I’m happy to welcome C. S. Boyack here today with a cover reveal of his newest work, Grinders. Craig has some interesting info to share on the book, as well. This intriguing set up will surely inspire you guys to share this post far and wide! Thanks! Now, take it away, Craig!
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I’m here to reveal my newest cover and talk a bit about Grinders. This time, I’m tackling a cyberpunk world. It’s one of those worlds where the Internet and being connected too much controls our lives.
One of the things I like about science fiction is the ability to project current events into the future. I call this, “Poking things with a stick.”
I poked a lot of things in this book, but most of them are in passing. Some of them show up in advertisements, which are invasive in this world. Others might just be a news blurb. There are times when I dive a bit deeper, and not everything is negative. Here is a small list of things that show up in the story:
- Global warming
- Plastic pollution
- Helicopter moms
- Cyber shut-ins
- The energy crisis
- New ways for package thieves to operate
- Police who can’t carry guns until they are five-year veterans
- Homeowner associations
There are a lot more, and most of them are pretty subtle. Cyberpunk is not known for deep plots, but I wanted one anyway.
Grinders is set about a hundred years in the future, in San Francisco. The main characters are cops assigned to the Grinder Squad. This is the duty nobody wants, and you almost have to screw up to get this assignment.
Grinders exist today, but I ramped them up for this story. These are people who surgically modify themselves, or each other, in basement surgeries, beauty salons, and tattoo parlors. Real world examples are those who implant chips under their skin to allow themselves to unlock doors or start cars without a key. There has even been one who injected dye into his eyeballs in an attempt to see in the dark. In that example, it actually worked but the results were temporary.
My story involves the downside of these modifications, why they’re illegal, and most of them are a bit more extreme than the real world versions. For example, you’ll meet Brandi, who has moth-like antennae implanted into her forehead. They aren’t just cute, they allow her to taste virtually everything. She’s almost like a bloodhound, only using the sense of taste.
Grinder Squad rarely ever does anything, but the new girl on the squad, Jimi, wants to bust a grind shop in the worst way. She feels like it could be her ticket off this crap detail and on to better duty.
One of my silly goals was to release the book in time for Chinese New Year. I’m not going to make it. I still need to finish my final pass, send it to the formatter, and get my promotional posters. It’s going to need a blurb, too.
I targeted this date because in the story, it’s the Year of the Rat. An important part of the story takes place at San Francisco’s annual parade. There are even a couple of rats in the story that play a pivotal role. Aside from that, I was born in the Year of the Rat.
Readers won’t actually care about my silly target date, and it’s more important to give everything the final polish. What I did get in time was cover art. So Gong Hei Fot Choi, everyone, and enjoy the cover. The story will be available before you know it, and I’ll announce that on my blog.
You Can Reach C. S. Boyack at the Links Below
I’m just reading Craig’s novel ‘Playgound’ – totally out of my comfort zone, but enjoying it . I had not heard the term grinders, but have heard some of those ideas and in some of my stories and novels people have implants – I’m sure it’s quite easily done. People have their pets chipped, though not quite the sort of chips that unlock doors – or do they?
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Playground is a little more edgy than my other stories. I’m glad you’re enjoying it, but Grinders is not like that. Grinders is more of an exploration into our possible future, both good and bad, but painted on the canvas of a police story about busting a grind shop.
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I’m looking forward to reading it Craig, and thanks again for sharing with us today! Always exciting to have a cover reveal, isn’t it? 🙂 Hope you’ll share more goodies with us in the future. 🙂
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I’m like a vampire, now that you’ve invited me inside I might come back.
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Not to worry. I keep pointy stakes in the umbrella stand. If you get too bloodthirsty, you’re toast. Or ashes. 😀
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Thanks for stopping by today, Janet. I’m very happy to have Craig sharing his cover reveal with us today, and it sounds like it has piqued your interest. (Gives a whole new meaning to the term “chippies,” now doesn’t it? 😀 )
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I saw this cover on Mae’s blog last week. Love the design!
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Thank you, Teri.
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I’m glad to be part of getting the word out for this upcoming book, Teri. It sounds–and LOOKS–pretty interesting, doesn’t it? Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂
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What an awesome cover! It’s great to see it getting exposure throughout the blogosphere. I am so looking forward to the release of Grinders!
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Thanks, Mae. I’m getting close now. Just waiting on my wayward PA to return with some great promotional art.
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Oooh, that sounds pretty interesting! Can’t wait to see it! 🙂
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Me, too, Mae! And very happy to be part of sharing this wonderful cover, too! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂 ❤
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Great cover. I have The Hat on my Kindle and am hoping to read it soon and then I may well have to get this one, too! So many books… 😀
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The perpetual dilemma, eh? The more you read, the more you want to read, and the more books you acquire! Eeeeek. Thanks for stopping by today, Trish! Glad this cover intrigues you! 🙂 ❤
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I understand. My TBR pile is taking over. Glad you’re trying The Hat, and are intrigued by Grinders.
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Thanks for having me over, Marcia. If I can ever return the favor, please let me know.
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You are very welcome, Craig, anytime! And I’ll likely take you up on your offer at some point. 🙂 ❤
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Looking forward to it.
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Super cover and concept, Craig. Thanks, Marcia for the reveal.
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Happy to be part of getting the word out, John! And thanks for stopping by today. Always a pleasure to see you! 🙂
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Nice to be seen too, Marcia.
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Thank you, John.
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Nice to see Craig over here, Marcia. A great cover.
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Congrats on another compelling book, Craig. You have an amazing mind.
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Thanks, Darlene. It will be a few more weeks, but I wanted to build what interest I could.
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Great cover! I will definitely be reading this:)
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I’m getting excited for it now. So glad you’re interested.
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🙂
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Great intro and cover, Craig!
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Thank you, Bette.
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That’s a cool cover and a great concept.
I just discovered that your Chinese birth year (mine was last year – Year of the Pig) is an unlucky year for you – I hope you buck this trend, Craig – I certainly didn’t!
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I read that, too. The article I read said it applies to everyone except rats. Rats tend to have a lucky year when their turn rolls around. I choose to look at it that way. Glad you like my concept and art.
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Lucky you!
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I hope so. I could use a bit more success for one of my titles. I’d even take it in other corners of my life.
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Well I sincerely hope you get it. Sometimes what it takes is that bit of luck with one title to kick start the others.
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So true.
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Grinders is “Grinding right along.” Good to see the cover making the rounds.
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Thank you, Joan.
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this post from The Write Stuff blog with the Cover Reveal for Grinders by C. S. Boyack. I’m looking forward to this one.
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Thanks so much for sharing, Don! It’s truly appreciated! 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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Thank you again, Don. Really appreciate all your support.
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You’re welcome.
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How exciting, Craig. I love the cover and can only imagine where your imagination has taken you this time. Looking forward to a great read. Thanks for sharing this information, Marsha. ❤
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My pleasure to have Craig here, Colleen. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment! 🙂 ❤
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He’s a favorite paranormal author of mine. Actually you were easier to find in the FB groups. With writing and challenges it’s hard to visit everyone regularly. Nice to see you. 😍
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I love the cover. Can’t wait to read this.
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It sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Thanks for stopping by and taking a minute to comment, Michele! 🙂
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You might be the only person in the world who can right now.
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Love the cover! Congrat to Craig! 🙂 ❤
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It’s really eye-catching, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to comment, Debby! 🙂 ❤
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PLeasure Marsh ❤
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Thank you.
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Pleasure Craig. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
C. S. Boyack’s recent cover reveal for Grinders.
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Thanks for sharing, P. H. It’s very much appreciated! 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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