7th Son

/  by J.C. Hutchins

Yesterday, I released 7th Son: The Soundtrack, nearly 30 minutes of classical music inspired by my 7th Son technothriller trilogy. If you haven't already, you oughta take a listen.

The terrific music was composed by University of Rhode Island student Brandon Winrich, a talented young man who's set his eyes on someday creating musical scores for films, TV shows and video games. If his 7th Son music is any indication, Brandon won't have a problem finding work after graduation.

In addition to providing a recording of that evening's performance, Brandon gave me some incredible liner notes, packed with comments and artistic insights about the creation of 7th Son: The Soundtrack, all written by him. He was keen to share his creative commentary with my audience. I was happy to oblige, and designed a downloadable PDF for you.

A link to these liner notes is below. If you've ever wanted a behind-the-scenes peek at a composer's creative process, you should check it out.

--J.C.

Music: 7th Son - The Soundtrack /  by J.C. Hutchins

Early last month, I traveled from my Denver home to Rhode Island to meet Brandon Winrich, a music composition major at the University of Rhode Island. It was the conclusion of a remarkable artistic journey for him, and was a life-changing day for me -- a day three years in the making. In 2008, Brandon contacted me, asking for permission to compose orchestral music inspired by my 7th Son sci-fi thriller novel trilogy. As a lifelong fan of classical music, I was humbled and delighted ... and I gave Brandon the green light without reservation.

The following year, Brandon composed and helped perform Movement 1: Descent, a 6:45 song inspired by the events in the first 7th Son novel. This was part of a project for his musical studies. In 2010, he paid similar homage to Deceit with another public performance. But this year, for his third and final 7th Son-inspired composition (and senior recital), Brandon emailed and asked if I might personally attend the live performance of movements 1 and 2 ... and a first-ever performance of Movement 3: Destruction. The trilogy of songs would be played by 10 musicians, and conducted by a URI graduate.

I booked the flight that night.

The audio file at the end of this post is a recording of that live performance. Click play, and you'll hear the work of a talented young man embarking on what can only be an incredibly successful artistic career. I am deeply touched and honored that anyone would be so inspired by my work to create something so compelling. I'm grateful Brandon allowed me to freely share this recording with you.

Here is a guide of the 7th Son Trilogy scenes Brandon re-created in this 25-minute performance. Note that movements -- each named after 7th Son novels -- are introduced by a long note played by horns ... the very hmmmmm "scene change" sound heard in the 7th Son podcast novels.

7th Son, Movement 1: Descent is comprised of 8 sections:

  1. "The president of the United States is dead.  He was murdered in the morning sunlight by a four-year-old boy."
  2. A Former Life
  3. Send in the Clones
  4. Descent / The Womb
  5. Contacting the Outside
  6. Following Alpha's Trail / "I Comply" / Hacking the CDC
  7. Showdown at Folie à Deux
  8. "It's Never Over"

7th Son, Movement 2: Deceit is comprised of 8 sections:

  1. John Alpha(s) and Special(k)
  2. Homecoming / To the Fallen
  3. Alert Status 1: Lockdown
  4. The Proto Womb
  5. Hack Back
  6. Prime Time
  7. Escape from Prophecy, Texas
  8. Wild Card / Tanker Chase / The Fifth Wheel

7th Son, Movement 3: Destruction is comprised of 12 sections:

  1. Killjoy
  2. 760 United Nations Plaza
  3. The Cavalry Arrives
  4. Catalyst
  5. A Fateful Ride
  6. Obsidian
  7. The Life and Times of Kilroy 2.0
  8. Return to the 7th Son Facility
  9. Commotion in the Common Room / The Madman's March
  10. The Final Battle
  11. Aftermath
  12. Epilogue – 6 months later

Tomorrow, I'll post a PDF of incredible liner notes, packed with comments and artistic insights written by Brandon himself. He was keen to share his creative commentary with you, and I am delighted to oblige.

Before I present the recording, I want to introduce you to the 10 musical performers of 7th Son: The Soundtrack. The musicians are URI students. The conductor is a URI alum. All are supremely talented.

  • Geri Muller -- Flute, Piccolo
  • Theresa Procopio -- Oboe, English Horn
  • Brandon Winrich -- Clarinet
  • Charles Larson -- Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
  • Chelsea Anderson -- Trumpet
  • Erin Dawson & Michael Rayner -- Trombone
  • Benjamin Boisclair, Zachary Friedland & Christopher Vinciguerra -- Percussion
  • Stephen Grueb -- Conductor

I hope you are as dazzled by this three-movement performance as I was. It's further proof that 7th Son fans remain the greatest fans in the world.

--J.C.

Podcast: "Stories Of Our Journeys" Interviews J.C. /  by J.C. Hutchins

In March 2010, my friend Lorelle VanFossen contacted me about a new project she and  Kym Huynh (of ) were creating: , an interview series dedicated to sharing a meaningful moment in a lifetime -- or a journey through that lifetime. Lorelle asked me if Kym could interview me for the program.

I was torn. Mere weeks prior, I'd learned that 7th Son's sequels would not be published by St. Martin's Press. I had announced I was leaving the Free podcast fiction space to pursue other creative opportunities. Was this the best time to chat about my writing career, and the professional decisions I'd made? I almost said no...

...and then remembered the deep respect I had for Lorelle, and that I absolutely trusted her. I agreed to the interview. It is now live, and included here in my podcast feed.

Now, months later, I remain delighted by this interview. Kym's questions were thoughtful and thorough, and so were my answers. It was a perfectly-timed convergence of his curiosity, and my willingness to honestly share my experiences, both good and bad.

If there's one interview of me you should hear -- to get the full story of my creative drive, my love of storytelling, my decision to join and leave the Free podcast fiction community, the promise and pitfalls of mainstream publishing and more -- this is it. I have never given such a forthright interview before this one, and doubt I ever will again.

I hope you find value and enjoyment in this recording, and earnestly encourage you to subscribe to .

--J.C.

An update on the 7th Son sequels, 2010, and my creative plans /  by J.C. Hutchins

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.

7th Son: Descent - Episode 10 /  by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome to the final episode of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Catch up with the story by downloading past episodes. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

7th Son: Descent's anthem is "Descent" by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.

Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!

7th Son: Descent - Episode 10 PDF /  by J.C. Hutchins

7SDescent_cover.jpg

Welcome to the final serialized PDF episode of the novel 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

Like what you've read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!

7th Son: Descent - Episode 9 PDF /  by J.C. Hutchins

7SDescent_cover.jpg

Welcome to the ninth (of ten) serialized PDF episodes of the novel 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

Like what you've read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!

7th Son: Descent - Episode 9 /  by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome to the ninth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Catch up with the story by downloading past episodes. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

7th Son: Descent's anthem is "Descent" by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.

Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!

7th Son: Descent - Episode 8 PDF /  by J.C. Hutchins

7SDescent_cover.jpg

Welcome to the eighth (of ten) serialized PDF episodes of the novel 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

Like what you've read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!

7th Son: Descent - Episode 7 PDF /  by J.C. Hutchins

After a week off for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, 7th Son: Descent is back! Welcome to the sixth (of ten) serialized PDF episodes of the novel 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

Synopsis: The story shifts to Houston, where billionaire oil tycoon A.U. Rookman conducts a videoconference with a business associate. Michael, John, Dr. Mike and the 7th Son soldiers reach Los Angeles. After a tense ride through the streets of West Hollywood, the team arrives at Folie a Deux. The mission to stop John Alpha -- and save Dania Sheridan -- begins. At the 7th Son facility, Father Thomas, Jack and Jay learn more about Kilroy2.0's world. A powerful benefactor lends a hand.

Like what you've read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!

7th Son: Descent - Episode 7 /  by J.C. Hutchins

After a week off for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, 7th Son: Descent is back!

Welcome to the seventh (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Catch up with the story by downloading past episodes. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

Synopsis: The story shifts to Houston, where billionaire oil tycoon A.U. Rookman conducts a videoconference with a business associate. Michael, John, Dr. Mike and the 7th Son soldiers reach Los Angeles. After a tense ride through the streets of West Hollywood, the team arrives at Folie a Deux. The mission to stop John Alpha -- and save Dania Sheridan -- begins. At the 7th Son facility, Father Thomas, Jack and Jay learn more about Kilroy2.0's world. A powerful benefactor lends a hand.

Chatter: J.C. teases a fun 5-minute fan-powered presentation that appears after the chapters. 7th Son: Descent needs your support now more than ever.

7th Son: Descent's anthem is "Descent" by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.

Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!

7th Son: Descent - Episode 6 PDF /  by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome to the sixth (of ten) serialized PDF episodes of the novel 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

Synopsis: Coming soon; J.C. apologizes for the inconvenience. He's currently speaking in NYC.

