I Can’t Think of a Title for This Post
Dec92009
I don’t think I’ve ever thought so much about a book title in my life (and thank you all very much for playing along with Argh). I’ve been trying to figure out a way to generate evaluate titles without going through this hell, but nothing seems to be a surefire title formula.
Jen and I did talk about the three things a classic Crusie title should be–snarky, sexy, and thematic–but we could never get more than two out of three for this book. (Good titles: Welcome to Temptation, Faking It, Fast Women, Trust Me On This, Wild Ride. Bad titles: What the Lady Wants, Manhunting.) But using that guideline, my fave, Impossible Things, is impossible. The only thing it does is nail the theme. Her fave, Hello, Stranger, is equally impossible: no theme. Facing North, while snappy, is way off the theme. Ghost of a Chance, besides being voted off for ubiquity, doesn’t have a fun/sexy vibe. Sexy/snarky/thematic may be the hat trick, but it’s damn hard to pull off.
My old cw prof, Lee K Abbott, used to say that a title should sound like something one of the characters would say. I like that a lot, but that means the reverse is also true, that the character should talk like the title. So I look at Better Luck Next Time, which is hysterical, and think, But Andie isn’t that snarky and offhand, she’s seriously freaked by the ghosts and the situation, especially concerning Alice. And then I think, Maybe she should be that snarky. So if we go with that, it’ll get into the rewrite and shift the main character’s approach. I’m still not sure that’s a bad thing, but then I’ll have to deal with a smart-ass heroine who’s taking care of two children in jeopardy. If she’s not concerned about the ghosts, then the reader won’t be concerned about them.
But, you say, it’s just a title. Why would you have to shift the character? Because the title is a promise. It says, “This is what this book is going to be like.” So if I put Better Luck Next Time on a book, it better have that vibe, not a serious undercurrent about traumatized children. Plus it’s about people who are stuck in one place, not being able to move forward, so it’s slightly off theme. These people are still trying to fix the first time, so none of them are saying, “Better luck next time.” They’re saying, “I’m going back and getting it right, damn it.” There’s a terrible title for you. (Of course, I may be overestimating how much readers rely on titles. There’s a poll there to the right. Am I overthinking that part?)
So One More Time was good for that, but it was blah. Impossible Things was brilliant (I thought) but not sexy or snarky, just thematic, and let’s face it, I don’t write literary fiction so entirely thematic titles are false advertising, too. Always Kiss Me Goodnight was none of the above, 0 for 3.
So we still don’t know, although Jen really likes Better Luck Next Time. I’ll be spending the afternoon trying to wrap my head around it. Oh, and I closed the comments on the last post, so we’ll continue here, although I’m spending some time later reading them all again. There are so many almost-but-not-quite titles in there that I may have missed one. And thank you so much for that!
And for the record, my next four books will be titled, Lavender’s Blue, Rest in Pink, Peaches and Screams, and Yellow Brick Roadkill. So we won’t be doing this again for at least a year, maybe two. At which time we will probably be tackling a book whose working title is Spooky Alice. I know, I know.
We’re continuing the comments from the previous post here, so if brilliance strikes, SHARE. Thank you.
Note: Chelle asked for the collage. It’s not done yet, I’ll post the finished one much later, but here’s the WIP:
Final Note:
They had a meeting, they looked at a list of titles, they picked Maybe This Time. I can live with that pretty easily, so I’m good.
And you are all amazing. Thank you!
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226 Comments to 'I Can’t Think of a Title for This Post'
On December 9, 2009 at 12:18 pm Janis said...
A Ghost of a Chance?
On December 9, 2009 at 2:45 pm Julia said...
The Crying of Lot 69?
On December 9, 2009 at 9:01 pm JulieB said...
I lurve this. Jenny goes Pynchon on us.
On December 9, 2009 at 12:27 pm Margaret said...
Taken from Cole Porter song titles:
Got That Thing
Looking at You
Away From It All
Come Along With Me
Everybody But Us
Get Out of Town
Eyes on You
One of Those Things
Chin Up
Long Ago Girl
Go for You
On December 9, 2009 at 12:42 pm Bonnie C said...
If these have been offered on previous posts by others – I’m sorry!
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
Stuck On You
I really like “Better Luck Next Time” and I don’t feel it’s super snarky. (jmho)
On December 9, 2009 at 6:06 pm Reb said...
I like Stuck On You!
On December 9, 2009 at 12:55 pm Diane (TT) said...
“Turn back, O Woman”?
I keep thinking about Lois McMaster Bujold’s advice to a character who feels trapped on a destructive path: “Choose again and change”. I don’t know how to turn that into a snappy, snarky title that still conveys concern for endangered children.
“Haunting Ohio”? The juxtaposition of haunting with Ohio (perceived as a sort of prosaic place, not inherently eerie, perhaps) might be a bit amusing. But it doesn’t convey anything about the characters.
Place names and personal names are big in Gothic titles (Rebecca, Mistress of Mellyn, and pretty much the entire oeuvre of Isabelle Holland). “Haunting Andromeda”? One of my favorite ghost stories (it’s YA) is called Jane Emily.
If you go too plaintive (showing concern for the endangered children), you lose the snark and people will expect Mary Higgins Clark or something.
On December 9, 2009 at 2:30 pm Meredith B. said...
I have an entire shelf of books in my store that have “Haunted” and “Ohio” in the title. They’re all books of ghost stories and legends. Just a note.
On December 9, 2009 at 12:55 pm McB said...
Here We Go Again
On December 9, 2009 at 12:56 pm Ingrid said...
Return to me
But somebody has probably already proposed that one.
On December 9, 2009 at 12:56 pm Diane (TT) said...
Heck. Preview still isn’t working and closing my italics doesn’t seem to have worked (I know I put something in there!).
On December 9, 2009 at 12:57 pm PG said...
Sexy/snarky/not-sure-about-thematic: Coming From Behind. (With ghosties and ghoulies and things that go bump in the night, you’re always afraid of what’s behind you, right? Plus that’s the nature of your past coming back to haunt you.)
On December 9, 2009 at 1:23 pm PG said...
Just googled that phrase and the first couple results are for an Adult Film. Er.
On December 9, 2009 at 4:48 pm Carol-Ann McClay said...
I have a filthy mind, because the Title Coming From Behind just sound dodgy, but it did make me laugh.
On December 9, 2009 at 1:05 pm Kieran said...
My daughter Margaret sent you some ideas from my email address. Sorry for the confusion. She’s got a half-day from school and thought she’d give your title search a whirl.
On December 9, 2009 at 1:11 pm Eve said...
