Friday – New Book Launch – Grinders – By C.S. Boyack

February 28, 2020 · by John W. Howell · in Book Release · 76 Comments

Friday’s for JohnKu

Today’s a little different…

Craig’s in the house.

I usually have a John Ku and also some thoughts about the week on Friday. Today is a little different. I couldn’t help but do a JohnKu, but the musings will have to wait.

I am delighted to be joined by Craig Boyack, who is launching a new book. I always enjoy Craig’s books and am looking forward to this one. So without any delay, Here’s Craig.

Thanks for inviting me back, John. I’m here to talk about my newest book, Grinders. Grinders is a cyberpunk story, and many of you might be wondering what that is. Maybe my best way to start off is by telling you what it isn’t.

Science Fiction is a huge category. You can divide it up by thinking about space opera and anything with aliens, then everything else. Cyberpunk falls in the everything else category. In that section you can find everything from Godzilla, to Jurassic Park, to Frankenstein, so let’s narrow it a bit more.

Many science fiction stories in the remainder consist of either dystopia or utopia stories. Nope, not those either, but now that we’ve narrowed the field, I feel like I can get into the topic.

Cyberpunk involves a futuristic world where things are not perfect, but not horrible either. It usually focuses on high-tech and a bit of corruption. (That’s the punk part.) In these stories the environment is important and it’s almost like a character itself. I really tried to get this across in my story.

Grinders is set in a futuristic version of San Francisco. I tried to take current events and imagine where we might be in eighty to a hundred years. People solved the energy crisis, but made themselves beholden to the new system. Seas have risen dramatically, but the sea wall never got completed due to political bickering.

Many sections of the city are underwater and parts of the coast are trash piles because of the buildings being destroyed. They managed to clean up some portions of the mess and used the debris to raise the ground where the airport is. I tried to keep this just part of the environment and not make direct and blunt points about it all. You’ll see references to places like Telegraph Island in the story. Those who know SanFrancisco will know this area as Telegraph Hill and it is not an island – for now.

My main characters work for the police department on the Grinder Squad. The city receives grant money for having a dedicated department. When the money arrives, they divert it to more glamorous details. Grinder Squad is the worst of the worst, and all the new cars, supplies, and choice assignments go elsewhere. In other words, political corruption.

Technology is huge in this story, and I tried to take the concept of Alexa or Ring doorbells and project them into the future. Grinders has a futuristic version of personal digital assistants. Advertising is pervasive in this story, and the people living in it can’t avoid a constant stream of ways to separate them from their income.

In other words, I tried to make it futuristic while keeping it more realistic to life in general. Obviously, we’ve ignored science long enough to have a problem with global warming. What might this look like in the future? What would unregulated artificial intelligence look like 100 years from now?

There are good things, too. The grid is a new way of generating cheap power, and I have a whole post planned around this one somewhere down the line. The artificial intelligence is also helpful in the story at times.

At the end of the day, my main characters have to solve the big problems in humanistic ways, and that seems logical, too. I really enjoyed coming up with this expansive environment, and I hope some of your readers will give Grinders a chance.

Thanks for having me over again, John.

***

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:

Blog My Novels Twitter Goodreads Facebook

Tags: C.S Boyack - Author, Circumstances of Childhood, Grinders, Haiku, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, JohnKu, My GRL, Our Justice, TGIF, The Contract with Gwen Plano, thriller fiction

76 comments

Jill Weatherholt · February 28, 2020 - 4:06 am ·

Thanks for sharing Craig’s newest release with us, John. Wishing him all the best with his latest page turner! Have a great weekend!

LikeLiked by 3 people
1. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 7:31 am ·
  
  Thanks for the well wishes.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
2. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 8:00 am ·
  
  It does sound good, Jill. Have a great weekend and fun time with mom. ❤️
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Jill Weatherholt · February 28, 2020 - 7:00 pm ·
    
    Thanks, we did! ❤
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 7:43 pm ·
    
    That’s good.😁
    
    LikeLike
harmonykentonline · February 28, 2020 - 5:03 am ·

This latest book from Craig looks like a fun read. Best of luck with it, Craig. Thanks for sharing, John.
Have a great weekend! 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 7:32 am ·
  
  I think it’s a fun story, but that’s for the readers to decide. Thanks, Harmony.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
2. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 8:00 am ·
  
  Thanks for the visit, Harmony. Here’s wishing you a happy weekend. 😁
  
  LikeLike
GP Cox · February 28, 2020 - 5:48 am ·

I’m on my way over there now, John.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 7:58 am ·
  
  Thanks, GP.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Staci Troilo · February 28, 2020 - 5:52 am ·

I love that you still worked in a John Ku.

