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.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

–J.C.

Click for gorgeous LARGER version!

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:

• Send Tabz an email.
• Put in the subject line: J.C. SENT ME!!!
• Start the email with: “Tabz, I am UNTAMED!”
• Include your name and mailing address.
• That’s it.

Tabz herself will randomly select one lucky winner; I’ll post the winner’s name in the comments of this post.

DEADLINE: Nov. 6, 2009. You gotta move fast if you wanna keep up with the Hutch … and THE UNTAMED!

–J.C.

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.

• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net

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

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.

• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
• Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
• Episode intro provided by Kreg Steppe (co-hose of Technorama)
• Promo: Tales of the Children and Angel Between the Lines
• Promo: The Caffeine Collection
• Promo: Dead Mech

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!

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.

–J.C.

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.
More information: Call the B&N at 813-907-7739

VIVA LA 7TH SONSHINE STATE!

–J.C.

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’

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)
• 7th Son: Descent’s “day one” sales and beyond
• The Beta Clone Army Rewards Program, and John Merlin’s remarkable story
• John Smith’s Anyman songs now available at Myxer.com as free ringtones
• Podioracket’s LIVE call-in book launch party — here’s the recording of the live show
• Big thanks to Beta Clone Army members who “hacked” their websites
• The individually-numbered Beta Clone T-shirts are back!
• Meet J.C. in the Tampa area (Wesley Chapel) on Nov. 7
• 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!

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.

Happy Halloween!

–J.C.

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!
More information: myspace.com/fresharomabistro

VIVA LA 7TH SONSHINE STATE!

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!

• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net

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

BUY THE BOOK.

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

Check the charts! And thank you. A thousand-thousand thank yous.

11:55 PM

HIGHER! HIGHER! JETPACK ON!!! Here’s the latest from the field:

Amazon report:

• 209 overall, up from 227 at 10:40 pm (we started the day at 2,484)
• 34 in Science Fiction/Fantasy (up from 35)
• 12 in Science Fiction (up from 13)
• 3 in Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech
• 55 in Mystery & Thrillers (up from 58)
• 36 in Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers (up from 39)
• 16 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) (remaining steady)
• 4 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction) (remaining steady)
• 39 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers) (up from 42)
• 26 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers > Thrillers) (up from 29)
• 5 in Movers and Shakers (remaining steady)

Check the charts!

10:40 PM

HOLY CRAP!!! 7th Son ASCENDS! Here’s the latest from the field:

Amazon report:

• 227 overall, up from 310 at 7:55 pm
• 35 in Science Fiction/Fantasy (up from 44)
• 13 in Science Fiction (up from 17)
• 3 in Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech
• 58 in Mystery & Thrillers (up from 64)
• 39 in Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers (up from 42)
• 16 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) (up from 19)
• 4 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction) (remaining steady)
• 42 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers) (up from 44)
• 29 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers > Thrillers) (up from 31)
• 5 in Movers and Shakers (down from 4)

Check the charts!

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)…

7:55 PM

Here’s the latest from the field, and it’s a frickin’ doozy:

Amazon report:

• 310 overall, up from 316 at 5:55 pm
• 44 in Science Fiction/Fantasy (up from 47)
• 17 in Science Fiction (up from 18)
• 3 in Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech
• 64 in Mystery & Thrillers (up from 65)
• 42 in Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers (remains steady)
• 19 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) (up from 20)
• 4 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction) (up from 5)
• 44 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers) (remains steady)
• 31 in Hot New Releases (Mystery/Thrillers > Thrillers) (remains steady)
• 4 in Movers and Shakers
• Kindle Edition: 24 in Hot New Releases (Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction)

Check the charts!

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)

ASTOUNDING! Check the charts! And please, spread the word!

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)
• 66 in Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers

This is STELLAR news! Check the charts!

On to the Clone Line calls! Give me a ring of support, especially if you’ve snagged your copy! (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)….

10:06 AM

More Clone Line goodness! Give me a ring of support, especially if you’ve snagged your copy! (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)….

9:55 AM

Amazon report:

• 1,211 overall, up from 1,896 at 9:30 am
• 44 in Science Fiction
• 3 in Science Fiction > High Tech
• 67 in Hot New Releases (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)

You’re making it happen! Check the charts!

9:45 AM

More calls from the Clone Line! Chime in! Make it on the site! (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)….

9:30 AM

Amazon report: Currently: 1,896 overall, up from 2,484 at 8:30 am. You’re bringing it! Keep it coming!

8:35 AM

Yes, Twitter was down. Yes, this made me a mite … fussy. But we’re back!

7:00 AM

Let’s start with some Clone Line calls from YOU! (Adult language ABOUNDS. Some of these calls are NSFW. You’ve been warned!)

Call the Clone Line! Make it on the site! (435) 55-HUTCH … (that’s 435-554-8824)….

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:

• Boing Boing
• Suicide Girls
• Chris Brogan
• C.C. Chapman
• Scott Sigler
• Mur Lafferty
• Matt Wallace
• Mignon Fogarty (aka Grammar Girl)
• Tor.com
• Jason Falls
• Chris Abraham
• Beth Dunn
• Lauren Vargas
• Justin Levy
• Doug Haslam
• Steve Garfield
• Christopher S. Penn

Thank you for supporting my work in the past, and now, when 7th Son: Descent needs it the most.

Let’s make Kilroy2.0 be here and everywhere…

–J.C.

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.

• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
• Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
• Episode intro provided by James Melzer (author of Escape)
• Promo: The Command Line
• Promo: Two Guys Tech
• Promo: The Incident at Station 23

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!