I’m curious and a bit confused, so what is your writing genre now? It seems you moved away from romance and are writing in a more serious tone? In which case, I don’t know if the dialogue you are famous for works or is a false advertisement? Sorry, I’m just confused and a little explanation would help
On one hand, I’m really inspired by your willingness to try new things but on the other, a reason I admire you as a favorite contemporary author is your humor. Life is far too bleak as it is and a world without Crusie optimism is more depressing still.
On December 9, 2009 at 1:15 pm Lani said...
Okay, so BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME isn’t working. Fine. I’ll throw it in the bin the next time I need a title search. LOL.
I think your problem is that it’s very difficult to combine snarky/sexy with the traumatized children element of your theme. Which, of course, you know. I keep thinking along the lines of “another twirl around the dance floor” or something like that, something that suggests taking one last swing at things. Third Time’s a Charm? Except this is the second time for North and Andie. Second Try’s a Charm? Charm is kind of somewhat mystical, and ghosts are kind of somewhat mystic…. all right, fine. What else is vaguely sexy/snarky and somewhat mysterious to go with theme?
Oh, hell. Just call it GHOSTS AND BUTTSECKS and have a drink. I don’t care if there’s no damn butt sex in the book. This is too HARD.
Hey.
THIS IS TOO HARD by Jennifer Crusie
Don’t thank me now, I got a million of ‘em.
(You’re going to ban me from Argh, aren’t you?)
On December 9, 2009 at 9:03 pm JulieB said...
La NI, La NI, LaNI!!!
On December 9, 2009 at 11:14 pm MJ said...
Don’t Thank Me Now
I Got a Million
Ban Me
On December 10, 2009 at 6:57 am Micki said...
I have to say, my first thought was the same thing — snark and troubled children don’t mix.
On December 9, 2009 at 1:19 pm Lani said...
Eve, worry not. Jen doesn’t think it’s funny, because she never thinks her work is funny. You and I know, her work is hysterical. What I’ve read of this, still hysterical, just with deeper, darker themes. Quite frankly, I love it. I think mixing light and dark makes each element more powerful. But to hear Jenny tell it, she’s channeling Poe without all the fun alcoholism. It’s deeper, it’s darker, but it’s just as fun and funny and sexy as anything else she’s written. Hang in there, kid. I’m telling you, it’s worth it.
On December 9, 2009 at 4:10 pm Melissa Blue said...
I agree, Lani, but the thing is Crusie’s have never been light. The humor stems from those dark, icky places us humans deal with. Betrayal, adultery, and murder and that’s just Tell Me Lies. Crazy For You dealt with a psycho and that scene where the heroine almost gets raped and the man’s reasoning still gives me chills. Bet Me on every level dealt with self-hatred–IMHO. Min had to love and accept herself. That subject alone has kept therapist in business and will for years to come. I really don’t know how much darker one can get. But they all, every last book, had me in stitches.
So, I say bring on the dark, because it’s what you do best and that’s why I’m still reading you.
On December 10, 2009 at 7:32 pm Micki said...
THUMBS UP!!!!1!
On December 9, 2009 at 1:28 pm Karen said...
Delurking to offer a suggestion. What about “Say Goodnight”. You’ve got the humorous connotation “Say goodnight, Gracie” and it’s something you would say to children. I think it could be kind of creepy too.
On December 9, 2009 at 1:39 pm Jenny said...
Lani’s been writing all morning. She’ll be sane again later, after the wine.
I think this book will get lighter in the rewrite. But I don’t think Andie will ever to say to anybody, with the exception of the Nancy-Grace-like reporter, “Better Luck Next Time.”
Which leads to the question, What would she say? Argh, that’s what she’d say.
On December 9, 2009 at 3:26 pm toni said...
Why Me?
On December 10, 2009 at 3:08 am Jenyfer Matthews said...
Does SHE have to say it? Can North say it? Or can she just *think* it?
I like the idea that the title should be something one of the characters says but you may be restricting yourself a bit. And thinking so hard on it doesn’t allow the girls in the basement to come up with anything. Have some more wine, maybe do a little re-write, and something will pop into your head while you’re rubbing a puppy belly or doing the dishes.
By the way, we need more pictures of puppies.
On December 9, 2009 at 1:39 pm lynn said...
You do give good title. My sad attempts are…”long nights”, “are you still here?”, “still dreaming of you”, “we’re not alone”
On December 9, 2009 at 1:42 pm marly said...
R. & buddies still like “Maiden Haunt”. I’ll go along with the snark and the theme, but where’s the sex? Here are a few more:
Past Imperfect
Still Standing
Hands Off
Do Not Disturb
Hands On
Looking After Alice
Along With Alice
On December 9, 2009 at 2:05 pm Shangrila said...
You know, I’d probably by a book called, “Snarky, Sexy, Thematic”-lol!
I like what Diane (TT) said about gothic titles and names. Maybe this book could be simply “Andie” and the sequel, “Alice”?
On December 9, 2009 at 2:06 pm Shangrila said...
Um, sorry…apparently my fingers don’t know how to spell “buy”!
On December 9, 2009 at 2:18 pm McB said...
Try, Try Again
Hello Again, Ohio.
Or just Hello Again
Making Love At Midnight (because I’m stuck on the Pina Colada song)
Right at Midnight
Got Ghosts?
The Nanny and the Poltergeist
Oh Just Hell (cuz that’s a Crusie title)
On December 10, 2009 at 3:10 am Jenyfer Matthews said...
The Nanny Goes Bananas
On December 9, 2009 at 2:28 pm Sarah said...
Ghosts and Fools, like ghosts and ghouls but not?
Don’t Be Afraid of the Spark – okay, that is really stretching, but spark = impetus to change, move on, etc.
Ghosts in the Backyard, like that kids game Ghosts in the Graveyard?
On December 9, 2009 at 2:32 pm Sharon said...
I’m sorry my favorite author is having this trouble and I should be decorating the house, wrapping presents and baking cookies but this is so much more fun!
It’s North and Nothing
Kisses , Kids and Karma
The Bolter and the Beloved
The Lawyer and the Lady
On December 9, 2009 at 2:33 pm Diane A. said...
Stranger at Midnight
Stranger used like this implies either the noun or the adverb, or both.
On December 9, 2009 at 3:42 pm Jenny said...
LOL. If only I’d be sure people would read it as a modifier and not a noun . . .
On December 9, 2009 at 5:16 pm Mel said...
How about Even Stranger at Midnight?
On December 9, 2009 at 2:49 pm Kat said...
“Well, Hello Stranger”
On December 9, 2009 at 2:54 pm ChrisinNY said...
Once more, with feeling
On December 9, 2009 at 8:59 pm Beki said...
See, I’m with this one still, too. I think you’re just being stubborn about Joss. I bet he’d appreciate the cap doff.
On December 9, 2009 at 3:04 pm Rox said...
You need the word “fixing” in the title. It implies doing something again, but also keeping it in place.
