Matt Prentice's Blog
October 27, 2024
Into the Future: Building Cyberpunk Worlds and Questioning Reality
Hey everyone, welcome! I’m Matt Prentice, and I’m thrilled you’re here. This space is a reflection of my creative journey—a place where I explore the themes, technologies, and philosophies that shape the worlds I build. Whether you’re a sci-fi enthusiast, a tech aficionado, or simply curious about my writing, I invite you to join me on this journey.
I’ve been passionate about storytelling since childhood. I still remember crafting little stories in school that were bound into keepsake books—sparking my imagination early on. But it wasn’t until my teenage years, after reading The Fall of Reach and watching The Matrix, that I knew I wanted to be an author. The Fall of Reach introduced me to the complex world of John-117, The Master Chief, whose solitary journey resonated deeply. Then came The Matrix, a film that challenged my perception of reality and technology. The questions it raised about simulation and the role of technology stuck with me, and I knew I wanted to dive into these themes in my own way.
From that point on, I was drawn to writing, and as my interest in technology grew, science fiction became my natural genre. The 2000s were a time of rapid tech advancements, and my mind was constantly racing with “what ifs.” My fascination with cyberpunk solidified later on, especially after reading Neuromancer by William Gibson. That book showed me a side of sci-fi I hadn’t seen before—a world where technology and humanity blur to a point of no return. Then, when Cyberpunk 2077 came out, it elevated my love for the genre, inspiring the world of my debut novel, Soul Diver.
Soul Diver is built on questions about identity and autonomy in an age where technology intertwines with human existence. Set in a future where the lines between humanity and machinery have nearly vanished, it’s a story that explores how far we’re willing to let tech redefine us. More than just a narrative about futuristic tech, it’s a reflection on the ethical dangers and psychological impacts that come with merging man and machine. Through Soul Diver, I want readers to question the power and role of technology in their lives, to think critically about its influence, and ultimately, to “Free Their Minds.”
Writing Soul Diver was both a challenge and a deeply personal experience. As an indie author, the journey was filled with moments of vulnerability—creating something from nothing, sharing it with the world, and hoping it resonates. There were times I wondered if the themes would connect with readers or if my vision would be fully understood. But that’s the beauty of storytelling: the potential to connect, to provoke thought, and to inspire change makes every hurdle worth it.
Through this blog, I aim to share that journey with you. This isn’t just a promotional space; it’s a realm for exploration. Here, you’ll find short fiction and ideas that might veer outside of Soul Diver but still touch on similar themes. By day, I’m a DevOps Engineer, so you’ll also see posts about tech advancements, digital privacy, and the gaming industry, which continuously fuels my creativity. I’m also passionate about 3D printing and astrophotography—expect a few posts on those, too.
This space is as much yours as it is mine—a place for readers, thinkers, and dreamers to come together. Whether you’re here to dive into my novels or simply explore new perspectives on technology’s impact, I’m excited to share this journey with you. Let’s shift our perspectives, one story at a time.
Thanks for being here, and welcome. Let’s explore the future together.
I’ve been passionate about storytelling since childhood. I still remember crafting little stories in school that were bound into keepsake books—sparking my imagination early on. But it wasn’t until my teenage years, after reading The Fall of Reach and watching The Matrix, that I knew I wanted to be an author. The Fall of Reach introduced me to the complex world of John-117, The Master Chief, whose solitary journey resonated deeply. Then came The Matrix, a film that challenged my perception of reality and technology. The questions it raised about simulation and the role of technology stuck with me, and I knew I wanted to dive into these themes in my own way.
From that point on, I was drawn to writing, and as my interest in technology grew, science fiction became my natural genre. The 2000s were a time of rapid tech advancements, and my mind was constantly racing with “what ifs.” My fascination with cyberpunk solidified later on, especially after reading Neuromancer by William Gibson. That book showed me a side of sci-fi I hadn’t seen before—a world where technology and humanity blur to a point of no return. Then, when Cyberpunk 2077 came out, it elevated my love for the genre, inspiring the world of my debut novel, Soul Diver.
Soul Diver is built on questions about identity and autonomy in an age where technology intertwines with human existence. Set in a future where the lines between humanity and machinery have nearly vanished, it’s a story that explores how far we’re willing to let tech redefine us. More than just a narrative about futuristic tech, it’s a reflection on the ethical dangers and psychological impacts that come with merging man and machine. Through Soul Diver, I want readers to question the power and role of technology in their lives, to think critically about its influence, and ultimately, to “Free Their Minds.”
Writing Soul Diver was both a challenge and a deeply personal experience. As an indie author, the journey was filled with moments of vulnerability—creating something from nothing, sharing it with the world, and hoping it resonates. There were times I wondered if the themes would connect with readers or if my vision would be fully understood. But that’s the beauty of storytelling: the potential to connect, to provoke thought, and to inspire change makes every hurdle worth it.
Through this blog, I aim to share that journey with you. This isn’t just a promotional space; it’s a realm for exploration. Here, you’ll find short fiction and ideas that might veer outside of Soul Diver but still touch on similar themes. By day, I’m a DevOps Engineer, so you’ll also see posts about tech advancements, digital privacy, and the gaming industry, which continuously fuels my creativity. I’m also passionate about 3D printing and astrophotography—expect a few posts on those, too.
This space is as much yours as it is mine—a place for readers, thinkers, and dreamers to come together. Whether you’re here to dive into my novels or simply explore new perspectives on technology’s impact, I’m excited to share this journey with you. Let’s shift our perspectives, one story at a time.
Thanks for being here, and welcome. Let’s explore the future together.
