Debut author James Cox explores the Cyberpunk Landscape in the thriller Grand Theft AI

The Thriller Zone

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On today’s 180th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews film director and debut author James Cox about his breakout hit novel, Grand Theft AI.

The conversation covers Cox's background in directing, his influences, and the process of writing the book. They discuss the cyberpunk landscape of the story, the immersive technology called Wetwire, and the future history of the world.

Cox also shares his passion for detail and authenticity in science fiction and the blending of reality and fiction in his work, and shares how he explores the themes of artificial intelligence (AI), human-machine interaction, the impact of AI on labor, and the ownership and control of AI technology.

David and James discuss the novel, which focuses on people trying to navigate a world that has been accelerated by AI, and emphasize how the fear of AI rising up and the idea of machines becoming self-aware and human-like are intriguing.

The conversation concludes with the importance of relationships in thrillers, the role of music in storytelling, and the challenges of building an online presence as a writer.

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• (00:03) - Introduction
• (07:46) - Meeting Shane Salerno
• (18:40) - Inspiration for Grand Theft AI
• (22:15) - The Process of Writing
• (25:51) - Evolution into a Novel
• (26:55) - Screenplay to Prose Transformation
• (28:24) - Painting Future History
• (29:50) - Reality and Accelerated Innovation
• (34:30) - Technology: Good and Harm Perspectives
• (35:28) - Impacts of AI on Employment
• (38:09) - Ownership and Control of AI
• (42:03) - Writing Advice and Process
• (43:22) - Future History and Genre Preferences
• (46:01) - Directing and Collaborating in the Industry
• (49:18) - Serialization and Story Structure
• (51:12) - Relationship Dynamics and Technology
• (56:47) - Influence of Music and Soundtracks
• (58:27) - Online Presence and Branding
• (01:00:14) - Book Pre-order Details and Release Date