On December 9, 2009 at 3:05 pm Rox said...
And from a southerner’s perspective, it would imply getting ready to do something
On December 9, 2009 at 3:28 pm toni said...
Fixing North.
(but I wonder if non-southerners will get the double implications of that “fixing to” usage?)
On December 9, 2009 at 3:35 pm Rox said...
It’s a triple implication really – going back to do something again, keeping something in place, and getting ready to do something. Even if only two of the meanings are understood, it still works. Also, I’ve lived in the northern part of the Midwest my entire life, but I understand the use of “fixing to.” The real problem is that you need the word “to” with “fixing” to get that meaning.
On December 9, 2009 at 3:43 pm Jenny said...
“Fixing to” would work in southern Ohio, too. At least it’s used here.
OTOH, Fixing North sounds like North is a puppy. Or maybe I’m just dog-centric.
On December 9, 2009 at 4:53 pm Carol-Ann McClay said...
I like Fixing (to/on) North because to find direction you have to find north, and Andie may need north in more ways than one.
On December 9, 2009 at 3:06 pm marly said...
The lunch group has adjourned so now I’m trying to make out all the jottings on the paper napkins. How come we never have paper? Anyway, here goes:
Bringing Down the House
Taking Back the House
Faith in You
Not Over You
Right on Time
Call Me Back
Better Than Before
Working For Me
Moving Over
Any Given Night
Works For Me
All Over You
Life After You
When You’re Gone
On December 9, 2009 at 3:06 pm Pamela said...
Repeat and Fade
Repeat after me
Repeating on me
(Is gastrointestinal humour the same as snark? No? Oh, well.)
On December 9, 2009 at 3:13 pm Camanoah said...
How about:
No Such Thing
On December 9, 2009 at 3:21 pm marly said...
Drat, I know I’d missed some:
Nerve Endings
Graceful Exit
On December 9, 2009 at 3:25 pm Chelle said...
Okay, I got nuttin’.
Any chance we could see the collage? Maybe that would spark something??
sorry
On December 9, 2009 at 3:31 pm K.L. said...
This Time Around (With You)
On December 9, 2009 at 3:44 pm Jenny said...
Collage is not finished. But yeah, I’ll add the WIP above.
And it’s up.
Ghost of a Chance is on over a dozen books at Amazon, so it’s too common now.
On December 9, 2009 at 3:46 pm Mrs T said...
Well, I happen to like “Ghost of a Chance” but I could be biased because it IS one of my favorite songs. So I’m probably not much to go on there.
Someone on your FB has a good suggestion: Better Luck This Time.
“Back to You” was the TV series with Kelsey Grammar and Patricia Heaton. It didn’t last too long (Omen?)
Back Around
Around Again
Back to Ohio – surely Chrissie Hynde won’t mind….
On December 9, 2009 at 3:50 pm Jackie said...
OK. I think it’s time to rethink a few things. You’re stuck on the title as a promise of what you’re selling in the book. But the book is a pretty big thing. How many 10s of thousands of words and you want to make a promise about it in less than ten, probably less than 5 words? Jen and Molly are probably ready to kill you. I would say stay away from Lani for a few more hours, as well. Good thing they love you, or we’d be out a favorite author and blogger.
First of all, as a reader, it’s not THAT big of a deal. Call it Something and publish it already, will you?
But on second thought, consider this: You are writing a significantly different book than you have in the past; should the name of the book reflect that by being different from your past titles? After all, look how different your website has become and we’re still here, with reinforcements. Go ahead and change, if you have to. Especially since you already have.
A protagonist is the center of the book, but so is the whole world and cast of characters in the book. I don’t think the title needs to reflect that single character that closely. My feeling from comments is that while Andie wouldn’t be snarky, your voice as a writer hasn’t been de-snarked, so the snark in the title is all right. I think you should try for theme and snark in that order and let the sexy fall as it may.
I think a title should set a reader up for a book. If when the book is done, it also has extra shades of meaning, that’s cool, but not necessary.
I was just thinking that maybe you should just let Jen take care of it and let it be. After she reads a few of the posts. Some good comments in the last few days.
On December 9, 2009 at 3:51 pm K.L. said...
Or how about
Hanging Around
On December 9, 2009 at 3:54 pm Clothdragon said...
What about “Bump in the Night”? (From comments above, though not suggested as a title there. Or even “Bumps in the Night” for a multiple time angle on it. Or
Twice Again
or
Ghosts of Past
Lots of luck with the title.
On December 9, 2009 at 3:55 pm TerriO said...
I keep reading your statement of what the characters are saying > “I’m going back and getting it right, damn it.” < and all I come up with is Come Hell or High Water. Maybe Come Hell or High Spirits?
Not sexy, huh? There must be an answer lurking here somewhere.
On December 9, 2009 at 3:56 pm glee said...
I know it’s been used (as a Debbie Reynolds movie, I think) but what about “Second Time Around”? I think it has that “another chance” bit. Wish I had better help but just not creative
On December 9, 2009 at 3:59 pm hollygee said...
True North
or Andie & True North
(I loved Say Goodnight, but then I remember Burns & Allen)
Scaring the Spooks [Out of You]
Not of the Solid World
This Side of the Other World
On December 9, 2009 at 4:46 pm marly said...
Oops, sorry – missed your “True North”. How about “True To North”?
On December 9, 2009 at 4:05 pm marly said...
Fixed on North?
True North?
On December 9, 2009 at 4:06 pm Laura said...
How about Taking the Road Not Taken? Not terribly snarky, but kind of implies the part about try to start over without repeating yourself.
On December 9, 2009 at 4:25 pm Naked Under My Clothes said...
I have taken to saying to my husband, “Again with the kissing.” Sometimes it’s a command, sometimes a question.
Sorry about the title difficulties — but I’m having a good time. Always educational, is Argh.
On December 9, 2009 at 4:26 pm Toni Rae said...
How about:
Life Redux
My apologies if someone else suggested this!
On December 9, 2009 at 4:29 pm Becky said...
Free Spirits: Inquire Within
On December 9, 2009 at 4:31 pm Elisabeth Crisp said...
Begin Again
On December 9, 2009 at 4:45 pm Melissa Blue said...
All I can say is, you’ve been warned…
Left At Impossible
(I’ve been using a GPS a lot lately)
Used To Being
Getting It Right
Creeping Again
Creeping Around
On December 9, 2009 at 4:47 pm selina said...
I like ‘Six Impossible Things’ even though it’s too ‘literary’ but it brings in a great Carroll reference which evokes the sort of crazy Wonderland world with the Queen and Alice.
“Alice laughed: “There’s no use trying,” she said; “one can’t believe impossible things.”
“I daresay you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was younger, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
On December 9, 2009 at 9:07 pm JulieB said...
