J.C. Hutchins, author of the successful "7th Son" podcast novel trilogy, has accepted a book deal to publish "7th Son: Descent," the series' debut novel. The thriller is scheduled for a 2009 U.S. spring/summer release by St. Martin's Press.
"7th Son" is the story of seven strangers who have been brought together after the recent assassination of the U.S. president. The men discover that they are human clones, with identical childhood memories. These "John Michael Smiths" have been assembled to catch the man who murdered the president. Their target? Their progenitor, the original John Michael Smith, code-named "John Alpha."
Hutchins is widely-known as one of the vanguard authors in a growing genre of free online audiobooks -- also called "podcast novels " or "podiobooks." These novels are often read and recorded by the author, and are promoted online in podcasts and web blogs. "Podnovelists" like Hutchins leverage these new technologies -- and the ubiquity of iPods and other portable devices -- to find audiences for their work.
Hutchins, a South Florida resident, launched the audio version of "7th Son" in early 2006. Since then, "7th Son" has become the most successful podcast novel series in history. The trilogy has more than 30,000 listeners worldwide, and features cameos from sci-fi/horror icons Nathan Fillion, George Romero, Kevin J. Anderson, and others. In February 2007, the trilogy was featured in The New York Times.
"I'm thrilled to work with St. Martin's Press in bringing '7th Son' into the 'real world,' in real bookstores," Hutchins said. "For the past two years, I've released the online audio version of '7th Son' to an ever-growing, very enthusiastic fan base. I don't know who's going to be more excited to see it on bookshelves -- my amazing, supportive listeners, or me."
The online success of "7th Son" has brought Hutchins more than a worldwide audience. Hutchins is currently co-writing the debut novel in a new thriller series, which is slated for a 2009 release, also by St. Martin's Press. Opportunities for "7th Son" are emerging in other media, as well.
Hutchins, who is affectionately chastised by his listeners for his cliffhanger-style chapter endings, remains coy about the other projects.
"There's lots to talk about," Hutchins said, smiling. "But as in '7th Son,' timing and pacing is everything. I guess folks will have to keep listening to learn more."
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