Cellphone-centric story "7th Son: Runner" is live! / June 22, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

The first installment of J.C. Hutchins' serialized "cellphone-centric" text story 7th Son: Runner is now available for download! Runner is the first story of its kind from a podcast novelist: the tale isn't available in print or audio ... but is available for reading on your mobile phone. (Folks who do not have a mobile phone -- or have one, with no data plan -- fret not: the story is available for you, as well. More on this in a moment.) As with all stories in the 7th Son experience, you can enjoy Runner for free.

7th Son: Runner chronicles the story of James DeFalco, assistant director of the 7th Son facility. DeFalco was a small supporting character in 7th Son, Book One: Descent -- but here, he takes center stage. Astute 7th Son fans may recall DeFalco, and Book One's facility-wide evacuation that sent all "nonessential" 7th Son personnel topside until the John Alpha crisis had passed. DeFalco was one such employee, and Runner reveals much more about this nigh-anonymous doctor ... and the 7th Son legacy ... than you could have ever imagined.

This is the first time anyone, anywhere, can actually read J.C. Hutchins' fiction.

Runner was written for, and is intended to be read on, cell phone screens. Users must have mobile Web access to download and read the Runner .txt files as they are released. But that doesn't mean folks who don't have a data plan (or a cell phone, for that matter) can't enjoy the story. J.C. has made certain that anyone with Internet access can download this serialized text.

Visit this page to learn how to sign up to receive SMS "text blast" announcements when future Runner installments are released. If you're just now learning about Runner, you won't be able to receive the FIRST text blast -- that's already been sent into the wild -- but you can receive the next blast by signing up today.

All readers -- including those who sign up now, folks who do not have a data plan, or folks who are have a mobile carrier not supported by Myxer (the service J.C. is using to release this story), don't worry: you can find the URLs linking to Runner's episodes in the "cell phone" graphic found at J.C.'s Myxer Artist page.

The story's just started, so sign up -- and get ready to run. By the time Runner concludes, the 7th Son universe will never be the same ...

OBSIDIAN: Episode 9 "Voices From the Darkness" VIDEO / June 18, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

It's the second video "Voices From the Darkness" episode, and this one's terrific. All contributions seen in this vidcast were created by 7th Son fans from across the globe.

Behold the 7th Son universe during the blackout, as witnessed by its victims ... and captured for all the world to see.

Contributions by:

Coming up next on 7th Son: OBSIDIAN: A brief Clone Line episode, and then a short story by novelist Mur Lafferty.

Download OBSIDIAN: Episode 9 “Voices From the Darkness” VIDEO

OBSIDIAN: Episode 8 "Voices From the Darkness" / June 17, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome to the second audio episode of "Voices From the Darkness." This week's presentation features only one recording, but it's a chiller. It's the OBSIDIAN blackout, as seen through the eyes of ham radio operators across the nation. Sometimes it's not the news you see that's horrifying ... it's the news you hear. This week's masterpiece of audio, complete with authentic slang, created by 7th Son fan Mark Smith.

If you want to contribute to future episodes of “Voices from the Darkness,” time is growing short. You have until July 7, 2008 to call the National Blackout Emergency Hotline at 206-222-9158 and leave a message as if you are a victim in this blackout. Remember: J.C. is not looking for traditional short stories — your call must adhere to the conceit that the blackout is real, and you are experiencing it now.

Coming up next on 7th Son: OBSIDIAN: The second episode of the video installment of "Voices From the Darkness."

Feedback about OBSIDIAN is welcome and appreciated! Send J.C. an email, leave a comment below, or call the Clone Line at 206-984-2566 (CLONE).

OBSIDIAN: Episode 7 / June 14, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

This week's 7th Son: OBSIDIAN short-short is by Evo Terra, an innovator in the podcasting community. While some know him for his former co-host duties on such shows as "Dragon Page Cover to Cover" and "Wingin' It," Evo is best-known for one of the most significant and innovative creations in podcasting, Podiobooks.com. Evo is the man who coined the term "podiobooks," and was instrumental in assembling the team of founders for the Podiobooks.com service. He is also the co-author of Podcasting for Dummies and Expert Podcasting Practices for Dummies, and blogs at his site, FunAnymore.com.

Coming up next on 7th Son: OBSIDIAN: Another amazing "Voices From the Darkness" audio episode, in which we learn all about the world of the blackout ... from a ham radio operator's perspective.