OH! “Impossible Things Before Breakfast” implies a little sexiness!
On December 10, 2009 at 7:47 pm Micki said...
AND it implies banana bread! I like it!
On December 9, 2009 at 4:48 pm Sharon said...
I just looked at the collage-is that Paul Newman as North–oooohhh-can’t imagine Andie bolting from that but sure can see the return!! Would love to be in her shoes-ghosts or no ghosts!!j
On December 9, 2009 at 4:53 pm Library Linda said...
What the Hell? – seems to be snarky, sexy, and possibly thematic. Also, people say it.
On December 9, 2009 at 4:56 pm Lana said...
You have “believe” in the collage, so maybe you can use it in the title – Believe in Me – North can say this to Andie (2nd chance) and Andie can say this to the kids (she’ll fix the situation)?
On December 9, 2009 at 5:00 pm Venus Vaughn said...
Titles only kinda sorta matter to the reader. If it’s part of a series, it matters less. If it’s a well-known author, it matters less. If you’re hoping to pick up a new reader through the power of a kickass title alone, then yeah, you’re dealing with a promise to the reader.
There are lots of authors I will buy regardless of title. With new authors, the title draws me in, the back copy (which I only skim because I’m anti-spoiler) helps me make the final buying/reading decisions.
I recently picked up The Care And Feeding of Unmarried Men. Kickass title, but the story didn’t deliver on that attitude. I didn’t know the author, and after that foray into her writing, I’m not going to get to know her any better. She lied to me with that title. I’d have gone with it, if she’d delivered a *different* kickass story, or a mediocre story that fulfilled her title promise. I got neither. I stopped reading.
On December 10, 2009 at 11:39 am Meredith B. said...
Yes, but the title does matter, dammit. I know it shouldn’t, but it does. I have to sell the darned thing based on cover and title. In Trade Cloth. To people who have never read a Crusie before! There are only so many times that I can say to a customer, “I know it sounds lame, but it’s really phenomenal!” and I’ve already spent all of that trying to move Anne McCaffrey’s Harper Hall Trilogy despite the hideous covers. (Damn you, Simon & Schuster.) So Jenny’s title has to be good, and since we’re a bunch of really intelligent people I’m confident that we can say something that gives her a good idea!
On December 9, 2009 at 5:04 pm Libby said...
Here and Beyond
On December 9, 2009 at 5:08 pm Diane A. said...
Strangely Familiar
Could refer both to Andie and North encountering each other again, and to ghosts trying to re-enact the past. Also, works using the different meaning of familiar as ‘part of the family’, which I presume is what the children are needing.
On December 10, 2009 at 6:07 pm CrankyOtter said...
Ooh… I thought the True North idea would work, but
Strangely Familiar.
I like it. Also agree with Jackie above…
On December 10, 2009 at 7:50 pm Micki said...
Well, if Strangely Familiar doesn’t fit, I’d like to see a Crusie witch story with that title(-:. Of course, it sounds like there’s quite a queue of To Be Written first . . . .
On December 9, 2009 at 5:22 pm Diane A. said...
Just checked – all 4 ‘Strangely Familiar’ titles on Amazon.com are non-fiction books with subtitles (architecture, photography, interior design, and “Strangely Familiar: Protofeminist Interpretations of Patriarchal Biblical Texts”).
No fiction titles.
Also, ‘strangely’ is a good title lead-in for paranormal and ghosts.
On December 9, 2009 at 5:24 pm Ellen said...
Have you tried “Impossible You”? Not sexy, exactly, but romantic.
I really like “Maybe This Time,” even though it’s not unique. “Crazy For You” wasn’t unique but it worked perfectly for that book.
On December 9, 2009 at 5:32 pm Emily said...
Strangers in the Night?
Strangeness in the Night?
On December 9, 2009 at 5:39 pm Emily said...
Actually, I like Impossible Things best so far. There’s the hint of ghost there, there’s the believing six impossible things before breakfast thing there, and there’s the relationship suggestion there – the impossible things that (we hope!) will be overcome to bring on the happy ending. Also, who’s to say “impossible things” can’t be sexy or snarky, depending on the context in which it’s said?
On December 9, 2009 at 6:00 pm jessie said...
Love you bunches.
My sister and I say this to one another all the time – it is fast and light and loving. Sometimes – like when she had her husband send me flowers from her – it can be hilarious. He misunderstood and signed the card “love your bunches” . I wonder what the florist thought.
On December 9, 2009 at 6:02 pm PG said...
If you want to get the governess element in there, how about “Bringing Up Maybe”?
Back Against the Wall
Spiriting Away
On December 9, 2009 at 6:03 pm McB said...
Raising Spirits
Rising Spirits
On December 9, 2009 at 6:04 pm McB said...
After Life
On December 9, 2009 at 6:19 pm Louis said...
Fixing the Change
Fixing to Change
Fixing With Change
Fixing The Chance
I’m not good with titles
On December 9, 2009 at 6:19 pm LilyC said...
I like Impossible Things too. There was an episode of Doctor Who during which the Doctor looks at Captain Jack and says something along the lines of, “you’re an Impossible Thing, Jack: you can’t exist”. So maybe it could work as a title if Andie called North an Impossible Thing, so it became something she said (in a snarky way…?) and the ghosts make it a theme. Anyway, I’m sure it will come to you soon. I find chocolate always helps with inspiration.
On December 9, 2009 at 6:45 pm francois said...
I got all the way down here to say I love Impossible Things, and the comment just above says the same thing so it looks like I was primed. But I really do like it. Perhaps you’re just writing different books now and different types of title are called for? And any reference to Doctor Who (no matter how unintentional) is a winner for me. The Doctor and Captain Jack are both sexy and snarky.
On December 9, 2009 at 7:08 pm Jenny said...
I like it, too. At this point, it’s probably my fave, but my editor doesn’t and she has good instincts.
On December 9, 2009 at 6:49 pm Kelly said...
How about “Closer Than They Appear” – it’s what it says on a car side view mirror (.e. – looking back), indicating that what you’re looking at IS behind you, but maybe not as far as you think. Also has a somewhat creepier connotation of appearing (i.e. – ghost appearing). Although there are several books with the title “Objects in Mirror May Be Closer Than They Appear”, I didn’t see one that is just “Closer Than They Appear.”
On December 9, 2009 at 6:59 pm Amanda said...
Sorry if it’s been said before, but how about Practice Makes Perfect?
On December 9, 2009 at 7:04 pm Kykuch said...
Do Over?
On December 9, 2009 at 7:16 pm Rox said...
Fixing Impossible
On December 9, 2009 at 7:28 pm robena grant said...
The Evocative Scent of Banana Bread
Who Says You Can’t Go Home?
