BOOK ONE: Chapter 23
June 27, 2006
J.C. pimps the Infection/7th Son SHARE THE PAIN crossover contest, and finally reveals the Easter Egg from the first chapter. After this week, only four more episodes remain in Book One: Descent!
Synopsis: Kilroy2.0, Jack and Jonathan’s search for NEPTH-charge victims sends them to a horrific CDC report that reveals another mystery. John finally meets Hugh Sheridan … and the true nature of Project 7th Son is unveiled.
Promo: Sundown Lounge
Promo: All Axis Radio Canada
Promo: Barely Podcasting Podcast
“SHARE THE PAIN” contest hosted by Podcast Pickle.
An AWESOME review of 7th Son!
June 22, 2006
I always thought 7th Son was a spiffy story, but now I have proof! Australian listener Tim Byatt has critiqued 7S for his website/blog, Podcast Reviews … and gave the podcast 8 out of 10 stars. You can’t beat that with a stick!
In his review, Tim complimented my reading and voice acting. (Oh, if only Tim — and the rest of you — could hear all my all-too-often flubs!) Most flattering, however, were his kind words about John and the other main characters:
“While the plot of the story is interesting and engaging, what makes this story for me is the character development within the story,” Tim wrote. “The seven John Michael Smiths … have all taken different paths in life and as such have quite distinct personalities. … These characters and their development give rise to questions about nature versus nurture and the potential to mold people to a certain way of not just thinking, but actually being.”
Wow! Thanks for the review, Tim! Everybody, be sure to check out Podcast Reviews for Tim’s thoughts on other ‘casts. Tim also has another website, Movie Reviews Plus, where he and a buddy review … wait for it … movies. Extremely cool stuff!
BOOK ONE: Chapters 21 & 22
June 20, 2006
J.C. thanks his listeners, encourages them to continue their 7th Son evangelism, and pimps “SHARE THE PAIN,” the new Infection/7th Son crossover contest.
Synopsis: John travels into the depths of the 7th Son facility for a family reunion … and encounters an unexpected, familiar face. Kilroy2.0, Jack and Jonathan slip into the CDC’s secure intranet, searching for NEPTH-charge victims. In Russia, the Devlins finally begin their first — and last — mission together.
Promo: Fiddle and Burn
Promo: The House Down Cherry Tree Lane
Promo: Much To Do About Nothing
“SHARE THE PAIN” contest hosted by Podcast Pickle.
BOOK ONE: Chapters 19 & 20
June 13, 2006
Would someone tell that author to shut the hell up? In the epic-length intro, info abounds about “SHARE THE PAIN,” the new Infection/7th Son crossover contest! Listen to both novels … and win killer prizes! After the chapter, J.C. also chats about the Parsec Awards … and a jaw-dropping 7th Son spoiler is revealed in the Clone Line (206-984-2566) segment. This one can’t be missed!
Synopsis: At the 7th Son facility, John, Jack and Jonathan learn more about Kilroy2.0’s world. A powerful benefactor lends a hand. In California, Michael, Dr. Mike and Fr. Thomas and the 7th Son soldiers invade the night club. They find Folie à Deux silent and empty. Or is it?
Promo: Jack Mangan’s Deadpan
Promo: The Transcontinental Penguin Super Show
“SHARE THE PAIN” contest sponsored by Podcast Pickle.
7th Son street team … any takers?
June 9, 2006
I’ve lately been toying with the idea of creating a 7th Son street team, in which 7th Son fans become evangelists by distributing 7S flyers in the “real world” — on campuses, community bulletin boards, telephone poles, the works.
I tapped my talented friend Jo to create a prototype flyer, and I’m thrilled with the end product. The goal of this flyer (and others, if this gets off the ground) is to evoke intrigue, and motivate folks to visit my website for more information. Here’s a quick peek at Jo’s image, a deliciously diabolical nod to 7th Son’s prologue:

Right now, plans for a 7th Son street team are nebulous … but that can quickly change with your feedback. Would you be interested in participating in a real-world viral marketing campaign such as this? Give me a holler at 7thsonnovel@gmail.com if you’re willing to be a solider in the 7S street team.
Finally, if there are graphic designers out there who’d like to contribute to flyer creation, I’d also love to hear from you.
