Check out this badassery: My pal and fellow writer/podcaster Steve Saylor recently released a new collection of short stories called The Caffeine Collection -- and he wants YOU to get a free sneak peek! Yummy free fiction in PDF form ... it doesn't get any better than that, peeps!
He and brilliant musician (and businessman) Geoff Smith have combined forces to create an innovative new series and way to distribute it! Check this tweaked excerpt from a recent press release Steve circulated:
From science fiction and fantasy, to action and comedy, there is a genre for anyone's taste. Steve Saylor started writing "The Caffeine Collection" after the launch of his podcast novel "Black Shadow" in December of 2007. He wrote most of the collection at his local Starbucks during the summer of 2009 -- which inspired its title.
What's equally noteworthy is how Saylor is using Smith's "RingtoneFeeder" platform to sell and distribute the series.
RingtoneFeeder is an innovative approach to distributing digital content, such as ringtones. The service offers a paid subscription model which automatically installs original ringtones to an iPhone via iTunes. Saylor's The Caffeine Collection uses this proven delivery method and model to distribute stories to paid subscribers.
"I am super excited to be the first to distribute a short story collection in the same way," Saylor said. "This is an experiment which could revolutionize the way authors can publish their work."
I'm pretty excited about it too -- and will be closely watching Steve's success. In the meantime, you should learn more about Steve's work, and bebop over to The Caffeine Collection RingtoneFeeder page to experience more risk-free fiction before deciding to support his work. And of course, check out the below link to the free short story Steve's given us: The 39. Enjoy!
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.
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. :)
Welcome to the fourth Beta Clone Army Update episode! WARVEMBER IS HERE. Are you in?
J.C. spills deets about Week One sales of 7th Son (it's great news -- snag a copy if you haven't already), and then delivers a nuclear payload of an announcement: he's declared war on planet Earth! It's WORLD WAR 7, and you're invited to enlist in DIVISION 7, an ultra-elite sect of the Beta Clone Army!
In this episode, J.C. chats about:
WORLD WAR 7, Warvember and Division 7
Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
NATASHA'S MINISTRY MISSION FOR THIS WEEK:
OPERATION FRIEND-7
Talk to seven friends about 7th Son: Descent
This must occur in real life ... no Tweeting, Facebooking, emailing, etc. allowed! :)
Email J.C. the first names of those friends (his email address: 7thSonNovel@gmail.com).
Complete this mission by Wednesday, NOV. 18 and get mentioned on the Agents of the Ministry page and you'll be in the running for a signed ULTRA RARE advance reader copy of 7th Son: Descent
Mission completion after Nov. 18 still earns you a place on the Agents page
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 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!
"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!
I hail from Kentucky, the Bluegrass State, and am proud to say that my fine commonwealth is the birthplace of bluegrass music. I love the stuff (whenever I'm in a bad mood, I put on my Bill Monroe: Live From Mountain Stage album and things turn around right quick), and also love listening to interviews.
That's why I was absolutely dazzled by this interview recorded by the brilliant Wichita Rutherford. Wichita came up in podcasting -- he remains one of my favorite podcasters of all time; he's so precious -- and now hosts "The Grand Old Time Machine" Sirius/XM show. He recently spent some quality time with bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs ... and the interview is nothing short of awesome.
You've gotta check out this interview, even if you don't know much about bluegrass music. You'll hear an intimate take on Ricky's life story and family, and his journey into the musical life -- and learn a lot about bluegrass along the way. You won't regret it.
But you gotta move fast; Wichita says the MP3 will be available for a few days.
My dear friend Tabz recently turned me on to the cool folks at Stranger Press, and -- since she's doing some outreach on the company's behalf -- also hooked me up with a FREE super-sized lithograph of the cover of THE UNTAMED, Volume 1. Smokin' hot.
But since my walls are covered, I want to give it to YOU!
Check this from Tabz: "THE UNTAMED is the first comic from Stranger Press. The company is truly born out of a Hollywood mindset in terms of quality, look and feel. ... Stranger Comics really seeks to bring back the feel of the golden age of comics, but with a modern twist. The stories are dark, but with a resounding, emotional plot line.
"In THE UNTAMED, we meet an unscrupulous man now facing purgatory who seeks escape by killing 7 souls. His journey seems to be going according to plan until he meets a young woman who reminds him of his daughter. Will she be his next victim?"
I've read an excerpt, and the thing's burning my laptop screen, it's so hot. Check it here.
So. Want that killer litho of THE UNTAMED's cover? Participation is easy-peasy:
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.
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.
I just cooked up an utterly crazy idea, and want to see if you'll play along. It's called Mission 777. I'd love your feedback -- please sound off in the comments section...
What is Mission 777?
As you may know, my novel 7th Son: Descent was released on Oct. 27. On that day, UK resident John Merlin participated in the Beta Clone Army Rewards Program, and wrangled the purchase of 100 copies (!!!) of 7th Son: Descent. In addition to his new status as an ultra-elite 7th Son fan, he also snags gobs of prizes -- and I'm flying to his England town to hang with him for a day. (!!!)
Would you like me to come to YOUR city and hang with YOU for a day? I know I do, and I want to give you the tools to make it happen. The best part: All proceeds go to a great cause.
Mission 777 requires seven brave Beta Clone Army volunteers. Like John Merlin, you'll be the ultra-elite, official 7th Son Ambassadors for a 7-city book tour, funded by me. People in your community -- or beyond -- will sponsor my tour stop by purchasing copies of 7th Son: Descent in your name. If you hit 100 copies, I'm flying to your city, wherever you are, and hanging with you and other local loyal Beta Clones.
Plus, for every copy sold, I'll donate $1 (the money I make on each book) to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure charity, which supports breast cancer awareness and research.
I'll do nearly all of the lifting: I'll create a website with the profiles of the seven volunteers (aka the Chosen 7), promote it, and manage the site and sponsorship purchases by you, your friends or others. Anyone in the world can sponsor one of the Chosen 7 with book purchases, which will add to their goal of 100. (Sadly, past purchases of 7th Son: Descent cannot count toward the Mission 777 initiative.)
You'll do your part by providing a face to the cause, and -- if you're up for it -- asking your community to help. I'm not seeing a nickel of profit from Mission 777; all money goes to charity. It's a fun way to get me to your town to meet you and your friends ... and sign a lot of books! :)
Will You Become One of the Chosen 7?
Right now, Mission 777 is just a dream; I won't pursue it unless I get seven hard-core dedicated fans who want me in their town, and are willing to put forth some effort to talk up Mission 777 in their local or online communities. I'll do my part by promoting Mission 777 and keeping the Beta Clone Army updated on your progress toward the 100 milestones. If you hit 100 copies purchased in your name, I'm coming to your town. No matter what, all cash goes to charity.
Does this idea work for you? Would you be willing to participate, either as one of the Chosen 7, or as a sponsor by purchasing Mission 777 copies of 7th Son: Descent? I won't know until you tell me.
Give me a shout in the comments. I would love to see the interest level for this, and make it happen if people dig it.
Do you live in the Tampa area? Are you free this Saturday? If so, bebop over to nearby Wesley Chapel and meet me as I present to that fine city's local chapter of the Florida Writers Association! The event ends at noon, so lunch is in order afterward. Let's hang!
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 am - noon
Where: Barnes & Noble, The Shoppes at Wiregrass ~ 28152 Paseo Dr Suite 100 ~ Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
What's up: I'll be chatting with the Wesley Chapel chapter of the Florida Writers Association (the city is near Tampa) about my writing, and how I use the web and social media to promote my work. It should be a fun time, with some writerly chit-chat. Books will be available for purchase, and signing.
"Do This For Me" is the fourth 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.