Looking for Something
It’s a Fine Line
I’ve Got My Eyes On You
Glow in the Dark Ghost
Don’t Call me Sweetie (’cause that’s what the ghosts call the kids)
On December 9, 2009 at 7:37 pm Kate said...
Okay, so I haven’t read the whole post, or all the comments, but I was trying to think of something with the same feel as AKMG, and that feels to me like a Cole Porter song, or something Ella Fitzgerald sang- kind of that sad obsessive love.
I’m looking on this site – http://www.pcdon.com/EllaFitzgerald.html and the Rosemary Clooney page… ‘Send for Me,’ ‘The More I See You,’ or ‘I’ll Be Seeing You.’
I like that last one- it goes with ghosts and past loves. Or is that too flip for a haunting with child trauma?
On December 9, 2009 at 7:37 pm Diane L. said...
Tomorrow is Another Day (just kidding)
Not You Again
Turn Around
Best to Say Goodbye
Argh-this is hard!!!!!!!
On December 9, 2009 at 7:38 pm Terrio said...
Driving home from work, the title “Never Bring A Banana to a Ghost Fight” came to me. Obvious play on “Never bring a knife to a gunfight.” I think it was inspired by a sticker on a truck in front of me combined with the banana bread stuff. Totally doesn’t fit, but it made me laugh.
On December 9, 2009 at 7:39 pm Jenny said...
So my two latest are:
Strong Spirits
Thrilled to Be Here
And my brains are dribbling out my ears. Did I mention my brainstorm in the middle of the night?
Laying Ghosts.
I must find a title soon . . .
On December 10, 2009 at 11:46 am Victoria said...
Of those two, I prefer “Strong Spirits”.
On December 10, 2009 at 11:51 am Meredith B. said...
I kind of like Strong Spirits. It does make me wonder, though– is there any liquor in this novel? Do any of the characters question either their own or someone else’s sobriety? Because, I mean, there are ghosts, and that’s one of the first questions I’d ask. And that’s another little hook for the title, you know?
On December 9, 2009 at 7:53 pm Kristina said...
This Time Around
On December 9, 2009 at 8:01 pm Strop said...
Something haunted
Or Haunted something.
What’s the house called again? Cos haunting’s all I’ve got. It was you saying that Andie was genuinely freaked by what’s going on that registered. I hadn’t picked up on that before. The idea of children being haunted by ghosts is really chilling to me.
On December 9, 2009 at 8:02 pm Carol Anne said...
Once Again With Spirits
I go out for a few hours and there are 89 comments. The collage has Paul Newman on it. The ghost looks like Paul? North looks like Paul? I have to back and read the first chapter.
On December 9, 2009 at 8:04 pm Strop said...
Screams under the stairs
For Your Eyes/ Ears Only
On December 9, 2009 at 8:04 pm Strop said...
Screams under the stairs
For Your Eyes/ Ears Only
On December 9, 2009 at 8:06 pm Kristina said...
or “Maybe This Time”
On December 9, 2009 at 8:07 pm Karin said...
What about “Come Again?”
It can be interpreted a few different ways, one of which has that “Crusie” feel.
On December 9, 2009 at 8:15 pm Savvy2 said...
Here and Gone
Stop Right Here
Let’s Face It
On December 9, 2009 at 8:24 pm CrankyOtter said...
After seeing sarah’s comment, it made me think
“Be Not Afraid”
(ok, so it’s linked with Exodus, and might be thematic but not snarky or sexy). But the phrase has always resonated with me.
Although I’m posting below “Come Again?” which I could get behind in my mood. (not being “coming cleaner”)
Ok, back to writing my review. Or putting off writing my review.
On December 9, 2009 at 8:25 pm Marilyn K. said...
Maybe the title can have 2 of the 3 and the cover design can show the third.
(did that make any sense?)
On December 9, 2009 at 11:10 pm Marilyn K. said...
What I meant by this is to have snarky/sexy title or thematic/snarky title and the cover design could be sexy /spooky or snarky, tho I don’t know how you can get a snarky design.
On December 9, 2009 at 8:32 pm Egads said...
Sweet Bread at Midnight
Sweet Bread and Time
Sweet Bread and Sorrow
Sweet Bread and Ghostlights
Heartlight in the Attic
Whispers through Time
Until Then
Come Along with Me
Time’s Menagerie
A Whisper of Ivy
Creeping Forward
The Fog of Love
Moss Grows on the North Side
The North Side
Suitcase Full of Promise
On December 9, 2009 at 8:40 pm BCB said...
You’ve said (I think) this is not a classic Crusie book but a more serious/scary departure (or something), so why insist on a classic Crusie title? Snarky doesn’t really seem to fit. Though I’d be much more upset by a misleading cover than a slightly-off title.
I suggested it at the end of the last post and will say it again:
THIS TIME
The first time for your H/H didn’t work, so they’re determined to get it right/get over it this time. You say certain chars want to go back in time, but they can’t, they have to live in this time. Same for the ghosts, they have to deal with events/people in this time. Works for me. But what do I know.
No? Okay then, how about: DUE NORTH. [play on words with direction, what's owed to him and, um, "do" North.]
Or just keep drinking. That’s not Kool-aid, is it? [grin]
On December 9, 2009 at 10:05 pm Chevy said...
I said THIS TIME, too! I love that…
On December 9, 2009 at 10:25 pm Merry the CB said...
After ten years, I would say more likely should be “Overdue North,” but what do I know. My mind’s fixated on ‘love after death’ themes, which make ‘laying ghosts’ look quite good.
On December 9, 2009 at 8:46 pm Mary Stella said...
Stranger, Danger
The Way Back
One Way Back
Now, Then, and Again
Every Now and Then
(That one has many different interpretations.)
Every Other Memory
What was Edward R. Murrow’s signoff — Good Night and Good Luck.
On December 9, 2009 at 8:47 pm Katy Cooper said...
This popped into my head reading Better Luck Next Time: Better Luck This Time.
On December 9, 2009 at 8:59 pm Savvy2 said...
Remember I Exist
Let’s Say It’s Real
Show Me It’s Real
Right, Nothing Wrong Here
On December 9, 2009 at 9:03 pm Concord cherry said...
I keep reading your statement of what the characters are saying > “I’m going back and getting it right, damn it.” Terri O and Melissa Blue caught the same phrase I did… “Getting It Right”
Or how about “Wrong Exit”…
On December 9, 2009 at 9:14 pm Beki said...
Some Enchanted Evening
Enchanted Andi (or Alice)
Due North (ha! snark, sex! and someone up there beat me to it!)
I’m with Kate above who brought up “I’ll Be Seeing You” again. I still love that. But at this point, I’m tickled to death to buy a book from you call Thrilled to Be Here. I think that covers all bases and still sounds like Crusie.
On December 9, 2009 at 9:21 pm JulieB said...
