Long November
7th Son: Descent’s anthem is “Descent” by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.
Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>
We break ‘net with a special report from the WORLD WAR 7 front lines! Would you like to know more?
Learn more about WORLD WAR 7, Warvember and Division 7…
Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>
Welcome to the sixth (of ten) serialized PDF episodes of the novel 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
Synopsis: Coming soon; J.C. apologizes for the inconvenience. He’s currently speaking in NYC.
The Descent podcast will take a brief break next week for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, and will resume the following week.
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
Like what you’ve read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>Welcome to the sixth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
Synopsis: Coming soon; J.C. apologizes for the inconvenience.
Chatter: J.C. is short on time in this episode — he’s about to hop on a plane for NYC. (This is explains the current lack-o-synopsis.) The Descent podcast will take a brief break next week for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, and will resume the following week.
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Learn about WORLD WAR 7
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
- Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
- Episode intro provided by Tabz (from Between The Lines Studios)
7th Son: Descent’s anthem is “Descent” by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.
Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 1 pm
Where: Urban Think! Bookstore ~ 625 East Central Blvd. ~ Orlando, FL 32801
What’s up: I’ll be reading and signing at this fantastic indie bookstore. Come out and see me!
More information: urbanthinkorlando.com
I hope to meet some of you awesome peeps at the event!
–J.C.
]]>
“Do This For Me (Bonus Percussion Version)” is the sixth of six free folk songs from Anyman, written and performed by John Smith, which were released on a weekly schedule here at JCHutchins.net. While a link to more songs was mentioned in John’s 7th Son: 7 Days prequel story, J.C. wanted to provide all five songs to all 7th Son fans. This is the bonus track, a version of “Do This For Me” with a light percussion background.
Miami resident John Smith, a character in J.C.’s upcoming thriller 7th Son: Descent, is a man who dreams big … but lives a small life. Determined to change his life’s course, he recorded a five-song EP titled Anyman, and posted it to the Web. This occurred two weeks before the events seen in 7th Son: Descent.
Lyrics for this song appear beneath the audio player. Learn more about 7th Son: Descent’s print novel release here. Order your copy today.
“Do This For Me” Lyrics
Lemme lay out the situation
The house I’m living in
Is made of blame and condemnation
I’m lookin’ to move out
When the goin’s tough
That’s what I’m all about
Now you could be
A big help to me
Lemme slip on in
So I can start all over again
Let’s explore the opportunity
I’m in your hands
Get a grip and think what you could make of me
You’re on top in this scenario
But when the time is right
I’ll be your impresario
Do this for me
It’s a simple thing
For a complex girl
Do this for me
And I’ll make sure
That I do right by you
Take your time on this decision
I got nowhere to be
And the sun is barely risen
All while you’re thinkin’
I’ll be down here
Persuadin’ and convincin’
Check out this badassery: My pal and fellow writer/podcaster Steve Saylor recently released a new collection of short stories called The Caffeine Collection — and he wants YOU to get a free sneak peek! Yummy free fiction in PDF form … it doesn’t get any better than that, peeps!
He and brilliant musician (and businessman) Geoff Smith have combined forces to create an innovative new series and way to distribute it! Check this tweaked excerpt from a recent press release Steve circulated:
From science fiction and fantasy, to action and comedy, there is a genre for anyone’s taste. Steve Saylor started writing “The Caffeine Collection” after the launch of his podcast novel “Black Shadow” in December of 2007. He wrote most of the collection at his local Starbucks during the summer of 2009 — which inspired its title.
What’s equally noteworthy is how Saylor is using Smith’s “RingtoneFeeder” platform to sell and distribute the series.
RingtoneFeeder is an innovative approach to distributing digital content, such as ringtones. The service offers a paid subscription model which automatically installs original ringtones to an iPhone via iTunes. Saylor’s The Caffeine Collection uses this proven delivery method and model to distribute stories to paid subscribers.
“I am super excited to be the first to distribute a short story collection in the same way,” Saylor said. “This is an experiment which could revolutionize the way authors can publish their work.”
I’m pretty excited about it too — and will be closely watching Steve’s success. In the meantime, you should learn more about Steve’s work, and bebop over to The Caffeine Collection RingtoneFeeder page to experience more risk-free fiction before deciding to support his work. And of course, check out the below link to the free short story Steve’s given us: The 39. Enjoy!
–J.C.
