Lost Legend?

Well…. the editors in their wisdom have recommended changing the title. Hm…

I have run into people who love the title ‘Birth-Promise.’ I like it because of the naming of the theme of the book. I also like it because it’s a kenning (Guess for what, maybe I’ll give you a cookie!) There are a couple of meanings, actually, that this kenning means to my mind.

So. The trend with titles today, especially for books that are intended to be stories rather than “Lit’rah cha” with a capital “L” is to name the story. With that in mind, one of the suggestions for a new title was “The Lost Legend of Saint Isela.” Surprisingly, I don’t hate this suggestion. Indiana Jones associations aside, it names the story pretty well. Anyone going to the bookshelf and picking up the book is going to think: Ah! I know what kind of experience this book will deliver! A good adventure that unfolds over time. Cool.

The trouble with the suggested title, though, is that I think it is overly safe. It names the kind of story, but lacks particulars. It’s kind of mushy.

So…hopefully I won’t regret this…I tried to find something in the middle. Something that might channel more “realistic” historical fiction rather than a trip into the land of legend (the book does explore legend, but it is grounded in historical realism). I also want to give the reader a sense of the characters, and so a hint of their stories.

What I came up with is The Saint and the Fasting Girl.

If you liked ‘Birth-Promise’ better…well…I don’t know what to say. Sorry. I liked it too. But I like the new title as well, so, perhaps it will do.

The main thing is trying to convince readers to pick up the book. It’s a great read! But you often can’t tell from the packaging. I know I’ve been burned before with a book I thought would be good, only to wish it were better! So, I’m trying to make the packaging match the inside so people will buy it and read it and say yes! This was what I was looking for!