Announcements

"Personal Effects: Dark Art" Video Trailer #5 - Matt Wallace /  by J.C. Hutchins

Meet Matt Wallace, the Parsec Award-winning undisputed new master of splatterpunk fiction. An ex-professional wrestler who writes stories that'll give your nightmares nightmares, the man is a force of nature. He's unshakable. Until he read Personal Effects: Dark Art...

Watch the vlurb. Pre-order the novel. Toss a copy of Wallace's The Next Fix in that online shopping cart while you're at it.

As always, co-producer/editor Michael Bekemeyer gets a big salute for his editing skills. Find the first four trailers here.

Word of mouth is the key to Personal Effects: Dark Art's success. Spread the word about this awesome video promotion by embedding the video on your blog. Email this page to friends. Tweet it. Facebook it. If you think this video is worthy of sharing, please do what you can to spread the word.

More videos are coming. Personal Effects: Dark Art. In bookstores everywhere this June. Pre-order now.

--J.C.

Personal Effects: Sword of Blood cover /  by J.C. Hutchins

While there are no plans to release my debut novel Personal Effects: Dark Art in full podcast novel form (though I do hope to hook you up with a little audio taste of that bad mofo), I am thrilled by the next best thing: the upcoming release of Personal Effects: Sword of Blood, a podcast-exclusive prequel novella to Dark Art. I'll tease the plot in a sec. First thing's first. Here's the nearly-final version of the cover.

I'm about halfway through writing Sword of Blood, and plan to debut the first episode May 15th-ish. Recording is currently underway. We're looking to clock in about 40,000 words on this sucker, or around 14 chapters. The novella takes place during Halloween 2008, mere days before the events seen in Dark Art. (You can read a brief excerpt here.)

Sword of Blood is a terrific introduction to the Personal Effects universe and its characters, including art therapist Zach Taylor and his "tribe" of friends and family, including girlfriend (and video game blogger) Rachael Webster, slang-slinging kid brother Lucas, and Ida "Eye" Jean-Phillipe, an NYPD crime lab assistant. We'll also meet Zach's patient, Gertrude Spindler -- a wily quilt-making elderly woman with a deadly secret.

When Spindler -- or "Spindle," as she's nicknamed by hospital staffers -- completes her latest quilt and informs Zach that a 30-year-old "grand design of nine" has just been completed, Zach's curiosity is piqued ... and soon leads him into a dangerous subculture filled with psychics and secret societies. What is the grand design of nine ... and what is the "great blade of blood" Spindle keeps hinting at?

You'll soon find out. Personal Effects: Sword of Blood will debut here at JCHutchins.net in mid-May. Subscribe to my blog/podcast feed now to experience this groundbreaking prequel project ... and be sure to order Personal Effects: Dark Art to read the continuing story.

--J.C.

Be in the next episode of Stranger Things! /  by J.C. Hutchins

Stranger Things is a masterwork of writing, acting and filmmaking. Creator and executive producer Earl Newton often collaborates with terrific storytellers in the podcast fiction space -- folks such as Scott Sigler and Matt Wallace... ...and in late May, you'll bear witness to Earl Newton's latest collaboration. With me.

The episode is titled Disconnect. Learn more in Hey Everybody episode #003, and how to see its premiere LIVE at "The Singularity," a Stranger Things event to be held Memorial Day weekend at Balticon.

But it gets cooler. YOU can appear in Disconnect. YOU can be a player in this awesome episode. YOU can become a net-setting web-cessible star just like Disconnect's hero, Tim.

Watch the video below to learn more. Send an email to PutMeInTheShow@StrangerThings.tv. Transmission ends.

--J.C.

Fan of the Day #28: Adam /  by J.C. Hutchins

We're back in the States today with a brand new fan for a brand new Friday! Meet Fan Of The Day Adam, a  superfan from Florida.

Your location: Lehigh Acres, FL

Website, Twitter, etc.: http://twitter.com/merlik

Your hobbies or interests: Gaming, Compters, Social Media, Entrepreneurship

7th Son fans rock because: They are willing to do what it takes, even if it means submitting various people to torture.

