GODNet is a Sci-Fi thriller. It takes place in 2057 in a world where most of the planet's population is connected to something called the Mindnet, an Internet-like network where people use thought-enabled transmitters to communicate with one another. Reliance on artificial intelligence for managing the massive network eventually leads to an electronic coup by the system controlling it. The result: an artificial consciousness that considers itself God. Things change radically after this. Governments become theocracies, existing faiths and traditions are abolished and people everywhere hear the voice of God. It's a revolution in human spirit. There are those not assimilated into this contrived system, people who believe in freedom of thought and religious expression. They are bent on eradicating the Mindnet for the salvation of humanity.

The story begins with Mike Nelson, the inventor of the technology that made the Mindnet possible. He awakens after being in a suspended state for 42 years. Alone, he's lost in society. It's not until he runs into members of a resistance movement called the Freedom for Humanity that he discovers the truth about the system's dominance. Mike feels responsible for fathering the invention that spawned this. Guilt-ridden, he vows to help the resistance destroy Mindnet before civilization succumbs to mental slavery forever.

I conceived the idea for GODNet early in 2004. World domination is not a new concept, but I thought it would be interesting to have a digital dictator in the guise of a compassionate, yet wrathful God in control of the human race. Plug just about everyone into this "Internet for the mind," throw in a disaster and a race against time, and viola, you have the makings of a science fiction thriller.

So, where do things stand with the novel?

As of December, 2009, I've drafted the outline for the book and have written several chapters. My goal is to complete the novel by mid-spring.