]]>
Welcome to the fourth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
Synopsis: The clones continue to decipher the Morse Code clue. Dr. Mike takes charge. John Alpha’s intentions become more clear. The second half of the clue is decoded. Meanwhile at a military base in the Russian wilderness, a former CIA agent named Doug Devlin reminisces about his past — and his current alliance with a man the clones know very well. A much larger conspiracy is unveiled. The implications of John Alpha’s plans become clearer.
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
Like what you’ve read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>Welcome to the fifth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
Synopsis: The clones continue to decipher the Morse Code clue. Dr. Mike takes charge. John Alpha’s intentions become more clear. The second half of the clue is decoded. Meanwhile at a military base in the Russian wilderness, a former CIA agent named Doug Devlin reminisces about his past — and his current alliance with a man the clones know very well. A much larger conspiracy is unveiled. The implications of John Alpha’s plans become clearer.
Chatter: J.C. briefly mentions the news found in the most recent Beta Clone Army update podcast. He also mistakenly says that there are two chapters in this episode. There are more than two.
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Learn about WORLD WAR 7
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
- Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
- Episode intro provided by Matt Wallace (author of The Next Fix)
- Promo: The Great Debate
- Promo: Alibi Jones
- Promo: Truthseekers
7th Son: Descent’s anthem is “Descent” by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.
Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>Welcome to the fourth Beta Clone Army Update episode! WARVEMBER IS HERE. Are you in?
J.C. spills deets about Week One sales of 7th Son (it’s great news — snag a copy if you haven’t already), and then delivers a nuclear payload of an announcement: he’s declared war on planet Earth! It’s WORLD WAR 7, and you’re invited to enlist in DIVISION 7, an ultra-elite sect of the Beta Clone Army!
In this episode, J.C. chats about:
- WORLD WAR 7, Warvember and Division 7
- Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
NATASHA’S MINISTRY MISSION FOR THIS WEEK:
- OPERATION FRIEND-7
- Talk to seven friends about 7th Son: Descent
- This must occur in real life … no Tweeting, Facebooking, emailing, etc. allowed!
- Email J.C. the first names of those friends (his email address: 7thSonNovel@gmail.com).
- Complete this mission by Wednesday, NOV. 18 and get mentioned on the Agents of the Ministry page and you’ll be in the running for a signed ULTRA RARE advance reader copy of 7th Son: Descent
- Mission completion after Nov. 18 still earns you a place on the Agents page
The Beta Clone Army Update anthem is “Birthright: Birthwrong Remix” by Celldweller and Blue Stahli. Learn more about the artists at Celldweller.com and BlueStahli.com.
The Ministry of Propaganda anthem is “Korobeiniki” by Ozma. Learn more about the band at OzmaOnline.com.
Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>“Katabatic” is the fifth of six free folk songs from Anyman, written and performed by John Smith, which will be released on a weekly schedule here at JCHutchins.net. While a link to more songs was mentioned in John’s 7th Son: 7 Days prequel story, J.C. wanted to provide all five songs to all 7th Son fans … with a bonus track on the sixth week.
Miami resident John Smith, a character in J.C.’s upcoming thriller 7th Son: Descent, is a man who dreams big … but lives a small life. Determined to change his life’s course, he recorded a five-song EP titled Anyman, and posted it to the Web. This occurred two weeks before the events seen in 7th Son: Descent.
Lyrics for this song appear beneath the audio player. Learn more about 7th Son: Descent’s print novel release here. Order your copy today.
“Katabatic” Lyrics
When the power fails
And the walls come down
Pickin’ flowers in the rubble
That’s where I will be found
When the levy breaks
And the ground gives way
I’ll be swimmin’ down your street
Just another perfect day
Ain’t no need to feel pathetic
Don’t go aneurismatic
Everything is katabatic
And when your wishing star becomes a meteor
Aimin’ at your house
Baby don’t you grouse
Just take a page from Johnny’s Big Book of Advice
‘Cuz I’m cold as ice
If the lightning breaks
Its only rule
I just make like Tesla
Baby I’m no fool
You might think
I got it wrong
But if I’m not dead
I must be crazy strong
Ain’t no need to feel pathetic
Just embrace the copacetic
Everything is katabatic
Stand in front of the freezer, wheezer!
Suck on an ice cube, noob!
You must chill, daffodil!
I hail from Kentucky, the Bluegrass State, and am proud to say that my fine commonwealth is the birthplace of bluegrass music. I love the stuff (whenever I’m in a bad mood, I put on my Bill Monroe: Live From Mountain Stage album and things turn around right quick), and also love listening to interviews.
That’s why I was absolutely dazzled by this interview recorded by the brilliant Wichita Rutherford. Wichita came up in podcasting — he remains one of my favorite podcasters of all time; he’s so precious — and now hosts “The Grand Old Time Machine” Sirius/XM show. He recently spent some quality time with bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs … and the interview is nothing short of awesome.
You’ve gotta check out this interview, even if you don’t know much about bluegrass music. You’ll hear an intimate take on Ricky’s life story and family, and his journey into the musical life — and learn a lot about bluegrass along the way. You won’t regret it.
But you gotta move fast; Wichita says the MP3 will be available for a few days.
–J.C.
]]>
Click for gorgeous LARGER version!
My dear friend Tabz recently turned me on to the cool folks at Stranger Press, and — since she’s doing some outreach on the company’s behalf — also hooked me up with a FREE super-sized lithograph of the cover of THE UNTAMED, Volume 1. Smokin’ hot.
But since my walls are covered, I want to give it to YOU!
Check this from Tabz: “THE UNTAMED is the first comic from Stranger Press. The company is truly born out of a Hollywood mindset in terms of quality, look and feel. … Stranger Comics really seeks to bring back the feel of the golden age of comics, but with a modern twist. The stories are dark, but with a resounding, emotional plot line.
“In THE UNTAMED, we meet an unscrupulous man now facing purgatory who seeks escape by killing 7 souls. His journey seems to be going according to plan until he meets a young woman who reminds him of his daughter. Will she be his next victim?”
I’ve read an excerpt, and the thing’s burning my laptop screen, it’s so hot. Check it here.
So. Want that killer litho of THE UNTAMED’s cover? Participation is easy-peasy:
- Send Tabz an email.
- Put in the subject line: J.C. SENT ME!!!
- Start the email with: “Tabz, I am UNTAMED!”
- Include your name and mailing address.
- That’s it.
Tabz herself will randomly select one lucky winner; I’ll post the winner’s name in the comments of this post.
DEADLINE: Nov. 6, 2009. You gotta move fast if you wanna keep up with the Hutch … and THE UNTAMED!
–J.C.
]]>
Welcome to the fourth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
Synopsis: In Washington D.C., Vice President Charles Caine visits a civilian hospital to receive a routine physical examination … but things do not go as planned. Back at the 7th Son facility, the John, Kilroy2.0 and the other Beta Clones puzzle over the clue John Alpha left for them. The clones begin to work together for the first time. Gen. Hill reveals an unexpected hobby. A breakthrough is made.
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
Like what you’ve read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>Welcome to the fourth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
Synopsis: In Washington D.C., Vice President Charles Caine visits a civilian hospital to receive a routine physical examination … but things do not go as planned. Back at the 7th Son facility, the John, Kilroy2.0 and the other Beta Clones puzzle over the clue John Alpha left for them. The clones begin to work together for the first time. Gen. Hill reveals an unexpected hobby. A breakthrough is made.
Chatter: J.C. shares some remarkable stories about Descent’s Oct. 27 debut.
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
- Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
- Episode intro provided by Kreg Steppe (co-host of Technorama)
- Promo: Tales of the Children and Angel Between the Lines
- Promo: The Caffeine Collection
- Promo: Dead Mech
7th Son: Descent’s anthem is “Descent” by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.
Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>What is Mission 777?
As you may know, my novel 7th Son: Descent was released on Oct. 27. On that day, UK resident John Merlin participated in the Beta Clone Army Rewards Program, and wrangled the purchase of 100 copies (!!!) of 7th Son: Descent. In addition to his new status as an ultra-elite 7th Son fan, he also snags gobs of prizes — and I’m flying to his England town to hang with him for a day. (!!!)
Would you like me to come to YOUR city and hang with YOU for a day? I know I do, and I want to give you the tools to make it happen. The best part: All proceeds go to a great cause.
Mission 777 requires seven brave Beta Clone Army volunteers. Like John Merlin, you’ll be the ultra-elite, official 7th Son Ambassadors for a 7-city book tour, funded by me. People in your community — or beyond — will sponsor my tour stop by purchasing copies of 7th Son: Descent in your name. If you hit 100 copies, I’m flying to your city, wherever you are, and hanging with you and other local loyal Beta Clones.
Plus, for every copy sold, I’ll donate $1 (the money I make on each book) to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure charity, which supports breast cancer awareness and research.