What else would you like The Beta Clone Army to know about you? I'm working on a podcast called The Successful Geek.

Adam, I dig the enthusiasm.  Fans like you are the reason 2009 is the Year of the Fan!  Just remember, there's no need to go full Devlin, dude.

Will YOU be the next Fan Of The Day? Get all the deets at the Fan Of The Day page ... or fill out the form below!

--J.C.

HEY, EVERYBODY #004 /  by J.C. Hutchins

A pen that can kill you ... Personal Effects: Sword of Blood recording has begun ... an awesome interview with author Christiana Ellis ... 7th Son optioned for film development ... and more. It's the latest episode of "Hey, Everybody!" It's really long.

Links mentioned in the show:

Promos:

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!

Fan of the Day #27: Martyn Darkly /  by J.C. Hutchins

We're visiting the UK again today to meet an Ultracreative fan! Meet Fan Of The Day Martyn Darkly, a brilliant podcaster from London.

Your location: London, UK

Website, Twitter, etc.: http://www.moviemantras.com

Your hobbies or interests: Writing, playing the guitar, podcasting, and chasing after my two daughters pretending to be a monster.

7th Son fans rock because: We got there first!!!!

What else would you like The Beta Clone Army to know about you? I'll be at Balticon 2009 to bask in the glory that is J.C.Hutchins. :)

Martyn, we're going to raise a pint together at Balticon, brother. Guys, if you haven't checked out Movie Mantras yet, you should do it right now. You'll hear some familiar voices on the later episodes, including yours truly!

Will YOU be the next Fan Of The Day? Get all the deets at the Fan Of The Day page ... or fill out the form below!

--J.C.

Fan of the Day #26: Kate /  by J.C. Hutchins

Wednesday takes us to Wales! Meet Fan Of The Day Kate, a superfan from the UK.

Your location: Cowbridge, Wales, UK

Your hobbies or interests: Podcasts, iPod touch, Macs, Photography

7th Son fans rock because: seventh son ROCKS!

What else would you like The Beta Clone Army to know about you? I think that does it.

Kate, you're an International Fan of Mystery!  I'm loving your avatar!

Will YOU be the next Fan Of The Day? Get all the deets at the Fan Of The Day page ... or fill out the form below!

--J.C.

7th Son optioned for motion picture development /  by J.C. Hutchins

I've been sitting on this news for months, but just now received the green light to share: the 7th Son trilogy has been optioned by Warner Bros. for motion picture development. This is gobsmackingly awesome news, as I -- and likely you -- always dreamed of the possibility of seeing the likes of John, Father Thomas, Kilroy2.0 and John Alpha on the big screen. We're one step closer to that.

To be clear: Warner Bros.' option of the 7th Son trilogy does not guarantee that a film series will be made, but the deal entitles the studio to exercise the right to do so sometime in the next three years. The possibility alone is terrific.

Big props go to my film agent, Joel Gotler, for his relentless championing of 7th Son during this process. Also mad props go to my literary agent Kristin Lindstom, who referred me to Joel.

Will Kilroy2.0 someday be evvvvrywhere in movie theaters? Only time -- and your continued support of my work -- will tell. Thank you for endless encouragement and evangelism. I'll spill more deets in my next "Hey, Everybody!" podcast.

Warner Bros.... can you believe that shit? :)

--J.C.

HEY, EVERYBODY #003 /  by J.C. Hutchins

It's a good thing "Hey Everybody!" is a digital file, cuz this one's too hot to touch. Killer announcements abound! J.C. starts off the show by telling you about future vlurb participants (including an unnamed horror film legend -- you'll crap when all is revealed), and teasing the hell out of something awesome happening at Balticon 43, in which he's involved.

But it's all about anticipation, so Hutch serves up an audio version of his essay Spontaneous Human Promotion. He also damns his arch-nemesis, Scott Sigler, to hell. Good times.

Then the big reveal: May is going to be a big month for J.C. ... and this is in addition to the upcoming debut of Personal Effects: Dark Art and the podcast-exclusive prequel, Personal Effects: Sword of Blood. Deets are spilled about a new animation project J.C.'s been working on, code-named "Project Bedbug," and then drops a killer bomshell that simply must be heard.

