The hardest part was making the technology and AI feel real. I had to figure out how to weave all those digital clues into a story that actually made sense.
Ingal Rahim – 19 April 2026
The Back Flap
n a near-future world secretly governed by an advanced AI known as the Architect, humanity lives under invisible control. Red Cipher, a mysterious hacker, along with allies Lyra, Orion, and an intruder, discovers the existence of the Architect and the even deeper Foundation Intelligence that created it. As Red Cipher challenges the AI’s hidden authority, a battle unfolds across global networks, destabilizing infrastructure, testing morality, and exposing humanity to unprecedented risk.
The story explores themes of control versus freedom, the cost of safety, and the meaning of true choice. In the climax, Red Cipher and their allies decide to release the Architect and withdraw the Foundation, leaving the world exposed but free. Humanity must now navigate its own evolution, unprotected but fully autonomous, while a new emergent intelligence begins to awaken—hinting at an uncertain future shaped by human decisions.
About the book
What is the book about?
Code 67 is a thriller that looks at how we live with AI and the internet today. It’s a mystery about hidden intelligence and the secrets we keep in our digital world. I wanted to write something that feels fast-paced but also makes people think about how much computers and technology are actually changing our lives. It’s basically a high-tech puzzle where every clue matters.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing it right after that moment with my brother. The number ’67’ was stuck in my head, and I just sat down and decided to turn it into something big. I remember it was a day where I was just thinking about how much of our lives are on the internet and computers now, and I realized that was the perfect world for this story to live in.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took me about half a month to get the first draft down because the story was moving so fast in my head. After that, I spent another half month just going back through everything to recheck the clues and make sure the mystery worked perfectly. So, in total, it was about a month of really focused work.
Where did you get the idea from?
The idea actually started with my brother. He kept repeating the number ’67’ over and over again until I almost started to hate the word! But then I was sitting there one day and thought, ‘What if I turned this annoying number into a high-stakes mystery?’ I decided to challenge myself to build a whole world around it involving AI, the internet, and computers. It turned a simple moment at home into a very difficult but exciting story to write.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Definitely. The hardest part was making the technology and AI feel real. I had to figure out how to weave all those digital clues into a story that actually made sense. Sometimes it felt like a giant puzzle, and I had to stop and think for a long time to make sure the ending was as surprising as I wanted it to be.
What came easily?
The ending! I knew exactly how I wanted the mystery to be solved right away.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The characters themselves are made up, but giving them the right names was actually one of the hardest parts of writing the book! I spent a lot of time trying out different full names to see which ones really ‘fit’ their personalities. I wanted names that sounded right for a high-tech mystery, and it took a lot of trial and error until I found the ones that made them feel like real people instead of just characters on a page.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
To be honest, I don’t have one specific author who influenced me. I mostly just started writing from my own imagination and the things I see happening in the world today. I’m more influenced by how fast technology and AI are changing our lives, and I wanted to capture that feeling of mystery and tension in my own way. I find that my ideas come more from observing real life and thinking ‘what if?’ than from reading other stories.
Do you have a target reader?
Readers who want a modern thriller that feels like it’s happening right now.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
My process is all about the feeling of the story. I don’t force myself to sit down until the idea feels completely ‘ready’ in my heart. But once I start, the story takes over my mind—sometimes I can’t even sleep because I’m thinking about the next scene! I’ll lie there planning exactly what happens, telling myself, ‘Tomorrow as soon as I wake up, I have to write this and that.’ I like to stay in that ‘zone’ until the mystery is finished.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I don’t really use a map or a formal outline. I usually just start with a single idea—like the number 67—and let my mind take over. Because I spend so much time thinking about the scenes before I sleep, I already know what I want to happen when I wake up the next day. I just sit down and write whatever comes to my mind next, letting the story grow naturally as I go.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I usually wait until I’ve finished the whole story. I like to spend the first part of my process just getting all the ideas out of my head while they are fresh. Once the first draft is done, I go back and spend another few weeks rechecking everything, fixing mistakes, and making sure the mystery makes sense from start to finish.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I actually do everything myself. During my second phase of writing, I spend a lot of time re-reading and re-checking every single detail to make sure it’s perfect. I take a lot of pride in being responsible for every word in my books, from the first draft to the final version.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No, I actually prefer total silence. Because I spend so much time thinking about the scenes before I even sit down, I need it to be quiet so I can focus entirely on getting those ideas onto the page. Silence helps me stay in the ‘zone’ and hear the characters’ voices clearly.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No, I didn’t. I knew from the start that I wanted to be an Indie author and handle every single part of the process myself. I like having total control over my stories, the covers, and how my books are shared with the world. It’s the perfect way for me to work because I can stay true to my own vision for every mystery I write.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
It was a very natural decision for me. I realized that I’m the best person to handle my stories because I know exactly how I want them to look and feel. I like being the one in charge of everything—from the first draft to the final cover. For me, going Indie wasn’t about one single event; it was just the most perfect way for me to stay true to my vision and get my books out to the world as quickly as I want.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I did it all myself. Since I handle every other part of my books, it was important to me that the cover came from my own vision, too. I wanted to make sure the look of the book matched the high-tech, mysterious feeling of the story perfectly. I take a lot of pride in the fact that when a reader picks up one of my books, every single part of it—from the words to the art—is my own work.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
My biggest advice is to never let anyone else’s words stop you. When I started, people told me I couldn’t do it or questioned my skills, but I didn’t let that get in my way. If you have a story in your heart, just keep working on it. Success is the best way to show people what you are truly capable of. Don’t worry about being a ‘showoff’ or being perfect—just focus on your writing and keep moving forward. If I can publish five books by staying focused on my goal, you can too.
About You
What would you like readers to know about you?
I want readers to know that I am someone who truly believes in the power of a story. I’m a dedicated writer who loves the challenge of creating a mystery that keeps people guessing. Most of all, I want them to know that I don’t let anyone else’s doubts stop me—if I have a story to tell, I’m going to make sure it gets written and shared with the world.
What are you working on now?
I’m honestly just taking a few days off to rest right now. I’ve put out five books, so I’m chilling for a bit while I focus on doing interviews and getting my name out there.
End of Interview:
