I am at the stage where my second book is ready for editing (thank goodness for that I hear my long suffering family cry). I am clipping and chopping with gay abandon! But… and this is a very big hole in the motorway kind of but… until today I was not convinced I had the right title!! I thought I did, but the more I read, the more it made me wonder is it right??
Many sleepless nights tossing and turning, I battled with myself. The conversations always seemed to go a bit like this….
Me 1: ” It’s a good title, go with it”
Me 2: ” Yea but I’ve just read something that makes me think maybe I need to re think, does it say what I think it says?”
Me 1: ” Derrr yes it does, go back to sleep you fool”
I always came back to – does my chosen title have the ability to convey the contents of the book? The more I read, the more tied in knots I got. With my debut novel it was never an issue. I always knew All Tomorrow’s Parties was exactly the right title. No doubts could creep in, there were no cracks, period.
Book two has been a different animal all together and, I know exactly why. Reading advice on ‘what makes a perfect book title’ is not bad per say, but, reading too much conflicting advice is. This is sadly where I lost 2 weeks of my much needed beauty sleep. I would read an article that would say ‘do it this way’. Then the next day I would read another saying ‘do it that way’. I was blissful in my ignorance with All Tomorrow’s Parties. Choosing the perfect title was not even on my radar. My confidence at finishing my debut novel, held my rose tinteds firmly in place.
I have come a long way over the last year. Some of the advice I’ve received has been stellar.I have stored it away, much like a squirrel, digging it up when needed. Some of the advice however, should be buried and forgotten. All it does is confuse me! The conclusion I reached today was to make up my own mind! Of course, think seriously. View it from as many angles as you can and give it the attention it deserves. I believe most writers do this anyway. The title is a part of you, just like the contents.
So it is with much excite e mont and merriliciousness that I can announce I have made a final decizione! Fanfare please and a drum roll too… why not? There will be no more gnashing of teeth or tearing of hair. I am to stick with my original title and let it sing its beautiful song. My advice to you? Ignore advice that confuses you and keeps you awake doubting yourself. It is your creation, the title is a beautiful part of your creative baby. Some will find your baby beautiful, others will think its ugly, no matter. All that matters is that you love it with all your heart.
So I hear you cry – what is this title that has caused you so much angst?
Ah, well…. that would be telling wouldn’t it?
With a twinkle in my eye I am finally ready for a good nights sleep!
Well done Nicole