Words to remember: Balticon ... Stranger Things ... Singularity ... Disconnect ... and PutMeInTheShow@StrangerThings.tv.

J.C. concludes by answering some fan questions, and giving an update on Personal Effects: Sword of Blood.

Promos:

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.

The Stranger Things anthem is "Exurgency" by Zoe Keating. Learn more about her work at ZoeKeating.com.

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

May's edition of RUE MORGUE covers Personal Effects! /  by J.C. Hutchins

Run, don't walk -- and for God's sakes, don't do an undead zombie shuffle -- to your local bookstore on May 1. There, you'll be greeted by this awesomely horrific image ... and spotlight coverage of Personal Effects: Dark Art in the latest edition of RUE MORGUE magazine! It's a helluva issue. In addition to killer content featuring me and Personal Effects, you'll get an uber-dose of other killer horror news, including an interview with director Sam Raimi, the skinny on a horror-western flick called The Burrowers, and (blood-filled) buckets more. Get a sneak peek of what's rumbling inside Issue 89 here.

I'm a Rue Morgue superfan, and was thrilled to be interviewed for the publication. There's only one way to get the inside scoop on Personal Effects: Dark Art -- buy Rue Morgue #89 on May 1st!

--J.C.

Fan of the Day #23: Fat Benjamin /  by J.C. Hutchins

We're rocking right along with creators and innovators this week! Today's Fan Of The Day is Fat Benjamin, a brilliant musician and composer from the UK.

fat benjamin

Your location: UK

Website, Twitter, etc.: http://www.fatbenjamin.com , http://twitter.com/fatbenjamin

Your hobbies or interests: 7th Son (obviously), Music, Film, Books

7th Son fans rock because: We are all totally committed to spreading the word of this AMAZING story and world that JC has created.

What else would you like The Beta Clone Army to know about you? That I write HOT GROOVY ELECTRO music and if you listen to the intro sound collage from the titles of 'Obsidian' I am the British chap just before the guitar and beat kick in.

Dude, I am floored by your talent and creativity. Guys, you need to go to his site right now, and listen to his soundscapes and remixes. I'm not kidding, go now! You can thank me later.

Will YOU be the next Fan Of The Day? Get all the deets at the Fan Of The Day page ... or fill out the form below!

--J.C.

Fan of the Day #21: Chris T /  by J.C. Hutchins

What is it about the name Chris that inspires digital media awesomeness? Meet Fan Of The Day Chris T, a digital artist from Pennsylvania.

Chris Thompson

Your location: Philadelphia, PA, USA

Website, Twitter, etc.: http://eagleapex.com

Your hobbies or interests: Digital Art

7th Son fans rock because: They prove that the "Give things away" business model can be profitable. Good news for me, because I give away my digital art.

What else would you like The Beta Clone Army to know about you? I'm a digital artist from South Philly and I'm very comfortable in my first home and studio.

Chris, your artwork is amazing.  I am really digging the digital watercolors. Seriously, folks, you owe it to yourself to check out this stuff!

Will YOU be the next Fan Of The Day? Get all the deets at the Fan Of The Day page ... or fill out the form below!

--J.C.

Killer creative idea required; money optional /  by J.C. Hutchins

I'm all about crafting killer content and/or promotions on the cheap. This mostly hails from a lack of fundage, but even when I do have cash on hand, I do my very best to craft memorable, professional content without spending a dime.

I have no idea if the creators of this brilliant video for "Again and Again" laid down moolah for the project, but there's no reason they should have. Armed with a great idea and household technology, they created an ultracreative -- and fun -- presentation. It's so effective, I'm going to buy the song.

How are YOU crafting resonant, zero-budget content?

-J.C.

Fan of the Day # 20: Chris /  by J.C. Hutchins

All right folks, it's Tuesday, which means DVD releases and the chance to meet a new fan! Meet Fan Of The Day Chris, a podcast novelist from Canada.

