It’s a new year, and in this little corner of the world, it’s the most important year of my life. On June 9th, my supernatural thriller, Personal Effects: Dark Art, debuts in bookstores. In the fall, Descent, the first novel in my 7th Son trilogy, will be released. My lifelong dream of being a published novelist will come true. That’s truly spiffy.
I’ve had a long time to think about 2009 — after all, the publishing contracts for both books were signed in 2007 — and how I could celebrate these novel releases. A sliver of myself wanted to reboot my worldview and pretend to be a STAR, a success story, a rock-n-roller ready to kick the world in the balls. Fear me, world. Buy me. Read me. Shamelessly adore me.
What balderdash. I can’t be someone I’m not … and I certainly can’t be what I’ve yet to achieve. And as someone who finds it gravely unwise to forget his roots, I can’t ignore the real reasons why I’ve been given the honor and opportunity to realize this lifelong dream.
2009 can’t about me. 2009 must be about you.
Don’t pretend to be surprised by this. You, and the tens of thousands of others who’ve supported my creative work for the past three years, are the reason why this often-shy wordherder is doing a year-long Snoopy dance. Your support, voice mails, emails and evangelism made 7th Son (and last year’s experimental OBSIDIAN anthology) more successful than I could’ve ever imagined. You were legion, you were vociferous, you became far more than an audience. You became friends.
Your screams at the end of those cliffhangering episodes (man, that feels like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?) convinced me the story I was telling was solid. Your encouragement pushed me to give another go at finding a literary agent. Your buzz helped convince St. Martin’s Press to give this green author a shot. And here we are, on the cusp of 2009.
2009, The Year Of The Fan.
And so, with a new year comes resolutions. I will keep creating and delivering entertainment for you, during 2009. I’m committed to thrilling and surprising you, and giving you more updates on my work and works-in-progress. There’s lots to talk about. Pre-release fiction for Personal Effects: Dark Art. Pre-release fiction for 7th Son. Something ambitious called The 33. And a hearty dollop of author updates, audio essays and more.
We all understand that I’ll depend on you and your support more than ever this year, and that I have something to gain from that. This is no secret — I’d dare not ignore mentioning it — and I pray you’ll bring your A-game to the field when I utter the battle cry for support. In the meantime, I’m going to do everything I can to dazzle you with more entertainment, more cliffhangers, and new narrative worlds and characters. I hope you’ll join me for the ride.
In the end, a storyteller is nothing without an audience. A tale is vapor when told to an empty room. That’s why this year, more than ever, you’re the STAR … you’re the success story … you’re the rock-n-roller ready to kick the world in the balls. The world will fear you. And if you’re cool with it, I’ll shamelessly adore you.
As a tiny token of my appreciation, and as a way to remind you of your awesomeness, I’ve created a computer wallpaper to celebrate 2009, and you. Download it here, and kindly post it on your monitor with pride, just for a bit. Enter this year knowing that you’re the reason why at least one man can say he achieved his dream … and know that he’ll never, ever forget who delivered him there.
I owe you so much. I’m honored to call you my friend. And I’ll remain ever-humbled by your encouragement, evangelism and support.
Here’s to 2009. The Year Of The Fan. Your year.
–J.C.
We got your back, Hutch. It’s going to be a hell of a year.
The Agents of the Ministry are already preparing for the infiltration missions.
I only knew you from Twitter. But because of reading here, and your tweets, I WILL DEFINITELY be buying the books!
Long live the earworm!!!
So happy for all the awesome coming your way, Hutch! You deserve it, and I can’t wait to have Descent finally in my hands!
…
The world needs The 33…
If you keep turning out stuff with the quality of 7th Son, I know Osaka and I will still be here. I’m looking forward to both your books and will display them proudly alongside “Infected”, “Contagious”, and “Playing for Keeps”.
Dude… the fact that you’re praising your fans for being awesome just makes *you* all the more awesomer. I could see this getting very cyclical. A cycle of awesome.
Love your attitude, love your old stuff, can’t wait for your new stuff.
You guys are making me blush with your kindness. Thank you for being a fan — and for supporting my work! Let’s make your year the best one yet!
–J.C.
A first time author with not one, but TWO novels coming out in the same year? That is all kinds of awesome.
You busted your ass creating killer content for us, and *earned* every fan you have. Well done, J.C, and I’m sure this is merely the start of a killer career.
Thanks, Hittman. I wouldn’t be here without the tireless support of you and so many others. You rock.
–J.C.
Hutch, you are truly a class act. I wish you all the success in 2009. I’ll be there when the call goes out.
Michell, thanks so much. Just giving credit where credit is due. And thanks for your support this year!
–J.C.
I don’t know, it could be the “Year of the Cat” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_of_the_Cat – but “Year of the Fan” sounds good. Have to see.
Seriously though, I’m really looking forward to you having some novels in print to put on the shelf
Thanks, Mainframe! As a cat person, I’m happy to share the year with our feline friends. Meow!
And what a year it is shaping up to be. Looking to every bit of content. Ready to deny deny deny.
No seriously, you have been one of the models of self-promotion, enfluential and engaging, and always inspiring; daring others to not just dream but fulfill those dreams. Dr. Randy Pausch would be echoing your awesomeness if he still were alive. If it is the Year of the Fan, then you are certainly included; a fan of music, break neck speed horror, and pushing readers as well as other authors to think outside the box. Admirable.
This year, you get to achieve a childhood dream, and we will be with you every step as yu complete the cycle; from fan of Scott Sigler, to author and media whore personnified, to maniacal slave driver, and back to the fanatic you truly are. Shine brightly, J.C.
Thanks, Allen!
Hutch, you r the MAN!! So much love your work, and your attitude,
and on Twitter, not only do I feel like a fan, a raving lunatic of a fan, but as a friend as well. Without u and your work in the world, my life would not be as much fun as it is now,
So please keep up the creativity, and if stuff you know I will be there, among thousands of others, to assist in any way possible.
Love yah.
Tanglust
My friend, you’ve worked so hard, written so well, and damn well teased and delighted your audience so much.
2009 is the year where you calcitrate backsides, then demand particulars.
A doff of the cap to you sir, and God’s speed! Huzzah!
Tanglust and Martyn: Thanks a million for the kind words and support, guys. It’s gonna make it a helluva year, I hope!
You guys rock my multiverse.
–J.C.
Thanx to your amazing writing and reading, promotion of self and others. I have enjoyed everything I’ve listened to at your command, er mention. (I will obey Mr. Alpha sire) Since I’ve found you, with your stuff and recommendations I have subscribed to over 300 podcasts with more than 1200 episodes to work through.
Keep the good stuff coming. If there is any way this lowly & addicted Beta Clone can help with anything to further the cause, PLEASE do not hesitate to make your commands, I mean needs, known.
At your service,
Antny
Hutch, this is one fan who has been looking forward to 2009 since that hawesome announcement. Now even though this year is the year of the fan, I would be remiss without saying that without you there is no fans to speak of. This is as much your year as ours, so make yourself a fan and this could be all about you too! LOL
I say all that to say, you rock, and I like rocks.
Totally doin’ fine in ’09!
Steve “Snowball” Saylor
Proud to serve, Mr. Hutchins.
I jumped on the Seventh Son bandwagon waaaaay late, so I haven’t really been able to do much relevant MOP stuff for you, yet. I, like the others, will do as you command.
And while that’s all well and good, I want Meme, dang it. Have there been any more developments on that story?
Hutch what can I say? Like that other guy you are in the vanguard of the new media. You also write some kick-ass books.
I can’t go to say James Patterson’s site, get his personal cel, call him during work, then hear Kilroy on the phone! I can’t call that King guy up and offer to buy him a beer (which I still owe you btw).
Thanks for the great content and the accessability.
Evan aka EJKorvette, posted while having a free Grand Slam at the Denny’s at Commercial and Federal