"Do This For Me" Lyrics
Lemme lay out the situation The house I'm living in Is made of blame and condemnation I'm lookin' to move out When the goin's tough That's what I'm all about
Now you could be A big help to me Lemme slip on in So I can start all over again
Let's explore the opportunity I'm in your hands Get a grip and think what you could make of me You're on top in this scenario But when the time is right I'll be your impresario
Do this for me It's a simple thing For a complex girl Do this for me And I'll make sure That I do right by you
Take your time on this decision I got nowhere to be And the sun is barely risen All while you're thinkin' I'll be down here Persuadin' and convincin'
Welcome to the third Beta Clone Army Update episode! This one's a doozy, clocking in at around 90 minutes.
J.C. delivers the goods on how 7th Son: Descent performed on its first day on sale, brags relentlessly about YOU, teases a new initiative debuting later this week, interviews THE John Smith (the real voice behind the Anyman EP), and answers your questions!
In this episode, J.C. chats about:
A deadline extension for MOP mission "Operation Photo Fun with 7th Son" (see below)
Hear the interview with THE John Smith, the mind and voice behind the Anyman EP
Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
NATASHA'S MINISTRY MISSION FOR THIS WEEK (EXTENDED DEADLINE):
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, NOV. 6 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!
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.
Like what you hear? Tell a friend, and give a shout in the comments!
Since it's Halloween, I thought I'd toss something unusual in the podcast feed. Check out this experimental piece of fiction I wrote and recorded back in Nov. 2008 titled Ursa Minor.
At the time, Celldweller's album Soundtrack for the Voices in My Head was brand new (it's a stellar album; pick up a copy), and I was smitten by its cinematic-style music. I was so inspired, I contacted Celldweller mastermind Klayton and asked if I could write at least one short story inspired by his music ... using his music in the story as a soundtrack.
The goal: To tell a complete tale using only the time allowed by the music, while timing plot points and action to specific moments in the music. The end result is Ursa Minor, using the song of the same name from the Celldweller album.
It's 1:44 minutes long. A fun creative challenge! I hope you enjoy the tale, as brief as it is. :)
A few months back, I told you about how one of my favorite musicians, bret -- aka Blue Stahli -- gets it.
Further evidence of the man's cleverness, creativity and marketing savvy? The video posted below.
Dig this: bret wanted to announce his remix contest in an interesting way (and, as he told me, "have an excuse to play with video stuff"). Behold what he created on a budget of $5, using an old jailbroken iPhone. He did all the editing, sound effects and musical score.
Truly badass stuff. Check it, and check the remix contest for his awesome song UltraNumb, which launches in mere days.
Just a reminder, Florida-based peeps: You can meet me in real life tomorrow night at my 7th Son: Descent book launch party! Check the deets below, and hope to see you there!
When: Friday, Oct. 30, 5 - 8 pm Where: Fresh Aroma Coffee Bar ~ 3656-G W Hillsboro Blvd. ~ Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 What's up: It's the caffeine-fueled celebration for 7th Son: Descent's print debut! Meet me at Fresh Aroma Coffee Bar, hang out, and make new friends. Bring your copy of Descent to be signed, or purchase a copy (cash only, limited copies available). Each person who gets their book signed scores a free drink at the coffee bar!
Welcome to the third (of ten) free serialized PDF installments of the novel 7th Son: Descent.7th Son is available for purchase now. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.
Synopsis: The Beta clones tour the 7th Son facility, discover more about their origins, and learn about John Alpha's intentions. Longtime fans: This episode features a new chapter, and a new set-piece within the facility!
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
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)
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)
Ladies 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:
Welcome to the third (of ten) serialized episodes of the free audiobook, 7th Son: Descent.7th Son is available for purchase now. Learn how you can support the novel's print release at this page.
Synopsis: The Beta clones tour the 7th Son facility, discover more about their origins, and learn about John Alpha's intentions. Longtime fans: This episode features a new chapter, and a new set-piece within the facility!
Chatter: Very little chatter. You know what to do.