The Descent podcast will take a brief break next week for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, and will resume the following week.

Like what you've read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!

7th Son: Descent - Episode 6 /  by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome to the sixth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

Synopsis: Coming soon; J.C. apologizes for the inconvenience.

Chatter: J.C. is short on time in this episode -- he's about to hop on a plane for NYC. (This is explains the current lack-o-synopsis.) The Descent podcast will take a brief break next week for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, and will resume the following week.

7th Son: Descent's anthem is "Descent" by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.

Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!

7th Son: Descent - Episode 5 PDF /  by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome to the fourth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

Synopsis: The clones continue to decipher the Morse Code clue. Dr. Mike takes charge. John Alpha's intentions become more clear. The second half of the clue is decoded. Meanwhile at a military base in the Russian wilderness, a former CIA agent named Doug Devlin reminisces about his past -- and his current alliance with a man the clones know very well. A much larger conspiracy is unveiled. The implications of John Alpha's plans become clearer.

Like what you've read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!

7th Son: Descent - Episode 5 /  by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome to the fifth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

Synopsis: The clones continue to decipher the Morse Code clue. Dr. Mike takes charge. John Alpha's intentions become more clear. The second half of the clue is decoded. Meanwhile at a military base in the Russian wilderness, a former CIA agent named Doug Devlin reminisces about his past -- and his current alliance with a man the clones know very well. A much larger conspiracy is unveiled. The implications of John Alpha's plans become clearer.

Chatter: J.C. briefly mentions the news found in the most recent Beta Clone Army update podcast. He also mistakenly says that there are two chapters in this episode. There are more than two. :)

7th Son: Descent's anthem is "Descent" by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.

Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!

Anyman EP Track 5: "Katabatic" /  by J.C. Hutchins

"Katabatic" is the fifth of six free folk songs from Anyman, written and performed by John Smith, which will be released on a weekly schedule here at JCHutchins.net.

While a link to more songs was mentioned in John's 7th Son: 7 Days prequel story, J.C. wanted to provide all five songs to all 7th Son fans ... with a bonus track on the sixth week.

Miami resident John Smith, a character in J.C.'s upcoming thriller 7th Son: Descent, is a man who dreams big ... but lives a small life. Determined to change his life's course, he recorded a five-song EP titled Anyman, and posted it to the Web. This occurred two weeks before the events seen in 7th Son: Descent.

Lyrics for this song appear beneath the audio player. Learn more about 7th Son: Descent’s print novel release here. Order your copy today.

"Katabatic" Lyrics

When the power fails
And the walls come down
Pickin' flowers in the rubble
That's where I will be found

When the levy breaks
And the ground gives way
I'll be swimmin' down your street
Just another perfect day

Ain't no need to feel pathetic
Don't go aneurismatic
Everything is katabatic

And when your wishing star becomes a meteor
Aimin' at your house
Baby don't you grouse
Just take a page from Johnny's Big Book of Advice
'Cuz I'm cold as ice

If the lightning breaks
Its only rule
I just make like Tesla
Baby I'm no fool

You might think I got it wrong
But if I'm not dead
I must be crazy strong

Ain't no need to feel pathetic
Just embrace the copacetic
Everything is katabatic

Stand in front of the freezer, wheezer!
Suck on an ice cube, noob!
You must chill, daffodil!

7th Son: Descent - Episode 4 PDF /  by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome to the fourth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

Synopsis: In Washington D.C., Vice President Charles Caine visits a civilian hospital to receive a routine physical examination ... but things do not go as planned. Back at the 7th Son facility, the John, Kilroy2.0 and the other Beta Clones puzzle over the clue John Alpha left for them. The clones begin to work together for the first time. Gen. Hill reveals an unexpected hobby. A breakthrough is made.

Like what you've read? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!

7th Son: Descent - Episode 4 /  by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome to the fourth (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent. 7th Son is now available in bookstores and for immediate purchase online. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.

Synopsis: In Washington D.C., Vice President Charles Caine visits a civilian hospital to receive a routine physical examination ... but things do not go as planned. Back at the 7th Son facility, the John, Kilroy2.0 and the other Beta Clones puzzle over the clue John Alpha left for them. The clones begin to work together for the first time. Gen. Hill reveals an unexpected hobby. A breakthrough is made.

Chatter: J.C. shares some remarkable stories about Descent's Oct. 27 debut.

7th Son: Descent's anthem is "Descent" by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.com.

Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!