Title Woes
Therese Walsh on Dec 16 2008 | Filed under: Book Talk, Uncategorized
Ug, what a week!!
We’ve had some negative feedback on the title “Unbounded” from some Important People, so now it’s time to find something better for my book. Easier said than done for me, and I think I’m driving my writer friends–and my hubby–and probably my agent–CRAZY! “What do you think of X? How about Y? But do you understand the significance of Z? Can’t it just be ‘Unbounded?’” (Rips out hair while eating big honkin’ bar of dark chocolate, all the while skimming through a thesaurus and a copy of the manuscript and muttering incoherently.)
I keep telling myself that it’s all a part of the process, that it’ll all be worth it in the end, that I’ve learned a new lesson (never, never, never, never grow too attached to a title). And I’m sure I’ll love the title we eventually stick on the cover.
Right??
I’ll be back next week with more stable brain power. For now, please enjoy this wicked good interview with Gregory Maguire as a replacement for a regular post. And if anyone wants to help me brainstorm titles… Kidding!
Kathleen Bolton
Therese Walsh
Ann Aguirre
Porter Anderson
Brunonia Barry
Carleen Brice
Keith Cronin
Anna Elliott
Jane Friedman
Donald Maass
Juliet Marillier
Sophie Masson
Jael McHenry
Jan O'Hara
Debbie Ohi
Barbara O'Neal
Crystal Patriarche
Ray Rhamey
M.J. Rose
Chuck Sambuchino
John Vorhaus
Yuvi Zalkow
Sharon Bially
Anne Greenwood Brown
Tracy Hahn-Burkett
Suzannah Windsor Freeman
Kristan Hoffman
Jeanne Kisacky
Erika Robuck
Lydia Sharp
Allison on 
Going thru same thing. Lost ability to think clearly, let alone write anything. Can’t think of much past the original title, which was hard to come by. Sweat some blood. Came up with list of 10 possibilities. Waiting to hear if one is a go. Taking to bed. Over and out.
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But I like “UNBOUNDED” very much. It is perfect for the story. It sums up so much in one simple word. Good luck coming up with something as perfect. What about all of the publicity you have already gotten with “Unbounded” announced as your book? When your book comes out with a different name are people going to know it is “THE ONE” they have been waiting for?!? I really like “UNBOUNDED”
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Marie, you have my sympathy! Why is it so hard? Sweating blood is a good way to describe it, though!
Cathy J, thanks for your thoughts. I’ve been assured that the “lost publicity” isn’t anything to worry about, since the more substantial publicity will kick off next year — but I had the same concerns originally. I still love Unbounded, but it won’t do me any good to keep mourning it. :-(
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I admit, I haven’t read the book, but I ADORE the musical. This is a great interview, and I’ve developed a great deal of respect for him after hearing the motivation and the thought behind his idea for Wicked. (How we demonize people with words.)
And I LOVE the way he supports and explains the musical and its relation to his book. I get no sense of ego from him (like I do from interviews with Nabokov, for example) and that makes me like him even more!
What a fabulous interview. I confess, I’m going to snag and re-post on my own blog. With credit, of course!
As for titles… sorry this one isn’t apparently going to be permitted by the higher ups, but you know what? When you think of a book, do you really care what its title is? That’s merely a naming device so people know which STORY you’re talking about. If you think of it that way, maybe you won’t stress out about it too much?
(I’m not saying there aren’t other ways I think of it, haha, just trying to present a frame of mind in which the title isn’t very significant!)
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I can almost write a story faster than I can come up with a title.
What’s a synonym for “unbounded”?
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Kristan, I’m with you. I own the book, and let Kath borrow it to read, but I haven’t read it yet myself. (I need to find a way to stretch time.) I’m glad you enjoyed the ‘view!
Annie, it means unlimited or limitless…having no boundaries. I’m glad I’m not the only one who loses hours to the title hunt. :-)
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Therese,
I know it’s frustrating when you love a title. It’s almost unusual though it seems to be able to actually keep an original title. I have to admit, I understand their concern with the title. When I first heard it I wondered if it was a typo, because I wasn’t familar with the word, it just didn’t sound right to me.
What about simply,
NO BOUNDARIES
It’s provocative and intriguing. It’s also more clear than UNBOUNDED in meaning. (To me anyway, and I’m actually pretty well read!).
I’m sure you’ll end up with a great title.
~Pam
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Thanks for the idea, Pam. I like it!
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Hi Therese!
Thinking in a title for a book is not easy at all (specially when you already have one in your mind and people say “no”). I’m sure something good will come out when you less expect.
I’m also writing a book series (maybe a triology, haven’t decided yet) and I just call them “Book 1” and “Book 2”. :) I don’t have any clue of what title to give to each one if someone asked me too. Just know the overall name.
I read this year the first book of Gregory Maguire (I love the book) and I have the second one under the Christmas tree. Just hope they will translate to Portuguese the “A Lion among man” too.
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ClaudiaV, your titles are very wise! :-)
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