I just have a concern about re-writing Andie to make her snarkier. I like Crusie snark but I agree that it will diminish the ghosts if she comes off flippant or cavalier.
I’m in a Cowboy Junkies mood, which hit me as I read this post and learned more about Alice. I thought of their original recording of “Sweet Jane” (a cover of the Velvet Underground from 1988 and was reminded of titles such as “Dreaming my Dreams of You.” and their new album “At the End of Paths Taken”
Or maybe your could just title it “Hard to Explain.”
If anyone wants a retro fix, go to Lala dot com.
http://www.lala.com/#artist/Cowboy%20Junkies/more/songs
On December 9, 2009 at 9:24 pm Eva said...
What do you do with the collage when you’re done? I’m thinking you should auction them. That thing is amazing.
On December 10, 2009 at 1:02 am Jenny said...
They go into storage. And they’re beginning to mount up, too.
On December 9, 2009 at 9:31 pm Gina said...
“Back Again?” or “Back for More”.
On December 9, 2009 at 9:34 pm pina said...
Can’t get there from here.
On December 9, 2009 at 9:44 pm JulieB said...
What about a line from the lullabye, like “That’s a Fact.”
On December 9, 2009 at 9:52 pm Katie Redhead said...
Put You (it?) to Bed
Let it (me/you?) Rest
Never Rest
After the End
What Comes Next
On December 9, 2009 at 9:54 pm Alison said...
Return of the Screw cracks me up, too.
Sticking Place: after Lady Macbeth’s words to her husband (“But screw your courage to the sticking place, and we’ll not fail” or something close to that). And Macbeth even has a ghost.
On December 10, 2009 at 7:57 pm Micki said...
Ooooh, wouldn’t “Screw Your Courage” make a great title for something??? Maybe the hero is constantly being stupid and Brave and Courageous, when discretion would be the better part of valor? LOL! So many good titles with ghost books blooming behind them.
On December 9, 2009 at 9:55 pm Katie Redhead said...
Here for you
On December 9, 2009 at 9:55 pm BCB said...
Plus, I sincerely hope this does not get “lighter” in the re-write. Do not dilute your power like that. We can handle it. Really.
On December 9, 2009 at 10:18 pm hope101 said...
Some of these are specific phrases from the first chapter or inspired by them:
Finding True North
North of Never
North at Midnight
Stuck on North
Bumping in the Night
The Way Things Are Supposed to Be
Doing the Unconventional
Haunted by Rita Coolidge
Damned by Rita Coolidge
Holding On
Handling the Unexpected
Back Where She Began
119 Ghosts (one of my favorites)
November News
Free Will (sorry, couldn’t resist)
On December 9, 2009 at 10:22 pm marly said...
We don’t get to do this again for a year?! R. is actually disappointed. I love to see guys get into things like this.
Staying Over – references the ghosts and has a 2nd sexy meaning
Love To Have You – ditto
Care To Stay – a little creepy
Can you Stay
Worlds Apart
we like Strong Spirits and then there’s:
Spirits Move Me
Move Me
Ardent Spirits
Familiar Spirits
Kindred Spirits
Bar The Door
Behind The Gates
Getting What You Want
Interested Parties
On December 9, 2009 at 10:23 pm marly said...
R. says Make Me Move (getting rid of ghosts and well, you know)
On December 10, 2009 at 1:04 am Jenny said...
Tell R he’s kicking butt on these titles.
On December 9, 2009 at 10:30 pm Kristen said...
Better Luck Last Time
On December 9, 2009 at 10:37 pm Reb said...
Holding On Forever
Forever Starts Now
No Place Like Home
The Bright Side of Death
Been There, Done That
Better Late Than Never
Climbing the Walls
Nope, sexy and snarky ain’t easy.
On December 9, 2009 at 10:40 pm Reb said...
Moving On
On December 9, 2009 at 10:40 pm Tammy said...
From Here To You
Here Goes Everyhing
Come With Me
Choose Me
On December 9, 2009 at 10:43 pm helen said...
I’m nutso-busy on a contract so don’t have time to read through all the posts but it occurs to me that sexy/snarky/thematic lends itself to a vernacular line with a meaning that’s both literal and suggests a a pick-up line.. Something along the lines of Fix Me Up.
h
On December 9, 2009 at 10:52 pm Meggrs said...
Has anyone thrown out “Once More, With Haunting”? Fits the return of Andi/North’s relationship, pays homage to the marvelous Joss, and balances on the edge of snark/wit.
Not so much sexy, but two outta three ain’t bad…
On December 9, 2009 at 11:01 pm Eve said...
Thanks, Lani, for the reassurance
I can stop hyperventilating now. The world is right again.
On December 9, 2009 at 11:12 pm MJ said...
From DH:
Who’s Haunting Who?
…or just Who’s Haunting?
Andromeda by Day
That Haunting Feeling
From me:
Roll Again
On December 9, 2009 at 11:18 pm Reb said...
If anyone’s got a lot of spare time, I just found a thousand or two cliches to look through:
http://clichesite.com/alpha_list.asp?which=lett+1
On December 9, 2009 at 11:36 pm RfP said...
Twice Cooked
(take-out Chinese is calling my name)
On December 10, 2009 at 12:04 am RfP said...
And so…
Twice Hooked
This title game is as bad as an earworm. I can’t walk away. Ooh.
Can’t Walk Away
… case in point.
On December 10, 2009 at 12:20 am JenK said...
In defense of Impossible Things (my favorite of the suggestions):
I’m the sort that roots for the underdog. Something I don’t think I’m alone in. And when you tell me something is impossible- I want it to be possible. So if North and Andie are impossible- I want them to be possible. If real ghosts are impossible- I want them to be real. And if saving a couple of kids is impossible- I want them to be saved. It’s thematic and hopeful, straightforward and honest about the intent of the book. How about we go with those four things instead of your original three? M’kay? Kay.
On December 10, 2009 at 12:22 am Ellie said...
I got it!
No U-Turn
No? Oh well, had to try.
On December 10, 2009 at 1:06 am Renee Somebody said...
Okay, I’ll throw some more in. It’s easier than reconciling robots and fairies in my WIP…
Believe in North
Fixing to Believe
Repeating It
Fixing It
Fixing North
Fixing the Past
Will You Dance?
On December 10, 2009 at 1:11 am Jenny said...
I’ll send THIS TIME and STAYING OVER to Jen, along with STRONG SPIRITS which Mollie dislikes and THRILLED TO BE HERE which Mollie also dislikes. I’m working a tough crowd.
I’m thinking at this point, I could title it THE DAMNED BOOK and be happy, and I know Jen’s ready to grab anything, too. Funny thing is, usually I have the title while I’m writing the book. WELCOME TO TEMPTATION, FAKING IT, FAST WOMEN, BET ME were all in place from the beginning. Same with the three collabs with Bob and DOGS AND GODDESSES (that was Lani’s title). UMF took us awhile, though. This one . . . JEEZ.
