7th Son ringtones are HERE!
April 11, 2008
Become a 7th Son viral marketing machine by installing FREE 7S-themed ringtones on your cellphone! J.C. Hutchins has created more than a dozen for your mobile pleasure, and — if fans request it — more will be on the way.
Take a gander at one of the ‘tones below … and be sure to preview the full list of FREE ringtones at the site’s new Ringtones page!
Do it for the Sigler
April 10, 2008
This month, we’re all Scott Sigler fans … and we must show the world we’re a force to be reckoned with. It’s time for a second major sales push for Scott’s novel, INFECTED. If you want to see books like 7th Son receive the promotion and attention (and sales) they deserve when published, then you must get behind Scott and his work, and support him now.
Help us make this happen. Purchase a copy of INFECTED today. By showing the world that a “new media author” can successfully hit the big-time, you’ll help create a paradigm shift in the way mainstream publishing views podcasting and social media promotion. This is mission-critical for the success of novels facing 2009 release, like 7th Son. The industry is watching Scott, and me, and YOU … and the only way we’ll impress them is to get Scott on The New York Times bestseller list.
Do your part. Support new media authors like Scott. Buy INFECTED today.
Guest blogging at Liz Strauss’ “Successful Blog”
April 4, 2008
It’s fun hosting a rambunctious blue-collar keg party — heck, I do that every week here at JCH.net, welcoming listeners to my fictional worlds and UltraCreatives interviews — but there’s something even cooler and more flattering when you’re invited to an elegant party, hosted by one of the classiest ladies in town.
That’s what happened to me this week. The sublime Liz Strauss recently invited me to write a guest post for her blog, Successful-Blog.com. This was a tremendous opportunity; Liz is renowned for her practical and thought-provoking advice about blogging and social media, and is an expert at building a dedicated, emotive audience. And so, this overall-wearin’ Kentucky boy bought himself a tie, gave his shoes a spit-shine, and got to wordherding.
My contribution tells the tale of 7th Son’s adventure from word processor to podcast to print, and why I chose to tune out the “no’s” from publishing industry pros and share the trilogy for free. I also offer some brass-tacks advice about pursuing a creative endeavor, evangelizing your work and keeping the faith in yourself and your project.
This was my first-ever guest post for a blog, and Liz’s amazing readers have posted some very positive comments about the work. That is flattering beyond measure.
So if you’d like to check out what I “sound” like when I’m a guest at the fancy party (and not the host of this raucous kegger), please subscribe to Successful-Blog.com and give my two posts a gander.
You may also find the posts here:
- Part One: “Personal Survival Stories: Saying ‘damn it all’ and tuning out the ‘no’ noise”
- Part Two: “Your Personal Tale Of Survival — And Success”
Many thanks to Liz for allowing me be a part of her remarkable community. It was an honor!
–J.C.
“Blackout” in iPod-friendly format
April 3, 2008
7th Son: OBSIDIAN is coming … but the blackout is already HERE. Call the number in the video below and submit your story of horror and survival. Email your friends this blog post link, encourage them to call and share their “blackout experience!” (Recordings will be played in May, in the OBSIDIAN audio anthology, which chronicles the blackout.)
Learn how to spread the meme by reading yesterday’s post.
Blackout
April 2, 2008
THE NATIONWIDE BLACKOUT IS NOW … the violence and chaos are HERE … and YOU are a victim. Call the number in the video below and submit your story of horror and survival! Email your friends this blog post link, encourage them to call and share their “blackout experience!” 7th Son: OBSIDIAN is coming….
(Recordings will be played in May, in the OBSIDIAN audio anthology, which chronicles the blackout.)
Podcasters and bloggers: Feel free to post this video in your feed for download to your readers’/listeners’ RSS reader/podcatcher. Here are the details:
- Share the video in your blog by using the embed link found in the YouTube video
- For download/enclosure — file URL: http://media.libsyn.com/media/jchutchins/blackout_m4v.m4v
- For download/enclosure — file size: 8460157
- For download/enclosure — file duration: 1:49
Please spread the “blackout virus” far and wide … and be sure to send J.C. an email, bragging about your evangelism!
Blackout victim performed by Michael Bekemeyer
Open Invitations To Bloggers: I’m Your Billboard
March 30, 2008
While there are some notable exceptions to this rule, I’ve found that two camps of RSS-powered brethren — dedicated bloggers and dedicated podcasters — rarely intermingle. I don’t know if bloggers perceive podcasters as RSS’s red-headed, loud-mouthed stepchildren … or if podcasters are so content to hear each other chatter that they can’t be bothered to interact with bloggers. Perhaps it’s both. Perhaps neither. But as I’ve watched the social media space more and more, the divide has become more and more clear to me.
I don’t like it. It doesn’t make sense.
Here’s my brass tacks reckoning about entertainment, and new media entertainment specifically: If you’re dumping your heart, soul and precious time (and money) into a project that is designed to be consumed by an engaged audience, then you’re damned-near obligated to evangelize your work. What good is a story or song (or blog or podcast) if there’s no audience to experience it?