I’ll do nearly all of the lifting: I’ll create a website with the profiles of the seven volunteers (aka the Chosen 7), promote it, and manage the site and sponsorship purchases by you, your friends or others. Anyone in the world can sponsor one of the Chosen 7 with book purchases, which will add to their goal of 100. (Sadly, past purchases of 7th Son: Descent cannot count toward the Mission 777 initiative.)
You’ll do your part by providing a face to the cause, and — if you’re up for it — asking your community to help. I’m not seeing a nickel of profit from Mission 777; all money goes to charity. It’s a fun way to get me to your town to meet you and your friends … and sign a lot of books!
Will You Become One of the Chosen 7?
Right now, Mission 777 is just a dream; I won’t pursue it unless I get seven hard-core dedicated fans who want me in their town, and are willing to put forth some effort to talk up Mission 777 in their local or online communities. I’ll do my part by promoting Mission 777 and keeping the Beta Clone Army updated on your progress toward the 100 milestones. If you hit 100 copies purchased in your name, I’m coming to your town. No matter what, all cash goes to charity.
Does this idea work for you? Would you be willing to participate, either as one of the Chosen 7, or as a sponsor by purchasing Mission 777 copies of 7th Son: Descent? I won’t know until you tell me.
Give me a shout in the comments. I would love to see the interest level for this, and make it happen if people dig it.
–J.C.
]]>When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 am – noon
Where: Barnes & Noble, The Shoppes at Wiregrass ~ 28152 Paseo Dr Suite 100 ~ Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
What’s up: I’ll be chatting with the Wesley Chapel chapter of the Florida Writers Association (the city is near Tampa) about my writing, and how I use the web and social media to promote my work. It should be a fun time, with some writerly chit-chat. Books will be available for purchase, and signing.
More information: Call the B&N at 813-907-7739
VIVA LA 7TH SONSHINE STATE!
–J.C.
]]>“Do This For Me” is the fourth of six free folk songs from Anyman, written and performed by John Smith, which will be released on a weekly schedule here at JCHutchins.net. While a link to more songs was mentioned in John’s 7th Son: 7 Days prequel story, J.C. wanted to provide all five songs to all 7th Son fans … with a bonus track on the sixth week.
Miami resident John Smith, a character in J.C.’s upcoming thriller 7th Son: Descent, is a man who dreams big … but lives a small life. Determined to change his life’s course, he recorded a five-song EP titled Anyman, and posted it to the Web. This occurred two weeks before the events seen in 7th Son: Descent.
Lyrics for this song appear beneath the audio player. Learn more about 7th Son: Descent’s print novel release here. Order your copy today.
“Do This For Me” Lyrics
Lemme lay out the situation
The house I’m living in
Is made of blame and condemnation
I’m lookin’ to move out
When the goin’s tough
That’s what I’m all about
Now you could be
A big help to me
Lemme slip on in
So I can start all over again
Let’s explore the opportunity
I’m in your hands
Get a grip and think what you could make of me
You’re on top in this scenario
But when the time is right
I’ll be your impresario
Do this for me
It’s a simple thing
For a complex girl
Do this for me
And I’ll make sure
That I do right by you
Take your time on this decision
I got nowhere to be
And the sun is barely risen
All while you’re thinkin’
I’ll be down here
Persuadin’ and convincin’
Welcome to the third Beta Clone Army Update episode! This one’s a doozy, clocking in at around 90 minutes.
J.C. delivers the goods on how 7th Son: Descent performed on its first day on sale, brags relentlessly about YOU, teases a new initiative debuting later this week, interviews THE John Smith (the real voice behind the Anyman EP), and answers your questions!
In this episode, J.C. chats about:
- A deadline extension for MOP mission “Operation Photo Fun with 7th Son” (see below)
- 7th Son: Descent’s “day one” sales and beyond
- The Beta Clone Army Rewards Program, and John Merlin’s remarkable story
- John Smith’s Anyman songs now available at Myxer.com as free ringtones
- Podioracket’s LIVE call-in book launch party — here’s the recording of the live show
- Big thanks to Beta Clone Army members who “hacked” their websites
- The individually-numbered Beta Clone T-shirts are back!
- Meet J.C. in the Tampa area (Wesley Chapel) on Nov. 7
- Hear the interview with THE John Smith, the mind and voice behind the Anyman EP
- Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
NATASHA’S MINISTRY MISSION FOR THIS WEEK (EXTENDED DEADLINE):
- OPERATION: PHOTO FUN WITH 7TH SON
- Acquire your copy of 7th Son: Descent on Oct. 27.