Thrilled To Be Here is actually from the book:
The thing is, if it’s the wrong title, it’s going to drive me crazy for years. MANHUNTING and WHAT THE LADY WANTS still make me twitch.
On December 10, 2009 at 2:29 am Chevy said...
I like THIS TIME, but I think I’ve said that twice, so I guess I must REALLY like it…lol But I also really like STRONG SPIRITS, and STAYING OVER is kind of cool, too. ( We have the same editor by the way!)
On December 10, 2009 at 2:53 am Jenny said...
Congratulations on having Jen as your editor. She’s the best.
On December 10, 2009 at 10:33 am Chevy said...
Thanks! She’s fantastic, that’s for sure.
On December 10, 2009 at 10:04 am Jo Walton said...
How about “Stuck with each other”?
On December 10, 2009 at 4:14 pm JulieB said...
Reading this and thinking about Lani’s post way up there gave me another spin on this idea: Charmed, I’m Sure.
On December 11, 2009 at 11:51 am Jenni P said...
Yeah, how about “stuck with each other?” That’s what I thought as soon as I read that.
On December 10, 2009 at 1:50 am Carol Anne said...
THIS TIME or STAYING OVER, both hit all three for me.
On December 10, 2009 at 2:44 am Sheena said...
I like “Laying Ghosts” best, I think. “Return of the Screw” and “Once More With Haunting” made me smile. Also “Say Goodnight”, which I think was way way back in the comments. I loved Merry’s reference to “The Highwayman” much earlier on, and it made me think of “Come to Me By Moonlight”.
On December 10, 2009 at 2:52 am Annie said...
Wow, I never realized how tough a title can be. I never even notice it unless it’s really stupid. I just head straight for the plot summary. There have been times where it’s been three years and I’ve read the book a zillion times and then I’m like “Oh shit. I get it.” I also don’t know grammar. I’m not proud, but at least I read.
On December 10, 2009 at 2:53 am Annie said...
Can’t go wrong with Paul Newman.
On December 10, 2009 at 2:55 am Jenny said...
Paul Newman and James Spader and I think there’s somebody else on there for North, too. I think there are three people on there for Andie, too. It’s more identifying a vibe than it is choosing somebody to be the character.
On December 10, 2009 at 3:06 am Jill said...
Jenny, that collage is ..busy.
On December 10, 2009 at 3:36 am Bonnie C said...
Forgive my impertinence, but… if this is still a WIP then why is a title necessary at this time?
But I’m also happy to play along:
- Once Upon a Midnight Dearie – Blues Traveler/”Run-Around” (I always thought the opening line was “once upon a midnight weary” until the internets set me straight)
- Never is Enough – Bare Naked Ladies/Stunt
I’m apparently musically provoked this evening.
On December 10, 2009 at 3:52 am Jenny said...
We need the title now because marketing planning starts now. It’s already been blurbed in one catalog as AKMG, so we’re behind the gun now.
On December 10, 2009 at 10:32 am D. said...
It’s “Once upon a midnight dreary…”. Like Poe’s “The Raven”.
Never trust the internet for lyrics; they’re usually just cut and paste jobs that were incorrect in the first place.
On December 10, 2009 at 4:12 am Carissa said...
North of Impossible
Not without you
Never without you
Night, Night
Bedtime Stories
Hungry Spirits
Ghosts of *something* past
Seeing Things
On December 10, 2009 at 4:45 am Lurkella said...
Die Spirits (or Die Spirited)
Nigh Spirits
Appearing Nightly
Apparating Nightly
See You Later
Culled from “Turn of the Screw”:
By Strange Steps (paraphrase)
His and Hers
Another Turn (proposed by Emily in previous thread)
On December 10, 2009 at 5:12 am ChelSierra said...
Never Come Back
Time Killer
No Time Like The Present
Stranded
Yet Again
Here We Are, Yet Again
Around, And Around, And Around Again
Stuck In Place
Stuck In Time
Stuck In Time & Place
Here We Go Loopty Loo
Tell Me What You Want
The Place Where I Am Going
Condemned To Repeat It
Set In Stone
Between A Rock And A Hard Place
Seriously Screwed
Slight Chances
Slim Chance
Fat Chance/s
Second Chance/s
Say It Ain’t So
No Where To Go
No Where To Hide
No Where To Run
Destined To Repeat
What Goes Around, Comes Around
On December 10, 2009 at 5:36 am Reb said...
Your Place Or Mine
What Goes Up
Whatever Turns You Round
No Time Like The Present
The Time Of Your Life
Second Wind
Out Of Sight
Now Or Never
Imagine That
Make Up
In Your Dreams
Damned If You Don’t
You Drive Me Crazy
I’ll stop now. I promise.
On December 10, 2009 at 5:44 am Jenyfer Matthews said...
Okay, so time is an issue for you, but surely you have time for another glass of wine and a few more chocolates?
I am thinking along the lines of the unresolved issues of Andie and North and how they want to move forward but have to deal with before – and the ghots of course. How about “(Still) Haunted by You”
I also still like “Better Luck Next Time” (or This Time)
On December 10, 2009 at 5:46 am Jenyfer Matthews said...
Forgot to add also like Strong Spirits – that’s a title with layers
On December 10, 2009 at 7:09 am Savvy2 said...
Well Look Who’s Here
On December 10, 2009 at 8:59 am AgTigress said...
Good grief, has anyone totted up the number of suggestions yet?!
I have to confess that I DON’T care for ‘Impossible Things’: it seems essentially meaningless to me, and doesn’t evoke anything at all, ghostly, creepy, sexy or anything else. It’s just blah. Words have to have visual associations for me, and I can’t get a grip on that one because there’s no picture.
I like the ‘Don’t look back’ group, in spite of the fact they have been used before — things like ‘No Way Back’ and ‘No Return’.
On December 10, 2009 at 9:30 am pat moses-caudel said...
Always Been Here For You it’s more than 2 words. Hey, I’m back to caps, and it’s not even New Years, who knew. I also found the frying pan with 2 fried eggs i made for you out of sterling silver wire crochet. I put it up somewhere to be safe, Agness was quite a while ago. (someone) email where to mail it please? Jon loved it when he read it. I’m re listening to it now. Been away, cancer blows
On December 10, 2009 at 10:13 am Jo Walton said...
Impossible Kisses.
Getting There.
Seeing You. (or See You, or Be Seeing You.)
It seems to me that it might be worth thinking about those things that are on the edges, things used metaphorically for romance but literalised by ghosts. Like “Haunted by your kiss” only snappy instead of cheesy.
On December 10, 2009 at 10:26 am D. said...