Here’s the deets:

OPERATION: PHOTO FUN WITH 7TH SON

• Obtain your print copy of 7th Son: Descent.
• Snap a photo of you with your copy (or copies!).
• 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, OCT. 30 and get mentioned on the Agents of the Ministry page and be in the running for 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!

This has been a dispatch from the 7th Son Ministry of Propaganda.

~ Domination Through Replication ~

Transmission ends.

Grammar Girl’s podcast is one of the most popular indie ‘casts in the Milky Way galaxy, and for good reason: Each week, she provides invaluable advice on how to become a better writer. She tackles such pesky issues as “affect vs. effect,” “who vs. whom,” the particularly stymieing “that vs. which” and so much more. Regardless of your professional field, her show will improve your communication skills.

She’s also the brains behind the Quick and Dirty Tips network, a website thriving with other podcasts filled with equally awesome advice. Plus, she’s a New York Times bestselling writer; her Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing book was released to stellar acclaim last year, and still dominates several writing-related catagories at Amazon.com.

The best part? Mignon is back with a NEW book, which promises to deliver some killer advice: The Grammar Devotional. What I’ve read of this book is stellar, packed with resonant, practical advice for writers of all skill levels. If you’re keen to polish your wordherding skills, this is a must-buy. In fact, here’s the book’s Amazon page. Go get ‘em, tiger.

Want to give some of Mignon’s daily tips a test drive before you buy? I’ve gotcha covered. Dig the link to the PDF below; there, you can download a month’s worth of the books daily tips, for free. If you find it as helpful as I did, you’ll click that Amazon link and snag a copy.

There are few authors I endorse without hesitation. Mignon Fogarty is one of them. Check out The Grammar Devotional, support her work, and become a better writer in the process! Everybody wins!

–J.C.

Myxer is the leader in ad-supported mobile entertainment: With millions of mobile users and tens of million mobile downloads a month, Myxer is the largest and fastest-growing place for mobile content today. The service was created to make the mobile content experience simple, fun, and free!

Trust me, peeps: the site is 100% legit and free — it’s not a scummy subscription service and there are no monthly fees. (To get the content on your phone, message and data rates may apply, though.) Myxer is compatible with most carriers including AT&T, Cellular One, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Virgin Mobile and TMobile.

So whatcha waitin’ for? Visit John’s Myxer artist page for more information, or give the widgets below a spin! You can be ringin’ and rockin’ with John Smith in no time!

More from John Smith at Myxer

More from John Smith at Myxer

More from John Smith at Myxer

More from John Smith at Myxer

More from John Smith at Myxer

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.

“Winter Love” Lyrics

Don’t gimme that bit about
“Every thing in its season”
That’s only numbers and blocks on a page
Don’t try to tell me there’s no
Particular reason
I won’t go peacefully into the next phase

Don’t tell me you don’t recall
The first day of Springtime
The way we met was such a sweet cliche
Can’t believe you would forget
The height of last summer
And how we spent each hour
Of the longest day

Don’t pretend
You didn’t plan this from the start
By Winter’s end
Passion frozen in your heart
I never said
I’d be an actor in this play
I don’t intend
To walk away as winter fades to gray

I don’t believe that you
Have found yourself a new prince
There’s no one anywhere in the world like me
Don’t tell me he was a surprise
Don’t try to convince
What makes you think I even wanna be free

Don’t care if the air you breathe
Comes cold from your lips
Don’t matter to me if the trees have lost all their leaves
There ain’t no golden bough
And I’ll remain your king

Welcome to the second Beta Clone Army Update episode! J.C. delivers timely updates on the ascent of 7th Son: Descent, supercool Ministry Of Propaganda street team missions from Natasha, and your Clone Line calls. It’s fan-fueled goodness!

In this debut episode, J.C. chats about:

• The ascent of 7th Son: Descent!
• The individually-numbered Beta Clone T-shirts are back!
• Meet J.C. in November at some in-person events
• Podioracket LIVE call-in book launch party on Oct. 27!
• Get your blog, Facebook or Twitter “hacked” by Kilroy2.0!
• The Beta Clone Army Rewards Program for multi-book purchases
• Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
• J.C.’s availability for podcast/blog interviews

NATASHA’S MINISTRY MISSION FOR THIS WEEK:

• 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, OCT. 30 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!

Shout-Outs to Natasha’s Lastest Agents of the Ministry (239 Strong!):

• Amanda Tikkanen
• Tony Miller
• Michael Ward
• David Perry
• Tara Fairchild
• Les Zaldor
• Scott Roche
• Benjamin Clifford
• Brandon
• Erik Ackerman
• Brian Webber
• Doug Rapson
• Buddy Brannan
• David Archambault
• Robert
• Terry Davis
• Josh Rosenfield
• Richard D. Asplund Jr.
• Nick Walter
• Frank Jones
• Edward Pappa
• Thomas Heading
• Zach Ricks
• Melissa Hutchins
• Ben Hembree
• Matthew Schnaare
• Jen Marshal
• R Barnes
• Randy Hinckley
• Joel Gerhold
• Anna Caroline Schweitzer

Shout-Outs to the Shout-Outers:

• Mike
• Kevin Cummings
• Michelle Bekemeyer
• Rick Stringer
• Taylor Kent, the Snarky Avenger
• Tim Crawford
• Joey Smith
• Michael Kaufman
• Chris Hvidsten
• Ryan Wolf
• Lucas Qualls
• Gryphon
• Phil Rossi
• Skyler Willett
• NT7S
• Wichita Rutherford
• Comic Geek Speek
• Brian Webber
• Middle Raged Punk
• James Melzer
• Lynette Radio
• Podioracket
• Technorama
• Joanna Penn
• VG Ford
• Wired Pig
• Robert Thompson; Fantasy Book Critic
• Starlog
• Penguin Poet
• Jeremiah McCoy
• TechNoir
• Chris Hornberger
• Robert Gasperson
• Eric
• P.G. Holyfield
• ARG Netcast
• Brimmers67
• Kevin
• Deb Walker and the Evo at 11 crew
• Jay Hathaway
• AND OTHERS … Please contact me if I overlooked your shout-out!

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 “Ascent of Descent” anthem is “Switchback (Klayton Revision)” by Celldweller. Learn more about the band at Celldweller.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!

I’ve cooked up a fun “fiction meets reality” stunt to celebrate the release of 7th Son: Descent, and would love your help in making it happen. On Oct. 27, the day 7th Son hits bookstore bookshelves, you can have the novel’s mad hacker Kilroy2.0 HACK YOUR BLOG. (Or Facebook. Or Twitter.)

If you choose to participate, you won’t be alone: More than 130 superfans like you have already volunteered for this hack-a-thon! Of course, there will be no real hacking happening here. You’ll be copying and pasting some text (that I’m providing) into your blog / FB / Twitter feeds. It’s all perfectly safe … but it should be a fun way to show your support for 7th Son’s release!

Check this .zip file. (It’s virus-free, I promise.)  In this .zip archive are two text files. These explain how Kilroy can hack your blog / Facebook / Twitter feeds on Oct. 27. An image file is also provided, which you can use in your blog / FB posts, or as an avatar on Twitter, etc.

I’d love for you to participate! You should find the instructions straightforward and easy to implement. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a line.

Thanks again for your generous support of 7th Son … and for having your online content “hacked” by Kilroy2.0 on Tuesday, Oct. 27. So whatcha waiting for? Download the .zip file, and get hackin’!

He’s here, he’s everywhere,

–J.C.

This exclusive program, which will run from October to January 1, 2010, is the only way you can obtain these exclusive rewards during this time. Folks (and their friends) can team up to bring supersales and ensure 7th Son: Descent’s success … and secure the rest of the 7th Son trilogy in print.

One superfan, John Merlin, wrangled 9 friends to purchase 100 copies! Making good on his Rewards Program promise, J.C. will fly to England to personally thank and hang with John. He’ll fly to YOUR locale if you do the same!

To be eligible for these rewards, you must buy the book and email J.C. a photo, scan or screen cap of your purchase receipt. In exchange for your support when 7th Son: Descent needs it the most, you’ll receive:

Beta Clone Army Lieutenant: 3 Copies

• A personally signed and numbered Limited Edition 7th Son: Descent postcard for each copy purchased

Beta Clone Army Captain: 5 Copies

• Signed/numbered Descent postcards
• Laminated “Code Phantom Clearance” badge customized with your name

Beta Clone Army Major: 10 Copies

• “Beta Clone Captain” rewards, plus:
• Beta Clone test tube, with “blood sample”
• Custom-signed PDF of 7th Son: 7 Days prequel anthology

Beta Clone Colonel: 15 Copies

• “Beta Clone Major” rewards, plus:
• “Michael Smith” USMC dog tags

John: 20 Copies

• “Beta Clone Colonel” rewards, plus:
• Signed Limited Edition Anyman CD (with 2 CD-exclusive bonus songs)

Kilroy2.0: 50 Copies

• “John” rewards, plus:
• Numbered “Beta Clone: Elite Forces” T-shirt
• Signed Ultra-Limited Ed. 7th Son: 7 Days PRINT book
• 30 minutes on the phone with J.C. to talk writing, social media, whatever you like

Beta Clone General (Gen. Hill): 77 Copies

• “Kilroy2.0″ rewards, plus:
• Signed ultra-limited 20-page “Code Phantom Dossier” report on Project 7th Son, with photos, handmade by J.C.
• 60 minutes on the phone with J.C. to talk writing, social media, etc.

Code Phantom Clearance: 100 Copies

• “Beta Clone General” rewards, plus:
• J.C. will fly to your location and hang for the day (dinner’s on him)

John Alpha Supervillain Status: 200 Copies

• “Code Phantom” rewards, plus:
• J.C. will fly to your location and spend an additional full day with you and friends, consult with your company, present at school, etc.

So show your superfan support for 7th Son: Descent! Purchase multiple copies! Score exclusive swag! If you need to, hit J.C. with questions about the Beta Clone Army Rewards program by sending him an email.

Onward, into battle!

Huge

The deets are over at this page, but here are the highlights: Stating at 9 pm EST on Oct. 27, I’ll participate in Podioracket’s LIVE call-in show. Expect some questions from Podioracket’s lovely co-host Rhonda Carpenter … and then we’re opening up the show for YOU to call in, chat with me, and ask questions! Where will the conversation take us? That depends on YOU!

It’s gonna be a big day for Descent, and I can’t think of a better way to end it than appearing on Podioracket and connecting with the Beta Clone Army! Plus, I’ll give away some signed books and other swag.

Get the full skinny here, and be sure to subscribe to the Podioracket podcast!

–J.C.

Synopsis: John, Michael, Kilroy2.0 and the other abducted men discover their extraordinary origins. The enemy is revealed. The descent begins.

• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net

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

Synopsis: John, Michael, Kilroy2.0 and the other abducted men discover their extraordinary origins. The enemy is revealed. The descent begins.

Chatter: J.C. briefly discusses a new “print edition” chapter that appears in this episode, and why it was included. He also chats about the 7th Son: Descent’s seven-year trek to publication, and the instrumental role 7th Son fans played in it.

• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
• Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
• Episode intro provided by Evo Terra (of FunAnymore.com, and co-founder of Podiobooks.com)
• Promo: The Inner Chapters, Volume 1 by Thomas “cmdln” Gideon
• Promo: Ariel Palooza

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!