PROMOS:

Feedback about OBSIDIAN is welcome and appreciated! Send J.C. an email, leave a comment below, or call the Clone Line at 206-984-2566 (CLONE).

OBSIDIAN: Episode 6 / June 12, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

Week Two of 7th Son: OBSIDIAN content begins in earnest with He Sees In Shadows, a short story written by New York Times bestselling novelist Michael A. Stackpole. The OBSIDIAN blackout is in full swing in this episode, and a special breed of madman is on the loose, out there, in the darkness. But who is more insane: the hunter ... or the man hunting him? If you enjoyed Mike's story, be sure to check out his other work -- and send him an email -- at StormWolf.com.

J.C. covers some important announcements in this episode's "talky talk" intro and outro, including:

An update on John Alpha's presidential campaign
Information about the OBSIDIAN "Voices From the Darkness" episodes, and how you can contribute. Call 206-222-9158 to leave your audio mark in the 7th Son universe, or record video footage and email it to J.C. Click here for submission guidelines. Deadline for this content is July 7, 2008.
Find "sneak peek" video footage from "Voices From the Darkness" contributors at J.C.'s YouTube channel. (More will be released soon!)
Information about 7th Son: Runner, J.C.'s serialized "cell phone-centric" text story that will debut next week. Click here to learn how to obtain this OBSIDIAN text-only story!

Coming up next on 7th Son: OBSIDIAN: a short-short story by Evo Terra. After that, more "Voices From The Darkness" episodes, quite possibly a brief Clone Line episode, and next week's short story, written by Mur Lafferty...

PROMOS:

Feedback about OBSIDIAN is welcome and appreciated! Send J.C. an email, leave a comment below, or call the Clone Line at 206-984-2566 (CLONE).

OBSIDIAN: Episode 5 "Voices From the Darkness" VIDEO / June 9, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

This episode marks the debut of the video series of "Voices From the Darkness." All contributions seen in this and future video "Voices" episodes were created by 7th Son fans from across the globe. What you'll see in the weeks ahead are brief glimpses into what the world of the 7th Son trilogy became during the blackout. This is first project of its kind in podcast fiction.

Witness the OBSIDIAN blackout victims' stories ... captured for all the world to see.

Contributions by:

Arri Gaffer
Martyn Casserly
Susan Z

Coming up next on 7th Son: OBSIDIAN: A blood-chilling short story by New York Times bestselling novelist Michael A. Stackpole.

Download OBSIDIAN: Episode 5 “Voices From the Darkness” VIDEO

OBSIDIAN: Episode 4 “Voices From the Darkness” / June 7, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome to the debut of "Voices From the Darkness," a series of very special 7th Son: OBSIDIAN episodes created by 7th Son fans across the world. In this weekly series, you'll hear recordings from victims of the nationwide blackout described in OBSIDIAN ... created by people just like you. This is a first-ever in podcast fiction, and J.C. is thrilled to have such brilliant contributions to roll out in these episodes.

Turn out the lights and listen to what your friends and fellow fans have created. America has become a very dangerous place indeed.

FANS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

Your orders for today: Check out the amazing "The Command Line" podcast by Thomas "Command Line" Gideon, and give a shoutout of appreciation to OBSIDIAN producer Shawn Bishop!

Do you want to contribute to future episodes of "Voices from the Darkness?" J.C. would love to have you play in his world. Call the National Blackout Emergency Hotline at 206-222-9158 and leave a message for him as if you are a victim in this blackout. J.C. isn't looking for traditional short stories -- your call must adhere to the conceit that the blackout is real, and you are experiencing it now.

Coming up next on 7th Son: OBSIDIAN: The first episode of the video installment of "Voices From the Darkness!"

Feedback about OBSIDIAN is welcome and appreciated! Send J.C. an email, leave a comment below, or call the Clone Line at 206-984-2566 (CLONE).

OBSIDIAN: Episode 3 / June 4, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

The third episode of J.C. Hutchins' 7th Son: OBSIDIAN features a universe-blurring tale of violence and hope by Imperial stormtrooper TD-0013, from the "A Different Point of View" podcast. How can a Star Wars stormtrooper appear in the 7th Son saga? Listen to find out...

TD-0013's "A Different Point of View" is a must-listen collection of essays told from a loyal stormtrooper's perspective. Learn more about TD's work -- and send him an appreciative email -- at www.ADPOV.net. This November, TD is participating in a walk across the Arizona desert to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research. Click the banner below to learn more!

Coming up next on 7th Son: OBSIDIAN: The debut of "Voices from the Darkness," collections of fan-created audio content that chronicle the OBSIDIAN blackout as seen by its victims!

PROMOS:

The Time Well Wasted blog
Steampod steampunk fiction podcast magazine

Feedback about OBSIDIAN is welcome and appreciated! Send J.C. an email, leave a comment below, or call the Clone Line at 206-984-2566 (CLONE).

OBSIDIAN: Episode 2 / June 2, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome to the second episode of 7th Son: OBSIDIAN -- and the second part of Tee Morris' excellent short story, Miles To Go Before I Sleep. In this episode, Miles To Go's hero, Ron, is more desperate than ever to head home ... but what awaits him when he gets there? If you enjoyed Tee's OBSIDIAN story, be sure to check out his work at TeeMorris.com, and send him an appreciative email.

J.C. Hutchins promotes several items of interest in the "talky-talk" intro and outro chatter for this episode, including:

An upcoming Ministry of Propaganda mission from Natasha
JOHN ALPHA FOR PRESIDENT! Visit JohnAlphaForPresident.com to receive your free bumper sticker, and support 7th Son with this fun viral marketing experiment
7th Son fan Cactusnic's UK bike ride to benefit the Alzheimer's Society
Snag the full version of "Birthright" -- and 15 other songs -- for free at FixtOnline.com/FreeDownloads

Coming next on 7th Son: OBSIDIAN: A story by Imperial Stormtrooper TD-0013, from the A Different Point Of View podcast. If only George Lucas could write such compelling 'trooper tales...

PROMOS:

Feedback about OBSIDIAN is welcome and appreciated! Send J.C. an email, leave a comment below, or call the Clone Line at 206-984-2566 (CLONE).

OBSIDIAN: Episode 1 / May 31, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome to the debut episode of J.C. Hutchins' 7th Son: OBSIDIAN, the world's first podcast short story anthology based in an existing fictional universe. The universe is, of course, Hutchins' 7th Son Podcast Novel Trilogy.

Nearly 100 people have contributed to the OBSIDIAN experience. Tales from bestselling novelists, A-List podcast storytellers and 7th Son fans from around the globe will be featured in this anthology over the next 10 weeks. At least three episodes of content will be released each week, so prepare for full immersion into the OBSIDIAN blackout experience.

In the weeks ahead, you'll hear stories from these podcast entertainers: Michael A. Stackpole, Scott Sigler, Mur Lafferty, Matt Wallace, Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff, Christiana Ellis, Evo Terra, Dan Klass, Wichita Rutherford, TD-0013, George Hrab, Soccergirl, and the cast of The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd.

Today's episode features the first half of the short story Miles To Go Before I Sleep, written and narrated by Tee Morris. Learn more about Tee's work -- and send him an appreciative email! -- at TeeMorris.com.

There's huge news in J.C.'s "talky talk" intro and outro segments, including:

The big reveal about J.C.'s next novel, affectionately nicknamed CODE PHANTOM
The world premiere of Celldweller's instrumental version of "Birthright"
How you can download a full album of Celldweller songs -- including the full version of "Birthright" -- for free at FixtOnline.com/FreeDownloads
J.C.'s appearance on producer Shawn Bishop's podcast, Behind The Lines #14
The debut of J.C.'s text story, 7th Son: Runner, available as a mobile phone exclusive

Feedback about OBSIDIAN is welcome and appreciated! Send J.C. an email, leave a comment below, or call the Clone Line at 206-984-2566 (CLONE).

"Blackout" in iPod-friendly format / April 3, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

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.

Download “Blackout” in iPod-friendly format

Blackout / April 2, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

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

Download "Blackout"

BOOK FOUR: Chapter 1 / March 31, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

EPISODE INTRO BY: C.C. Chapman of Accident Hash and Managing the Gray

SYNOPSIS: The next chapter in the 7th Son saga begins. John Smith, one of the survivors of the Project 7th Son, is haunted by headaches, nightmares ... and something worse. His only recourse is to contact his brother, Jack.

But Jack is experiencing identical physical and psychological symptoms -- and the duo is forced to seek out an unlikely ally.

