Jem Calder's debut book, *Reward System*, delves into the impact of technology on modern life, a theme that resonates throughout his collection of interlocking short stories. The narratives focus on contemporary work, love, and friendship, set against the backdrop of an unnamed major city, reflecting Calder's own experiences in London.
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The book incorporates six stories that examine the feelings of surveillance and alienation prevalent in today's society. Calder, who has no social media presence, acknowledges that *Reward System* evolved from an earlier piece published in 2018. During a recent interview conducted via Skype, Calder discussed his writing process, saying, “I would definitely describe it as interlocking short stories... a loose novel or a tight set of short stories, which I think is pretty accurate.”
Calder endeavors to maintain a certain vagueness about the setting of the book. He noted that, although he draws on his experiences in London, he wants the place to be broad and relatable, commenting on the uniformity of major cities shaped by technology. “I hear people say a lot about London, Paris, Berlin, New York... they feel increasingly cloned,” he explained, emphasizing the disorienting effect of modern urban life.
While acknowledging the bleak nature of modern life, particularly amid the challenges faced in major cities, Calder expressed that he channeled his feelings of isolation into his writing. He noted that the job market contributes to a sense of urgency, remarking, “you don’t really get time to have a personal life, and the only way to deal with it is to cram all your personal enjoyment into the weekend.”
In his essay featured in Granta, Calder explored the dynamics between art and day jobs, sharing how demanding work schedules leave little room for creative expression. He observes that many contemporary jobs disrupt personal lives and make it increasingly difficult to reclaim time for oneself.
Throughout *Reward System*, Calder highlights characters who often display a passive approach to their lives, exemplified by Julia and Nick. Calder designed Julia's character to reflect a reluctance to impose herself on the world, choosing instead to allow fate to dictate her path.
Calder's approach to portraying technology in the stories reveals the depth of its impact. He noted the potential impermanence of certain platforms but emphasized that his writing addresses the social and personal implications of technology, which continue to resonate deeply in human experiences. He remarked, “all it really does is allow you to sort of stew in your memories.”
*Reward System*, published by Faber, is now available, offering a thought-provoking exploration of how technology shapes contemporary existence.