Fan of the Day #23: Fat Benjamin

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

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

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.

Fall to fly: Danny MacAskill

The video is astounding ... but the first few minutes are so revealing. Bike stuntmeister Danny MacAskill soars in this presentation, but I'm certain he's lost count of the times he's wiped out over the years.

Are you afraid of failing in your creative endeavor? That's natural, but so is falling. The only way to fly is to make the leap.

--J.C.

Fan of the Day # 20: Chris

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.

Real Life Pac-Man!

This is what happens when you follow your creative bliss. Brilliant.

--J.C.

Fan of the Day #19: Rich

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.

"Drifting" by Andy McKee

This is a blissful way to start a Sunday. Learn more about Andy's work at AndyMckee.com.

Writerly wisdom from Twitter

As seen on author Elizabeth Bear's tweet stream, from last year. Had to share.

Fan of the Day #18: Nerraux

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

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 starred review Personal Effects: Dark Art recently received from Publisher's Weekly
• J.C.'s awesome Fan Of The Day program, where you take center stage at JCHutchins.net
• The rebirth of Seth Harwood's Jack Wakes Up, available in bookstores everywhere May 5
• J.C.'s appearances at Balticon, including the Personal Effects: Dark Art book launch party, and his first public reading ever
• A troubled update on the podcast-exclusive Personal Effects prequel novella, Sword of Blood
• Promo: Nina Kimberly The Merciless comes to print!
• Promo: Geek Of All Trades
• Promo: Starting WoW

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 #17: Rachel

Our newest groovy fan hails from The Buckeye State. Meet Fan Of The Day Rachel, an awesome sculptor and artist.

Rachel (Nycteris)

Your location: Wellington, Ohio

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

Your hobbies or interests: fantasy art, sculpting, jewelry-making

7th Son fans rock because: grassroots podcast fandom is an awesome way to get your voice heard in the media! It's neat to watch Amazon runs, and hear the voices of the authors you love!

I'm all about the grassroots, Rachel.  Folks, take a minute to check out the cool jewelry and clay critters at your Etsy Glimmerville store.

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 #16: Michael

We're rocking right on through the week, folks. Today we have an ultracreative Fan Of The Day -- Michael is a writer, filmmaker, and podcaster from Florida. He's also the brilliant editorial mind behind my recent Personal Effects: Dark Art vlurb trailers!

Michael Bekemeyer

Your location: Orlando, FL

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

Your hobbies or interests: Filmmaking, writing, Podcasting, Twitter

7th Son fans rock because: Because we knew you when and we still listened. :)

We have very good taste in fiction and writers of it.

What else would you like The Beta Clone Army to know about you? I'm a Mac. New video podcast at ScatterPod, called ":60 of Life".

Michael, your creativity is an inspiration, brother. Everyone should RUN, not walk, to ScatterPod to check out the ":60 of Life" films. They will blow you away.

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.

"Personal Effects: Dark Art" Book Trailer #4: Jeffrey Reddick

Behold, the latest innovative "vlurb" for my debut supernatural thriller novel, Personal Effects: Dark Art. This time, you're meeting Jeffrey Reddick, the mad genius behind the Final Destination film series. Jeffrey created Final Destination, one of my absolute favorite horror thriller films, and I am blessed and honored -- and proud -- to unleash his endorsement. Watch the vlurb. Pre-order the novel. Toss a copy of Final Destination in that online shopping cart while you're at it. The movie's effing brilliant.

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

Fan of the Day #15: Keith

It's Tuesday, and we're serving up more fan awesomeness! Meet Fan Of The Day Keith, a blogger from Michigan.

Keith

Your location: Rochester Hills, MI

Website, Twitter, etc.: http://undisciplinedmind.blogspot.com

Your hobbies or interests: Reading, podcasts, computers

7th Son fans rock because: because JC rocks! He is the glue that binds us together.

What else would you like The Beta Clone Army to know about you? I am working on a podcast of my own fiction that will be out soon! It will be called Borrowed Time.

Keith, thanks a ton for your support. Be sure to keep us posted on your upcoming podcast!

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.

Publisher's Weekly gives starred review of "Personal Effects: Dark Art"

From this week's Publisher's Weekly:

(Starred) Hutchins, author of the audiobook podcast trilogy 7th Son, makes his print debut with the stellar first of an interactive supernatural thriller series. Zach Taylor, an art therapist, must evaluate Martin Grace, a blind audio engineer suspected of a dozen homicides, to determine whether Martin is mentally competent to stand trial for the murder of hip-hop singer Tanya Gold, whose body was “torn literally limb from limb.” Martin claims he's an “unwitting psychic sniper,” foreseeing crimes actually committed by a Russian demon or “Dark Man.” One of his possible earlier victims was Martin's psychiatrist, Sophronia Poole, the girlfriend of Zack's dad, William V. Taylor, the New York City DA seeking to convict Martin. Weisman, an alternative reality game whiz, is responsible for the items inside the book's front pocket—a psychiatric report, family photos, death and birth certificates, etc.—that allow the reader to follow a multimedia trail of clues. (June)

---

This is tremendous news, and I'm honored to know that Publisher's Weekly enjoyed the book. Learn more about the novel here, and kindly consider pre-ordering a copy. Your purchase now not only supports my work, but increases Personal Effects' chances of being supported by retailers ... and improves my chances of hitting bestseller lists with my print debut.

--J.C.

Fan of the Day #14: Shawn

Let's start the week with a trip to The Great White North! Meet Fan Of The Day Shawn, a podcaster from Canada ... and producer of 7th Son, Book Three - Destruction, and 7th Son: OBSIDIAN!

Shawn Bishop

Your location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Website, Twitter, etc.: http://www.thedividingline.com/btl

Your hobbies or interests: Progressive Rock, Audio Engineering, Multimedia, Authors that kick ass

7th Son fans rock because: they have the power to turn dreams into reality!

What else would you like The Beta Clone Army to know about you? I've always believed that you are what you love, not what loves you!

Thanks, Shawn! It's fans like you that have made my dreams a reality -- and your mad audio production skills are what kept me sane for the past two years. :) Guys, if you're interested in progressive rock, be sure to check out Shawn's show Behind The Lines.

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.

Make it happen.

If you ever believed in yourself enough to ignore the odds and pursue your creative dreams, you might find this as inspirational as I did. I cried. You go, Susan Boyle

Fan of the Day #13: P.G. Holyfield

We're graced with podcasting royalty today! Meet Fan Of The Day P.G. Holyfield, the force of nature behind Murder at Avedon Hill

Your name or handle: P.G.

Your location: Charlotte NC

Website, Twitter, etc.: http://pgholyfield.com/maah

Your hobbies or interests: writing, podcasting, gaming

7th Son fans rock because: They are a meme unto themselves.

What else would you like The Beta Clone Army to know about you? I am Beta Clone #10, and I also have the original Beta Clone #10 pin. Don't f&ck with me. I only have a few to kill and I'll be one of the 7..

Rock on, brother. And if you haven't listened to Murder at Avedon Hill yet, head on over and give it a listen. You'll be glad you did!

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.

DIAL "10" FOR MURDER -- One-Day Contest!

I'm so thrilled by Friday the 13th writer Victor Miller's video endorsement of Personal Effects: Dark Art, I want the whole world to know about it. And I want YOU to help me. You may win a signed copy of the novel for your efforts!

How can you score this killer swag? Easy. Grab your cell phone. Call 10 friends. Tell them to visit this webpage...

JCHutchins.net/friday13

That will bring them to the page you're reading right now. And then tell them to watch the 2-minute trailer. That's it.

If you want to sex it up a bit, you can also tell them...

• About Personal Effects: Dark Art
• About how, using no industry contacts and no money, I personally reached out to the creator of Jason Voorhees
• That Victor Miller read the book
• He was so impressed, he filmed this badass video testimonial
• They can find even more cool trailers at JCHutchins.net/trailers

That's it, peeps. Call 10 friends. (Leaving voice mail is okay.) Tell them to visit JCHutchins.net/friday13. Fill out the form below, telling me you've done your part to spread the word. Two insanely lucky participants will win a signed copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art. This contest runs only for today, Thursday, April 9.

If you're one of the "10 friends" who were called, and are reading this now, you can participate too! Call 10 of your friends, repeat the steps above, and you'll be in the running.

Word of mouth is what will make Personal Effects: Dark Art a success. Dialing for novels makes it fun. You've got 10 friends, dontcha? Of course you do. So call 'em up, chat 'em up, get 'em here ... and have them meet "Jason's father"!