Ed "The Computer Wizard"

Today is the release of a print version of one of my all time favorite podcast novels! For those of you who are not familiar with podcast novels, I would invite you to take a look at PodioBooks.com They have some stellar up and coming authors as well as a few established writers looking to try out a new way of doing things.

J.C. Hutchins is not completely new to the print game, his book Personal Effects: Dark Art has made the rounds in my house and I have passed along the link to order to several friends. J.C. is always looking at ways to do things in ways that no one would have ever thought of before.
His 7′th Son series has entertained many over the last few years and with the book release there is going to be an updated version of the podcast. So go buy the book and support this sci-fi genius, and then add the podcast version to your favorite podcatcher. It’s a great way to pass the time on the way to work.

J.C. is promoting this book through various social media avenues, and has been courteous enough to answer a few questions for me.

> 1. For those of us that have listened to the original podcasts what amount of change should we expect from the print edition? Will it be like an extended director’s edition where most of the key elements are the same with the addition of a few scenes, or more like an updated version with changes throughout?

Longtime fans of 7th Son will notice some key differences, all of which I believe improve the story:
- Since the main characters in the book share variations on the name “John Michael Smith,” one character — named “Jonathan” in the original version of the novel — has received a name change to avoid reader confusion.
- New chapters and set-pieces have been written; most of these changes are in the first act, and mostly feature the villains.
- John Smith, the book’s main protagonist, was not put in mortal peril at the end of the novel, in the original book. In the “print edition” his life is now in danger during the book’s action-packed climax. He has been “swapped” with another character in the book, who now remains back within the safety of the 7th Son facility.

> 2. What is the time frame you are looking at to release the rest of the series?

The sequels have not yet been picked up by St. Martin’s Press. Descent must become a success in order for my publisher to invest in printing the sequels. There’s a lot riding on this book launch … particularly the rest of the series in print. It’s mission-critical that the fans come out to support the book.

> 3. Personal Effects had a lot of extras such as photos, working phone numbers, web sites, etc. Will 7′th Son: Descent have any of these elements?

Nope.

> 4. What was your inspiration for the 7′th Son series?

I’ve always enjoyed superhero “team” books — like the Justice League of America — and action-packed high-tech thrillers, such as Jurassic Park. This was a great way for me to dig into those genres, while still telling a very well-grounded story that “felt” real. There are no superheroes or dinosaurs in my book, but there is a lot of technology and thrills. Human cloning is a fascinating subject, from a scientific, ethical and spiritual perspective. That was fun to explore.

> 5. Do you have any new stories in the works?

Always. I’ll soon work on a podcast fiction project called “The 33,” and begin writing new novels next year, as well. Nearly all of them are high-tech thrillers like 7th Son: Descent.

> 6. What television shows to do you draw influence from?

I’m afraid I don’t watch much television. I’m too busy!

> 7. Do you plan on having a book signing tour, and if so will you make a stop in San Antonio?

At present, there’s no formal book tour planned to promote 7th Son, due to personal budget constraints. If I can make it happen, my fans will be the first to know.

> 8. Is there anything else we should know about the book?

If folks want to learn more about the plot of 7th Son, and its “podcast to print” success story, they should visit my site, JCHutchins.net.

If you love a good book, you will want to make sure that this is a hit. Please support this release by going out to http://JCHutchins.net/order and picking up on a few copies, the make GREAT gifts and the holidays are right around the corner!

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