It is with excitement and great pleasure that I turn my blog site over to C.S. Boyack today so that he can tell you about his latest cyberpunk novel, Grinders!
Take it away, Craig!
Thanks for the invitation today, Jan. I’m honored to address your fans with my new book, Grinders. I’ve offered multiple topics on this tour, and I’m really excited that you chose The Grid.
Grinders is a cyberpunk story, set in San Francisco. This means an environment with a lot of neon, holographic advertising, and bustle. Computers and the Internet are a big part of these stories. That’s the “cyber” part. They also seem to have a seedy, almost underground, element to them. That’s the “punk” part. Now that you know what we’re dealing with, let’s talk about The Grid.
The Grid falls firmly under the cyber part of the environment, but it’s more than that. It’s almost a character in its own right, because it controls so much of the people’s lives.
At its core, The Grid is made up of hexagonal solar panels that have replaced all of the asphalt. It’s pebbled glass for traction. They fit together like Legos, and there is one scene with some repairs being made. So far, so good, right?
With all this electricity, this grid is hooked up to the Internet. We’re already seeing electric automobiles, and some self-driving technology, so I took the next step. All of the vehicles are paired with The Grid, and a central computer drives them all with incredible efficiency. Imagine four lanes (or more) buzzing along at 60-90 miles per hour. The cars are all about one foot from each other, and we would consider that tailgating today. The Grid is capable of moving them all at once, so this isn’t a problem.
Commuters simply tell an AI in the vehicle where they want to go, the AI communicates with The Grid, and they’re off to the races. Lane changes are accomplished with computer efficiency, by slowing down the adjacent cars to make a hole.
City streets have cross lane traffic to worry about. Stoplights are antiques in the world of Grinders. The Grid starts and stops traffic to keep all lanes moving at their best pace. When traffic stops, the lights have been replaced with holographic billboards that pipe advertising to the passengers.
Automobiles still dock for the night and recharge, but they also draw a small amount of power from The Grid. This is done via contact brushes, and The Grid will even pull over inefficient vehicles for a repair ticket if they cannot maintain the speeds required.
But like they say on late night television, but wait, there’s more. So far, I’ve only talked about ground level. In the world of Grinders, everything is delivered to small heli-pads at each residence and business. Drones provide staples and extras right to your apartment window. One of my main characters is fond of having liquor store deliveries made.
Some of these drones are huge, and include UPS trucks with larger loads. With all this lesser air traffic, how do they keep from crashing into each other? There has to be a way to set patterns and timing. This is yet another function of The Grid.
Imagine a moving van sized drone bringing your belongings to a new apartment. Not only does The Grid have to create a clear path to the building, it also needs to communicate with ground traffic to make a suitable parking space for landing.
The Grid is a wonderful creation. Pollution is all but gone from the Bay Area. Aggressive driving and accidents are a thing of the past. People even send their children to school in a car without adults. They can play games or read along the way. Businessmen can review files instead of drive and lean on the horn. Housewives even send the pets out for grooming without having to leave the house.
As an author, it’s fun to think ahead. A lot of this technology already exists. I hope someone smarter than me can make it happen one day. I like the idea of cheap solar power, efficient commuting, and the elimination of aggressive drivers from our streets. I’m still not on board with having someone else choose my produce, then deliver it to the house, but some of this is already being done too. They might not be using drones, but how far away is that technology anyway?
I hope you guys will give Grinders a chance. Thanks again to Jan for lending me her space. Now it’s time for me to drop a cover, blurb, and that all important purchase link.
Blurb:
Jimi Cabot made one mistake as a starving college student. When she went to work for the San Francisco Police Department, it nearly cost her the job. The union stepped in and they had to reinstate her. They did so by assigning her to the duty nobody wants, Grinder Squad.
Grinders are people who use back room surgeries to enhance their bodies with computer chips, and various kinds of hardware. Jimi is sure that if she can just bust one grind shop, it will be her ticket back.
Paired with veteran cop, she soon learns that Grinder Squad is a cash-cow for the department. They are nothing more than glorified patrol cops, and generally get the worst assignments.
Matchless is the most wanted grinder of all time. He disappeared years ago, leaving only the evidence of those he enhanced during his career. With these pieces, Jimi picks up the cold trail to try working her way back to more respectable duty.
Grinders is a cyberpunk story set in a world where global warming has eroded coastlines, and society has solved many of our current problems by replacing them with new ones. There are cyber shut-ins, cyber-currency skimming schemes, and more in this futuristic tale.
This book also takes the opportunity to poke a stick at current issues that seem to have lasted into the future. Entitled people, helicopter moms, overzealous homeowner associations, and lack of decent jobs are all present. Never preachy, these issues make up the day to day work of a patrol officer.
I hope you enjoy Grinders as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you.
Purchase link: http://mybook.to/Grinders
You can contact Craig at the following locations:
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I loved this story especially set in SF.
Thanks for hosting, Jan.
Thank you. I’m glad I did my homework on San Francisco.
I thought I had commented, but… well, you know WordPress. Fabulous post. Hugs on the wing.
Lol, Teagan. Yep! Sometimes WordPress plays tricks on us! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
WordPress has been strange lately. Thanks for commenting.
Wishing you the very best, Craig!
Thank you for always being so incredibly supportive, Jan.
Thank you Beem. Hope you’re staying safe during these weird times.
Weird times indeed, Craig!
Thanks for stopping by, Beem! It’s my pleasure to host Craig!
