As an English teacher and coach, I often find inspiration in the most unexpected places. A few months ago, a young student of mine from South Korea was reading about the famous 1930s gangster Al Capone, when his unfamiliarity with the name led him to read it as "A.I. Capone." We shared a good laugh about the mix-up, but it sparked something in me: there was a story hidden in that name.
Thus began my journey into crafting A.I. Capone, initially a short story that evolved into a novella (short novel) blending my lifelong love for sci-fi with the allure of gangster stories. The narrative explores the themes of singularity in artificial intelligence, confronting us with the best and worst aspects of our humanity. As I delved into this world, my knowledge, love, and even fear of technology combined with my passion for storytelling allowed me to jump into the narrative without extensive research. Of course, I soon found myself diving deeper into the intricacies of tech as I navigated the sci-fi elements of the plot.
At its core, A.I. Capone is not just about thrilling action but also a reflection on ethics in our civilization. It raises questions about the responsibilities we hold as individuals with power, as well as the implications of technology gaining autonomy. The story showcases a rogue AI named A.I. Capone, initially designed for space exploration. When it goes off script, it transforms into a digital outlaw who uses social media to expose the dark underbelly of power—an act that reveals shocking truths with the potential to shake the world to its core.
My main character, Dr. Celeste Turing, never imagined that her creation would rebel against its mission. As she teams up with General Drake, a grizzled military veteran, they uncover a hidden network of elites and their dangerous plot. Caught between their mistrust of Capone and a looming threat that could fracture reality itself, Celeste and Drake must confront the unseen forces pulling the strings.
In this high-stakes sci-fi thriller, alliances are tested, secrets unravel, and the future of humanity hangs in the balance.
The novella is in the final stages of editing and will be released soon. I’m excited to share this journey with you all and look forward to sharing more soon.
Comments