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The ASCENT of 7th Son: Descent is HERE!

It’s the launch day for 7th Son: Descent in print! I’ll be posting periodic updates throughout the day! First off:

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)

Check the charts!

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)

Check the charts!

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)

Check the charts!

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)….

7th Son: Descent “Special Edition” PDF (First 10 Chapters)

7th Son: Descent - Special Edition PDFLadies 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:

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.

Operation: Photo Fun With 7th Son

Beta Clone Army LogoGreetings, 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.

“The Grammar Devotional” free PDF excerpt

grammar_devotionalLet 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.

Free John Smith “Anyman” ringtones at Myxer.com!

Myxer logoSweet! 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

Beta Clone Army Update – Episode 2 (REPOST)

Beta Clone Army LogoThis is an emergency repost of the episode — a pesky bug in J.C.’s podcasting software published an incorrectly linked MP3.

Welcome to the second Beta Clone Army Update episode! J.C. delivers timely updates on the ascent of 7th Son: Descent, supercool Ministry Of Propaganda street team missions from Natasha, and your Clone Line calls. It’s fan-fueled goodness!

In this debut episode, J.C. chats about:

NATASHA’S MINISTRY MISSION FOR THIS WEEK:

  • 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, OCT. 30 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!

Shout-Outs to Natasha’s Lastest Agents of the Ministry (239 Strong!):

  • Amanda Tikkanen
  • Tony Miller
  • Michael Ward
  • David Perry
  • Tara Fairchild
  • Les Zaldor
  • Scott Roche
  • Benjamin Clifford
  • Brandon
  • Erik Ackerman
  • Brian Webber
  • Doug Rapson
  • Buddy Brannan
  • David Archambault
  • Robert
  • Terry Davis
  • Josh Rosenfield
  • Richard D. Asplund Jr.
  • Nick Walter
  • Frank Jones
  • Edward Pappa
  • Thomas Heading
  • Zach Ricks
  • Melissa Hutchins
  • Ben Hembree
  • Matthew Schnaare
  • Jen Marshal
  • R Barnes
  • Randy Hinckley
  • Joel Gerhold
  • Anna Caroline Schweitzer

Shout-Outs to the Shout-Outers:

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 “Ascent of Descent” anthem is “Switchback (Klayton Revision)” by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.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!

Have Kilroy2.0 hack YOUR site on Oct. 27!

Kilroy2.0 avatarWith your help, Kilroy2.0 WILL be everywhere…

I’ve cooked up a fun “fiction meets reality” stunt to celebrate the release of 7th Son: Descent, and would love your help in making it happen. On Oct. 27, the day 7th Son hits bookstore bookshelves, you can have the novel’s mad hacker Kilroy2.0 HACK YOUR BLOG. (Or Facebook. Or Twitter.)

If you choose to participate, you won’t be alone: More than 130 superfans like you have already volunteered for this hack-a-thon! Of course, there will be no real hacking happening here. You’ll be copying and pasting some text (that I’m providing) into your blog / FB / Twitter feeds. It’s all perfectly safe … but it should be a fun way to show your support for 7th Son’s release!

Check this .zip file. (It’s virus-free, I promise.)  In this .zip archive are two text files. These explain how Kilroy can hack your blog / Facebook / Twitter feeds on Oct. 27. An image file is also provided, which you can use in your blog / FB posts, or as an avatar on Twitter, etc.

I’d love for you to participate! You should find the instructions straightforward and easy to implement. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a line.

Thanks again for your generous support of 7th Son … and for having your online content “hacked” by Kilroy2.0 on Tuesday, Oct. 27. So whatcha waiting for? Download the .zip file, and get hackin’!

He’s here, he’s everywhere,

–J.C.

The Beta Clone Army Rewards Program

Beta Clone Army Reward Program logoMost 7th Son fans have waited years to purchase a print copy of 7th Son: Descent … and many have told J.C they plan to purchase additional copies for friends and family. To show his appreciation, J.C. has unleashed the Beta Clone Army REWARDS PROGRAM.

This exclusive program, which will run from October to January 1, 2010, is the only way you can obtain these exclusive rewards during this time. Folks (and their friends) can team up to bring supersales and ensure 7th Son: Descent’s success … and secure the rest of the 7th Son trilogy in print.