I really enjoyed Craig’s latest release. Nice to see it making the rounds. Wishing him much success with it.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 7:32 am ·
  
  Thank you, Staci.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
2. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 7:57 am ·
  
  Thank you for the visit, Staci.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Victoria Ray NB · February 28, 2020 - 7:28 am ·

Well, human imagery is unstoppable 😀
Seems the book is a blast!!

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 7:33 am ·
  
  Glad it intrigues you, Victoria.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  1. Victoria Ray NB · February 28, 2020 - 8:17 am ·
    
    Yes, I’ll read as soon as I can, I bought ebook. ✌️
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
  2. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 8:44 am ·
    
    You are a mensch. 😀
    
    LikeLike
  3. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 10:01 am ·
    
    I’m honored.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
2. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 7:56 am ·
  
  Given that Craig’s books are a blast I’m sure it will be. Thanks, VR. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  1. Victoria Ray NB · February 28, 2020 - 8:16 am ·
    
    ✌️😎
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 7:33 am ·

Thanks for lending me your space today, John. I’m always willing to return the favor.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 7:51 am ·
  
  Tere will be a time for sure. You are more than welcome, Craig.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 7:36 am ·

Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
The blog tour for Grinders continues over at John Howell’s place today. The topic is the cyberpunk genre. John is a super author and blogger, so if this is your first visit, make sure to check out his books and follow his blog.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 7:49 am ·
  
  Thank you for the share, Craig. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Mae Clair · February 28, 2020 - 7:55 am ·

I like the way you explained a cyberpunk world, Craig. Grinders has so much going for it. The environment you created for the story definitely serves to immerse the reader in a vividly imagined future.

Great share today, John.
And the JohnKu was fun 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 8:51 am ·
  
  Thank you, Mae. Have a good one.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
2. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 9:13 am ·
  
  Thanks for saying that here. You have a unique perspective as someone who has actually seen the story.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Marcia · February 28, 2020 - 8:10 am ·

Already have this one on my Kindle, Craig, and every time I read more from you about this world, I get more excited about reading it. It’s nearing the top of the TBR pile, even as I type! 😀 Great post!! 🙂

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 8:50 am ·
  
  Thank you, Marcia. Pretty hard to not like Craig’s books.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
2. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 9:13 am ·
  
  I’m so excited. Thanks for having faith in the story, and hope it’s one you enjoy.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Marcia · February 28, 2020 - 8:13 am ·

Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
A terrific post over on John W. Howell’s Fiction Favorites blog today, featuring C. S. Boyack and his newest release, Grinders. Just reading about this imaginative world Craig has created makes me want to bump the book to the top of my TBR pile immediately. Check it out, and then pass it along to the Immediate World, if you would, thanks. And thanks to John for featuring Craig today. Great post all around! 🙂

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 8:49 am ·
  
  Thank you for the terrific post, Marcia.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
2. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 9:14 am ·
  
  Thanks for the reblog and those wonderful comments.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister · February 28, 2020 - 8:59 am ·

Sounds like a great read. Kinda hoping my face isn’t attached to some of those current issues I don’t see changing any time soon, but hope they do… *hides face*

Have a nice weekend!

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 9:16 am ·
  
  That was kind of the intent. I think everyone can relate to some of these issues. It’s my way of immersing the reader into the story.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister · February 28, 2020 - 9:26 am ·
    
    Of course, the relating is the easy part usually (if one is honest with themselves), living life so we don’t add to the issues is the work required. Well done.
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
2. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 10:52 am ·
  
  Thanks for the words, Audrey. Habe a great weekend as well.
  
  LikeLike
rabirius · February 28, 2020 - 11:40 am ·

Congrats. Much success with the book.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 1:34 pm ·
  
  Thank you.
  
  LikeLike
2. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 3:35 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Rabirius.
  