On tangibility, brilliant blogging, and Father Thomas' plight
June 8, 2006
Despite the fact that 7th Son isn’t a published novel in the conventional sense — a thing that one can put on a bookshelf — the feedback that I receive from listeners brings a sense of “real-ness,” tangibility, to the work. The novel seems to be making an impact, moving people to mention it to friends … and I think that’s the highest compliment any artist can receive.
Take this masterfully-written blog post by listener Michael. Michael has been moved to comment about the plight of 7th Son’s Father Thomas. As fans know, Thomas’ spiritual world has been rocked since he has discovered that he’s a clone. He fears that he is a soulless, “manufactured thing.” Quite a dilemma for a Catholic priest to have.
Michael will be exploring Thomas’ woes — and his own take on the clone/soul issue — in a multi-part commentary on his blog, “Brother Osric’s Scriptorium.” Michael is a very intelligent, very gifted writer, and I can’t wait to see what he has to say on the subject. If the spiritual subtext of 7th Son intrigues you, I heartily recommend checking out his blog.
Michael, thanks for sharing your views with your readers … and for making 7th Son that much more “real” and tangible for me!
I can die a happy man
June 8, 2006
Being the curious geek that I am, I adore Wikipedia and its boundless supply of content. It’s often my first stop when I’m jonesing to score a fix o’ facts.
Now, some people dream of fame and fortune. My dream? For my work to be worthy of a Wikipedia mention.
I’ll be damned if dreams don’t come true. Neither “J.C. Hutchins” nor “7th Son” has a wiki entry … but that ubiquitous hacker we all know so well, Kilroy2.0, is mentioned in a wiki entry about Kilroy, the World War II myth:

It’s a tiny mention, but I was tickled to see it there nonetheless. I don’t know which 7th Son fan mentioned Kilroy2.0, but whoever you are, you rock!
BOOK ONE: Chapter 18
June 6, 2006
Astoundingly cool, new, exclusive content awaits at JCHutchins.net! Feast your peepers on shiny 7th Son web banners, fresh desktop wallpapers/screen savers … and a spiffy “7th Son Technology” section, where you can find the 411 on NEPTH-charge, MemR/I and more. Plus, J.C. reveals his true name in the Clone Line segment!
Synopsis: Michael, Fr. Thomas, Dr. Mike and the 7th Son soldiers reach Los Angeles. Michael briefs his brothers on the plan of attack. After a tense ride through the streets of West Hollywood, they arrive at Folie à Deux. The mission to stop John Alpha — and save Dania Sheridan — begins.
Promo: Weekly Anime Review
Promo: Whole Lot of Nonsense Podcast
Promo: Skunk Smells Podcast
7th Son goes Hollywood? (No, but almost as cool…)
June 3, 2006
If you’ve listened to the most recent episode of 7th Son and heard the messages left on the Clone Line (206-984-2566), you might remember uber-fan Manata’s voice mail. He was the guy who called in sick to work to listen to all 7th Son episodes in practically one sitting. As an author, I can tell you: I doesn’t get much cooler than that.
Or does it? Turns out Manata has a blog, and he’s been praising 7th Son there. Better still, Manata let his imagination run wild, and did a virtual “casting call” of actors and actresses who’d appear in 7th Son, if it were made into a big-budget movie. Some highlights from Manata’s who’s who of actors include:
- Philip Baker Hall as A.U. Rookman, the corrupt oil tycoon seen in Chapter 17
- Clancy Brown or Colin McFarlane as Gen. Hill (I think Brown is a badass, but I prefer McFarlane, as Hill is African-American)
- Carrie-Ann Moss as John’s girlfriend, Sarah
- And playing the Beta Clones (and John Alpha)? Either Thomas Arana or Mark Ruffalo
Awesome casting, Manata! Thanks for the inspired evangelism!
Personally, I’d love to see Ryan Reynolds in the role of the Betas. Since he’s best known for his comedic roles, Reynolds may not be an obvious choice. But the man does have experience in a fat suit (perfect for Kilroy2.0), he’s lean, and has that ripped muscle mojo going on (perfect for Michael the Marine).
I first thought of Reynolds when I watched Blade: Trinity. He was the best thing about the that flick. And if there’s any doubt that Reynolds isn’t one bad mamma-jamma, I present this production still from Trinity:





