It is not without a sense of irony that I write this on the four-year anniversary of 7th Son: Descent’s Podiobooks.com debut.
I’ve been sitting on this news for a few days, pondering how to best present it to you — you very cool, very gracious people. I realized that my breed of pondering is often an excuse for procrastination, so I’ll get on with it and articulate this as clearly and constructively as I can.
St. Martin’s Griffin, the publisher of 7th Son: Descent, has chosen to not publish the 7th Son sequels. As with every aspect of our relationship, St. Martin’s was kind, clear and up-front with me about this. This honesty has been something I’ve treasured since I signed with the company in 2007. I consider the team with whom I worked at St. Martin’s to be absolute professionals, genuinely interested in my talents, my ideas and my work.
Brass tacks: 7th Son: Descent’s sales performance has not made a compelling business case for its sequels. Given the heroic outreach I and St. Martin’s marketing/publicity teams put forth to effectively promote Descent, and the ultimate sales results of that outreach, the publisher believed releasing a sequel would not make good business sense. Despite my disappointment as 7th Son’s creator, I am able to see the wisdom of St. Martin’s decision.
I will not attempt to find another publisher for 7th Son’s sequels.
I am not angry about these circumstances. Publishing is a business. Authors who earn a place at a publisher’s table must justify the monetary resources required to feed them. St. Martin’s took a chance with 7th Son: Descent, and that risk has not yet paid off. I fully understand this, and so should you. I remain head-over-heels for the folks at St. Martin’s. We’re all still friends. My editor there is very keen to see the next J.C. Hutchins project.
Typically, I’d present a cheerful, rousing plot twist at this point — a cheeky Hey, everybody!-style rallying cry for which I’m so well known. This time, I cannot.
It became very clear to me very quickly that 7th Son: Descent was not performing as expected. I dare not assign responsibility to anyone but myself for this. Examining the lead up to, and release of, the novel, I cannot see how I could have promoted it any better than I did. I literally went broke promoting this book and Personal Effects: Dark Art (another novel that will not have a sequel; it also underperformed). I conceived numerous brand-new online marketing campaigns that dazzled you and others. I asked you to purchase the novel, and many of you did. I asked my professional allies and friends to assist me in spreading the word, and they did. Those fans and conspicuous colleagues who did not lend a hand undoubtedly had their reasons, which I accept.
7th Son: Descent made history in the way it was promoted: It was the first mainstream novel to be simultaneously released in free serialized audiobook, PDF and in text format (at BoingBoing.net). It was the first book to use serialized prequel audio short stories as part of its release promotion. It was the first novel to have an accompanying music album (the Anyman EP) sung by a character from the book, timed to its release. I am very proud of these groundbreaking accomplishments.
I am also very proud of the long hours I spent re-recording the 7th Son: Descent serialized audiobook to celebrate its print release, and the effort producer Shawn Bishop put forth in creating an excellent product. I also stand by the time investment required to participate in nearly 30 guest posts/interviews for blogs willing to promote the book (for which I am extremely grateful), and more than 40 podcast interviews (for which I’m equally grateful). I do not regret spending thousands of dollars to personally finance additional promotion for Personal Effects and 7th Son. When you’re up at bat, you swing for the wall.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to make a living wage telling stories. That day has not yet come, and I fear that it won’t, unless some serious decisions are made. I’ve made these decisions, and I apologize for how this will affect you.
Creating podcast fiction does does not generate direct revenue for me. Based on anecdotal and statistical data, very few people are willing to pay for general podcast content, much less podcast fiction. Since my goal is to make a living wage with my words, the current monetization models — including in-show advertisements — will not deliver this. Dedicating time and effort to my non-fiction podcast projects will deliver equally underwhelming monetary results.
It is also apparent to me that using the Free model to promote a tangible product, such as I did with 7th Son: Descent and Personal Effects: Dark Art, does not deliver sustainable sales results. I have friends — some of whom are my best friends, the most talented people I’ve had the privilege to know and work with – who have absolute faith in this model. I treasure their trailblazing efforts and enthusiasm. My faith, however, has been fundamentally rattled.
Put simply: The new media model viably supports only the most blessed and talented of authors. The time, effort and money I invest in entertaining you for free pulls my attention and talent away from projects that can generate revenue. While podcasting, podcast fiction, and — most importantly — your support and evangelism has positively impacted my life and career in ways I’ll never be able to fully express, I cannot continue to release free audiofiction if I wish to make a living wage with my words.
My plans to release a serialized audiobook of Personal Effects: Dark Art are now aborted. My plans to release The 33 as free audiofiction are on hold. I’m particularly heartbroken about The 33, as I’m very proud of the world and characters I’ve created so far. Unless I experience a financial windfall, or conceive a monetized podcast approach that provides equitable compensation for the effort I invest in writing, recording and editing those stories, I cannot dedicate the resources to freely release The 33.
While these decisions were not made in haste, you are well within your right to feel disappointed or betrayed. My soul aches, for I truly feel that I am letting you down. I do pray you’ll look back at the four years of entertainment I’ve provided, and cherish those stories and memories. I certainly do. Rest well knowing that I owe you far more than you owe me. You made my dream come true. How many people can claim such a miraculous thing?
For the past two years, I’ve nigh-obsessively wondered about the viability of podcast fiction, and if this distribution method is as powerful and disruptive as it was during its scrappy, eye-opening 2005 and 2006 roots. It’s far too early to say. Its days of newness are certainly gone … but new creators are coming on the scene every day, with new stories to share. I wish them stratospheric success in on- and offline marketplaces.
It’s also far too early to say if this model will deliver the kind of mainstream publisher attention it did for creators such as Scott Sigler, Seth Harwood, myself, and others. Blessedly, several additional podcast novelists have secured deals with mainstream publishers; their works will debut in bookstores in the upcoming months. I hope the Free promotional model continues to serve them well, and that the listener and creator communities enthusiastically support them.
I pray this model becomes a viable, sustainable business-driven movement — and not the fleeting moment I fear it may be.
Regardless of its fate, I cannot currently contribute to it, if I wish to make a living wage with my words. Aside from the sporadic release of nonfiction audio interviews, my podcast feed is going dark. I’ve spent years “feeding the feed” — my podcast feed, that is — and the real-world results of that effort have put in me the red emotionally, creatively and financially.
Some of you amazing people — you very cool, very gracious people — are owed far more than an apology. I have made sincere obligations to you, and will deliver on these promises. Fans who are owed Personal Effects “swag bags” and 7th Son “Beta Clone Army Rewards” prizes will receive them. You monetarily supported my work in good faith — faith in the novel, faith in me — and I will absolutely honor these obligations. I beg for your patience as I right myself financially, so I can smartly dedicate the monetary resources to making these promises a reality.
For those who bought 7th Son: Descent and Personal Effects: Dark Art, know that I owe you my undying respect and thanks. For those who experienced the audio and text content for free and were not persuaded to monetarily support my work, I appreciate your time, and hope you were entertained.
For the hundreds of fans, friends, and colleagues who went the extra mile in generously sharing the news about 7th Son and Personal Effects with others: I treasure your support above all.
When folks ask me for writerly advice, I usually reply with two words: Writers write. What I rarely say, but absolutely believe, is that writers should be paid for what they write. It’s time for me to write. To write my ass off, to tell stories that can be sold in many media, so I can continue to entertain you, and achieve my career goals. I am honored by your friendship, and hope I have clearly explained the circumstances that led me to these difficult decisions.
A final word regarding the 7th Son sequels: I may self-publish Deceit and Destruction later this year. If I do, I’ll let you know. It seems like a shame to keep the series’ “mad hacker” in a drawer for too long. Kilroy2.0 needs to be everywhere.
Thank you for your love and support in the past, the now, and the to-be.
With endless affection and appreciation,
–J.C.
Sad to hear it, JC, but I fully understand. I can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said, so I’ll keep this short.
If you do self-publish Deceit and Destruction – whether through Scott helping you with his overlord media, or however you manage to do it – I’ll be there to buy my copies and keep spreading the word.
I too have seen these hard times. I asked for three things for Christmas last year. Infected Contagious and 7th SON ! I got all three and Read them in a week. Times are tough for us all. My business are upside down after 10 years of work. We must not give up but work through these times. IT WILL GET BETTER.
You helped me through a lot of tough days. I will support your work as best i can afford!
Hey JC,
Reading post and comments, whoa, the comments, just breaks me up. Not because I don’t get the free content, or to finish reading the trilogy, or the new content at this time, or even experience your marketing. The only thing that really hurts is that your faith is shaken.
So, sit on your hands for a sec and know that you did things of note. Created a most worthy work for starters. You gathered up a pack of fans, biggest bunch of dedication assembled in this neighborhood! Worked harder and more creatively than anyone to promote your works. Significant this, inspired a bunch of creativity in others that wouldn’t otherwise have see the light of day. You did land publishing when there was none to be had. And finally know that you exhausted all reasonable avenues that you could have. That’s key. And we, the potential audience let YOU down. Not the other way ‘round. Why didn’t your books hit? Good Q. I’m going with small audience, bad economy, which boils down to timing. Or not given enough time.
Okay, that’s all done. History. Just remember that you tried hard and you did good. Don’t forget it. (get off your hands now)
Now you’ll go on a more left brain linear path for a while. Less emotional roller coaster. Take care of business, unstress. Then new good works will present themselves. It’ll work out.
Bottom line is that I and thousands of other folks are grateful. Hopefully that thought can carry you a ways down the road. Know too that if you need ANYTHING within my ability you have only to ask. I bet I speak for thousands on that count too. Buying books? Pffft, that was nothing. We should’ve done more.
Thanks, man.
Wow. This post has caught me by surprise. I don’t know what to say other than – you’ve been an inspiration to me for a long time JC and whatever you want to do with your life and time is OK by me. Like Matt said – you owe us nothing.
Best of luck in all your endeavours my friend. Keep us beta clones posted OK
John L
Hey, Hutch:
You owe us nothing. In fact, we owe you for all the hours of joy you’ve brought to us. 7th Son remains an amazing piece of fiction. And if you do choose to self publish books II and III, I feel certain that folks will buy.
But I also understand about the need to step back, to “catch your breath” as it were and get your head back in the right place. Breathe, regroup, regain your focus, your energy, your enthusiam, and know that when you are ready with something new, we will be ready as well.
In the meantime, Hutch, I wish you well!
Cheryl
This is to Jane Alpha:
Many thanks to you for your support of our Clone Lord as he has gone through the silliness of these last years as JC has pursued the whole getting published thing. Thank you for sacrificing you time with him and letting us have him for a while.
Thank You!
Your ground-breaking vision, discipline, and market-creation will still be shared with my New Media & Technology students here in S. Korea. I have two slides that you inspired. One has your photo next to Colonel Harland Sanders. The other has “7th Son” next to KFC’s logo. You did something special. I hope the you enjoy your next chapter.
JC,
First, thank you very much for the hours of entertainment you have given me. I tremendously enjoyed listening to the podcast of 7th Son – even if I did cuss your cliffhangers more than once.
Second, I want to ask if you have considered finding a way to monetize your podcast fiction instead of focusing on publishing books? Please do not take this as a criticism (it surely isn’t meant as such) – but I enjoyed your podcasts more than I did when I attempted to read the 7th Son PDFs that you released. In fact, I enjoyed the podcasts so much more that while I purchased Dark Arts to be supportive – it sits on my bookshelf while I waited for the podcast. I have found the same thing when I purchased written works of other podcast authors – it is the podcast that I truly enjoy. You have a true gift for bringing stories to life in an audio format and I would hate to see such a gift wasted.
Whatever path you take in the future, I wish you success. Again, thank you for the all the fun.
We’re sad, but we understand. When you come back we’ll still be here.
Thanks for all that you’ve done. You certainly haven’t held anything back.
We know you can produce great content. That is absolutely without question. Perhaps a tweak in business model is in order. Something like kickstarter – where you set a goal for funds pledged, and if you meet your goal, you go and produce and deliver, otherwise nobody gets charged, and we go without the content. Maybe for the whole novel, maybe just chapter by chapter.
Sorry the system failed you. That’s ok. Whatever system is next is going to take traditional publishing down with it. You’ve led that charge.
Thanks.
JC, you’re an awesome writer. I’ve always enjoyed your stories and the enthusiasm with which you promoted and presented them. I wish a lot more financially established writers had this mentality. I hope you do make it past the barrier and become a full time writer who makes a living from your stories.
OTOH, Matt Wallace – “Everybody’s your friend until the check comes. You don’t keep treating people who stiff you.” You can’t blame the audience for failing you financially when the business model was to give stuff away and then hope someone paid. This is a bitter and misguided attitude that says you don’t care about your own readers/listeners. It’s not the fault of the target audience that they got something for free to begin with. Never give something away if you need to directly profit financially from it.
Fortunately, JC knows this and isn’t blaming the audience. That too, like his writing and his approach in getting his stories out, is worthy of respect.
Thank you. For your talent, time, all the obvious love you put into these podcasts, books, videos.. everything!
In no way are you letting me, us, down. I wish WE could have somehow done more, to let you continue to do what you love and do so well. You really worked it, to try and make it go. Promotions, marketing, etc, ( I treasure my Kilroy 2.0 icon…)
Sometimes you need to eat, and pay rent.
I don’t understand why the books didn’t do better, frankly. I was surprised to hear that. I can imagine your frustration and surprise as well. I am sorry for that.
While i love your voice and your storytelling, if it is books where you must go, then, I will follow you there.
Thank you.
JC,
I’ve not written or called before, so I guess that makes me one of your silent fans. I think 7th Son is far and away the best podiobook I’ve ever heard and ranks right up there with other genre works by authors who are more financially successful. I have a copy of both 7th Son and PE:DA on my shelf and will proudly keep them there.
I know you talked about a 7th son movie from time to time. I so wanted to see it! You projected fantastic set pieces in my mind – Jack in the water tower, John in Alaska, Father Thomas on the train, and many more. I would love to see them realized by a director and actors. Now, they will have to remain in my mind, and they always will.
I understand your decision and admire you for being true to yourself and your goals. If the road you’re on isn’t taking you where you want to go, then you switch to a different road! It’s obvious.
Wherever you turn up in the future, I’ll be there.
Good luck!
Dude, you do your thing. Do what you have to do. This post makes me sad, but it’s a selfish sad, I want to keep hearing your voice tell stories to me in the feed. But I’d rather have you in a healthy state emotionally, financially, and writerly :p. Do what you need to man, you rock.
I’m sorry to hear this, JC, but I understand it. You do what you have to do, and this fan will be here when you find a way to return. At that time, anything in my admittedly meager power to do that will help, I will.
You were something of an inspiration in my own writing, what little of that I’ve been doing lately; maybe I need to take heed and make time for that, myself.
Thank you, JC. Hope you find a way soon.
I really enjoyed your stories. Thank you JC.
J.C.:
When you look back on these books and all the work you’ve put into creating and promoting them, you will be able to honestly say, “I did everything I could.” Not many people can do that. You did good.
As everybody’s been saying, keep us updated about any future plans and upcoming publications. We’re still here for you!
Sarah
JC – I’ve been impressed as hell with all the free content you’ve pumped out into your feed in the last few years. Thanks for all of the hours of entertainment and conversation. I hope you decide to self-publish the next two books in the 7th Son trilogy in print; there will always be room for them on my crowded bookshelves next to PE:DA and 7th Son: Descent. If you don’t, please consider publishing them as an iPhone app or on the Kindle (and charging a reasonable price for them — no need to lowball it). Whatever you choose to do, I’m looking forward to your next effort.
J.C., as a fan, I fully support your decisions. You do deserve to be paid for your hard work and mad creativity. I paid for Seventh Son even when I didn’t have to, and I was glad to do it. Call it artistic karma if you like… I’m an artist myself, though a visual one, and while I love what I do, I also like contributing to the Family Food Fund.
I wish you all the best. I wish you joy, continued creativity, AND a living wage.
I will miss hearing your vocal talents bringing Kilroy 2.0 to life (even with the traffic on Military Highway) on my iHome or the aux/in cable in the car. Not much can compared to getting cliffhangered by you! A podcasted story is a different experience than one read off pulped trees and I am sad that I won’t get the chance to enjoy your sequels that way.
Believe me though, I will be buying your words on pulped trees! Glad that you will still be getting them out there to us.
As has been said by others and you yourself, the podcasting sandbox is still very small. At my former place of regular employment, only one other person out of all the people I talked to were even aware that you and the angry bald guy were giving your children to the world for free, just to entertain us. He may even be the only other person I have ever known who listens to podcasts of any sort on a regular basis.
Hutch, you are one of the most stand-up people I have ever met. I wish I had half the personal conviction and dedication that I have seen in you. I wish you all the best, and I am confident that your moment will come.
Your Constant Reader and Listener,
EJKorvette
Hi there JC, we haven’t met but I wanted to drop a comment and say that I’m a recent addition to the fans of 7th son. I heard about the story via the Leviathan Chronicles podcasts and wanted to check it out, and after discovering that Descent was going to be published in ebook form I was happy to purchase a copy. I’m disappointed to hear that St. Martins won’t be publishing the rest of the trilogy, because I have very much enjoyed listening to the podcast version (I’ve been listening to the earlier “beta version” episodes) and am looking forward to reading the ebook to compare.
For what it’s worth if you do choose to publish the rest of the trilogy yourself I for one will definitely buy ebook copies. And as an e-pubbed writer myself, I very much sympathize with your plight in getting into print. Hang in there and may you find the best ways possible to share your work with the world, moving forward.
JC,
I’ve got a response to this, but it’s a bit big to copy and paste here: http://requirecookie.com/content/open-letter-jc-hutchins
-Stormy
Look, when they offer to buy your 7th Son series so that it can be made into a screenplay: you’re going to feel much better.
In the mean time..consider offering your current future work as a paid download. I’ll be buying.
One door closes, another door opens.
JC,
Thanks for the great stories. I can understand your decision.
I love 7th Son. Was there from the start of the original podcast. Bought what I could afford of the print Descent.
One of the reasons I’ve enjoyed your podcasts because they created a personal connection. I has been nice. I’ll miss your ‘visits’. They also reinforced my love of audio.
I’ll be watching for your future work, in whatever form it may take.
1. Money is money.
2. Writers do feel compelled to write, but the vast majority don’t make a living at it.
3. You started at a time in history when people had money to spend on lattes, or thought they did, and it would appear the content creator, with all the positive feedback, and so forth, you would be successful… but…
4. Talk is cheap, cash is cash.
5. a. I wrote music, spent money on the hardware, software, and time, because I loved to do it. Then I posted it on all the venues, and made it freely available, as well as putting it on the pay venues. The cost of self publishing, 1 album, in cash, $35. Today I got the second $10 check, 2 years after the release. It makes about $10 a year, with zero promotion. I’ll break even (cash wise) after three years… my wife says when it’s returned $100, I can talk to her about it. If I had put forth the effort you have in promoting your stuff, it would have happened in a week. Seriously. Because it was in paying venues, because people pay three to five cents listening to it on a subscription basis, and so forth…. but the point here is, I shared something I love, but I only put into it things I could afford. It was really hard not to want to prove myself by doing more, to trust the music was good enough… and enjoy the process. Think Tolkien vs. Lewis.
b. What I learned about the business, about the ideas of free music, of paying for music, about how the world works far exceeds the value of the time I spent. I think that’s the hidden nugget you may miss in your pain, the death of the dream… you were doing historic things, and dare I be political, electing a historical President, doesn’t mean good results will always follow. But the wisdom learned, if taken to heart, will help you in future.
c. Is any project worth going into personal debt for? Are their ways to do the same thing without debt? this guy talks in photo podcasts about going very far deeply into debt, all the issues that went with it… http://www.onelightworkshop.com/page7/page7.html and there is nothing new to starving artists… but do you want to stay there?
6. The market, writing music, I’m up against 4 million other songs, you are up against huge numbers of other things that grab people’s attention. I have nothing but fellow feeling for you. I don’t view your choice as anything but wise.
7. Try it the other way, working, and selling, until the royalties come in fast enough to keep you in the green and growing. I don’t see how anyone (except maybe Cory Doctorow
could live off exclusive charity, goodwill donations… it ignores a HUGE aspect of human nature, people, despite what they say, email, tell you in person, and your huge fan base, 98% are moochers. At church, 10% of the people do 90% of the work, and I could go on.
You can get mad, or you can accept this is the way it goes, don’t take it personally, please, please, please, don’t take it personally, and accept that giving away for free, doesn’t automatically produce feelings of gratitude in me. And also, that human nature devalues “free.” No one sees you in the hundreds of hours in writing a good book, hundreds more in podcasting, hundreds more in promotion, unless they’ve done it themselves. And those folks, usually don’t have the money to do more than pay a very minimal amount towards your efforts… words they can give, but not cash.
8. I think you had victory. You accepted reality, and how far you will go now, professionally, in your writing, in your understanding of the world? But, I think you also saw the golden crown, “…The new media model viably supports only the most blessed and talented of authors…. ”
All media models only support the best. Always have, always will. My wife looks at me, and laughs, when I think about it, because while there is one welfare mom who goes on to fame, there are millions to whom it’s an idle fantasy. You are 1/2 way there… you are well known in your circle, but not the wider circle.
You didn’t sit on your butt, and you didn’t give up.
9. I think about Jon Bell, bells in the batfry, Jack Ward, sonicsociety.org, The Decoder Ring, etc. you know them and a hundred others, a huge number of talented people, who are known in their circles, and have amazing talent so many would love to hear, but they are limited in the scope of their audience. They do it for the love of the game. But to think that they will make money, even after 200 shows, or 100 shows, they’ve realized any full time commercial success is unlikely, TV, movies, other free sources, all compete. They make their livings in Clark Kent Jobs, radio DJ, teacher, professional promoter — and I love a quote from one of their interviews, the time one can live with nothing, do it all for free is unmarried and in one’s early twenties, after that…
9. I’m photographing people for my creative commons book, offering them free photos, in exchange for inclusion, and a model release. The people at the start of the game under 24 year old, are open to it, but flaky. Older, never done it, also flaky. Then there is a group of older, or more experienced, we usually talk for about 3 minutes — she says, “Are you paying, what is the project?” I explain it, the possible outcome, and that as it is creative commons, I’m not going to spend money on the models, they get the images, and I’ll be spending 4-6 hours per shoot to take and then clean up the images, and that unpaid. New models love it, but by definition — they will NEVER EVER be successful models. They work without being paid. If they are good looking, they can get paid. The pros laugh when they hear they have to pay for photo shoots.
Human nature.
10. I didn’t hear you had an agent? You could likely get one, the Boom Effect for Tee Morris had a lady who does writer’s agent stuff I believe.
Let her do it, and give her 20% of the profit. 30%, you name it, if she can bring in the cash you need.
11. St. Martins told you, what my wife told me, they gamble on the first one, and make money on the later ones.
12. You know about Baen’s moves, and so forth. But at the end of the day, it’s not about the merits of you, your efforts, your writing, anything but what the market did. They give away the first one, to sell the later ones. Ah my friend, don’t give up. Just re-think, step away for a while, re-assess, and find another way.
13. Having steady cash flow from any source always allows us to complete the dreams, than not, I expect your best stuff is still to come!
@Junkers: You absolutely rule, brother. Thanks for making the time to craft this amazing and resonant comment. Mad props to you, and your wisdom.
–J.C.
JC,
I don’t usually submit comments on websites, but your post has moved me to do so today. I know you don’t know me, I am just a fairly recent fan of your work. But, for what it’s worth, I totally understand your choice and wish you the very best.
I have really enjoyed listening to and reading your work and can’t wait till I see your future efforts lined up on the shelves of my local bookstore. This is something I am confidant will happen, and I will be buying.
Go for it man. Don’t look back.
This is so sad.. I have listed to your books over and over and have both avaliable print novels. You are an amazing writer. I for one anxiously await the next release and would pay a subscription or download fee in a heartbeat.
JC,
Love your work, and agree that you should get the bucks for it.
The free download method still achieves some goals tough, I don’t think I would have heard of you outside the US if it wasn’t for these amazing podiobooks.
Just finished listening to the Personal effect prequel and hopefully be able to purchase Dark Art in my country.
Can’t wait to see you published all around the world (and watch the films based on your novels)
I quietly stayed subscribed. I thought you would start again when you start again. I thought you might have had writer’s block or in a closet writing your next novel. It stinks that you are retiring. I didn’t even know it until you sent your latest email about the Discovery Channel gig.
I think you have talent. I thought the dark effects book was pretty cool. I even manged to keep all of the “extras” in the book without losing them. I think it may have been “before its time”. Which is kind of a hard thing to say. You should read the book “The myths of Innovation” by Scott Berkun. He has a some pretty good insight on why good things fail and how having an inventor’s soul is kind of neat and what you can do with it. I think you should give it a read.
I think we have failed you. You gave great content and we were unable to keep you. Not the other way around.
I’m always the last to know. In this case it’s largely because I don’t actually read blogs.
It’s a shame that the fun is over. But yeah, I can see that if you want to make a living, you need to do the stuff that leads to making a living. Recording and giving away free stuff doesn’t do that directly. What it could do indirectly — creating name awareness and a base of readers and listeners — it’s already done.
Do you “owe” more audiobooks to your audience? Oh, hell no! What you do owe us, if you will, is to become that big worldwide celebrity we know you ought to be. If that is better accomplished by writing lots and lots of very good books, which does seem damn likely, then you should go do that.
What will I miss about you in audiobooks? To paraphrase Melvin Udall from As Good As It Gets:
“I might be the only person on the face of the earth that knows you’re the greatest (writer) on earth. I might be the only one who appreciates how amazing you are in every single thing that you do … and in every single thought that you have, and how you say what you mean, and how you almost always mean something that’s all about being straight and good. I think most people miss that about you, and I watch them, wondering how they can watch you … and never get that they just met the greatest (writer) alive. And the fact that I get it makes me feel good, about me.”
Too much?
Griz
I purchased both Personel Effects: Dark Art and 7th Son a while back through a friends recommendation. I loved both books. I especially enjoyed the creative aspect of the interactive clues for Dark Art. I hope more author’s try that format in the future.
I found this site when I was searching for sequels to 7th Son. I’m sorry to hear that the sequels won’t be published.
Any chance will the sequels come out in ebook form? From looking at Amazon’s site, it seems like people can submit / sell Kindle ebooks without a publisher.
I would definitely purchase the remaining two books in the trilogy if they were made available in ebook format.
Best of luck in your writing and in your career.
-Mark