By Karlissa J.

In my novel Davy Jones’ Aquarium, a merman – Davy “Jonah” Jones – comes to work at a little aquarium in an oceanside village. The aquarium, Human Meets Fish, features a collection of fishes from around the world.

As a way to help me write about the aquarium, I created a model of it in my favourite simulation game, Megaquarium (from game studio Twice Circled). Megaquarium allows you to design and run an aquarium, with a variety of tanks, creatures, and customizations.

I’ve decided to relaunch Davy Jones’ Aquarium, and as part of the new edition, I’m creating an aquarium map for Human Meets Fish. (If you already have a copy of the book, don’t worry: I’m plotting other ways to share the map too!)

The framework for this map is the model of the aquarium I made in Megaquarium. From there, I’ve been playing around with different stylized illustrations. Since I was a kid, I’ve been collecting aquarium, zoo, and museum brochures and maps, so I’ve seen lots of different ways of making maps for attractions. Now I just need to decide what way I want to design the map for Human Meets Fish!

Besides the map, the new edition of Davy Jones’ Aquarium will feature an updated cover design and improved distribution. Sign up to the Book-Bat newsletter to get updates on the relaunch, and on the launch of To Narnia and Beyond!