One of the exciting aspects of self-publishing is that you can keep improving your work as new ideas and inspirations come to you. Recently, I’ve been working on updating the artwork in my novel Circle for the Earth: A Time Travel Saga to Forge a Sustainable Future. The original version of the book featured an illustration of a steam barge traveling down the river, surrounded by other boats. However, I felt that the details of the barge—an essential element of the story—were lost in the mix. So, I decided to make a change.
Bringing the Steam Barge to Life
In the new version, the steam barge is front and center, standing alone and much larger. This revision truly highlights its importance in the story, and I’m excited to share the new artwork with readers.
What’s interesting is that I spent hours researching and working on what amounts to just one paragraph in the book. But that’s part of the fun of writing a time travel novel—especially one where modern people are sent back in time and have to repurpose technology in creative ways.
The Research Behind the Steam Barge
To make the steam barge as realistic as possible, I dove into some fascinating research. I had to figure out whether you could convert a diesel engine into a steam engine and calculate how many gallons of fuel it would take for a boat to travel from Chamberlain, SD, to New Orleans. Then, I looked into what materials might be available in a small town to build something like this. It was a deep dive into the mechanics and logistics of an old-fashioned steam barge, but I loved every minute of it!
Collaboration with Artists and Engineers
Initially, I worked with an artist on Fiverr to create the updated illustration, but I wasn’t completely satisfied with the result. That’s when my friend Lopaki stepped in and really took the project to a new level. Using 3D printing images, he redesigned the barge, and we spent hours going back and forth on the details.
Lopaki’s attention to detail was incredible. He even created a spreadsheet to calculate fuel weights and other technical specifications, helping ensure that the steam barge would be as accurate as possible for the story. He added a brilliant touch I hadn’t thought of—an alternator to produce a small amount of electricity, which fits perfectly with the themes of repurposed technology in the novel.
Creative Challenges and Fun
The final version of the artwork is something I’m really proud of. In addition to the exterior view of the barge, Lopaki also created an inside view that gives readers a closer look at how this fictional steam barge would function.
One of the most fun aspects of writing Circle for the Earth has been reimagining technology in a world where modern conveniences no longer exist. How would people rebuild from scratch? How could they repurpose the tools and knowledge they have? This steam barge became a great example of that process, and I hope it adds another layer of realism and intrigue to the story.
Looking Forward
I can’t wait for readers to see the updated version of Circle for the Earth with its new artwork. If you’re curious to check it out, the book is available on Amazon and through my website at eagletreepress.com. It’s been an exciting journey bringing this story to life, and I look forward to sharing more behind-the-scenes updates as I continue to develop this world and its characters.
This is an image of the inside before the shipping containers and parts as they were dropped in.