EVENT #1: 7th Son: Descent book launch party

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!
More information: myspace.com/fresharomabistro

EVENT #2: J.C. speaks with the Florida Writers Association

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.
More information: Call the B&N at 813-907-7739

EVENT #3: J.C. speaks at Web 2.0 Expo / Podcamp NYC

When: Sometime during the Expo — Monday, Nov. 16 – 19 (Details to come)
Where: Javits Center, New York City
What’s up: I’ll be presenting at the Podcamp NYC event held at the Web 2.o Expo, chatting about “doing more with less” and my journey “from podcast to print.” Podcamp NYC events are free to attend!
More information: I’ll deliver more deets as we firm this up. In the meantime, check out the Web 2.0 site, and the Podcamp NYC site.

EVENT #4: Book signing at in Orlando

When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 1 pm
Where: Urban Think! Bookstore ~ 625 East Central Blvd. ~ Orlando, FL 32801
What’s up: I’ll be reading and signing at this fantastic indie bookstore. Come out and see me!
More information: urbanthinkorlando.com

I hope to meet some of you awesome peeps at these events … and will continue to try to make more travel happen in the months ahead!

–J.C.

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.

“Rockefeller Center” Lyrics

You say it’s a waste
Wasting my time
Maybe it’s true
I hide behind rhymes

I can’t defend
My wandering heart
Trapdoors and tripwire
In all that I start

If I stray from this meandering path
Just to keep you from fading into my past
Every kiss and embrace will be worse than worthless
We’ll dig us a hole from running in circles
Hiding
From my Rockefeller Center

My windmill to tilt
My albatross to train
I don’t need you to get it
If it’s all the same
Would you rather I thanked you
Or held you to blame?

I’m forever grateful for all you’ve endured
But you’re like a reward that’s also a lure
You made me go deep and before I could surface
I lost my way and mislaid my purpose
To find
My Rockefeller Center

In 2007, more than 250 people proudly purchased their one-of-kind Beta Clone shirts to show their support for the original 7th Son podcast trilogy. The shirts were then put on “permanent hiatus.” But now, for a limited time, you can acquire your own Beta Clone shirt!

From now until the end of 2009, Geeklabel is resuming production on these truly unique shirts. (Each shirt is individually numbered; no two are alike!) Perhaps the best part: they’re selling for less than $18 a pop! You can’t beat that with a stick, peeps.

Whatcha waitin’ for, a kick in the pants? Head over to Geeklabel.com now and order your shirt. And when you do, be sure to send J.C. a pic of you wearing it, so he can post your photo at the Beta Clone Army gallery page!

In this debut episode, J.C. chats about:

• “The stakes” we’re facing with 7th Son’s release
• The new Beta Clone Army Rewards Program for multi-book purchases
• A quick report on buzz/sales, based on Amazon rankings (It’s good news!)
• The new 7th Son audio promo, and his availability for podcast/blog interviews

NATASHA’S MINISTRY MISSION FOR THE WEEK:

• Email 10 friends. Talk up the release of 7th Son: Descent.
• Send them the first serialized PDF of Descent either as an attachment, or URL link.
• The URL to click and share is: http://bit.ly/descentpdf1
• CC J.C. on your email (his email address: 7thSonNovel@gmail.com)
• Contact 10 friends by OCT 23 and get mentioned on the Agents of the Ministry page and be in the running for a free signed copy of Descent
• Mission completion after Oct. 23 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!

Meme it.

7th Son: Descent is available for purchase now. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.

The promo’s anthem is “Scrape” by Blue Stahli. Learn more about the artist at BlueStahli.com.

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

7th Son: Descent is available for purchase now. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.

Synopsis: As America reels from the bizarre presidential assassination committed by a child, seven men are abducted from their normal lives and delivered to a secret government facility. Each man has his own career, his own specialty … and all are identical in appearance.

• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net

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

7th Son: Descent is available for purchase now. Learn how you can support the novel’s print release at this page.

Synopsis: As America reels from the bizarre presidential assassination committed by a child, seven men are abducted from their normal lives and delivered to a secret government facility. Each man has his own career, his own specialty … and all are identical in appearance.

Chatter: J.C. welcomes new friends and old to the 7th Son experience, and explains the unique multi-site “distribution partner” program for the serialized release of 7th Son: Descent. The book will be serialized in several formats across several sites during Descent’s 10-week run.

J.C. also provides some history about podcast fiction, and the original 7th Son trilogy. He promises future episodes will be shorter with the chatter!

• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Visit J.C.’s distribution partners for 7th Son: Descent: Tor.com, SliceOfSciFi.com, SFSignal.com, DragonPage.com, BoingBoing.net
• Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
• Episode intro provided by Mur Lafferty (author of Playing for Keeps and the Heaven series)
• Promo: South Coast
• Promo: The Dreamer’s Thread

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!

“Unscrew You” is the first 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.

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

“Unscrew You” Lyrics

I remember that day
Just like it was yesterday
Maybe that’s because it was just like
The day that came before

That’s when you showed up but
I was not expecting guests
You smiled and said it came down to right and East
Or left and West

I made my own decision
And I took you in my arms
Now I haven’t got the slightest clue
Where the girl I knew has gone

I wanna unscrew you
I wanna get inside your
Get inside your head
Unscrew you
Instead of making love
Make some sense instead

Every branch is split in half and half again and every road goes
everywhere at once with you
Every time I see your face it’s like the girl I love’s replaced with someone new

You astonish me
I mean you knock me on my heels
Then a sparrow falls or someone calls and
I can’t tell what’s real

What’s it like for you to be
The soul of mutability
How do you decide which to apply
Variations on a theme

(Repeat chorus)

Is it too much to ask
Do I call you to task
Which lover stayed?
Who are you today?