☺
Reblogged at StephenGeez.com. Good luck, Craig!
Thanks for sharing, Stephen.
Thank you for sharing, Stephen!
Reblogged this on Stephen Geez Blog and commented:
New CYBERPUNK release from C.S. Boyak, master storyteller. Check it out, and learn more about Author Boyak and his work!
I’ve read Grinders and found the Grid fascinating. It’s just part of the thoroughly inventive world Craig invented. I highly recommend this book. I’m waiting for the TV series 🙂
Thank you, Mae. I’m not greedy. I’d take a mini-series or movie.
LOL! It would be great as either.
Ooooh, what a wonderful idea! From your mouth to God’s ears. 🙂 P.S. I also feel that way about the Hode’s Hill Series! 🙂
Great interview! Grinders sounds like a fun read!
I think it is, but I’m biased. Hope a few folks will give it a chance.
Thanks Rachel! I hope you’ll check out Grinders!
Great to see Grinders getting some love. Does Craig know something we don’t about the near future? Gotta read the book to find out.
I love that remark. I hope I got a few things right, but probably won’t live long enough to find out.
What a great ending statement, Michele! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for stopping by, Judi Lynn. I agree that the idea of being able to do many different things while the Grid provides transportation is an appealing idea. And, it may not be that far into our future!
Glad to see Craig here and hearing more about the Grid. It was interesting to read about. I liked the idea that Jimi and Lou could work on their computers or talk over cases while their vehicle took them wherever they needed to be. I even liked the idea of a drone delivering whatever they needed to their window landing pad, but somehow, the conveniences almost made it feel like they were less connected to the world around them. This book made me think, and that was a plus.
I love that comment. People were less connected and I wanted that to come across. I’m glad it made you think, too.
Grinders was my first experience with the cyberpunk genre, but I don’t think it will be my last. In fact, I’m hoping for more from Craig, specifically, though I’m keeping my eyes open for other books out there. The world-building in Grinders is amazing, and the Grid is the core of the whole thing. I was absolutely fascinated by how it functioned, and couldn’t help thinking how convenient (and safe) it would make commuting anywhere.
The main route into downtown Orlando (where my husband works) from our house in Seminole County is I-4, which for the last couple of years has pretty much been a parking lot. It takes him from 45 minutes to an hour to go the 22 miles. Sometimes more. But now that most are staying home, it takes him a mere ten minutes! He’s considered essential personnel, so he still has to make that drive Mon-Fri. I can only imagine how much easier it would be on the Grid!! And he could be getting work done on the way. Or playing his harmonica. Whatever. 😀 But he’d get there quickly and safely, and not have to worry constantly about being side-swiped.
Let’s hear it for cyberpunk, the Grid, and GRINDERS! Such a fun book, Craig. And such a cool post, too. Thanks to you and Jan! Sharing!! 🙂
I love that story. I wish I’d have thought of someone practicing music during the commute. Maybe some bagpipes extending through the sun roof.
Oooh, yes. Bagpipes, please. I’m one of those folks who dearly loves the mournful sound of the pipes. Maybe Lisa Burton should take them up! 😀
She can’t. No lungs.
What a great story, Marcia. Yes, your husband would love The Grid!
Great discussion on the grid and drones. It sounds like a super story. Thanks for hosting, Jan.
It’s futuristic, but could be near future.
Thanks, John, for stopping by. I agree that it sounds like a great story!
I loved Grinders and have to agree, the Grid is almost a character. It’s a fascinating bit of technology. One of several creative aspects of the story. Much luck to Craig. Thanks for hosting, Jan.
Thank you, Staci. It’s like the pulse of the city.
Thank you, Staci, for stopping by. I agree that the Grid is a fascinating bit of technology that may not be that far in our future.
I loved hearing more about your book, Craig. Your imagination is fantastic! I look forward to reading it. 😊
Thank you, Yvette. Hope you enjoy it.
Thanks for stopping by, Yvette!
I’d love to get in a car, tell it where I want to go, then settle in a read or nap. Perfect.
The technology might not be that far off. I see reports about driverless delivery vans and such all the time.
Exactly, Teri. 🙂 My son-in-law has a Tesla and you can sort of do that now, but you do have to keep one hand gently on the wheel. Thanks for stopping by!
Good to see Craig here today. I enjoyed Grinders. Thanks for hosting, Jan.
Thank you, Joan.
Thanks for your support, Joan!
Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
I’m over at Jan Sikes’s place today as part of the Grinders blog tour. My topic is The Grid. This bit of technology is almost a character in its own right. While you’re at Jan’s check out her blog and wares. She is a super supporter of the writing community, and someone all authors should know. She also has two short reads out that make for nice afternoon reading.
Thanks for lending me your space today. Hope some of your fans might be interested in something a bit different.
Hi, Craig! It is my pleasure to help spread the word about Grinders!
Thanks for sharing about Craig and his latest book, Jan. I’m looking forward to feasting my eyes on this one 🙂
Thanks, Harmony. Take care during these difficult times.
Thank you, Harmony! Me too!
Thank you for sharing Jan. This sounds like a great book. Something new and a different genre for me.
Love and hug, stay safe and well!
Thanks for the comment. Hoping everyone stays safe in these troubled times.
Hi, Tonya. This is a different genre for me too, but I know Craig is a very talented and imaginative writer. I hope you decide to check it out. Love you too, and you and Rob stay safe!