  LikeLike
Judi Lynn · February 28, 2020 - 12:03 pm ·

Glad you gave a description of what cyberpunk is. I only read sci-fi once in a great while, and it’s pretty much what I thought it might be, but I wasn’t sure. San Francisco is a great city to use for the future. This is on my TBR list, and I’m looking forward to it. It sounds really interesting. Enjoyed the JohnKu, too.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 1:35 pm ·
  
  I’m honored to make your limited science fiction list. Hope you enjoy the tale.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Judi Lynn · February 28, 2020 - 4:19 pm ·
    
    I’m betting I do.
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
2. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 3:35 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Judi.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Joan Hall · February 28, 2020 - 12:16 pm ·

I learned what Cyberpunk is today. Looking forward to this one.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 1:35 pm ·
  
  Thanks Joan.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
2. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 3:34 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Joan.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
D.L. Finn, Author · February 28, 2020 - 12:52 pm ·

I didn’t know what cyberpunk was for some reason I thought it might be something rebellious:) Great post! I will be reading soon. Thanks for hosting, John.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 1:35 pm ·
  
  Thanks for having faith in Grinders. Hope you enjoy the story.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
2. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 3:33 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Denise.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Dan Antion · February 28, 2020 - 3:16 pm ·

That sounds like a very interesting book. Thanks for teaming up today !

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 3:27 pm ·
  
  Thank you for coming by, Dan
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
2. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 6:42 pm ·
  
  Appreciate your interest. It’s always a good time at John’s place.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan Sikes · February 28, 2020 - 4:47 pm ·

It’s great to learn more about Grinders! Thanks for hosting, John and best wishes, Craig for a successful launch!

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 5:18 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Jan. 😀
  
  LikeLike
2. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 6:43 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Jan.
  
  LikeLike
P. H. Solomon · February 28, 2020 - 6:35 pm ·

Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
Looking forward to reading this book soon. Have a look at C. S. Boyack’s latest book, Grinders

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. coldhandboyack · February 28, 2020 - 6:43 pm ·
  
  Thanks for extra help, PH.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. P. H. Solomon · February 28, 2020 - 6:46 pm ·
    
    You’re welcome.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
2. John W. Howell · February 28, 2020 - 7:44 pm ·
  
  Thank you for sharing, P.H.
  
  LikeLike
  1. P. H. Solomon · February 28, 2020 - 8:38 pm ·
    
    My pleasure.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Busy, but productive | Entertaining Stories · February 28, 2020 - 8:11 pm ·

[…] started my week off with a visit to Mae Clair’s blog. I ended it with a stop by John Howell’s place. These were both stops to promote Grinders. A couple per week is much easier to manage than […]

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · February 29, 2020 - 7:42 am ·
  
  Thanks for the mention, Craig.
  
  LikeLike
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. · February 29, 2020 - 5:04 am ·

A great launch pad Craig.. thanks for sharing John.. hugs

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · February 29, 2020 - 7:36 am ·
  
  Thank you, Sally. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
2. coldhandboyack · February 29, 2020 - 1:06 pm ·
  
  Thanks for visiting and commenting.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
Liz Gauffreau · February 29, 2020 - 6:55 am ·

I’m still trying to wrap my head around cyberpunk, so I appreciated Craig’s discussion of it.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · February 29, 2020 - 7:27 am ·
  
  Me too, Liz. Thank you. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Liz Gauffreau · February 29, 2020 - 9:54 am ·
    
    I’m glad I’m not the only one. 😉
    
    LikeLike
2. coldhandboyack · February 29, 2020 - 1:06 pm ·
  
  Glad you enjoyed it. Not a lot of people are aware of it, so I thought it might make a good topic.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
The Coastal Crone · February 29, 2020 - 12:17 pm ·

He makes Cyberpunk sound interesting.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. coldhandboyack · February 29, 2020 - 1:05 pm ·
  
  At least I have that going for me. Glad you enjoyed the post.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
2. John W. Howell · February 29, 2020 - 1:47 pm ·
  
  He does doesn’t he.
  
  LikeLike
guyportman · March 1, 2020 - 10:09 am ·

An intriguing idea for a book. I now know more about the cyberpunk genre.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · March 1, 2020 - 5:19 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Guy.
  
  LikeLike
2. coldhandboyack · March 1, 2020 - 6:25 pm ·
  
  I’m here to help, thanks.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person