Faithful listener Alain recently visited Bermuda, spotted this item, and had to snap a photo for fellow 7th Son fans. I'm telling ya, that Kilroy2.0 gets around! Alain, thanks for sharing the photo!
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Can you find the Chris Alpha? /
Looks like I'm not the only person out there who wants to clone himself so's I can make the day job easier. Chris from the Answers for Freelancers podcast sent me this fantastic image. According to this org chart at ESPN, Chris is -- among other things -- the Multimedia Director, the Manager of Video Services, the Manager User Interface ... even a Flash Developer! Now that's what I call putting yourself to work. Thanks, Chris, for the image!
BOOK ONE: 7th Son: Q&A / Thank You Bonus Episode #2 /
It's the last episode in 7th Son, Book One: Descent! J.C. answers questions from listeners ... and thanks darned-near everybody for their support and encouragement.
BOOK ONE: Chapter 27 /
It's the last chapter in 7th Son, Book One: Descent!
Synopsis: Hugh Sheridan reveals a final secret to John. The clones at the 7th Son facility discover the fate of the rescue mission in California. The Beta clones' mission concludes ... or does it?
Promo: Answers For Freelancers podcast
Promo: Shadowmagic podiobook
Promo: Smartbomb Radio
Special song by the brilliant Jonathan Coulton!
"SHARE THE PAIN" contest hosted by Podcast Pickle.
Become one of the 7th Son fan elite! Join the "7th Ave. Street Team!"
Discuss 7th Son and make friends at The Beta Clone Army MySpace group!
BOOK ONE: Chapter 26 /
It's the penultimate chapter in Book One: Descent! Good news about 7th Son abounds after the chapter, including 7th Son's induction into a prestigious podcasting group, a sneak peek at next episode's "The Story So Far..." reader, and the novel's nomination for an award in podcasting excellence!
Synopsis: The battle concludes at Folie à Duex.
Promo: Mrs. B's Patriot World podcast
Promo: Manic Mommies podcast
Promo: The Sci-Phi Show
Promo: Sonic Society podcast
"SHARE THE PAIN" contest hosted by Podcast Pickle.
Become one of the 7th Son fan elite! Join the "7th Ave. Street Team!"
Discuss 7th Son and make friends at The Beta Clone Army MySpace group!
7th Son is #1! /
When I started podcasting 7th Son back in late February, I did so with more than a heaping tablespoon of anxiety. I bit my nails down to the quick. Would people like the story I was about to tell?
I've been amazed, honored and humbled by the positive reaction that 7th Son has garned since then. Today -- and perhaps it will be only today, or only for a few hours -- 7th Son has hit #1 on the Podcast Pickle favorites list. I owe that acheivement solely to the enthusiasm of 7th Son fans.
A storyteller is nothing without an audience, and I want to give my deepest gratitude to you for being there, and for enjoying my story. Thanks for all the encouragement and support you've given the novel. 7th Son fans ROCK!
With respect and admiration, --J.C. Hutchins
BOOK ONE: 7th Son: Bonus Episode #1 /
UPDATE: There was a glitch in the Matrix, people, and some of you may not have received this episode. If you were a victim of this weirdness, simply use the direct link to the episode (found below) to download the proper file. Things should be working again.
Some nice bonus audio content for 7th Son fans! This special episode is a collaboration between J.C. and Mark "Reigning Shogun of Taiwan" Foreman. Mark asked J.C. to participate in a cool concept episode of his podcast, Getting A Leg Up. It's an awesome idea, and Mark pulled it off beautifully. If you dig 7th Son and great music, you're at the right place!
The Clones
- John: Monster 3:15 Sparkle*Jets U.K.