- Snap a photo of you holding your copy of the book.
- Make sure the photo is either fun or funny!
- Email J.C. your photo (his email address: 7thSonNovel@gmail.com).
- Complete this mission by Friday, NOV. 6 and get mentioned on the Agents of the Ministry page and a signed ULTRA RARE hand-crafted “Project 7th Son Dossier”
- Mission completion after Oct. 30 still earns you a place on the Agents page
- Photos will be posted on J.C.’s site!
The Beta Clone Army Update anthem is “Birthright: Birthwrong Remix” by Celldweller and Blue Stahli. Learn more about the artists at Celldweller.com and BlueStahli.com.
Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>
Since it’s Halloween, I thought I’d toss something unusual in the podcast feed. Check out this experimental piece of fiction I wrote and recorded back in Nov. 2008 titled Ursa Minor.
At the time, Celldweller’s album Soundtrack for the Voices in My Head was brand new (it’s a stellar album; pick up a copy), and I was smitten by its cinematic-style music. I was so inspired, I contacted Celldweller mastermind Klayton and asked if I could write at least one short story inspired by his music … using his music in the story as a soundtrack.
The goal: To tell a complete tale using only the time allowed by the music, while timing plot points and action to specific moments in the music. The end result is Ursa Minor, using the song of the same name from the Celldweller album.
It’s 1:44 minutes long. A fun creative challenge! I hope you enjoy the tale, as brief as it is.
Happy Halloween!
–J.C.
]]>Further evidence of the man’s cleverness, creativity and marketing savvy? The video posted below. Dig this: bret wanted to announce his remix contest in an interesting way (and, as he told me, “have an excuse to play with video stuff”). Behold what he created on a budget of $5, using an old jailbroken iPhone. He did all the editing, sound effects and musical score.
Truly badass stuff. Check it, and check the remix contest for his awesome song UltraNumb, which launches in mere days.
]]>Just a reminder, Florida-based peeps: You can meet me in real life tomorrow night at my 7th Son: Descent book launch party! Check the deets below, and hope to see you there!
When: Friday, Oct. 30, 5 – 8 pm
Where: Fresh Aroma Coffee Bar ~ 3656-G W Hillsboro Blvd. ~ Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
What’s up: It’s the caffeine-fueled celebration for 7th Son: Descent’s print debut! Meet me at Fresh Aroma Coffee Bar, hang out, and make new friends. Bring your copy of Descent to be signed, or purchase a copy (cash only, limited copies available). Each person who gets their book signed scores a free drink at the coffee bar!
More information: myspace.com/fresharomabistro
VIVA LA 7TH SONSHINE STATE!
]]>
Welcome to the third (of ten) free serialized PDF installments of the novel 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is available for purchase now. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
Synopsis: The Beta clones tour the 7th Son facility, discover more about their origins, and learn about John Alpha’s intentions. Longtime fans: This episode features a new chapter, and a new set-piece within the facility!
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
Like what you’ve read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>BUY THE BOOK.
Okay, now let’s really get cookin’. Posts from earlier in the day are “lower” on this blog post. Scroll down to catch up with today’s adventures!
3:00 AM
It’s been a helluva awesome day. Words fail me … but I’ll craft a post in the next day or so. In short: You did it, and exceeded my wildest expectations. Thank you.
I must go to sleep. I must. But here’s the final report from the field. Understand this: These are the highest positions we’ve acheived all day. We have not peaked. Repeat: WE HAVE NOT PEAKED. Astounding.
Amazon report:
- 188 overall, up from 209 at 11:55 pm (we started yesterday at 3,711)
- 31 in Science Fiction/Fantasy (up from 34)
- 11 in Science Fiction (up from 12)
- 3 in Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech
- 55 in Mystery & Thrillers (holding steady)
- 36 in Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers (holding steady)
- 14 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) (up from 16)
- 3 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction) (up from 4)
- 39 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers) (holding steady)
- 26 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers > Thrillers) (holding steady)
- 6 in Movers and Shakers (down from 5)
Note: Since some books in the Amazon charts are free Kindle titles, I’ve adjusted the list below to reflect what positions we “earned.” When these free titles are removed…
- 20 in Science Fiction/Fantasy — 11 free titles were removed
- 5 in Science Fiction — 6 free titles were removed
- 1 in Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech — 2 free titles were removed
- 50 in Mystery & Thrillers — 5 free titles were removed
- 2 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction) — 1 free title was removed
- 38 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers) — 1 free title was removed
Check the charts! And thank you. A thousand-thousand thank yous.