PROMOS:

Scott Sigler's INFECTED drops today
Make a donation to the Joe Murphy Memorial Fund
The "You've Been Cliffhangered" Podcast

No, really. You've been cliffhangered.

"7th Son" Anthems: Revisited / March 25, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

In the final episode of 7th Son, Book Three: Destruction, listeners were treated to a mixed audio montage of the anthems heard in the 7th Son trilogy. Fans of the series requested a stand-alone version of that experience, and now J.C. Hutchins can release it into the wild.

This audio was brilliantly mixed by Destruction's producer, Shawn Bishop, and features these songs:

"Afraid This Time" by Celldweller (Intro)
"Purple" by Ethic (Book One: Descent anthem)
"Switchback" by Celldweller (Book Two: Deceit anthem)
"Symbiont" by Celldweller (Book Three: Destruction anthem)

Enjoy!

"7th Son: Destruction" Blooper Reel / March 25, 2008 by J.C. Hutchins

Fans of 7th Son, Book Three: Destruction may remember a brilliant audio recording that first saw light back in December 2007, when author J.C. Hutchins chatted with Destruction's producer, Shawn Bishop.

In that Q&A episode, Shawn presented a masterfully-mixed, hilarious "blooper reel" of a flummoxed -- and very foul-mouthed -- Hutchins as he tried to read various parts of the novel. Hutchins' readings may be very good indeed in the 7th Son audiobooks ... but there's many a mis-speak between mic and final mixdown.

Listeners requested a stand-alone audio file of this blooper reel, and -- after receiving permission from Celldweller to release the file into the wild (Celldweller provides the "soundtrack" for the experience) -- they can now listen to it in all its snarky glory. Be warned: four-letter words abound.

Clonemas Don't Be Late / December 22, 2007 by J.C. Hutchins

Have a great holiday, everybody! Music brilliantly performed by Shawn Bishop.

MOP Audio Dispatch: Operation LOL7thSon / December 18, 2007 by J.C. Hutchins

Another ambitious mission awaits you! Natasha, voice of the 7th Son Ministry of Propaganda, commands you to participate in MOP mission #5, code-named "Operation LOL7thSon."

Complete this mission, and you'll land your name on the coveted Agents of the Ministry page. Plus, FIVE lucky winners will take home MOP capitalist swag.

Link to the mission page is here. Transmission ends.

7th Son Ministry Of Propaganda ~ Domination Through Replication ~

SPECIAL EPISODE: J.C. and David Moldawer / December 18, 2007 by J.C. Hutchins

EPISODE INTRO BY: Leslie Michael Orchard, of DecafBad

In this episode, J.C. Hutchins chats with David Moldawer, an associate editor at St. Martin's Press. Moldawer will be editing the print edition of 7th Son: Descent, as well as J.C.'s currently-secret "Code Phantom" novel project. Both books will be released in 2009.

The duo discuss some details about the 7th Son print release, dish about Code Phantom (tantalizing morsels abound!) ... and opera. It's a must-listen!

Also must-listens are Moldawer's podcasts, mentioned in the episode: Moldawer in the Morning, The Kick-Ass Mystic Ninjas and The New York Times Essential Knowledge podcast.

MOP Mission #6: Operation LOL7thSon / December 17, 2007 by J.C. Hutchins

UPDATE: This MOP mission-content has concluded. Please visit the LOL7thSon gallery here to view the final LOL7thSon gallery. If you wish to create your own LOL7thSon image, send it to Natasha at the email address below. Comrades, the time has come to use your brilliance and humor to spread the 7th Son message to the unwashed, ignorant capitalist masses! Natasha, the Voice of the Ministry, conceived this Ministry of Propaganda mission herself. It demands cunning, creativity ... and a familiarity with the Internet meme LOL CATS!

You don’t know of LOL Cats? Natasha is appalled. Click here to see cuddly American kitties with charming 'Net speak cutlines. (Oh, teh CUTE!) Examine many examples on this site! Arm yourself with LOL language and whiskered wit! You will use similar techniques to evangelize the 7th Son cause, comrades. We shall woo the capitalist populace with teh funny, kthxbai.

Your mission: Operation LOL7thSon.

You shall create 7th Son-themed LOL pictures, post them to J.C. Hutchins’ special LOL7thSon gallery, and email your uneducated friends to promote 7th Son (and showcase your hard work).