- Michael: Estranged Panic 3:22 JT Bruce
- Jack: No Meaning No 3:12 Chuck D With Fine Arts Militia
- Jonathan: Sénégal Fast Food 4:19 Amadou & Mariam
- Fr. Thomas: Hand of Mercy 3:47 Hope Trueblood
- Dr. Mike: Juego 5:26 Mutandina
- Kilroy 2.0: TTC 3:59 Dancingbox (Modeselektor remix)
- Cloner Baddie-John Alpha: Force Fed 5:23 Strapping Young Lad
- Clonical music bed: Sister Saviour (Blackstrobe Remix) 7:05 The Rapture
BOOK ONE: Chapter 25 /
It's a short chapter -- but big announcements await in the intro and outtro, including:
- The debut of the "7th Ave. Street Team"
- The new "Beta Clone Army" MySpace Group
- Bonus audio coming later this week, thanks to the Getting A Leg Up podcast
- And more!
Synopsis: The story returns to the 7th Son facility. Jack, Kilroy2.0 and Jonathan begin to understand that John Alpha's conspiracy is much older -- and more dangerous -- than they could have ever imagined. John continues his conversation with Hugh Sheridan. The genesis of Project 7th Son is finally revealed.
Promo: Truth Seekers podcast
Promo: The Schwagcast
Promo: Taken Liberty podiobook
Announcement: Ben & Greg's World Record Attempt
"SHARE THE PAIN" contest hosted by Podcast Pickle.
Join ... THE CLONE ARMY! /
Listener Jacob recently rocked my world by generously offering to create a 7th Son fan group at MySpace. I gave the dude my blessing, and voila!, a place now exists for 7th Son fans to discuss the novel, swap plot theories, the works. It's called "The Beta Clone Army," and you can find it here. You can also click the logo that's currently at the top of the homepage at JCHutchins.net. So head over to The Beta Clone Army MySpace group and become a member! Dig the current topics and add replies if you like. Or start all-new forums with your own topics! Who knows? I might swing by and add my two cents, to boot!
As always, it's free. So enjoy -- and be sure to thank Jason while you're over there!
BOOK ONE: Chapter 24 /
After this episode, only three chapters remain in 7th Son: Book One! Help spread the word about the novel by voting for 7S at Podcast Alley, becoming a fan of the show at Podcast Pickle, or by posting a review at iTunes! Of course, nothing beats word of mouth ... so fire up that email app and tell your friends about the novel! Another way to be an 7S evangelist: Visit the new 7S Shop at Cafe Press and pick up a spiffy T-shirt or bumper sticker! (UPDATE: The shop has closed.)
Freebies galore debut at JCHutchins.net, the Computer King calls out Kilroy2.0 and more await your ears!
Synopsis: The story returns to California ... and to the bloodbath at Folie à Deux. The clones learn about Vaporwear. Fr. Thomas and Dr. Mike are captured. John Alpha makes an appearance. Thomas makes a leap of faith.
Promo: Bits of Silicon Hell podcast
Promo: SHARE THE PAIN "SHARE THE PAIN" contest hosted by Podcast Pickle.
BOOK ONE: Chapter 23 /
J.C. pimps the Infection/7th Son SHARE THE PAIN crossover contest, and finally reveals the Easter Egg from the first chapter. After this week, only four more episodes remain in Book One: Descent!
Synopsis: Kilroy2.0, Jack and Jonathan's search for NEPTH-charge victims sends them to a horrific CDC report that reveals another mystery. John finally meets Hugh Sheridan ... and the true nature of Project 7th Son is unveiled.
Promo: Sundown Lounge
Promo: All Axis Radio Canada
Promo: Barely Podcasting Podcast
"SHARE THE PAIN" contest hosted by Podcast Pickle.
An AWESOME review of 7th Son! /
I always thought 7th Son was a spiffy story, but now I have proof! Australian listener Tim Byatt has critiqued 7S for his website/blog, Podcast Reviews ... and gave the podcast 8 out of 10 stars. You can't beat that with a stick! In his review, Tim complimented my reading and voice acting. (Oh, if only Tim -- and the rest of you -- could hear all my all-too-often flubs!) Most flattering, however, were his kind words about John and the other main characters:
"While the plot of the story is interesting and engaging, what makes this story for me is the character development within the story," Tim wrote. "The seven John Michael Smiths ... have all taken different paths in life and as such have quite distinct personalities. ... These characters and their development give rise to questions about nature versus nurture and the potential to mold people to a certain way of not just thinking, but actually being."
