Discover the dedication and perseverance behind "The Sixth Sun." This monumental work took 15 years of meticulous research and writing whenever time allowed. Presented here is Ted Barber's research binder and three successive rough draft copies, each an improvement on the last, showcasing the evolution of this epic novel.
Explore the diverse collection of Ted Barber's stories and poems, each crafted with unique inspiration and purpose. From children's tales written for his daughter and niece to comical fishing stories and a "diary of a winning kid" for his nephew, Ted's notebooks are filled with a rich tapestry of narratives. Discover "The Prophet," an early attempt at envisioning a hero who saves humanity from nuclear holocaust, reflecting the era's fears and hopes. Ted's poetry serves as a wellspring for descriptive passages, showcasing his ability to blend personal experiences with creative storytelling.
This evocative painting, created in 1965 by a fellow Marine that served with Ted’s dad, was gifted to Ted as an adult by his parents as they knew he loved it. It continues to hold a place of honor in Ted’s home. Depicting a prophet warning his village of impending doom, with an explosion in the background, this artwork has deeply influenced Ted's creative process. It embodies the central theme of his work: the tragic tendency of people to ignore clear warnings until it is too late. This powerful image serves as a poignant reminder and inspiration for Ted's storytelling, emphasizing the urgency and relevance of his narratives.
These pictures influenced the follow up to The Sixth Sun called Gaia Rising
Delve into the creation of "Gaia Rising," a narrative that evolved over five full notebooks in Ted Barber's writing office. These notebooks, nestled alongside copies of "The Sixth Sun," document the story at different stages of development. Ted's storytelling approach is akin to narrating tales around a campfire, beginning with raw, unstructured narratives that are later refined with intricate details. This display highlights the dynamic and organic process that brings the world of Gaia to life, from its ancient times to its rise as an industrial giant.
This is the beginning of Gaia's story, before the great flood reshaped the land. The initial maps, inspired by images Ted saw on the wall of a local restaurant, depict the ancient landscapes that sparked his imagination and now hang in his writing office as a constant source of inspiration.
This is the beginning of Gaia's story, before the great flood reshaped the land. The initial maps, inspired by images Ted saw on the wall of a local restaurant, depict the ancient landscapes that sparked his imagination and now hang in his writing office as a constant source of inspiration.
Known habitable land post-flood shows a world transformed by cataclysmic events. The maps capture the changed geography and the new challenges faced by Gaia's inhabitants.
The final maps illustrate Gaia's known lands and settlements as it becomes an industrial powerhouse. These detailed maps reflect the culmination of Gaia's journey, capturing its transformation into a thriving civilization.
This picture showcases Mickey Spillane’s "I, The Jury," a significant influence on my grandfather’s unfinished novel, "The Red Tide." My grandfather, who passed away at 42, left the novel incomplete, and I have been given permission to finish it. My grandmother often remarked how my writing reminded her of him. Displayed purposefully next to it is "The Sixth Sun," my grandmother's copy, which I received after her passing.
This rough map of Osiriat represents a key location featured prominently in both "The Sixth Sun" and "Gaia Rising." This map serves as a foundational element in understanding the setting and geography of the stories, offering a glimpse into the intricately crafted world where much of the action unfolds.
While the accompanying images may not directly relate to "Deferment," they symbolize the experiences and beliefs that shaped its creation. Ted Barber's philosophy that an author should write what they know is evident in his detailed depictions of Osiriat and Gaia Rising, perhaps drawn from dreams, past lives, or meticulous research. Ted's characters vividly inhabit his thoughts, guiding his storytelling. "Deferment," initially a side project, evolved significantly during the review process of Gaia Rising. The novel explores themes of avoiding military service and economic deferment, questioning the wisdom of aiming for a lower tax bracket in retirement. The story is rooted in Ted’s observations of economic realities and inspired by the faces and attitudes of inspired by faces & attitudes he observes in society, reflecting the quote, “If one gives up a little freedom for a little security one ends up with neither.” This theme permeates the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read.
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