Sword of Blood “Grand Design of Nine” PDF
August 27, 2009
No Personal Effects story is complete without a transmedia experience. Behold, Sword of Blood’s — a PDF featuring the “Grand Design of Nine” quilt designs described in the novella! (Note: Do NOT view this PDF if you haven’t listened to Episode 6 of the story, lest you be spoiled.)
SYNOPSIS:
This 24-page PDF file reveals real photos of the “Grand Design of Nine” quilt blocks described in Personal Effects: Sword of Blood. This transmedia experience allows you to see the quilt blocks as hero Zach Taylor did, and view the encoded “buttonhole” text — as well as the hidden designs mentioned in the novella.
This PDF release marks the conclusion of Personal Effects: Sword of Blood. Hutch hopes you enjoyed the story, and will check out its follow-up, the groundbreaking transmedia novel, Personal Effects: Dark Art!
NEW TO J.C.’s FICTION, OR PODCASTING?
I’ve been releasing free audiobooks since 2006; Personal Effects: Sword of Blood is my way of celebrating the recent release of Personal Effects: Dark Art, a novel that combines the traditional novel experience with a multimedia-fueled “out of book” narrative that unfolds via phone, email and websites. Order a copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art today.
Listen to the episode by clicking the “play” button below. Catch up with the story by visiting the Sword of Blood synopsis page. Learn how to subscribe this podcast here.
Clickers vs. Brickers
August 25, 2009
I conducted a poll on Twitter today, hungry to satisfy a curiosity I’d had for a long time. I asked:
Question: When you buy books, are you MOSTLY a “clicker” (meaning shop online), or a “bricker” (shop in brick-and-mortar stores)?
I tallied results for three hours. The results of the poll rocked my little noggin.
Why I Asked
Since the June release of my debut novel Personal Effects: Dark Art, I’ve been keen to learn more about the buying habits of shoppers. But not just any shoppers — “my” shoppers, my peeps, the folks who’ve supported my free podcast fiction for years. I wanted data, so I could see where and why my peeps shop where they shop, so I could strategize my upcoming outreach efforts for my technothriller 7th Son: Descent, which will be released in late October.
Based on three and a half years of anecdotal data (culled from thousands of emails), some statistical knowledge of the space (culled from white papers on podcasting, mostly) and some first-hand statistical data (culled from my mailing list), I already knew some things about my peeps:
- Most have a college degree; many have post-graduate degrees
- Most have disposable income (though it may be ever-dwindling in this shithole economy)
- They are overwhelmingly male
- Most are between the ages of 36-45, though my work is popular with the 26-35 and 46-and-over markets
- They have online tech savvy (I use the inconvenient task of subscribing to a podcast as an unofficial barometer of this; subscribing to podcasts is still a pain)
- They are social media savvy (The fact that they were on Twitter and could “@” reply was the barometer here, as well as my experiences with them in other communities, including my own)
I fully understood that this poll was unscientific. I didn’t care about science, and honestly believe that Objectivity is a myth. (From my experiences as a newspaperman, I concluded long ago that nearly any thing that is observed alters its behavior because it knows it’s being observed, thus altering the foundation for accurate reporting. Further, no journalist is Objective; it’s an emotional impossibility.) I was questing for anecdotal data — real-world, from-the-gut results provided by what I perceived as my core fan base.
What I Expected
My expectations, before I asked the question, were practically chiseled in my brain. I firmly believed that the Twitter crowd (who represented my “base,” in this unscientific endeavor) would overwhelmingly choose “clicker” over “bricker” — a clear preference for online shopping. This was a natural assumption based on a few things:
- They’re likely online far more than the “average” consumer (Hell, they were tweeting during business hours!)
- This online familiarity implied confidence and familiarity with online retailers such as Amazon.com
- Based on observations from book launches during the past two years (including recent launches of Personal Effects and Trust Agents), Amazon was swarming with Day One purchases, implying further familiarity
- I totally projected my own shopping behavior onto my fans. I’m a clicker, nearly exclusively.
How I Collated the Data
I received so many responses to my informal poll, I could barely keep up. Many thanks to all my friends who “re-tweeted” my question, which made it reach more respondents that I could have on my own.
I collected responses into four groups:
- Folks who were “clickers,” mostly online shoppers
- Folks who were “brickers,” mostly in-store shoppers
- Folks who said they did both equally (“50/50″)
- Folks whose answers didn’t express a clear preference
I tallied up the “clicker” and “bricker” responses, and then took the “50/50″ responses, and — since these shoppers were equally inclined to shop online and in-store — added a point to both the “clicker” and “bricker” tallies for each response. I did not add the unclear responses to the tallies.
The Results
Here ya go:
Clicker
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Bricker
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Clicker: 118
Bricker: 117
This is quite different than what I expected.
What Does It Mean? (Part One)
The most illuminating take-away for me was that the people whom I perceive to be my core fan base — tech-savvy social media users (or outright geeks) — love to shop in brick-and-mortar bookstores. Yes, yes, they obviously love shopping online … but these results clearly indicate that new media authors like me, who forge their reputations online, cannot ignore the allure and power of brick-and-mortar stores. New media authors simply cannot expect fans to head to Amazon — which is the easy (and perhaps wrongheaded) thing to assume, as several comments below suggest.
Some Comments
Here are a several interesting responses from Twitter users. (Some comments edited for spelling/clarity)
If I know what I want, I buy it online. I’m more likely to buy a book at random from the store, though. (writeingthings)
I like buying in stores. There’s something special about buying books in an actual store. (TheCharmQuark)
I’m about 50% split. If I KNOW what book I want, I’ll buy it online, but if I’m at a bookstore, I’ll browse and buy. (basest)
I am a clicker to research, but a bricker to buy. I gotta feel the book. *rubs fingers together* (greenglam)
I guess I’m a “bricker.” Prefer holding it in my hands, and the immediate gratification of taking it home right then and there. (nickhinton)
Mostly a clicker, b/c of price. Also b/c many authors are selling signed copies directly. (chrisbowsman)
Amazon.com is the only way I buy books, 99.99% of the time. Free shipping and awesome deals rocks. (unixtudotnet)
I’m both. I buy paper, I buy Kindle, I buy audiobooks. Different book form factors for different purposes. (cspenn)
What Does It Mean? (Part Two)
What does this imply for my pre-release outreach strategies for 7th Son: Descent? I don’t rightly know yet. It certainly suggests that reminding fans to pre-order and purchase in-store is mission-critical for new media authors. Buying in-store represents natural shopping behavior, but it’s less convenient than shopping online. Since the bookstore is a “destination” (drive drive drive to the store, etc.), busy folks must be politely reminded that it’s totally cool to buy in-store — but for the love of Pete, don’t forget to buy! New media authors cannot assume Amazon is the magic bullet answer.
What else does it mean? I’m digesting this anecdotal data now, and hope to come to some conclusions that will help me effectively promote 7th Son: Descent — and effectively direct fans to their ideal shopping options during the first two critical weeks the book is available for purchase. Sustained sales are the secret to a great-performing book … but nothing beats a good, hot-damn grand opening.
What do you think? Am I making wrongheaded assumptions about this anecdotal data? Are my findings elementary? What conclusions or insights can you share?
HEY, EVERYBODY #024: Chris Brogan
August 24, 2009
In this episode of Hey, Everybody!, J.C. chats with blogger/new media ninja Chris Brogan about Trust Agents, the book Chris recently co-authored with Julien Smith (another new media badass). It’s a terrific conversation, and in addition to sharing some terrific insights from the book, Chris more than proves his geek cred, as he makes nerd-pleasing pop culture references to icons such as…
- Dungeons & Dragons
- The Matrix
- Soylent Green
- The Lord of the Rings
- Video gaming
- And more, including a hat-tip to Limp Bizkit, just for shock and awe
In short, Chris Brogan is one of us, peeps. He speaks YOUR language. Enjoy the interview!
NOTE: As J.C. explains in the episode intro, the interview’s audio quality is … troubled. Hutch did the very best he could to remove as much distortion from his side of the conversation as possible.
- Visit the Trust Agents Facebook Group page
- Purchase Trust Agents
- Chris Brogan’s website
- Julien Smith’s website
- J.C.’s 2008 interview with Chris Brogan for the Ultracreatives Interview Series
- J.C.’s recent endorsement of Trust Agents
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.
Personal Effects: Sword of Blood episode 7
August 24, 2009
It’s the final episode of Personal Effects: Sword of Blood – but it’s not quite the end! Listen to Hutch’s intro for more information. Enjoy the conclusion!
SYNOPSIS:
Zach pursues the Bloodsword. Secrets are revealed. The conclusion of Personal Effects: Sword of Blood.
Promo: Saturday Night In the Snark Cave
NEW TO J.C.’s FICTION, OR PODCASTING?
I’ve been releasing free audiobooks since 2006; Personal Effects: Sword of Blood is my way of celebrating the recent release of Personal Effects: Dark Art, a novel that combines the traditional novel experience with a multimedia-fueled “out of book” narrative that unfolds via phone, email and websites. Order a copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art today.
Listen to the episode by clicking the “play” button below. Catch up with the story by visiting the Sword of Blood synopsis page. Learn how to subscribe this podcast here.
Personal Effects: Sword of Blood episode 6
August 23, 2009
Finally, Personal Effects: Sword of Blood is back. Expect one or two more episodes in the story, and then we’re done. Thanks for your patience as J.C. wrote, edited and recorded this new content.
SYNOPSIS:
Zach unearths the grand design of nine … and receives a history lesson from Rachael.
NEW TO J.C.’s FICTION, OR PODCASTING?
I’ve been releasing free audiobooks since 2006; Personal Effects: Sword of Blood is my way of celebrating the recent release of Personal Effects: Dark Art, a novel that combines the traditional novel experience with a multimedia-fueled “out of book” narrative that unfolds via phone, email and websites. Order a copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art today.
Listen to the episode by clicking the “play” button below. Catch up with the story by visiting the Sword of Blood synopsis page. Learn how to subscribe this podcast here.
HEY, EVERYBODY #023: Personal Effects swag winners!
August 22, 2009
Are you okay to go? J.C. is, and drops killer announcements in this episode. Fire up your MP3 players and take a good listen: Hutch announces the winners of the Personal Effects: Dark Art swag giveaway contests … including the winner of the priceless Sword of Blood!
- Purchase Personal Effects: Dark Art
- Matt Wallace’s website: Matt-Wallace.com
Winners: Expect an email in day or so. Hutch needs your snail mail address.
If Hutch didn’t announce your name (but met the qualifications he mentions in the episode), email him. We’ll hook you up with swag.
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.
Like what you hear? Please leave a comment, and tell a friend about the show, and about Personal Effects: Dark Art!
HEY, EVERYBODY #022: State of the Book #5
August 19, 2009
Rock and roll. J.C. is (finally!) back with a final State of the Book address. In this ep, Hutch talks about his appearance on NPR’s Weekend Edition, sales of Personal Effects: Dark Art, serves up some news about Personal Effects: Sword of Blood, declares war on “disbelief” and more.
- Purchase Personal Effects: Dark Art
- J.C. on NPR’s Weekend Edition
- J.C. in his hometown paper, the Courier-Journal
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.
Like what you hear? Please leave a comment, and tell a friend about the show, and about Personal Effects: Dark Art!
Blue Stahli gets it
August 19, 2009
If you know me, you know I’m a hardcore Celldweller fan, and a great supporter of Celldweller mastermind Klayton’s work. For the past three years, I’ve used his killer music as the anthems for my podcasts, and I’ve talked him up something fierce, because I think he crafts music that is as brilliant as it is epic.
Klayton runs a company called FiXT, which helps independent artists (often fellow electronica musicians) distribute their music to the masses. One of these artists is Blue Stahli, who is a stellar talent himself. His AntiSleep Vol. 1 album is packed with aggressive and awesome instrumental music, stuff I live to write by. Highly recommended.
Today, I purchased Blue Stahli’s new single, ULTRAnumb … and I was absolutely delighted by the email I received after I clicked the “buy” button:
Hi, this is bret from Blue Stahli. Just wanted to thank you for throwing down your hard earned coin on my brand-spankin’ new single ULTRAnumb. i know there’s much cooler stuff you could be spending your money on, like a feeder monkey, bedazzled cowboy hat, tub of whipped cream and a lifetime supply of rope licorice (but not for eating, if you catch my drift), so it’s freakishly appreciated that you’re supporting some music that you dig. More comin’ atcha soon…
This, of course, was an automated email — but it was an unexpected gesture, which I appreciated. When was the last time U2 thanked you for purchasing their most recent album? When was the last time James Patterson gave you a hat-tip for picking up the most recent Alex Cross novel? Did Joss Whedon zip you a grateful email when you snagged that copy of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog?
Blue Stahli and the FiXT crew get it. This email exceeded my expectations, and — if only for a moment — piped me full of warm and fuzzies, because the artist himself wanted me to know that I made a tangible difference by supporting his work, and that he appreciated it. It was a step beyond the expected. That’s killer customer service, and it’s something a great many of us — myself included — could learn from.
What are you doing to exceed expectations, either in your art, business or personal life? How are you delighting the world by giving a little more than is required?
–J.C.
Report from the bunker: Aug. 19
August 18, 2009
I haven’t been in your earbuds lately, so I thought I’d drop quick update on my creative projects:
- After a far-too-long hiatus due to promotion of Dark Art, writing finally resumed on my serialized podcast novella, Personal Effects: Sword of Blood. I’m happy to report that the second half of the novella is COMPLETE. I’m set to polish this rough draft, and post an episode this weekend. Thanks for your patience.
- The final “State of the Book” address regarding Dark Art’s sales will drop this week. Again, thanks for your patience.
- A winner in the “Motherf***ing Sword of Blood” contest has been chosen. Expect an announcement later this week. Did I mention, “Thanks for your patience”?
- Swag winners for the Dark Art “Phase Two” evangelism project have been chosen. These lucky folks will be announced in the same episode as the Sword of Blood winner.
- I will soon begin work on 7 Days, an anthology of prequel short stories set in the 7th Son universe featuring our beloved Beta Clones, slated for release in September. These tales will be set one week before the events seen in Descent.
- The “print edition” manuscript of 7th Son: Descent will see podcast release. Expect episodes in October. Brand-new recording of the book, with all the changes you’ll see in the print edition. Hear it again for the first time.
- This website will likely see a redesign, in preparation for Descent’s bookstore release.
- Big news for Personal Effects fans: I’m delighted to announce that Personal Effects: Dark Art will be released in serialized podcast novel form in early 2010.
- Also coming in 2010: The 33. Because the world needs The 33.
End of line.
–J.C.
On trust, Chris Brogan and Julien Smith
August 17, 2009
Long before I met Chris Brogan, I felt like I knew the guy. I’d read his blog for years, and followed his tweetstream. I interviewed him for my podcast. At every turn, the man appeared genuinely enthusiastic about the wild, blossoming frontier of social media, and — more important — genuinely enthusiastic in hearing what others had to say about it.
I finally met him at South By Southwest 2008, and the dude was as kindhearted and enthusiastic in person as he is online. I shook hands with a dozen-dozen social media “superstars” that weekend, and Chris was one of only three who treated me as more than another damned hand to shake. There’s a difference between being confident and drinking your own Kool-Aid; Chris Brogan is a sterling example of the former.
Through his experience, ever-growing expertise (and willingness to share that expertise) and good humor, Chris Brogan earned my trust. What he says has value, and he made it clear to me and thousands more that what we say has value to him.
Trust — more than the dollar, the yen, or the euro — is the world’s most important currency. Without it, productive relationships and transactions simply cannot happen. Without it, there is no valuable “signal” to what people say, or to the products they offer. There is only brain-wracking noise.
Chris wrote a book with Julien Smith. It’s called Trust Agents. It was released in bookstores today. It’s about using social networks to help businesses succeed … though I’m certain its core principles of trust-building can be applied well beyond the cubicle. I haven’t read a word of the book, but I’ve already purchased two copies (one for me, and one for my employer), and will likely buy more in the weeks ahead.
You may not know Chris and Julien’s work, but you know and probably trust me … and you know that I rarely share such earnest endorsements. I’m no sycophant; I’m a person who quests for rational, relevant, resonant information. For years, Chris and Julien have delivered, and I trust they have delivered in this book.
Purchase a copy of Trust Agents. Help support the work of Chris and Julien. You’ll learn something about the priceless value of trust, from two people who have earned mine.
–J.C.
Welcome, “Weekend Edition” listeners!
August 15, 2009
I’m very proud to report that my debut supernatural thriller Personal Effects: Dark Art was covered in today’s episode of National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition Saturday, by reporter David Greene. I’m a superfan of NPR, and a member of my local station (WLRN in Miami), so this an incredible honor.
If you’re a first-time visitor to my site thanks to the story, welcome! Personal Effects: Dark Art has been praised as “a stellar first” by Publisher’s Weekly (starred review), called “cutting-edge experimental fiction … that may herald the future of modern fiction” by Library Journal, and was covered in The Washington Post. Permit me to give you a tour of the Personal Effects-related content here at JCHutchins.net:
- More info on Personal Effects: Dark Art, and reviews from novelists and filmmakers such as Gore Verbinski, director of Pirates of the Caribbean and The Ring
- Personal Effects: Sword of Blood, the free groundbreaking podcast-exclusive audionovella prequel to Dark Art
- Commit Yourself To The Brink, a community-fueled art experiment where fans can become patients in the asylum seen in Personal Effects: Dark Art
- The groundbreaking “vlurb” video blurb trailers, feauring video endorsements from celeb storytellers such as the creators of Friday the 13th, Final Destination and The Blair Witch Project
I hope you enjoy what you find here at the site. Keep checking back for more, or subscribe to the blog to receive timely announcements and free fiction. Thanks so much for your interest … and if you’d like to support this trailblazing new breed of storytelling, consider ordering a copy of the book.
Welcome to The Brink,
–J.C.
The “Moscow Cat Theater”
August 6, 2009
This is a beautiful thing.
Hat tip to Laughing Squid.
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