11:55 PM
HIGHER! HIGHER! JETPACK ON!!! Here’s the latest from the field:
Amazon report:
- 209 overall, up from 227 at 10:40 pm (we started the day at 2,484)
- 34 in Science Fiction/Fantasy (up from 35)
- 12 in Science Fiction (up from 13)
- 3 in Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech
- 55 in Mystery & Thrillers (up from 58)
- 36 in Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers (up from 39)
- 16 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) (remaining steady)
- 4 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction) (remaining steady)
- 39 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers) (up from 42)
- 26 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers > Thrillers) (up from 29)
- 5 in Movers and Shakers (remaining steady)
10:40 PM
HOLY CRAP!!! 7th Son ASCENDS! Here’s the latest from the field:
Amazon report:
- 227 overall, up from 310 at 7:55 pm
- 35 in Science Fiction/Fantasy (up from 44)
- 13 in Science Fiction (up from 17)
- 3 in Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech
- 58 in Mystery & Thrillers (up from 64)
- 39 in Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers (up from 42)
- 16 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) (up from 19)
- 4 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction) (remaining steady)
- 42 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers) (up from 44)
- 29 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers > Thrillers) (up from 31)
- 5 in Movers and Shakers (down from 4)
More Clone Line calls have rolled in! Give me a shout; I’ll post it here at the site: (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)…
7:55 PM
Here’s the latest from the field, and it’s a frickin’ doozy:
Amazon report:
- 310 overall, up from 316 at 5:55 pm
- 44 in Science Fiction/Fantasy (up from 47)
- 17 in Science Fiction (up from 18)
- 3 in Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech
- 64 in Mystery & Thrillers (up from 65)
- 42 in Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers (remains steady)
- 19 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) (up from 20)
- 4 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction) (up from 5)
- 44 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers) (remains steady)
- 31 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers > Thrillers) (remains steady)
- 4 in Movers and Shakers
- Kindle Edition: 24 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction)
More Clone Line calls have rolled in! Give me a shout; I’ll post it here at the site: (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)…
5:55 PM
Here’s the latest from the field:
Amazon report:
- 316 overall, slipped from 315 at 3:56 pm
- 47 in Science Fiction/Fantasy (slipped from 46)
- 18 in Science Fiction (up from 20)
- 3 in Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech
- 65 in Mystery & Thrillers (up from 66)
- 42 in Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers (up from 43)
- 20 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) (slipped from 19)
- 5 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction) (up from 6)
- 44 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers) (remaining steady)
- 31 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers > Thrillers) (remaining steady)
Momentum is slowing, and the competition’s getting tough. Can we bring it? Check the charts! And please, email a friend about 7th Son!
More Clone Line calls have rolled in! Give me a shout; I’ll post it here at the site: (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)…
3:56 PM
It’s the latest Amazon update. Back in June, Personal Effects: Dark Art hit 280 overall at Amazon, on “Day One.” How are we doing so far with 7th Son: Descent?
Amazon report:
- 315 overall, up from 342 at 1:50 pm
- 46 in Science Fiction/Fantasy (up from 48)
- 20 in Science Fiction (remains steady)
- 3 in Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech
- 66 in Mystery & Thrillers (up from 70)
- 43 in Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers (up from 45)
- 19 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) (up from 20)
- 6 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction) (remains steady)
- 44 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers) (up from 46)
- 31 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers > Thrillers) (up from 32)
Momentum is slowing, and the competition’s getting tough. Can we bring it? Check the charts! And please, email a friend about 7th Son!
More Clone Line calls have rolled in! Give me a shout; I’ll post it here at the site: (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)…
1:50 PM
Another Amazon report, peeps — you’re KILLING IT!
Amazon report:
- 342 overall, up from 482 at 11:58 am
- 48 in Science Fiction/Fantasy (up from 76)
- 20 in Science Fiction (up from 25)
- 3 in Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech
- 70 in Mystery & Thrillers (up from 99)
- 45 in Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers (up from 66)
- 20 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) (up from 31)
- 6 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction) (up from 8 )
- 46 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers) (up from 56)
- 32 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers > Thrillers) (up from 39)
ASTOUNDING! Check the charts! And please, spread the word!