There’s no shame in craving an audience, or growing one … which brings me to promotion, and the aforementioned RSS divide. I perceive this to be a picket line of sorts: Will a podcaster betray his mic-friendly roots by connecting with a blogger? Will a high-profile blogger be perceived as “slumming it” if they promote their work to a podcaster?
If you’re in one of these camps I’m discussing, honestly consider this: Have you ever considered reaching across that divide and promoting yourself to your RSS opposite?
There was a time when I didn’t. I look back at the past two years of communicating (and promoting) with podcasters exclusively, and see two years’ worth of wasted opportunity. The cross-pollination possibilities were — and are — endless.
It’s boneheaded to stick with your respective RSS cult. It is wise to look to your RSS opposite and see them as a new media ally.
Podcasters: Reach out to bloggers for promotion. New media marketing cannot begin and end with a podcaster networking solely with fellow podcasters (or worse, networking only with podcasters who produce shows in similar genres). Podcasting, despite its growth, remains a niche within the social media entertainment space — and when ‘casters only communicate with ‘casters of similar genres, they relegate themselves to something worse: ultra-niche obscurity.
Similarly, I encourage bloggers to connect with podcasters to promote their work. This is a currently-untapped marketing opportunity for bloggers. Podcast listeners are a captivated audience. Just like blog readers, they form relationships with show hosts, and look to them for more cool content. Podcasters play one-minute audio “promos” (gratis commercials) of other podcasts on their shows. These promos generate interest and new listeners. A great many successful podcasts — including mine — hinge on this marketing method.
I can shake my fist at podcasters and insist that they reach out to bloggers, and either they will, or they won’t. But I can bridge this gap in my own content, and I’m doing just that.
Bloggers, this is your open invitation: Consider my show a billboard for your work.
If you want to promote your blog to thousands of engaged listeners, for free, here’s your chance. Create a one-minute audio promo for your blog, and send it to me. I’ll play it in an upcoming episode of my podcast. Boom, done-deal, no reciprocation required.
Don’t wig. Creating an audio promo is easy: Write up the quick “elevator pitch” about what your blog covers, include your URL … and that’s it. Record it with a computer mic and email it to me: 7thSonNovel@gmail.com. If you don’t have a computer mic, call this number and leave a voice mail: 206-984-0918. I guarantee I’ll play your promo in a future episode of my show.
Aside from a few minutes of time investment, it’s is a risk-free chance for you to promote your blog — you know, that thing you believe in and want to grow — to thousands of listeners. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.
Are you in? It’s doesn’t make sense to say no. Remember what to do:
- Write your pitch and include your URL.
- Record it to MP3 an email it to me — 7thSonNovel@gmail.com — or call this number and record it: 206-984-0918.
- That’s it.
Bloggers, I hope to hear your promo soon — and podcasters, I hope you’ll reach out to bloggers to promote your show. To not market your work to new audiences is foolish. Be brave, look outside your comfort zone, and evangelize your content. I bet you’ll grow your audience more quickly than you expect … and sharing your work with new consumers is what, in my brass-tacks view of things, it’s all about.
–J.C.
“Drawbridge” photo by william.ward, used under a Creative Commons license.
J.C. Hutchins is an SOB…
March 22, 2008
While at least one podcaster I know has gone on record as calling me a “sonuvabitch,” I am supremely proud to be officially knighted as a true SOB by superblogger Liz Strauss at her site, Successful Blog. This is an honor, and I’m grateful to Liz for the recognition.
In Liz Strauss’ world, the mischievous acronym stands for “Successful and Outstanding Blogger.” There are bazillions of blogs in the ’sphere, but only a select few are awarded this distinction. According to Liz, SOBs:
(T)ake the conversation to their readers, contribute great ideas, challenge us, make us better, and make our businesses stronger. … Good conversation shared can only improve the blogging community.
I had the great pleasure to chat at length with Liz at SXSW earlier this month, and will soon have her on the UltraCreatives Interview Series to share her perspectives on social media … and more important, success. I’ll also be helping her spread the word in the podosphere about SOBcon 2008, a brilliant conference designed to empower people to embrace their creative passions, and launch online businesses. It’s a remarkable venture, and I’m honored to help Liz evangelize the cause.
I’ve been an avid reader of Liz’s Successful Blog for months now, and highly recommend it for practical (and philosophical) tips on how to be a better contributor to the online community. Check it out … and thanks again to Liz for this prized distinction!
FREE e-copy of Jack Wakes Up to promote PALMS SUNDAY!
March 7, 2008
I’m helping spread the JACK WAKES UP print release meme for friend and fellow podnovelist Seth Harwood. I recently interviewed Seth on my UltraCreatives interview series, and can’t wait to purchase a copy of his novel on March 16th — aka “Palms Sunday.” The book is a killer read, and well worth every nickel.
