Hey there, fellow outliers,
Thanks for joining Signal Protocol last week! It's been incredible connecting with fellow sci-fi fans and seeing the early interest in what I'm building.
This week, I wanted to share something that's been on my mind: why most cyberpunk fiction gets AI completely wrong.
After years of debugging neural networks and machine learning systems at my day job, then coming home to read novels where AI characters act like pure fantasy... well, let's just say I have opinions. The gap between real AI development and fictional AI is massive, and it shows.
When I started designing the Threadweave universe, I knew I wanted to blend cutting-edge technology with something deeper. The System isn't just code—it's a fusion of advanced technology and metaphysical forces that follow their own rules. The Neuroframe interfaces work within actual neuroscience constraints, but they're also gateways to something beyond pure tech.
Take the tutorial instances, for example. In most LitRPG, characters just "spawn" into magical training grounds with no explanation. In Threadweave, tutorial instances are generated by the System analyzing neural patterns and Thread resonances, creating personalized environments that bridge the digital and metaphysical. Vox's tutorial breaks down because his Architect-class neurology interacts with Thread energies in ways the System didn't anticipate.
See the difference? There's mystery and power beyond technology, but it's grounded in consistent rules and believable foundations.
Writing Progress Update: I'm currently 8 chapters and 31,242 words into Patchnotes (Book 1), about 26% complete. The opening arc establishes the world without drowning readers in technical exposition—always the hardest balance to strike.
Speaking of which... I've put together something special for you early supporters: The Threadweave Primer. It's a 3,000-word deep dive into the world, covering everything from Integration Day to the Thread classification system, without spoilers for the main story.
Think of it as the technical manual Vox never got to read.
[Download The Threadweave Primer - Free PDF]
This primer gives you the foundation to really appreciate what's coming when Patchnotes launches on Patreon next month. Plus, if you're a fellow writer working on sci-fi projects, you might find the worldbuilding approach useful for your own work.
Next week, I'll be diving into how my tabletop gaming background (especially Shadowrun and Cyberpunk 2020) shaped the story's tone and themes. Turns out rolling dice for hours teaches you a lot about compelling character progression systems.
Keep building, C.J. Voidwright
P.S. - Follow my daily writing progress on Twitter @cjvoidwright, where I share the occasional behind-the-scenes glimpse of bringing this world to life.