A Rose by Any Other Name…Or Not?

So Whistling Past the Graveyard began life as “Starla.” Which is not a title, of course, catchy or otherwise. But I did what I always do, let it sit there on the file until inspiration finally hits. With luck it does. Without luck, I begin begging critique partners and editors for suggestions.

When I began chapter 8 of Whistling Past the Graveyard and typed that phrase, I literally hopped out of my chair and shouted, “That’s it!” I’m pretty sure there was a hallelujah chorus filling the room, sung by a choir of angels. Even with the divine assurance, it was a tough sell to my publisher at first. But after everyone at Gallery read the full book, it was agreed the perfect title. My sweat drenched nights of worry were over. The rest is history.

Now time for another admission. THE FLYING CIRCUS, was not a title of my choosing. My publisher was quite fond of putting the word circus on the cover. I had reservations (see note below about how titles are chosen and go to worst case scenario). This is a book about three misfits and a mutt on a journey full of danger, love and betrayal. Storm and Tempest was my first choice. Admittedly inspired by a poem not universally known, and yet, so very apt for this book.

For my upcoming June 2018 release, THE MYTH OF PERPETUAL SUMMER, I experienced a similar situation to Whistling, minus the initial doubt by my publisher. As you read this book, you’ll see that it, also, is the perfect title. Sometimes even us blind pigs find a truffle.

Not all of my titles are the ones I preferred, some were chosen by compromise, discussion, or–worst case scenario–long semi-bloody war. There are a lot of fingers in the pie of a published novel. Even though my name is on the cover, many super-talented people throw their all into making it a success. So if you’re interested in learning more of my working titles, go to each individual book page. You’ll find my working titles, as well as fun facts like deadline “snack of the book.”