VIDEO: The Beta Clone Army
April 17, 2008
7th Son fans are amazing people. They’re supportive, evangelistic, dedicated and creative. It’s that those last two words — dedicated and creative — that I marvel at the most. The 100+ pieces of 7th Son-inspired artwork, music and photos I’ve received during the past two years amazes and humbles me. And now … this.
U.K.-based 7th Son fan Richard Read spent hours compiling photos from my Beta Clone Army page, and assembling them at Animoto.com to create this brilliant music video starring YOU, the proud folk who’ve purchased 7S shirts at Geeklabel.com and sent me photos. Set to Book Two’s anthem (Celldweller’s “Switchback”), this is an amazing showcase of Richard’s creativity and the Animoto service. This video effin’ rocks.
Richard is a photographer and artist. Find his Flickr page here.
Check out the awesome video below, and share it with your friends. My only regret is that I have a few Beta Clone Army photos yet to post on the site, and they’re not seen here. Those faithful fans will be showcased in their own blog post in the days ahead.
Richard, thanks so much for the awesome contribution to the 7th Son Experience. This video is jaw-droppingly cool!
–J.C.
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VIDEO: Unboxing Keith Burtis’ Gift
April 4, 2008
Welcome to the first-ever 7th Son Vidcast! In this 5-minute video, J.C. documents the “unboxing” of an incredible work of art created by 7th Son listener Keith Burtis. Keith hand-crafted an unbelievably cool, stylized rendition of “The Womb” cloning chamber, described in the J.C.’s novels.
The piece is made from Osage orange, Australian Burl and blood-red Paddauk woods. Forgive J.C. for getting a bit emotional in the video … but the time, effort and artistry that Keith invested in this stunning project is remarkable. A big thank-you to Keith for creating this amazing work of art, and sending it to J.C.
Find out more about Keith Burtis’ work at MagicWoodWorks.com.
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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.
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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!
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7th Son fans “give back” with amazing reviews, art, audio
March 21, 2008
While the 7th Son podcast novel trilogy has concluded — and if you haven’t listened to the audiobooks, you should; subscribe for free and join nearly 40,000 worldwide listeners by visiting my Podcasting Primer page — the story and experience still resonates with me. More important, it’s made an impact on 7th Son listeners, and recently, several have been moved to “give something back” to me, and the 7S community.
Listener Gemini recently reviewed all three audionovels on her blog, Time Well Wasted. I was thrilled to learn that she enjoyed 7th Son from beginning to end: “J.C. Hutchins has created a story so amazing, and so full of conspiracy, that you have to stop yourself from wondering if he’s really got more information that he’s letting on,” she wrote in her review of Book One: Descent. “His grasp of technology during the weaving of this book almost puts Michael Crichton to shame.”
Mentioning me in the same paragraph as Crichton is humbling beyond measure. But then Gemini followed up with this comment in her review of Book Two: Deceit: “Last week, I said the man was as good as Michael Crichton. This week, I’m saying he’s better.” I’m stunned and thrilled to know that 7S made such a positive impact on Gemini.
Find her reviews here:
These accolades alone made my month, but then woodcarving maestro Keith Burtis blew me right out of my Asics (and my socks) this week when he emailed me this remarkable blog post. Keith was so inspired by 7th Son that he hand-crafted an unbelievably cool, stylized rendition of “The Womb” cloning chamber, described in the novels.
His art — made from Osage orange, Australian Burl and blood-red Paddauk woods — is nothing short of miraculous. I nearly wept when I saw his photos of the project … and I know I will weep when I receive it from Keith in the mail very soon.
Keith, thank you for this priceless piece. I’ll do more than cherish it — I’ll be displaying it proudly in my living room for years to come.
Finally, 7S fan “Dan the Demented” recently interviewed me on his podcast, the Polyschizmatic Reprobates Hour. It was a treat chatting with him, and the episode — which also features podnovelist Seth Harwood — is a hoot-and-a-half. Find the interview here.
I am deeply touched to know that the 7th Son trilogy continues to move and inspire people … and I’m doubly thrilled to know that fans can enjoy its forthcoming supplemental short story anthology 7th Son: OBSIDIAN in May, and the release of 7th Son: Descent in print in 2009.
Have you created artwork or a blog post inspired by 7th Son? I’d love to know about it. Please give a shout-out in the comments!
–J.C.
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Recent interviews in the podosphere
February 29, 2008
While I’ve been fortunate to interview many amazing personalities in the social media scene for my UltraCreatives Interview Series, I also enjoy appearing as the interviewee on other podcasts. This week, two excellent podcasters released episodes featuring me on their programs.
I had a great discussion with Chris Moody for the season opener of his PodioMedia Chat podcast. The interview is filled with 7th Son spoilers (be careful, 7th Son newcomers!), and lots of hints of things I have planned for 2008. Find the episode here.
I also had a great interview with Tee Morris on his Survival Guide to Writing Fantasy podcast. Tee and I discussed the creative challenges a writer faces after concluding a large project like 7th Son, and a lot more. Find the episode here.
Both shows feature high-quality content in every episode. Be sure to check them out!
–J.C.
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Tantalizing hints of new 7S project in SciFiDimensions podcast
February 19, 2008
Last week, I chatted with John C. Snider, editor of SF online magazine SciFiDimensions.com, for his site’s new podcast. I had a great time — John is an excellent interviewer — and in addition to doing my best to attract new listeners to 7th Son by promoting the trilogy, I also dropped a few delicious details about the new 7S project to be released in May. I even hinted at dangerous things to come in my secret CODE PHANTOM novel project. You can’t miss this interview, folks!
If you’re a fan of sci-fi, subscribe to John’s podcast … and be sure to check out his online magazine, too! Excellent stuff!
–J.C.
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Incredible review of 7th Son
January 8, 2008
I was flattered beyond words at Lorthyne’s amazing review of the 7th Son trilogy, which was recently posted on Gamegrene. Gamegrene is a brilliant site covering the RPG industry, featuring well-written reviews, news and more.
Just dig this excerpt from the site’s mission statement: “Gamegrene is not your typical gaming website. We’re not here to give you lists of equipment or announcements about the next release of Magic: The Gathering. … Gamegrene. For the gamer who’s sick of the typical.”
Check out Lorthyne’s 7th Son review here, and be sure to leave him a comment of appreciation on the page!
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More cool artwork inspired by 7th Son!
October 12, 2006
Listener Michael Bekemeyer recently sent me this cool image. To hear Michael tell the tale, creative inspiration struck while he should’ve been working on his own podcast. Thanks for the picture, man! I hope it didn’t put you too far behind on your own work!
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Another 7th Son superfan!
August 24, 2006
Need further evidence that 7th Son listeners are the coolest, most generous folk around? Take Brian, a listener in Kansas. Brian enjoyed the special “7th Son/Getting A Leg Up” collaboration podcast so much that he got creative … and wanted to share the fruits of his labor with me (and you!).
Brian took the single MP3 file of 7S/GLU and chopped it up, allowing each song (and corresponding intro) to have its own track. The end result is a CD- (and MP3 playlist-) friendly presentation. Extremely generous of Brian … and extremely cool. Thanks, Brian!
You’ll find a link to this hefty download at this new “7th Son Download Center” web page.
And while you’re enjoying this new presentation of the 7S/GLU episode, be sure to visit the JCHutchins.net wallpapers page, where you can download cover art (and a track listing) created by uberfan Michael.
7th Son fans RAWK!
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