(Repeat chorus to end)

Set two weeks before Descent’s extraordinary events, these seven 7th Son: 7 Days stories stars a unique “John Michael Smith.” Learn more about the anthology here.

• Learn more about J.C.’s upcoming 7th Son: Descent novel release
• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
• Episode intro provided by Zachary Ricks (of the Geek Survival Guide)
• Promo: Trapping A Duchess
• Promo: Murder By Design
• Promo: Serving Worlds

7th Son: 7 Days’ anthem is “UltraNumb” by Blue Stahli. Learn more about the artist at BlueStahli.com.

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

Set two weeks before Descent’s extraordinary events, these seven 7th Son: 7 Days stories stars a unique “John Michael Smith.” Learn more about the anthology here.

After the story, J.C. chats about the “giving it away is okay” philosophy, and his collaboration with St. Martin’s Press.

• Learn more about J.C.’s upcoming 7th Son: Descent novel release
• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
• Episode intro provided by Neil Illing (nilling on Twitter)
• BIG thanks to Rob Suarez for his help with the pronunciations of the Spanish words heard in this story!!
• Promo: Purgatory
• Promo: Second Floor Lounge
• Promo: The Jen and DAVe Show

7th Son: 7 Days’ anthem is “UltraNumb” by Blue Stahli. Learn more about the artist at BlueStahli.com.

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

Set two weeks before Descent’s extraordinary events, these seven 7th Son: 7 Days stories stars a unique “John Michael Smith.” Learn more about the anthology here.

After the story, J.C. plays three Clone Line calls … and unleashes the WORLD PREMIERE for the promo of Phil Rossi’s Harvey!

• Learn more about J.C.’s upcoming 7th Son: Descent novel release
• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
• Episode intro provided by John Merlin (of JRMerlin.com)
• Promo: Harvey
• Promo: Quarter Share
• Promo: ARG Netcast

7th Son: 7 Days’ anthem is “UltraNumb” by Blue Stahli. Learn more about the artist at BlueStahli.com.

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

Set two weeks before Descent’s extraordinary events, these seven 7th Son: 7 Days stories stars a unique “John Michael Smith.” Learn more about the anthology here.

After the story, J.C. shares some of the creative inspiration behind today’s story, and plays a few Clone Line calls.

• Learn more about J.C.’s upcoming 7th Son: Descent novel release
• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
• Episode intro provided by Jimmy Wellington (of JimmyWellington.com)
• Promo: Goblin Market
• Promo: Tattoo
• Promo: Snark Infested Waters

7th Son: 7 Days’ anthem is “UltraNumb” by Blue Stahli. Learn more about the artist at BlueStahli.com.

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

Set two weeks before Descent’s extraordinary events, these seven 7th Son: 7 Days stories stars a unique “John Michael Smith.” Learn more about the anthology here.

After the story, J.C. plays a few Clone Line calls and shares his impressions of the finished book of his novel 7th Son: Descent, which arrived minutes before he recorded the chatter for this episode.

Download the CTCCD wallpaper mentioned in the story:

Click to download CTCCD wallpaper

• Learn more about J.C.’s upcoming 7th Son: Descent novel release
• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
• Episode intro provided by Lejon A. Johnson (of Touching the Monolith)

7th Son: 7 Days’ anthem is “UltraNumb” by Blue Stahli. Learn more about the artist at BlueStahli.com.

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

Set two weeks before Descent’s extraordinary events, these seven 7th Son: 7 Days stories stars a unique “John Michael Smith.” Learn more about the anthology here.

After the story, J.C. serves up some additional details about what you’ll hear in John’s story. The killer content keeps on comin’. J.C. also flubs by saying he’ll play three Clone Line calls, but only plays two. This is because two calls were from the same person; Hutch axed one of these calls for this reason.

• Learn more about J.C.’s upcoming 7th Son: Descent novel release
• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Call the Clone Line and get on the show: 435-55-HUTCH (435-554-8824)
• Episode intro provided by Tanya Swan (of PluckyBlond.com)
• Showing the Brad Meltzer love
• Promo: Geek Acres
• Promo: Borrowed Time
• Promo: The Signal

7th Son: 7 Days’ anthem is “UltraNumb” by Blue Stahli. Learn more about the artist at BlueStahli.com.

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

Today’s story features Jack Smith, an Arizona-based geneticist. Emerging from a lousy past month in his personal life, Jack had hoped November would be better. The universe — and a local cult leader — have other plans for the family man.

After the story, J.C. delivers some spiffy news about this anthology, and the upcoming release of 7th Son: Descent.

• Learn more about J.C.’s upcoming 7th Son: Descent novel release
• Order 7th Son: Descent
• Episode intro provided by Benjamin Clifford (MDNN Media Productions and StayrForce 5 Webcomics)
• Promo: Sundered
• Promo: Geek Cred
• Promo: Two-Minute Danger Theater

7th Son: 7 Days’ anthem is “UltraNumb” by Blue Stahli. Learn more about the artist at BlueStahli.com.

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

—

7th Son: Descent J.C. Hutchins. St. Martin’s Griffin, $14.99 paper (352p) ISBN 978-0-312-38437-1
Hutchins’s debut SF thriller, the first in a trilogy, has the unusual distinction of starting life as a popular podcast. The fast pace set from the beginning serves the story well in audio or print, especially considering that most of the characters are clones of the same man. They’re sent to find their “Alpha” after he rigs a proxy assassination of the president of the United States through stolen government technology capable of unleashing chaos everywhere. Hutchins successfully fleshes out each clone as a separate personality, from happy everyman John Smith to the priest who fears that, as a clone, he has no soul. Though there’s not a lot for the hard SF crowd, thriller readers seeking edge-of-your-seat action flavored with conspiracy and futuristic tech will love every page. (Nov.)

—

I’m proud of my little book, and am absolutely thrilled PW dug it, too. And let’s not forget why PW was able to review the novel in the first place: YOU.

For more than three years, you’ve cheered and challenged me creatively. I haven’t the words to fully express my gratitude for all the love and support you’ve shown me … but know that it is reciprocated a hundred-fold. You inspire me.

–J.C.

Much like real music bands, these creators earn their audiences’ trust by producing quality content. The audiences opt-in, and — if they like what they’re experiencing — choose to support the creator by consuming the content. If the work is particularly resonant, they evangelize it, and support it in other ways.

The line between “band” and “audience” is becoming increasingly blurry. Audience members are often producing their own content (blog posts, Flickr photos, online videos and the like), and band members often find themselves in audiences, consuming what’s being created by others.

It’s a groovy system in which anyone can play, and everyone can listen. There are countless performance venues — blogs, Twitter, Facebook — and as many bands and audiences to fill them. This is a great thing.

But damnation, howzabout all those frickin’ douchebags?

I could write a book — a phonebook-sized tome, a What Not To Wear for netsetters — that would plainly illustrate the douchebaggery infesting the social media space. Spend a week on a social network, and you come away slimy-slick from the stuff: spammy tweets and blog comments, bigotry and hatred, mindless chest-thumping punditry, etc.  I’ve periodically dropped my Twitter use completely because of all the goddamned noise.

I no longer worry about such obvious trash. It’s the “stealth mode” douchebaggery that’s really bugging me.

Spotting stealth mode douchebaggery requires initiation. It nearly always requires being “in the band” (though this is not required) — and being in the band long enough to insightfully observe other bands doing what they do. Initiated band members have a different perspective of their peers. They often have a greater appreciation for killer content (because they know how challenging the creative process can be), and are often cheering more loudly than others because of this insider knowledge.

They can also more easily see the shoddy rigging of the show lights, hear misplayed keys, and know when a performance is being phoned in … or outright phony.

I’ve been in the band long enough to spot insincere motivations or unsavory behavior in other bands. I’ve witnessed enough bullshit first-hand — high school-esque gossip, fake smiles, fair-weather friendships, lots of taking and no giving — to know that a great many people are being duped by a great many online carnies. These days, it doesn’t take me very long to discern an enthusiastic creator from a leeching user. I embrace and try to help the genuine folk when I can, and keep my distance from the poison.

I do my very best to be genuine, and not poisonous. I have succeeded and failed spectacularly at this. I have made very good decisions, and very bad ones. A plus: The longer I’m in this game, the fewer bad decisions I make.

To avoid douchebaggery, let’s stick with me for a moment, and then we’ll return to being in the band. I am a tenaciously ambitious creator. I am ethically obligated to see my work succeed. I trumpet my work so loudly, I give those Old Testament Jericho dudes a run for their money. I make no secret as to why I make so much noise (and ask my peeps to do the same): I want to grow my community, and sell books. Achieving both ensures that more books will be written, which benefits me and my community. My audience knows this, because I’ve told them all about it. I’ve initiated them, provided the battle plan. My peeps seem just fine with this. If anyone’s complaining, they’re not telling me.

But back to stealth mode douchebaggery. I’m in the band. I see other bands play. By my reckoning, some of the best-playing bands have completely hoodwinked their audiences. They do not provide best practices, or keen insights or whatever they promise to deliver. They’re usually parroting others (credit optional), or outright stealing ideas or business models, and passing them off as their own. They do not innovate. They often talk a big game, but do very little heavy lifting. Coattail-riding, jealousy and back channel shit-talk are specialties.

Equally sinful, they don’t appreciate their colleagues; they perceive them as stepping stones, not long-term allies. They treat their peers, and their peers’ fans, with disrespect. Their selfish back channel behavior can be likened to the proverbial bull in the china shop: they’re disrupting harmonious professional standards, and destroying their credibility along the way. Reciprocity isn’t part of the picture here. They — just like me — probably think they’re doing it “right.” What they’re doing is burning bridges within the insider community they fought so hard to become a part of.

Professionals don’t talk shit about other professionals in public, so the true personalities and reputations of these stealth mode douchebags are rarely exposed. This is one of social media’s dirty secrets. There are people who hate each other in this space, but publicly chatter back and forth as if they’re pals, to maintain the facade that all bands are happy bands. After all, we live to serve our audiences. The show must go on.

(If you think I’m going to be the guy to “out” the douchebags by name here or anywhere else, think again. I’m not rich or rude enough for such career-wrecking foolishness. I’m part of the problem.)

Cracks publicly appear in this model, but they often quickly fade; with so many lifestreams whizzing by on our screens, there’s only so many braincycles one can dedicate to (for instance) a fussy blog comment exchange before that person is swept back into the ever-unfolding now. It’s like TV: there’s always something on.

Far beyond the stage, the audience rarely sees this credibility-smashing commotion. They’re busy being dazzled by the band. And that’s kosher, to a point. Being dazzled is good. Being bamboozled is not.

I mentioned my thoughts about “being in the band” during a recent interview with Trust Agents co-author Chris Brogan. I presented a much shorter version of my premise, and asked him two questions.

The first: If you’re in the band, and witnessing unsavory practices or messages hailing from another band, what can you do?

Brogan’s answer, in essence: Productively use back channels to form equally productive alliances with like-minded creators. Forge a creative or ethical philosophy. Beat that drum loudly, and use it to beat away the douchebags.