But don’t take my word for it: savvy Seth is giving away a free PDF edition of his novel! Download the file here, take a peek … and if you like what you read, be sure to purchase a copy of the novel at Amazon.com on Sunday, March 16th.
Another friend — Evo Terra, co-founder of Podiobooks.com — gave Jack Wakes Up this awesome write-up over at PB.com blog. I couldn’t have said it better myself:
“This is one more great chance for us … to come together and let Big Publishing know that we’re here and we’re making waves. Not only is this a great chance to support Seth and his work, but if the message gets out that this crazy model of giving away a free audiobook version to promote the print-version actually works, then it’ll mean more more authors will try this model (read: more books for you to enjoy) … and greater chances at cracking the publishing nut for all the writers you support.”
So be sure to check out Seth’s free PDF here, download it, and spread the word with family and friends. And be sure to join Seth’s mission to make Jack Wakes Up a smash hit on Amazon.com by purchasing a print copy on 10AM PST, 1PM EST and 6PM GMT on Palm(s) Sunday, March 16th on Amazon.com!
–J.C.
J.C. Hutchins at SXSW — Come meet me!
March 6, 2008
Thanks to the generous folks at my new day job, I’ll be attending the uber-awesome South By Southwest festival in Austin this weekend, and part of next week. My primary role is to network with bloggers, podcasters, and other new/social media movers and shakers — and also represent Myxer at the company’s booth on the iF! Trade Show & Exhibition floor (Booth 219). I’m in the friend-makin’ business, and if you’re attending, I want to meet you!
While I won’t be presenting at the festival (maybe next year, heh), I will be attending panels, events and parties. I hope to see you there.
So how can we hook up at SXSW? Right now, my schedule’s a little touch-and-go, but you can look for me at the Myxer booth (Booth 219) in the exhibition area. If I’m not there, don’t worry: leave your business card and I’ll be sure to contact you ASAP. You can also drop me a line on my cell: 954-531-7692. Let’s meet, greet, and geek out!
–J.C.
Postscript: SXSW is just the first of several conferences I’ll be attending this year. Watch for updates regarding BarCampOrlando, Balitcon, Dragon*Con … and yes, the New Media Expo (or whatever the hell they’re calling it this year) in Vegas. If we don’t meet in Austin, by gum, we’ll connect sometime this year!
7th Son: OBSIDIAN is coming…
March 5, 2008
What is 7th Son: OBSIDIAN?
7th Son: OBSIDIAN is another “first” in podcast fiction from J.C. Hutchins. 7th Son: OBSIDIAN enhances the 7th Son trilogy universe. 7th Son: OBSIDIAN brings together the best storytellers in podcasting for one project, with one mission — to tell tales that shock, move, and entertain you … and reveal moments in the 7th Son universe that were merely hinted at in the original trilogy.
7th Son: OBSIDIAN is an audio short story anthology that chronicles a crisis that took place in 7th Son, Book Three: Destruction. In that novel, the United States fell victim to a coordinated terrorist attack. Power stations across the country were destroyed, and the U.S. plummeted into a country-wide blackout. In the timeline of the trilogy, this blackout occurred in mid-November 2007.
While this blackout was described in the trilogy, the story never focused on its true victims: average Americans.
7th Son: OBSIDIAN does just that.
Author J.C. Hutchins has recruited the seven biggest names in podcast fiction to write seven short stories set during this national crisis. Podfic fans know these names:
- Scott Sigler (author of Infected, Earthcore, Ancestor, The Rookie)
- Michael A. Stackpole (New York Times bestselling author of Fortress Draconis)
- Tee Morris (author of MOREVI: The Chronicles of Rafe and Askana, and Billibub Baddings and the Case of the Singing Sword)
- Mur Lafferty (author of Playing For Keeps, and the acclaimed Heaven audionovella series)
- Matt Wallace (award-winning author of The Failed Cities Monologues, and Variant Frequencies stories)
- Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff (author of Shadow Falls, Number One With A Bullet, Diary of a Madman and Transistor Rodeo)
- Christiana Ellis (author of Nina Kimberly the Merciless and Space Casey)
In addition, Hutchins has tapped other trailblazing podcast entertainers to contribute shorter stories that also take place during this “time of darkness”:
- Evo Terra
- Dan Klass
- Wichita Rutherford
- TD-0013
- Soccergirl
- The cast of The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd
- George Hrab
No podcast author has ever opened his universe in this way, for a true audiofiction anthology. And no author has ever assembled such an all-star cast.
Each storyteller will spin a unique tale that takes place during the blackout, featuring brand new characters far from the front lines seen in the 7th Son trilogy. These are stories of survival, action, betrayal and hope, all told from the perspective of average Americans whose lives were affected by the OBSIDIAN blackout.
The writers are brilliant. The concept is groundbreaking. The stories are unforgettable.
7th Son: OBSIDIAN is coming. May 2008.
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