J.C. Hutchins: New Fiction And Author Updates

Latest Articles in this Channel:

11/01/10--10:26: New digs, new office (chan 1685395)

I get a lot of questions from folks about writing and rituals: How many words do you write a day? What software do you use? Do you listen to music when you write?, etc.  Over the years, I’ve also encountered questions about my workspace: What does it look like? I recently moved from South Florida [...]


11/20/10--14:05: How Long Does It Take To Make A Podiobook? (chan 1685395)

I just received an email from an aspiring podiobook author, who wanted to know how long it takes to create a single podcast novel episode. I thought I’d share my reply with you guys. When I was creating and promoting the  7th Son podcast novel trilogy, the workload broke down like this. These results were [...]


11/30/10--10:00: Book Review: Content Rules (chan 1685395)

I can’t rave enough about Content Rules, the new book by Ann Handley and C.C. Chapman. Here’s what the book is about. My review follows. Whether it’s bite-sized tweets that allow you to forge relationships on Twitter, blog posts that give your readers must-have advice, ebooks or white papers that engage (and don’t bore), videos [...]


11/30/10--16:04: A Special Message from Author Seth Harwood (chan 1685395)

I rarely let anyone commandeer my website — or my podcast feed — but Seth Harwood’s got something important to share, and I can’t say no to ultra-talented colleagues. I hope you enjoy his audio message, and support the release of Young Junius! –J.C. THIS BLOG NOW HIJACKED BY YOUR BOY… What’s up, everybody, it’s [...]


12/01/10--06:30: Podcast: Interview with Michael Bekemeyer, Filmmaker (chan 1685395)

In this episode, J.C. chats with Florida-based independent filmmaker Michael Bekemeyer. We learn about Michael’s filmmaking experience, J.C.’s current screenwriting ambitions, and Michael’s current project, the short film Gush — and how creators and fans are helping him raise funds to make it a reality. Sites mentioned in the interview: Michael Bekemeyer Jennifer Hudock Farrago [...]


12/01/10--16:05: J.C. Cameos In “Eclipse Phase: Continuity” RPG Adventure (chan 1685395)

I’m very proud to announce that my voice makes a cameo appearance in the new RPG adventure Continuity, which takes place in the wickedly cool Eclipse Phase universe. The Eclipse Phase universe is a product of the creator-owned gaming collective Posthuman Studios LLC. I’ll share more about my role in Continuity — and reveal another familiar podfic [...]


12/02/10--12:19: Podcast: Interview with C.C. Chapman, co-author of “Content Rules” (chan 1685395)

Today, J.C. chats with C.C. Chapman, co-author (with Ann Handley) of the book Content Rules, an invaluable resource that provides insights, success stories and tangible steps for companies and independent creators to use content (such as blogs, podcasts, webinars and more) to market their products in authentic and meaningful ways. Much like C.C. himself, the conversation [...]


12/05/10--08:53: Two Fab Things In My House (chan 1685395)

I honestly don’t know what’s more fabulous: Lap Kitty, or that brilliant pink holiday tree.


12/10/10--22:07: Podcast: Interview with Author/Composer Alex White, of “The Gearheart” (chan 1685395)

This week, J.C. brings you a conversation with Alex White, author of the adventure podiobook The Gearheart, and the forthcoming The Gearheart: Maiden Flight of the Avenger. Alex is not only a writer; he’s a music composer, and has created soundtracks for his audio fiction. J.C., a superfan of film scores, deep geeks with Alex [...]


12/13/10--19:11: Podcast: Interview with Christof Laputka, creator of “The Leviathan Chronicles” (chan 1685395)

Today, J.C. chats with Christof Laputka, the visionary creator behind the The Leviathan Chronicles podcast fiction experience. Christof took audio fiction to new heights (or depths, as Leviathan tells the story of warring factions of underwater immortals) with the first season of his stellarly-produced series. Says J.C.: It’s the best-sounding podcast fiction experience available on the [...]


12/16/10--15:12: Podcast: “Stories Of Our Journeys” Interviews J.C. (chan 1685395)

In March 2010, my friend Lorelle VanFossen contacted me about a new project she and  Kym Huynh (of WordCast) were creating: Stories of Our Journeys, an interview series dedicated to sharing a meaningful moment in a lifetime — or a journey through that lifetime. Lorelle asked me if Kym could interview me for the program. I was torn. [...]


12/20/10--22:36: Convergence (chan 1685395)

They say life is imperfect. For a long while now, I’ve disagreed. This convergence right here — me writing this hours (or days!) ago, and you reading it at this very moment — represents absolute perfection, at least to me. The craziest and most unlikely of events brought us here, to this itty-bitty place, together [...]


12/27/10--18:30: Blast From The Past: Notes For “EvacSys” (chan 1685395)

I was scribbling in a beat-to-shit legal pad this evening on a new screenplay project, flipped the page, and was stunned to see words already on that page, scanned below. I then grinned like a fool. Longtime 7th Son trilogy fans may recall Book Three: Destruction’s elaborate action sequence aboard EvacSys, an underground bullet train [...]


01/03/11--09:47: Market Your Mojo: Jan. 3 (chan 1685395)

Got something to sell, share or tell the world about? Promote it! Tell me — and fellow readers — about your killer product, service or work here in the comments. The rules: Your comment must be 50 words or less. Your comment must be rated PG-13. Your product, service or work must be rated R [...]


01/05/11--14:09: What’s The ULTIMATE Revenge Movie? (chan 1685395)

I’ve spent the past few months chipping away at a few screenplays. One script — a supernatural balls-to-the-wall actioner with a magma-hot hook — is presently getting a polish by me and a co-writer (whose name I cannot yet divulge). Another screenplay started with a very strong concept, but competing obligations prevented another co-writer from [...]


01/12/11--20:54: Podcast: Interview with Scott Roche and Zachary Ricks of Flying Island Press (chan 1685395)

Today, J.C. speaks with Scott Roche and Zachary Ricks, two of the founding members of Flying Island Press, a digital publishing company that releases compelling genre fiction in electronic formats. Scott and Zachary chat at length about their company’s business model and philosophy, the entrepreneurial spirit, and how they distribute anthology-style fiction magazines in formats for the Kindle, [...]


02/24/11--21:47: Winter Is Coming. (A Transmedia Fiction Experience with J.C.) (chan 1685395)

This afternoon, a package from HBO arrived at my doorstep. Curious, I grabbed my vidcam and documented what quickly became not only an awesome “unboxing” video, but an amazing — and remarkably unconventional — narrative journey. Ride shotgun with me as you get an unfiltered, as-it-happens look at this amazing HBO package as I experience [...]


02/25/11--08:10: Pre-Order Melzer’s “Escape” And Hit The Mother Lode! (chan 1685395)

My friend and fellow author James Melzer debuted some terrific news today, and I wanted to share it with you fine peeps. Melzer is the author of Escape: A Zombie Chronicles Novel, the first book in a trilogy that combines zombies and government conspiracies. It’ll be in bookstores later this year. To whet your appetite [...]


02/28/11--11:31: Follow-Up: Winter Is Coming. (chan 1685395)

If you were dazzled by my recent Game of Thrones scent-based transmedia experience — and were curious to learn where that unusual rabbit hole might lead us — you’ll be interested to read this email I received today from HBO: Dear JC, Thank you so much for sharing the Game of Thrones scent experience with your [...]


04/07/11--09:02: Haters (NSFW) (chan 1685395)

Very not safe for work. But also very, very true.


04/08/11--11:45: Annnnnnd Here’s The Pitch… (chan 1685395)

I’m no stranger to the marketing pitch — I’ve lost count of the pitches I’ve written and sent over the years promoting my fiction … and I’ve lost count of the pitches I’ve received as a journalist (10+ years ago) and more recently as a new media creator and interviewer. A few months ago, I [...]


04/10/11--10:32: Welcome to America. (chan 1685395)

Spilling store-bought coffee on your Ralph Lauren button-down while sitting in your air conditioned late model car and eying a pretty lady walking down an absolutely safe street. It’s a nightmare world in which we live.


04/10/11--10:52: Perhaps the most cruel photo on the ‘net… (chan 1685395)

…and also perhaps the funniest. I’m still laughing. I think it’s the cat. –J.C.  


04/10/11--16:21: On Being An “Aspiring Writer” (chan 1685395)

I spotted the words “aspiring writer” on a website today. My mood went south, as it always does when I encounter this flawed phrase. When I see aspiring writer, I don’t think it’s shorthand for meanings such as: “Aspiring professional writer” — meaning, the person is writing, but aims to someday be paid for her [...]


04/11/11--17:17: How To Become A Better (And Future-Friendly) Storyteller (chan 1685395)

Note: This post originally appeared on the website WriterUnboxed. This is the first of several WU guest posts I’ll reprint here on my site. I submit this for your consideration: Expand and improve your media vocabulary. It might positively impact your career now, and certainly will in the future. I define “media vocabulary” as the [...]


04/12/11--05:53: The Ebook Will Evolve. So Should Authors. (chan 1685395)

Note: This post originally appeared on the website E2BU. E2BU, aka the Enhanced Ebook University, educates authors and publishers on the creative and business potential of enhanced ebooks — electronic books that transcend traditional reading experiences by incorporating video, online links and other multimedia elements into the narrative. Enhanced ebooks are an emerging storytelling form. [...]


04/14/11--16:23: Podcast: Interview with Andrea Phillips, Transmedia Writer and Game Designer (chan 1685395)

Today, J.C. speaks with Andrea Phillips, an influential transmedia writer and game designer. Andrea has worked and played in the transmedia space for a decade — and has been a storyteller for far longer than that. In this epic 90-minute conversation, Andrea discusses her lifelong love of writing, how she was exposed to transmedia 10 [...]


04/17/11--14:44: He falls for the Facebook. He is killed by ad. (chan 1685395)

I occasionally post a peculiar message on Twitter and Facebook — “He falls for the booty. He is killed by knife.” — because it’s an undeniably weird frickin’ thing to say, and because its strange backstory amuses me. But I got my own dose of strangeness when I posted the message to Facebook today. Behold, why I both loathe [...]


04/18/11--23:57: Why You Won’t Find My eBooks In the Bargain Basement (chan 1685395)

  Since every other windbag author has blown a few thousand words on this topic, I reckon I oughta chime in about ebooks, pricing and value. To be clear: Right now, I don’t have much skin in the ebook game. My thriller, 7th Son: Descent, was released in e-formats by St. Martin’s Griffin back in [...]


04/20/11--13:48: On the Horizon: THUNDERTAKER (chan 1685395)

I can’t rightly say if it’ll be a full-on novel, novella, straight read or transmedia experience (like Personal Effects: Dark Art). Hell, it could jump over into screenplay territory by the time it’s said and done. All I know is that I’ve wanted to write a Western for years, I’ve got a title, and I can [...]


04/25/11--13:45: Videos Of My Cat… (chan 1685395)

…because I’m rather fond of the wicked little critta.


05/02/11--12:09: Make Friends. It’s Good For Business. (chan 1685395)

Note: This post originally appeared on the website WriterUnboxed. This is the one of several WU guest posts I’ll reprint here on my site. There comes a point in the life of your Work In Progress when — hot dog! — it’s no longer a Work In Progress. The sucker’s done, you did it … heck, [...]


05/09/11--07:31: Improve Your Authorial Voice Not By Writing, But By Watching (chan 1685395)

Note: This post originally appeared on the website WriterUnboxed. This is the one of several WU guest posts I’ll reprint here on my site. I love reading prose fiction — but in my heart of hearts, I’m a movie junkie. It’s a brilliant way to economically tell stories, and I enjoy the creative constraints the medium [...]


05/17/11--11:29: In Which I Introduce Myself (chan 1685395)

It is my earnest hope that a mutual friend’s tweet or Facebook post brought you here. I appreciate your curiosity for clicking that link — and since I also appreciate your time, I’ll be quick. I’m J.C. Hutchins. I’m a freelance storyteller. I’d like to work with you. I write transmedia experiences, novels, screenplays and [...]


05/18/11--19:01: Podcast: Interview with Jim Babb, Transmedia Storyteller and Game Designer (chan 1685395)

Today, J.C. speaks with Jim Babb, a New York-based creator who uses transmedia storytelling methods, game design and people’s curiosity to create fun stories that inspire audience participation. The latest project he and his company Awkward Hug are overseeing is the brilliant and charming Socks Inc. In this chat, Jim shares how he was first [...]


06/09/11--13:33: Podcast: Interview with Mike Knowlton, Social Film Producer (chan 1685395)

Today, J.C. chats with Mike Knowlton, co-founder of Murmur, a studio/technology company that creates and distributes a new breed of entertainment called “Social Films.” The company recently released its first story in this genre, a Facebook-based film/interactive narrative called Him, Her and Them, which Mike produced. Mike shares an in-depth perspective about the unique aspects of [...]


09/03/11--11:13: ARGfest Keynote 2011: “Getting To Good” (chan 1685395)

I had the great honor of presenting the keynote speech at ARGfest 2011 (Aug. 18-21), a convention that celebrates transmedia storytelling and gaming. I was humbled by the transmedia community’s kindness and support. During my presentation, I shared the important creative and business lessons I’ve learned during my 15 years a professional storyteller, and discussed [...]


10/06/11--12:44: Guest Post: A Message from Author Seth Harwood (chan 1685395)

Hey, everybody! I’d like to share some cool stuff concocted by one of my new media author pals, Seth Harwood. Seth’s written a guest post that shares some deets about his recent successes, his incredible new (and free) content, and his plans to make a splash in the Amazon Kindle store with his latest ebook [...]


10/08/11--08:41: Podcast: Interview with Chuck Wendig, Storyteller (chan 1685395)

After months away from the podcast feed, J.C. extracts himself from a hearty heap of freelance storytelling to chat with another freelance storyteller, the supremely talented Chuck Wendig. Chuck has professionally written in many media and industries, including gaming, novels, screenplays, transmedia and more. “Versatility” is a topic of great interest in this chat. During [...]


10/20/11--08:00: Guest Post: A Message from Author Jeremy Robinson (chan 1685395)

Hey, everybody — J.C. Hutchins here. Not long ago, I allowed my pal and fellow new media author Seth Harwood to commandeer this here blog to tell you about some exciting things he was working on. Today, I’m doing the same for the supremely-talented Jeremy Robinson, a storyteller who excels at telling tales in many genres. [...]


10/25/11--14:56: What You Said: Your Three Favorite Podcasts (chan 1685395)

Today, I posted on Twitter, Facebook and Google+: Yo, I need YOUR help! I’m sniffing around for new things to listen to. What are your THREE FAVORITE podcasts? Hit me! Here’s what you said. Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions! On Twitter… ElanaRoth – Elana All of the How Stuff Works shows, @neiltyson‘s Star Talk radio, and anything [...]


12/01/11--10:20: Music: 7th Son – The Soundtrack (chan 1685395)

Early last month, I traveled from my Denver home to Rhode Island to meet Brandon Winrich, a music composition major at the University of Rhode Island. It was the conclusion of a remarkable artistic journey for him, and was a life-changing day for me — a day three years in the making. In 2008, Brandon contacted me, asking [...]


12/02/11--05:11: Liner Notes: 7th Son – The Soundtrack (chan 1685395)

Yesterday, I released 7th Son: The Soundtrack, nearly 30 minutes of classical music inspired by my 7th Son technothriller trilogy. If you haven’t already, you oughta take a listen. The terrific music was composed by University of Rhode Island student Brandon Winrich, a talented young man who’s set his eyes on someday creating musical scores for films, [...]


12/07/11--10:39: Get This Book: Julien Smith’s “The Flinch” (chan 1685395)

Ah. You’re here! Awesome. Make yourself at home. Take a load off. Put your feet up on my digital coffee table. Fire up the XBox. Hell, drink straight from the milk carton. Mi casa es su casa, right? Get really comfy, at least for a few paragraphs. Enjoy it while you can. Because the mind-wracking anxiety [...]


12/07/11--14:06: How Are You Enjoying The Mescaline? (chan 1685395)

The funniest thing I’ve seen in weeks. Reminds me of a similar scene in Go. Original post is here. See more from the “Animals Talking In All Caps” site here.


12/14/11--12:37: Guest Post: A Message from Author Bill DeSmedt (chan 1685395)

Hey, everybody! During my new media travels over the past five years, I’ve met a lot of terrifically talented and kindhearted folk … but few are as classy and clever as author Bill DeSmedt. I’ve known him since 2006, when we were both releasing our science fiction novels as free serialized audiobooks over at Podiobooks.com. [...]


01/11/12--08:27: Creator Spotlight: Novelist Jonathan Maberry & “Dead of Night” (chan 1685395)

Few writers have captured my imagination the way Jonathan Maberry has. His Joe Ledger novel series — which chronicles the adventures of the “Department of Military Sciences,” a secret government rapid response team that handles horrific technology-created terrors — has entertained and inspired me in countless ways. Maberry’s horror fiction always bets big, the stakes are [...]


01/16/12--07:46: Podcast: ARGNetcast, Episode 128 – Interview with Thomas Dolby (chan 1685395)

Hey, everybody! After a long hiatus from regular podcasting, I’m back to the digital airwaves as co-host of the ARGNetcast, a show that covers the transmedia storytelling space. I’ll be posting episodes of that show here in my podcast feed (unless folks pipe up and tell me not to). Tell me what you think of [...]


01/20/12--16:25: Podcast: StoryForward, Episode 001 – Jan Libby and Snow Town (chan 1685395)

In this special episode of StoryForward, co-host J.C. Hutchins chats with transmedia storyteller Jan Libby about her creative career, and her latest project, Snow Town. Links from this show: Jan Libby on Twitter Snow Town’s Kickstarter Page Lonely Girl 15 Sameees Tell us what you think of the show by giving co-host Steve Peters and [...]


01/26/12--08:29: Coming Soon (chan 1685395)

Coming soon, exclusively in ebook format, to online retailers near you. I might redesign the covers before they hit the marketplace, but I think these are final. –J.C.