There is wisdom there, and validation. I’ve been doing that for some time, and have forged lifelong friendships and alliances from it.

My second question: If you’re in the audience, how can you spot “talented” bands from untalented ones — even when the douchebags are putting on a killer show?

Brogan’s answer: Look at the company these bands are keeping. Who are their allies? How do their allies behave? What content are they all creating? Use that as a barometer of quality and sincerity.

I can’t rightly add much more to that; Brogan’s replies were succinct and elegant. I do implore audiences — and bands — to understand that this abuse of trust, community and relationships exists. Also understand that it transcends the obvious crassness and douchebaggery you’ll encounter in the public streamspace. This stuff requires peripheral vision. It sounds like a conspiracy theory. It isn’t.

We get what we give. Our returns in this space hinge directly on how we treat others publicly and privately. Those who engage in dodgy behavior might risk the eventual ire of their audience … but their credibility and professionalism will certainly be judged by other bands, and far more swiftly. Word spreads, both online and off.

Watch the bands. Watch how they treat their audiences, and their peers. Perhaps you’ll never witness such stealth mode douchebaggery. But perhaps you will spot those cracks. And perhaps you’ll discover that some bands are playing for a far smaller audience than you initially surmised: themselves.

They were never playing for you at all.

SYNOPSIS:
This 24-page PDF file reveals real photos of the “Grand Design of Nine” quilt blocks described in Personal Effects: Sword of Blood. This transmedia experience allows you to see the quilt blocks as hero Zach Taylor did, and view the encoded “buttonhole” text — as well as the hidden designs mentioned in the novella.

This PDF release marks the conclusion of Personal Effects: Sword of Blood. Hutch hopes you enjoyed the story, and will check out its follow-up, the groundbreaking transmedia novel, Personal Effects: Dark Art!

NEW TO J.C.’s FICTION, OR PODCASTING?
I’ve been releasing free audiobooks since 2006; Personal Effects: Sword of Blood is my way of celebrating the recent release of Personal Effects: Dark Art, a novel that combines the traditional novel experience with a multimedia-fueled “out of book” narrative that unfolds via phone, email and websites. Order a copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art today.

Listen to the episode by clicking the “play” button below. Catch up with the story by visiting the Sword of Blood synopsis page. Learn how to subscribe this podcast here.

Question: When you buy books, are you MOSTLY a “clicker” (meaning shop online), or a “bricker” (shop in brick-and-mortar stores)?

I tallied results for three hours. The results of the poll rocked my little noggin.

Why I Asked
Since the June release of my debut novel Personal Effects: Dark Art, I’ve been keen to learn more about the buying habits of shoppers. But not just any shoppers — “my” shoppers, my peeps, the folks who’ve supported my free podcast fiction for years. I wanted data, so I could see where and why my peeps shop where they shop, so I could strategize my upcoming outreach efforts for my technothriller 7th Son: Descent, which will be released in late October.

Based on three and a half years of anecdotal data (culled from thousands of emails), some statistical knowledge of the space (culled from white papers on podcasting, mostly) and some first-hand statistical data (culled from my mailing list), I already knew some things about my peeps:

• Most have a college degree; many have post-graduate degrees
• Most have disposable income (though it may be ever-dwindling in this shithole economy)
• They are overwhelmingly male
• Most are between the ages of 36-45, though my work is popular with the 26-35 and 46-and-over markets
• They have online tech savvy (I use the inconvenient task of subscribing to a podcast as an unofficial barometer of this; subscribing to podcasts is still a pain)
• They are social media savvy (The fact that they were on Twitter and could “@” reply was the barometer here, as well as my experiences with them in other communities, including my own)

I fully understood that this poll was unscientific. I didn’t care about science, and honestly believe that Objectivity is a myth. (From my experiences as a newspaperman, I concluded long ago that nearly any thing that is observed alters its behavior because it knows it’s being observed, thus altering the foundation for accurate reporting. Further, no journalist is Objective; it’s an emotional impossibility.) I was questing for anecdotal data — real-world, from-the-gut results provided by what I perceived as my core fan base.

What I Expected
My expectations, before I asked the question, were practically chiseled in my brain. I firmly believed that the Twitter crowd (who represented my “base,” in this unscientific endeavor) would overwhelmingly choose “clicker” over “bricker” — a clear preference for online shopping. This was a natural assumption based on a few things:

• They’re likely online far more than the “average” consumer (Hell, they were tweeting during business hours!)
• This online familiarity implied confidence and familiarity with online retailers such as Amazon.com
• Based on observations from book launches during the past two years (including recent launches of Personal Effects and Trust Agents), Amazon was swarming with Day One purchases, implying further familiarity
• I totally projected my own shopping behavior onto my fans. I’m a clicker, nearly exclusively.

How I Collated the Data
I received so many responses to my informal poll, I could barely keep up. Many thanks to all my friends who “re-tweeted” my question, which made it reach more respondents that I could have on my own.

I collected responses into four groups:

1. Folks who were “clickers,” mostly online shoppers
2. Folks who were “brickers,” mostly in-store shoppers
3. Folks who said they did both equally (”50/50″)
4. Folks whose answers didn’t express a clear preference

I tallied up the “clicker” and “bricker” responses, and then took the “50/50″ responses, and — since these shoppers were equally inclined to shop online and in-store — added a point to both the “clicker” and “bricker” tallies for each response. I did not add the unclear responses to the tallies.

The Results
Here ya go:

Clicker
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Bricker
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Clicker: 118
Bricker: 117

This is quite different than what I expected.

What Does It Mean? (Part One)
The most illuminating take-away for me was that the people whom I perceive to be my core fan base — tech-savvy social media users (or outright geeks) — love to shop in brick-and-mortar bookstores. Yes, yes, they obviously love shopping online … but these results clearly indicate that new media authors like me, who forge their reputations online, cannot ignore the allure and power of brick-and-mortar stores. New media authors simply cannot expect fans to head to Amazon — which is the easy (and perhaps wrongheaded) thing to assume, as several comments below suggest.

Some Comments
Here are a several interesting responses from Twitter users. (Some comments edited for spelling/clarity)

If I know what I want, I buy it online. I’m more likely to buy a book at random from the store, though. (writeingthings)

I like buying in stores. There’s something special about buying books in an actual store. (TheCharmQuark)

I’m about 50% split. If I KNOW what book I want, I’ll buy it online, but if I’m at a bookstore, I’ll browse and buy. (basest)

I am a clicker to research, but a bricker to buy. I gotta feel the book. *rubs fingers together* (greenglam)

I guess I’m a “bricker.” Prefer holding it in my hands, and the immediate gratification of taking it home right then and there. (nickhinton)

Mostly a clicker, b/c of price. Also b/c many authors are selling signed copies directly. (chrisbowsman)

Amazon.com is the only way I buy books, 99.99% of the time. Free shipping and awesome deals rocks. (unixtudotnet)

I’m both. I buy paper, I buy Kindle, I buy audiobooks. Different book form factors for different purposes. (cspenn)

What Does It Mean? (Part Two)
What does this imply for my pre-release outreach strategies for 7th Son: Descent? I don’t rightly know yet. It certainly suggests that reminding fans to pre-order and purchase in-store is mission-critical for new media authors. Buying in-store represents natural shopping behavior, but it’s less convenient than shopping online. Since the bookstore is a “destination” (drive drive drive to the store, etc.), busy folks must be politely reminded that it’s totally cool to buy in-store — but for the love of Pete, don’t forget to buy! New media authors cannot assume Amazon is the magic bullet answer.

What else does it mean? I’m digesting this anecdotal data now, and hope to come to some conclusions that will help me effectively promote 7th Son: Descent — and effectively direct fans to their ideal shopping options during the first two critical weeks the book is available for purchase. Sustained sales are the secret to a great-performing book … but nothing beats a good, hot-damn grand opening.

What do you think? Am I making wrongheaded assumptions about this anecdotal data? Are my findings elementary? What conclusions or insights can you share?

• Dungeons & Dragons
• The Matrix
• Soylent Green
• The Lord of the Rings
• Video gaming
• And more, including a hat-tip to Limp Bizkit, just for shock and awe

In short, Chris Brogan is one of us, peeps. He speaks YOUR language. Enjoy the interview!

NOTE: As J.C. explains in the episode intro, the interview’s audio quality is … troubled. Hutch did the very best he could to remove as much distortion from his side of the conversation as possible.

• Visit the Trust Agents Facebook Group page
• Purchase Trust Agents
• Chris Brogan’s website
• Julien Smith’s website
• J.C.’s 2008 interview with Chris Brogan for the Ultracreatives Interview Series
• J.C.’s recent endorsement of Trust Agents

The anthem for Hey, Everybody! is “Chip Away” by Jane’s Addition, distributed freely via BitTorrent and the Nine Inch Nails/Jane’s Addiction tour site, Ninja2009.com.

SYNOPSIS:
Zach pursues the Bloodsword. Secrets are revealed. The conclusion of Personal Effects: Sword of Blood.

Promo: Saturday Night In the Snark Cave

NEW TO J.C.’s FICTION, OR PODCASTING?
I’ve been releasing free audiobooks since 2006; Personal Effects: Sword of Blood is my way of celebrating the recent release of Personal Effects: Dark Art, a novel that combines the traditional novel experience with a multimedia-fueled “out of book” narrative that unfolds via phone, email and websites. Order a copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art today.

Listen to the episode by clicking the “play” button below. Catch up with the story by visiting the Sword of Blood synopsis page. Learn how to subscribe this podcast here.

SYNOPSIS:
Zach unearths the grand design of nine … and receives a history lesson from Rachael.

NEW TO J.C.’s FICTION, OR PODCASTING?
I’ve been releasing free audiobooks since 2006; Personal Effects: Sword of Blood is my way of celebrating the recent release of Personal Effects: Dark Art, a novel that combines the traditional novel experience with a multimedia-fueled “out of book” narrative that unfolds via phone, email and websites. Order a copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art today.

Listen to the episode by clicking the “play” button below. Catch up with the story by visiting the Sword of Blood synopsis page. Learn how to subscribe this podcast here.

• Purchase Personal Effects: Dark Art
• Matt Wallace’s website: Matt-Wallace.com

Winners: Expect an email in day or so. Hutch needs your snail mail address.

If Hutch didn’t announce your name (but met the qualifications he mentions in the episode), email him. We’ll hook you up with swag.

The anthem for Hey, Everybody! is “Chip Away” by Jane’s Addition, distributed freely via BitTorrent and the Nine Inch Nails/Jane’s Addiction tour site, Ninja2009.com.

Like what you hear? Please leave a comment, and tell a friend about the show, and about Personal Effects: Dark Art!

• Purchase Personal Effects: Dark Art
• J.C. on NPR’s Weekend Edition
• J.C. in his hometown paper, the Courier-Journal

The anthem for Hey, Everybody! is “Chip Away” by Jane’s Addition, distributed freely via BitTorrent and the Nine Inch Nails/Jane’s Addiction tour site, Ninja2009.com.

Like what you hear? Please leave a comment, and tell a friend about the show, and about Personal Effects: Dark Art!