Time for more Clone Line calls, too! I think the murderous Jesse Fowler himself is on the phone! Give me a ring: (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)…
11:58 AM
It’s an Amazon report with a HUGE jump in the charts, and more Clone Line calls! Sounds like Kilroy2.0 himself HACKED into the Clone Line!
Amazon report:
- 482 overall, up from 1,211 at 9:55 am
- 25 in Science Fiction (up from 44)
- 3 in Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech
- 31 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) (up from 67)
- 66 in Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers
This is STELLAR news! Check the charts!
On to the Clone Line calls! Give me a ring of support, especially if you’ve snagged your copy! (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)….
10:06 AM
More Clone Line goodness! Give me a ring of support, especially if you’ve snagged your copy! (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)….
9:55 AM
Amazon report:
- 1,211 overall, up from 1,896 at 9:30 am
- 44 in Science Fiction
- 3 in Science Fiction > High Tech
- 67 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
You’re making it happen! Check the charts!
9:45 AM
More calls from the Clone Line! Chime in! Make it on the site! (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)….
9:30 AM
Amazon report: Currently: 1,896 overall, up from 2,484 at 8:30 am. You’re bringing it! Keep it coming!
8:35 AM
Yes, Twitter was down. Yes, this made me a mite … fussy. But we’re back!
7:00 AM
Let’s start with some Clone Line calls from YOU! (Adult language ABOUNDS. Some of these calls are NSFW. You’ve been warned!)
Call the Clone Line! Make it on the site! (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)….
]]>
Ladies and gentlemen, the day the Beta Clone Army has waited for is HERE. The ascent of Descent has begun!
To celebrate the print release of 7th Son: Descent, I’ve whipped up a spiffy long-form PDF excerpt of the novel for your consumption. If you’re a newcomer to 7th Son and my work, this is a easy — and free — way to dive into my fiction, give it a test drive, and see if it’s up your alley. For longtime fans, here’s a chance to see what the “insides” of the book are like, and share the PDF with friends.
This Special Edition PDF features the novel’s first ten chapters, a note from me, and a printable book order form that you can present in your favorite bookstore today. It also features links to online stores, if you prefer to point, click and purchase. There are links to more information about 7th Son, and ways to share the PDF with family and friends too.
I encourage you to freely distribute this PDF on your blogs, sites, Facebook and MySpace pages, via Twitter or email … any way you wish. This is a grassroots movement, and YOU can play a mission-critical role in spreading the word.
This PDF is being released on multiple websites today. As a thank you for these sites’ help, I’ve created and inserted full-page ads for their content within this PDF. All of these content creators are worthy of your attention. They include:
- Boing Boing
- Suicide Girls
- Chris Brogan
- C.C. Chapman
- Scott Sigler
- Mur Lafferty
- Matt Wallace
- Mignon Fogarty (aka Grammar Girl)
- Tor.com
- Jason Falls
- Chris Abraham
- Beth Dunn
- Lauren Vargas
- Justin Levy
- Doug Haslam
- Steve Garfield
- Christopher S. Penn
Thank you for supporting my work in the past, and now, when 7th Son: Descent needs it the most.
Let’s make Kilroy2.0 be here and everywhere…
–J.C.
]]>Welcome to the third (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is available for purchase now. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
Synopsis: The Beta clones tour the 7th Son facility, discover more about their origins, and learn about John Alpha’s intentions. Longtime fans: This episode features a new chapter, and a new set-piece within the facility!
Chatter: Very little chatter. You know what to do.
- Order 7th Son: Descent
- Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
- Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
- Episode intro provided by James Melzer (author of Escape)
- Promo: The Command Line
- Promo: Two Guys Tech
- Promo: The Incident at Station 23
7th Son: Descent’s anthem is “Descent” by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.
Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
]]>Greetings, 7th Son fans! On the eve of Descent’s bookstore debut, Natasha, the voice of the 7th Son Ministry of Propaganda, wants to remind you of this week’s MOP mission — Operation: Photo Fun with 7th Son.
Here’s the deets:
OPERATION: PHOTO FUN WITH 7TH SON
- Obtain your print copy of 7th Son: Descent.
- Snap a photo of you with your copy (or copies!).
- Make sure the photo is either fun or funny!
- Email J.C. your photo (his email address: 7thSonNovel@gmail.com).
- Complete this mission by Friday, OCT. 30 and get mentioned on the Agents of the Ministry page and be in the running for a signed ULTRA RARE hand-crafted “Project 7th Son Dossier”
- Mission completion after Oct. 30 still earns you a place on the Agents page
- Photos will be posted on J.C.’s site!
