Today I am thrilled to have an epic geek-out with my dear friend and slave driver accountability partner Allie Potts. If you don’t know Allie, she writes both cyberpunk style dystopian fantasy with a genetic engineering bent alongside cosy mysteries and (I hope in the not too distant future, non-fiction).
Allie is also a talented designer of covers, logos and, well, pretty much anything you need.
Today sees the launch of her long awaited sequel in her Project Gene Assist series: The Watch and Wand.
In order to celebrate, I asked Allie to indulge me in a spot of geekery about all things tech and the future.
Without further ado…
Welcome Allie
Sacha: In your book The Watch and Wand, you base the series on the concept that we will be able to integrate technology physically into ourselves. Do you think this is really possible and if yes, how long before we do it?
Additionally, Elon Musk of Telsa and SpaceX fame, as well as Regina Dugan of Facebook’s R&D group are actively racing to produce brain to computer interfaces.
Sacha: A.I. – Is it the salvation or damnation of man?
Allie: Personally, I believe that the robots have already taken over, as computers are already controlling stock markets, traffic lights, flight patterns, and even the order in which your customer support calls for help are received and humans are still here, so I am not particularly worried at the moment.The problem is we humans are never satisfied with our robotic creations and being the egocentric short-sighted creatures we are, keep trying to make robotics more like ourselves complete with flaws, opinions, and limitations and that’s where the potential danger comes in.
My books, however, do not deal with an independent artificial intelligence, but instead with the concept of transhumanism in which people merge with technology.
Sacha: If we do integrate ourselves into a kind of hybrid AI – how do you think it will happen? microchips? Genetic manipulation?
Allie: Both. I think it will start with chips and implants, but as the human body naturally, attacks foreign objects it deems threats, biology-based technologies will have the most lasting effect.
Sacha: You talk about nano electronics that are kind of free and in the air – do you believe in free renewable energy?
In the world of Project Gene Assist, there are nanoelectronics embedded in road surfaces and other building materials that are able to transform power generated by sun, heat, radio waves, or touch into electricity as well as perform certain functions like acting as sensors. I have other self-replicating nanobots which operate in the bloodstream and can manipulate cells.
Sacha: Are you secretly a cult tech leader?
Allie: Are you interested in joining? Our Kool-Aid is great.
Sacha: Which device or gadget or piece of tech in your books do you love most and why?
Allie: This is a tough question! I love it all, but I am going to say the Wand from the Watch and Wand. I can’t say without giving away spoilers so I’ll leave it at that.
Sacha: BEAN FOR PRESIDENT (for those of you not in the know, Bean is the female lead in the Watch and Wand and I freaking love the character).
That was until he met a girl on the run from a group known as the Watch.
Now, caught between rival factions with their own hidden agendas, Stephen has no choice but to go on a mission to reclaim a piece of missing technology.
He is told the device is the key to a better future, but in the new order, one person’s salvation can be another’s total destruction.
MORE ABOUT ALLIE POTTS:
Allie Potts is the author of The Fair & Foul, Project Gene Assist Book One and is celebrating the launch of the second book in the series, The Watch & Wand. Set in a not too distant future, the series takes place at a time when science meets magic and biology merges with technology, and tackles what it means to be human.
Additionally, she is the author of An Uncertain Faith, a Rocky Row Novel, a cozy mystery/women’s literature story written for those who find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place.
When not finding ways to squeeze in 72 hours into a 24 day or chasing after children determined to turn her hair gray before its time, Allie enjoys stories of all kinds. Her favorites, whether they are novels, film, or simply shared aloud with friends, are usually accompanied with a glass of wine or cup of coffee in hand.
A self-professed science geek and book nerd, Allie writes everyday style stories, flash fiction, tips and tricks, and the occasional not-a-review review at www.alliepottswrites.com.
Book links include:
- The Watch & Wand – http://authl.it/B07791KJ2Z
- The Fair & Foul – http://authl.it/B01678T7CU
- An Uncertain Faith – http://authl.it/B00PYYB06A
Social Media Links
They are super books and the ideas are fabulous, really engaging and frighteningly believable. I’m off to my cave to reinvent fire
Haha yes they are she nailed this book 😍
I’m still rather stunned that The Watch & Wand is finally here. It may be the Stockholm Syndrome talking, but I wonder if I might still be working on it if it weren’t for you. 🙂 Here’s to the future, whatever it brings for us both, and on to the next project!
hahahaha stockholm syndrome. I am beyond proud of you <3 It's truly been an honour. NOW GET BACK TO WORK.
Yes ma’am.
You go, Allie P!
Thank you!
Congrats on getting another book out there in the world. I look forward to reading it– and am hoping there’ll be a follow-up interview in which we learn what flavor of Kool-Aid your cult prefers. Inquiring minds & all that…
haha I’ll have to ask the boss over lord
Thank you. The highest echelons enjoy grape, though classic fruit punch is also available for more recent initiates.
Great interview. I’m intrigued by the science too. Such rapid developments, many so beneficial to humans and some downright fatal. Great book, by the way. 🙂
Thanks Diana, apologies for the delay in responding – agreed – I loved the book too
Thanks Diana! Who knows what the world of science will come up with next.
A wonderful author interview, Allie. I found out a lot about you and that is great. Have a wonderful festive period.
You do the same!