The creators of the five funniest images will win 7th Son capitalistic swag. Prizes include an MOP coffee mug, a 7th Son T-shirt, and more! Natasha will personally judge these entries. As you know, comrades, our Russian taskmaster is not known for her sense of humor -- so make these LOL7thSon images extra funny, if you hope to win.

So what must you do to win such coveted prizes? (Not to mention your name on the Agents of the Ministry page?) Easy-peasy, comrade. Follow these simple instructions to create your artwork to post on the LOL7thSon gallery. This process takes less than five minutes; even the busiest soldiers in The People’s Army can participate!

Step 1: Find a photo that you'd like to transform into a funny LOL7thSon picture. Images of public figures, animals, pop culture icons and your own personal photographs work best for this. Get creative! Please avoid using photos of private individuals who haven't given their consent.

Keep it clean, comrades. If the photo is beyond a PG-rating, it'll get yanked from the site. (You will also incur the wrath of Natasha and J.C. This is not a good thing. Nyet.)

Step 2: Once you’ve picked your photo, head over to the awesome "LOL Generator" at the Big Huge Labs site. Click here to easily add 7th Son-themed LOL text to your photo!

Step 3: Click the LOL Generator's "Choose File" button to select the image you wish to LOL7thSon.

Step 4: Enter something super-clever in the screen's text fields ... and be sure to make it LOL-esque! Text can be placed at the top of your LOL7thSon picture, or the bottom, or both. Be sure to take advantage of the other features here, such as the "keep this part of my photo visible" setting, and the text alignment settings.

Again: keep it clean, Agents. PG rating here.

Step 5: Click the Create button!

Step 6: You'll be sent to a new page featuring your new LOL7thSon image! Feel free to tweak the pic if you need to. When you’re done, hit the "Save" button.

Step 7: IMPORTANT STEP, Agents: Be sure to properly name your image to receive credit in the LOL7thSon gallery. Please rename your picture with this naming convention: The word "By" and then your name or nickname. (Example: By JC Hutchins.jpg or By NatashaMOP.jpg)

Step 8: You're almost done! Visit the LOL7thSon gallery to upload your LOL pic! Click here to get there!

Step 9: Click on the "Upload" button in the page's options bar. Follow the directions to post your LOL7thSon picture to the gallery. And behold! Yur in J.C.'s website, pwning hiz gallry!!!11!one!

Step 10: Now click on the "Tell a Friend" button and follow the directions to email FIVE of your friends who you think would like the 7th Son trilogy. They can be family, favorite bloggers, whomever you like. Be sure to separate the email addresses with commas. ALSO: Include NATASHA'S email address in this field! (7thSonMOP@gmail.com) You can't win a prize if she doesn't have your email address!

Include any personal message in the email to your comrades, but it must also include this message (or your personalized variation):

Hey! If you can, check out http://www.7thSonTrilogy.com to see why I sent you this silliness. I’m a fan of 7th Son, this free audiobook novel. It’s a thriller about human cloning. Think James Bond-meets-“Multiplicity” ... or a mashup of Michael Crichton and Tom Clancy. Cool stuff.

Remember, Agents: you must include NATASHA's email address in your message for mission compliance. The creators of the FIVE funniest LOL7thSon images will be contacted by email, given priceless 7th Son swag, and announced in a future Bonus Episode of 7th Son!

Enter as many LOL7thSon images as you like -- but you must email five new friends (and Natasha) for each new entry you create. No cheating, comrades. Natasha watching you.

Deadline for this mission: December 31, 2007.

Transmission ends.

The 7th Son Ministry of Propaganda ~ Domination Through Replication ~

BOOK THREE: J.C. and Shawn Bishop talk DESTRUCTION / December 15, 2007 by J.C. Hutchins

EPISODE INTRO BY: Susan Z, purrfect co-host of Kulture Kast

In this first (of several!) 7th Son Trilogy wrap-up bonus episodes, J.C. chats with Book Three producer Shawn Bishop about the series, reading and editing Book Three, the Book One print deal and more. Also included is a must-listen "blooper reel" set to Celldweller music. Lots of fun and announcements -- and there's lots more coming in 2008!

Be sure to check out Shawn Bishop’s Internet radio station, The Dividing Line -- and send him an email of thanks for his hard work on Book Three: Destruction!