This has been a dispatch from the 7th Son Ministry of Propaganda.
~ Domination Through Replication ~
Transmission ends.
]]>
Let it be said that I unabashedly crush on Mignon Fogarty, aka Grammar Girl. It’s not a “come hither” kind of crush (though I hope she won’t mind me saying that she is a knockout) … it’s a creative crush, a crush fueled by absolute admiration and amazement for what she does, and how danged easy she makes it look.
Grammar Girl’s podcast is one of the most popular indie ‘casts in the Milky Way galaxy, and for good reason: Each week, she provides invaluable advice on how to become a better writer. She tackles such pesky issues as “affect vs. effect,” “who vs. whom,” the particularly stymieing “that vs. which” and so much more. Regardless of your professional field, her show will improve your communication skills.
She’s also the brains behind the Quick and Dirty Tips network, a website thriving with other podcasts filled with equally awesome advice. Plus, she’s a New York Times bestselling writer; her Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing book was released to stellar acclaim last year, and still dominates several writing-related catagories at Amazon.com.
The best part? Mignon is back with a NEW book, which promises to deliver some killer advice: The Grammar Devotional. What I’ve read of this book is stellar, packed with resonant, practical advice for writers of all skill levels. If you’re keen to polish your wordherding skills, this is a must-buy. In fact, here’s the book’s Amazon page. Go get ‘em, tiger.
Want to give some of Mignon’s daily tips a test drive before you buy? I’ve gotcha covered. Dig the link to the PDF below; there, you can download a month’s worth of the books daily tips, for free. If you find it as helpful as I did, you’ll click that Amazon link and snag a copy.
There are few authors I endorse without hesitation. Mignon Fogarty is one of them. Check out The Grammar Devotional, support her work, and become a better writer in the process! Everybody wins!
–J.C.
]]>
Sweet! 7th Son: Descent’s beloved carpenter/bartender/musician character John Smith has posted some of his “Anyman” EP songs as free ringtones at Myxer.com! And they’re all free!
Myxer is the leader in ad-supported mobile entertainment: With millions of mobile users and tens of million mobile downloads a month, Myxer is the largest and fastest-growing place for mobile content today. The service was created to make the mobile content experience simple, fun, and free!
Trust me, peeps: the site is 100% legit and free — it’s not a scummy subscription service and there are no monthly fees. (To get the content on your phone, message and data rates may apply, though.) Myxer is compatible with most carriers including AT&T, Cellular One, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Virgin Mobile and TMobile.
So whatcha waitin’ for? Visit John’s Myxer artist page for more information, or give the widgets below a spin! You can be ringin’ and rockin’ with John Smith in no time!
More from John Smith at Myxer
More from John Smith at Myxer
More from John Smith at Myxer
More from John Smith at Myxer
More from John Smith at Myxer
]]>“Winter Love” is the third of six free folk songs from Anyman, written and performed by John Smith, which will be released on a weekly schedule here at JCHutchins.net. While a link to more songs was mentioned in John’s 7th Son: 7 Days prequel story, J.C. wanted to provide all five songs to all 7th Son fans … with a bonus track on the sixth week.
Miami resident John Smith, a character in J.C.’s upcoming thriller 7th Son: Descent, is a man who dreams big … but lives a small life. Determined to change his life’s course, he recorded a five-song EP titled Anyman, and posted it to the Web. This occurred two weeks before the events seen in 7th Son: Descent.
Lyrics for this song appear beneath the audio player. Learn more about 7th Son: Descent’s print novel release here. Order your copy today.
“Winter Love” Lyrics
Don’t gimme that bit about
“Every thing in its season”
That’s only numbers and blocks on a page
Don’t try to tell me there’s no
Particular reason
I won’t go peacefully into the next phase
Don’t tell me you don’t recall
The first day of Springtime
The way we met was such a sweet cliche
Can’t believe you would forget
The height of last summer
And how we spent each hour
Of the longest day
Don’t pretend
You didn’t plan this from the start
By Winter’s end
Passion frozen in your heart
I never said
I’d be an actor in this play
I don’t intend
To walk away as winter fades to gray
I don’t believe that you
Have found yourself a new prince
There’s no one anywhere in the world like me
Don’t tell me he was a surprise
Don’t try to convince
What makes you think I even wanna be free
Don’t care if the air you breathe
Comes cold from your lips
Don’t matter to me if the trees have lost all their leaves
There ain’t no golden bough
And I’ll remain your king