I don't know why I'm driving myself nuts about choosing the title for my memoir. It's not as if I have to make a decision right now. It's not as if I can't write another word until I've absolutely, positively selected the name, signed with my blood on the dotted line, and done the "my handshake is my word" thing. BUT, ever since my publisher and I talked a few months ago about doing a sample book cover, it's been hanging over, in, and around my head.
I want that feeling of looking up from my laptop and seeing the mock-up pinned to my bulletin board. I want to feel that "skip a heartbeat, tingling in my stomach" kind of feeling whenever I see it. I just know that when my decision has been made, I'll be at peace with myself. I'll be able to zoom happily along and finish my book right on time, or even a little bit sooner.
My indecision reared its ugly head yesterday, right after our Saturday Writers meeting. (which was another fantastic meeting with a great turn out.) As soon as two of the board members heard me talking about changing the title and looking at different possible cover ideas, they both proclaimed their love of my old, original title. The one I've been carrying around in this crazy head of mine for quite a few years. And I DO still love it and I DO believe it will grab people.
So, more anxiety about The Title. I think this calls for a late afternoon nap, especially since I haven't slept much in the past 24 hours...and...and.......Zzzzzzz
I'm sorry you are struggling to come up with a title. I can imagine how it's weighing on you. Sort of like wanting to get a deep breath when you can't get one. The harder you try, the more frustrated you become when it doesn't happen.
ReplyDeleteKnow this...at the perfect time, you WILL come up with the name. I have no doubt of that.
Hope you are well and that spring is starting to make its way to your neck of the woods.
Love,
Patti
You know what this means, don't you? You'll just have to write multiple books! :D Maybe during your nap you'll dream of the best title for your FIRST book.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will make the right decision for your book. Have faith!
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone! I appreciate your very kind words!
ReplyDeleteSorry you're still tossing around ideas on this, I know how frustrating it is to wait for feeling that it's perfect - we are our own worst critics!
ReplyDeleteHope the nap helped :)
I get where you're coming from Becky. I've felt that way about short story titles and also about my two WIPs. But you will make the right decision in the end! Go with what your gut instinct is telling you.
ReplyDeleteGirl you are driving yourself nuts (ok nut-e-er over this! I hope that nap helped. Still this is what makes you YOU! hugs, Linda
ReplyDeletehi, good site very much appreciatted
ReplyDeleteHi Becky! I just discovered your blog, and I'm so glad I did. I just started writing myself and worry a great deal about being "too old," your blog is very inspiring to me. Congratulations on your upcoming book.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on coming up with your perfect title. :)
So??? How was the nap? Did you dream of titles? I still have this feeling that the title is going to simply appear, and that's going to happen when you least expect it!
ReplyDeleteTitles are always hard, aren't they? And they really do matter.
ReplyDeleteTake your time...Clarity will come,
=)
I'm sure you'll figure it out - it will just hit you!
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to say "Oh, don't worry about it - it will come to you out of the blue," but when you get something on your mind it is hard to make it stand on the sidelines and not be noticed. Just do your ps.best, and take more naps.
ReplyDeleteDon't try too hard. If you're like me that will just make you go around in circles.
ReplyDeletePat
www.critteralley.blogspot.com
Good luck, Becky! I'm sure you'll be able to come up with a title that's a perfect fit for your book! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks,everyone! I hope you all know how much it means to have such wonderful friends who encourage me and cheer for me!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to new follower: Julie! Thank you so much for stopping by, and leaving such sweet comments!
Why is titling something so darned hard. Have you tried the timer jam thing?
ReplyDeleteSet the timer for sixty second and write everything down you can think of.
Then set it for thirty seconds and cross off everything you hate.
Sometimes that works for me.
Sometimes I am still stuck!