Blowfish Story World
maps, sketches, story notes etc.
Maps
“I wisely started with a map….” —J.R.R. Tolkien
Luckily, I’d heard the Tolkien quote and followed suit. I created the first Khanada map right at the start, long before I had any ideas about the case. Knowing key locations and distances proved invaluable.
Khanada Map: this map is the final version used in the print and eBook
Region Map: this map is also used in the print and eBook
Vehicles
First up, a big thanks to Min for reworking my chaotic doodles into something fit for public consumption. Hold on — why sketch vehicles from a story that you’re writing?
Well, I needed to keep track of things like LHD and RHD, and then, as vehicle customisation took hold, it seemed pictures were the easiest (and most enjoyable) way to handle continuity.
Many things change during writing, so the rough sketches I made changed with the story. By the end, each image was covered in geeky notes about vehicle spec, accessories, and whatnot. Most of that stuff never made it into the book, but here’s a quick taster.
Song’s Ichiban Civic: property of the Drumport Police Vehicle Pool. A protective screen lowers behind the front seats to secure the suspect transport enclosure. Reliable, zippy, discreet — despite its aesthetic flaws, Song’s become attached to it.
The Kaiser: Luff’s roadster ute, a Khanada Electric rebuild of a Porsche concept car. Bought, paid for, name on the logbook, fully integrated police upgrades, and a DQ Rude Boy powertrain: Luff would rather eat his own earwax than drive something from the vehicle pool.
Lieutenant Foo’s Continental: privately owned, full rebuild plus electric conversion. Serves as a Mobile Command Centre for major incidents and complicated fieldwork. Its huge size turns heads, but the automatic convertible top and DQ El Hombre powertrain make everything worth it.
The Unit Minivan: Ichiban Motor Works, property of the Drumport Police Vehicle Pool. Full data system, audio/visual equipment, tactical storage. When set up correctly, all unit personnel have access via their police badges. It was abandoned on the street while the unit was mothballed.
That’s all for now. I hope to add more of this stuff in future.
Book Two
I plan to start writing in September, once the summer heat subsides. Book Two (currently untitled) will be published in 2027. Now there’s a statement of intent….