One superfan, John Merlin, wrangled 9 friends to purchase 100 copies! Making good on his Rewards Program promise, J.C. will fly to England to personally thank and hang with John. He’ll fly to YOUR locale if you do the same!

To be eligible for these rewards, you must buy the book and email J.C. a photo, scan or screen cap of your purchase receipt. In exchange for your support when 7th Son: Descent needs it the most, you’ll receive:

Beta Clone Army Lieutenant: 3 Copies

  • A personally signed and numbered Limited Edition 7th Son: Descent postcard for each copy purchased

Beta Clone Army Captain: 5 Copies

  • Signed/numbered Descent postcards
  • Laminated “Code Phantom Clearance” badge customized with your name

Beta Clone Army Major: 10 Copies

  • “Beta Clone Captain” rewards, plus:
  • Beta Clone test tube, with “blood sample”
  • Custom-signed PDF of 7th Son: 7 Days prequel anthology

Beta Clone Colonel: 15 Copies

  • “Beta Clone Major” rewards, plus:
  • “Michael Smith” USMC dog tags

John: 20 Copies

  • “Beta Clone Colonel” rewards, plus:
  • Signed Limited Edition Anyman CD (with 2 CD-exclusive bonus songs)

Kilroy2.0: 50 Copies

  • “John” rewards, plus:
  • Numbered “Beta Clone: Elite Forces” T-shirt
  • Signed Ultra-Limited Ed. 7th Son: 7 Days PRINT book
  • 30 minutes on the phone with J.C. to talk writing, social media, whatever you like

Beta Clone General (Gen. Hill): 77 Copies

  • “Kilroy2.0″ rewards, plus:
  • Signed ultra-limited 20-page “Code Phantom Dossier” report on Project 7th Son, with photos, handmade by J.C.
  • 60 minutes on the phone with J.C. to talk writing, social media, etc.

Code Phantom Clearance: 100 Copies

  • “Beta Clone General” rewards, plus:
  • J.C. will fly to your location and hang for the day (dinner’s on him) :)

John Alpha Supervillain Status: 200 Copies

  • “Code Phantom” rewards, plus:
  • J.C. will fly to your location and spend an additional full day with you and friends, consult with your company, present at school, etc.

So show your superfan support for 7th Son: Descent! Purchase multiple copies! Score exclusive swag! If you need to, hit J.C. with questions about the Beta Clone Army Rewards program by sending him an email.

Onward, into battle!

Online book launch party: J.C. appears on LIVE Podioracket!

podioracket logoHuge news, peeps: To celebrate the print release of 7th Son: Descent, I’ll appear on a special LIVE call-in episode of Podioracket, the de facto podcast that covers podcast novel and online fiction trends. We’re doing this on the evening of 7th Son’s publication, Oct. 27!

The deets are over at this page, but here are the highlights: Stating at 9 pm EST on Oct. 27, I’ll participate in Podioracket’s LIVE call-in show. Expect some questions from Podioracket’s lovely co-host Rhonda Carpenter … and then we’re opening up the show for YOU to call in, chat with me, and ask questions! Where will the conversation take us? That depends on YOU!

It’s gonna be a big day for Descent, and I can’t think of a better way to end it than appearing on Podioracket and connecting with the Beta Clone Army! Plus, I’ll give away some signed books and other swag.

Get the full skinny here, and be sure to subscribe to the Podioracket podcast!

–J.C.

Beta is the new black: Beta Clone shirts ARE BACK!

7son_clone_armyBecome one of the legion of 7th Son fans who sport the baddest shirts in the multiverse: the individually-numbered Beta Clone shirts from Geeklabel.com!

In 2007, more than 250 people proudly purchased their one-of-kind Beta Clone shirts to show their support for the original 7th Son podcast trilogy. The shirts were then put on “permanent hiatus.” But now, for a limited time, you can acquire your own Beta Clone shirt!

From now until the end of 2009, Geeklabel is resuming production on these truly unique shirts. (Each shirt is individually numbered; no two are alike!) Perhaps the best part: they’re selling for less than $18 a pop! You can’t beat that with a stick, peeps.

Whatcha waitin’ for, a kick in the pants? Head over to Geeklabel.com now and order your shirt. And when you do, be sure to send J.C. a pic of you wearing it, so he can post your photo at the Beta Clone Army gallery page!

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