Wow! Thanks for the review, Tim! Everybody, be sure to check out Podcast Reviews for Tim's thoughts on other 'casts. Tim also has another website, Movie Reviews Plus, where he and a buddy review ... wait for it ... movies. Extremely cool stuff!
BOOK ONE: Chapters 21 & 22 /
J.C. thanks his listeners, encourages them to continue their 7th Son evangelism, and pimps "SHARE THE PAIN," the new Infection/7th Son crossover contest.
Synopsis: John travels into the depths of the 7th Son facility for a family reunion ... and encounters an unexpected, familiar face. Kilroy2.0, Jack and Jonathan slip into the CDC's secure intranet, searching for NEPTH-charge victims. In Russia, the Devlins finally begin their first -- and last -- mission together.
Promo: Fiddle and Burn
Promo: The House Down Cherry Tree Lane
Promo: Much To Do About Nothing
"SHARE THE PAIN" contest hosted by Podcast Pickle.
BOOK ONE: Chapters 19 & 20 /
Would someone tell that author to shut the hell up? In the epic-length intro, info abounds about "SHARE THE PAIN," the new Infection/7th Son crossover contest! Listen to both novels ... and win killer prizes! After the chapter, J.C. also chats about the Parsec Awards ... and a jaw-dropping 7th Son spoiler is revealed in the Clone Line (206-984-2566) segment. This one can't be missed!
Synopsis: At the 7th Son facility, John, Jack and Jonathan learn more about Kilroy2.0's world. A powerful benefactor lends a hand. In California, Michael, Dr. Mike and Fr. Thomas and the 7th Son soldiers invade the night club. They find Folie à Deux silent and empty. Or is it?
Promo: Jack Mangan's Deadpan
Promo: The Transcontinental Penguin Super Show
"SHARE THE PAIN" contest sponsored by Podcast Pickle.
7th Son street team ... any takers? /
I've lately been toying with the idea of creating a 7th Son street team, in which 7th Son fans become evangelists by distributing 7S flyers in the "real world" -- on campuses, community bulletin boards, telephone poles, the works. I tapped my talented friend Jo to create a prototype flyer, and I'm thrilled with the end product. The goal of this flyer (and others, if this gets off the ground) is to evoke intrigue, and motivate folks to visit my website for more information. Here's a quick peek at Jo's image, a deliciously diabolical nod to 7th Son's prologue:
Right now, plans for a 7th Son street team are nebulous ... but that can quickly change with your feedback. Would you be interested in participating in a real-world viral marketing campaign such as this? Give me a holler at 7thsonnovel@gmail.com if you're willing to be a solider in the 7S street team.
Finally, if there are graphic designers out there who'd like to contribute to flyer creation, I'd also love to hear from you.
On tangibility, brilliant blogging, and Father Thomas' plight /
Despite the fact that 7th Son isn't a published novel in the conventional sense -- a thing that one can put on a bookshelf -- the feedback that I receive from listeners brings a sense of "real-ness," tangibility, to the work. The novel seems to be making an impact, moving people to mention it to friends ... and I think that's the highest compliment any artist can receive.
Take this masterfully-written blog post by listener Michael. Michael has been moved to comment about the plight of 7th Son's Father Thomas. As fans know, Thomas' spiritual world has been rocked since he has discovered that he's a clone. He fears that he is a soulless, "manufactured thing." Quite a dilemma for a Catholic priest to have.
Michael will be exploring Thomas' woes -- and his own take on the clone/soul issue -- in a multi-part commentary on his blog, "Brother Osric's Scriptorium." Michael is a very intelligent, very gifted writer, and I can't wait to see what he has to say on the subject. If the spiritual subtext of 7th Son intrigues you, I heartily recommend checking out his blog.
Michael, thanks for sharing your views with your readers ... and for making 7th Son that much more "real" and tangible for me!
I can die a happy man /
Being the curious geek that I am, I adore Wikipedia and its boundless supply of content. It's often my first stop when I'm jonesing to score a fix o' facts. Now, some people dream of fame and fortune. My dream? For my work to be worthy of a Wikipedia mention.
I'll be damned if dreams don't come true. Neither "J.C. Hutchins" nor "7th Son" has a wiki entry ... but that ubiquitous hacker we all know so well, Kilroy2.0, is mentioned in a wiki entry about Kilroy, the World War II myth:
It's a tiny mention, but I was tickled to see it there nonetheless. I don't know which 7th Son fan mentioned Kilroy2.0, but whoever you are, you rock!
BOOK ONE: Chapter 18 /
Astoundingly cool, new, exclusive content awaits at JCHutchins.net! Feast your peepers on shiny 7th Son web banners, fresh desktop wallpapers/screen savers ... and a spiffy "7th Son Technology" section, where you can find the 411 on NEPTH-charge, MemR/I and more. Plus, J.C. reveals his true name in the Clone Line segment!
Synopsis: Michael, Fr. Thomas, Dr. Mike and the 7th Son soldiers reach Los Angeles. Michael briefs his brothers on the plan of attack. After a tense ride through the streets of West Hollywood, they arrive at Folie à Deux. The mission to stop John Alpha -- and save Dania Sheridan -- begins.
Promo: Weekly Anime Review
Promo: Whole Lot of Nonsense Podcast
Promo: Skunk Smells Podcast
7th Son goes Hollywood? (No, but almost as cool...) /
If you've listened to the most recent episode of 7th Son and heard the messages left on the Clone Line (206-984-2566), you might remember uber-fan Manata's voice mail. He was the guy who called in sick to work to listen to all 7th Son episodes in practically one sitting. As an author, I can tell you: I doesn't get much cooler than that. Or does it? Turns out Manata has a blog, and he's been praising 7th Son there. Better still, Manata let his imagination run wild, and did a virtual "casting call" of actors and actresses who'd appear in 7th Son, if it were made into a big-budget movie. Some highlights from Manata's who's who of actors include:
- Philip Baker Hall as A.U. Rookman, the corrupt oil tycoon seen in Chapter 17
- Clancy Brown or Colin McFarlane as Gen. Hill (I think Brown is a badass, but I prefer McFarlane, as Hill is African-American)
- Carrie-Ann Moss as John's girlfriend, Sarah
- And playing the Beta Clones (and John Alpha)? Either Thomas Arana or Mark Ruffalo
Awesome casting, Manata! Thanks for the inspired evangelism!
Personally, I'd love to see Ryan Reynolds in the role of the Betas. Since he's best known for his comedic roles, Reynolds may not be an obvious choice. But the man does have experience in a fat suit (perfect for Kilroy2.0), he's lean, and has that ripped muscle mojo going on (perfect for Michael the Marine).
I first thought of Reynolds when I watched Blade: Trinity. He was the best thing about the that flick. And if there's any doubt that Reynolds isn't one bad mamma-jamma, I present this production still from Trinity:
BOOK ONE: Chapter 17 /
A new month approacheth ... and a new challenge arises for 7th Son listeners! Can you pound the pavement and tell "podcast virgins" about 7th Son? Check out the intro for more info!
Synopsis: The story shifts to Houston, where billionaire oil tycoon A.U. Rookman conducts a videoconference with a business associate. Rookman's legacy of corruption and greed is revealed ... as are details of his ailing health.
Promo: The Manners Eti-Cast
Promo: Does My Geek Look Big In This?
Promo: Variant Frequencies