Why a Volcano that's Stupid?

The idea began as a simple image — a volcano that wouldn’t stop erupting. Then in May 2021, social media turned vicious. The story’s angle hit me 

I originally wrote Stupid Volcano in third-person omniscient, but the narrator kept head-hopping. I was advised to shift into third-person close and let each character own their perspective instead

Doug’s chapters became far more entertaining. He’s an egomaniac, and his bias colors everything like he’s the only genius alive. Olivia is grounded, rational, and constantly tries to manage ridiculous people in an impossible crisis 

The cover started as a few sketches. Colors for the scene didn't work. Red stood out, maybe because it matches the rage of Doug shouting

In early mockups, Doug was shouting from the small hill, but AI planted him next to the eruption. He's larger than the volcano, like his massive ego is upstaging a natural disaster

I prefer collaborating with human artists, but AI unexpectedly nailed the cover in just a few attempts