Chris H

Your location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Website, Twitter, etc.: http://outcastnovel.wordpress.com

Your hobbies or interests: reading, writing, music, swimming, biking, movies

7th Son fans rock because: we know what we like. We refuse to digest the literary garbage the big-name publishers try to shove down our throats. Instead we rant and rave for independent media...media that matters...media like 7th FRAKKING SON BIAAAAAAATCH!

What else would you like The Beta Clone Army to know about you? I'm currently working on my own podcast novel project, called 'Outcast.' You can check it out at http://outcastnovel.mevio.com, and it will soon be available at Podiobooks.com

Independent creators finding an audience is what it's all about. Everybody, be sure to check out Outcast, now available on podiobooks!

Will YOU be the next Fan Of The Day? Get all the deets at the Fan Of The Day page ... or fill out the form below!

--J.C.

Fan of the Day #19: Rich /  by J.C. Hutchins

Welcome up, everybody! We've got a brand new fan for a brand new week. Meet Fan Of The Day Rich, a super fan from Indiana.

Rich

Your location: Kingsford Heights, IN USA

Website, Twitter, etc.: http://twitter.com/Rasplundjr

Your hobbies or interests: Twitter, Reading, Listening to Podiobooks, Writing - RPGs

7th Son fans rock because: Why the hell wouldn't we? Beta Clones are almost as cool as Junkies.... er I mean... Seriously, it's the fiction that rocks we just enjoy it....

What else would you like The Beta Clone Army to know about you? Right now I'm wearing a chiffon... oh wait not that kind info... Umm I'm just a regular geek, chilling loving a lot of the Podcast coming out from Hutchins, Sigler, Mur, and the gang hopefully one day I can get over my perfectionist block and finish something and attempt to climb the summit to join them.

You can't go wrong with chiffon. And you can't go wrong with a fan who rocks a viking helmet like you do, brother.

Will YOU be the next Fan Of The Day? Get all the deets at the Fan Of The Day page ... or fill out the form below!

--J.C.

Fan of the Day #18: Nerraux /  by J.C. Hutchins

I've got one more superfan for you guys to meet this week! Friday's Fan Of The Day Nerraux, a podcaster from Pennsylvania.

Nerraux

Your location: Reading, PA

Website, Twitter, etc.: http://AwfulShow.com

Your hobbies or interests: Nude hang gliding, podcasting, 'cropdusting' women's clothing stores

7th Son fans rock because: 7th Son fans rock because J.C. tells them to. J.C. secretes a unique kind of ‘net bourne neurotoxin that gets into your system when you download the first chapter and hooks you for at least three books. Before you know it, you wake up hungry in your driveway in a pool of pus with an erection that has obviously lasted for way more than 4 hours, and all you do is grin, press ‘play’ again and let the darkness consume you.

What else would you like The Beta Clone Army to know about you? I have a strong suspicion that Obama is going to prove to be either the greatest President the US could have hoped for or the Antichrist. Either way, I want to see an Obama/Sigler/Hutchins Circle of Death Last Man Standing match with the title of Global Hegemon as the prize. I would also like to see the winner declare me Minister of Porn, Caffeine and Wrist Braces.

The title of Global Hegemon will be mine, of course. Obama. I can take 'em.

Thanks, Nerraux! You have my undying love and gratitude. At the big Beta Clone reunion we'll have one day, you'll be the life of the party. And everyone else: be sure to check out The Awful Show. Nerraux and the gang must've named the show on Opposite Day, because it RULES!

Will YOU be the next Fan Of The Day? Get all the deets at the Fan Of The Day page ... or fill out the form below!

--J.C.

HEY, EVERYBODY #002 /  by J.C. Hutchins

Behold, a new episode of J.C.'s new podcast "Hey, Everybody!" This week, your humble host motormouths his way through some killer announcements and endorsements. First up is J.C.'s thoughts on David Moody's Hater, a new horror thriller novel released by Thomas Dunne Books, a division of St. Martin's Press, J.C.'s publisher. Compelling, grisly and downright spooky, Hater comes highly recommended.

As a special "try before you buy" bonus, you'll get to hear an excerpt of the novel, narrated by Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff! Learn more about Hater at David Moody's website.

J.C. yammers on about some other great news, including:

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!