“My old cw prof, Lee K Abbott, used to say that a title should sound like something one of the characters would say.”
In that case… _Oh, Just Hell_
On December 10, 2009 at 11:06 am Kate George said...
Okay, I’m admitting upfront that I didn’t read ALL the posts. I’m out of time. (Besides the fact that I got so involved that I forgot to take attendance! – Good thing I don’t have to actually TEACH anything.) Here’s my take, for what it’s worth (with apologies to anyone who already mentioned these):
You Haunt Me
Haunting Me
Haunting Alice
Haunting North
North Haunts Me
Alice, Haunted
Haunted North
I give up. I thought there was an idea there, but it was driven from my mind by teenagers.
On December 10, 2009 at 11:19 am D. said...
Sorry about that last one.
How about:
You Again?
When One Door Closes
Give Up the Ghost
Not great, I know. And my apologies if someone already mentioned them. I can’t remember all the ones that have come before me, too many.
Hey,
All the Ones That Have Come Before
… or not.
On December 10, 2009 at 11:34 am Victoria said...
How about “Once and Again”? or a more pithy “Once Again” since “Once and Again” has already been used by three different authors (I did a quick amazon search.)
“Once Again” didn’t have any Amazon hits.
“Again and Forever” ditto.
The title doesn’t have to be snarky to be Crusie-ish, in my opinion. Especially if the book/heroine/hero isn’t snarky. From what you’ve described the story sounds a bit creepy/noir/suspense-ish. Especially with the ghosts jonesing on the kid(s). That’s why I keep aiming for sexy and thematic noir instead of the holy trinity of “Snarky, Sexy and Thematic.” I think it’s better to be true to the book than be true to a stereotype that doesn’t impact or affect the story.
IMO, if you have to have just one, go with Thematic. While I’m not in the betrayed camp if the title doesn’t 100% reflect the book, I do like the “Ah ha!” moment when I see the title used either in the book, (A la Lee K. Abbott) or be a good summary of the plot and/or theme.
It’s like having a cherry on top.
On December 10, 2009 at 12:05 pm Becky Regan said...
What about “Coming Around…”
On December 10, 2009 at 12:22 pm Lisa said...
I haven’t read through the Gazillion comments for this, but after reading the posts my first thought was:
~Get Back~
Just my 2 cents.
good luck
On December 10, 2009 at 12:27 pm McB said...
I have to say, “Thrilled To Be Here” does sound Crusie-ish. It’s got a little snark and avoids being cutesy.
On December 10, 2009 at 1:25 pm Cindy said...
Come Again?
That’s my suggestion. Although I do like “Thrilled To Be Here.”
On December 10, 2009 at 3:00 pm D. said...
In an effort to avoid my own writing dilemmas…
Don’t Go There
Or, if you’re going with the musical references,
The Only One Who Could Ever Reach Me
Nah, too much. I have to say, I’m with Lani on this one. You could call it Snarky the Wonder Pup Dryhumps the Mailman and I’d still be happy just to have it in my hot little hands. I can see where it would bother you, though. I most often have my title before I ever type a single word. I’m frustrated for you, I can imagine how you must feel.
On December 10, 2009 at 3:44 pm McB said...
No, I can actually see Jenny giving that one consideration. But I don’t think SMP would go for it.
On December 10, 2009 at 6:24 pm Jenny said...
I’m pretty sure everybody on this list would buy Snarky the Wonderpup Dryhumps the Mailman whether my name was on it or not.
On December 10, 2009 at 8:04 pm Micki said...
(-: I wouldn’t, unless your name was on it . . . and maybe I’d wait for paperback. I’m phobic about dryhumping dogs (-:. That book would be wayyyy too dark for me.
On December 10, 2009 at 3:51 pm Catherine Nelson said...
OK, so I have two thoughts:
One, “Here I Am, (Stuck in the Middle With You)” or some variation. Like the Jerry Rafferty song. It’s kind of snarky in a resigned kind-of way. It gives the sense of teamwork. And since all the characters are “stuck” and they’re looking to move forward, it also has that “oh, it’s you again” feeling.
Two, “Navigating North”. I was going to say “Heading North” but that just leads to all kinds of shenanigans. Although it doesn’t really have the sexy element, it definitely conveys the sense of trying to find your way. And maybe even avoiding certain things.
Neither of these have the “ghost” element but I don’t think that’s so much of a main story as the whole get-back-together-with-the-ex.
Just some thoughts as I’m catching up on your blog…
On December 10, 2009 at 4:15 pm AgTigress said...
“Snarky the Wonder Pup Dryhumps the Mailman”: you may have distracted Jenny, by making her speculate on a plot to go with that one…
On December 10, 2009 at 4:25 pm jessie said...
Well, if Sherman Alexie can have a great book called “”The Lone Ranger and Tonto fistfight in Heaven”, surely “Snarky the Wonder Pup Dryhumps the Mailman” isn’t too long a title. And I would buy it.
On December 10, 2009 at 4:38 pm LaLi said...
What about
“It’s Not Over”
On December 10, 2009 at 5:05 pm Jess said...
I DON’T like Better Luck Next Time at all. It’s what people say when they aren’t the least bit sorry about your bad luck this time. It’s cocky, not snarky.
I like:
Maybe This Time
See You Again
Impossible Things (Before Breakfast)
Impossible You/You’re Impossible
Meet Me at Midnight
Strange Love
Love Me Always/Always Love Me
I love your essay titles on your for writers page, by the way. Those are brilliant.
And just because:
It’s Getting Haunt In Here
On December 10, 2009 at 5:11 pm robena grant said...
Stuck in the Middle With You
Who’s coming, Who’s Going?
On December 10, 2009 at 5:56 pm Marcia in OK said...
Play it Again.
On December 10, 2009 at 5:57 pm Marcia in OK said...
Once more with Feeling.
On December 10, 2009 at 6:21 pm Jenny said...
They had a meeting, they looked at a list of titles, they picked Maybe This Time. I can live with that pretty easily, so I’m good.
And you are all amazing. Thank you!
Now I must go write Snarky the Wonderpup.
On December 10, 2009 at 7:13 pm Moth said...
That was actually my favorite after “Always Kiss Me Goodnight”.
On December 10, 2009 at 8:23 pm D. said...
You’re welcome.
On December 10, 2009 at 9:42 pm Sierra said...
This was my favorite, followed by Believe in Me, so YAY!
I’m also glad that it’s a title you can live with pretty easily. Hopefully the stress this was causing you isn’t replaced by anything huge.
On December 11, 2009 at 12:16 pm Meredith B. said...
Hurray! We have a title! As long as you’re happy with it, we’re happy with it!
On December 11, 2009 at 1:50 pm Judy Long said...
I like it!
On December 11, 2009 at 2:28 pm Kristina said...
Well, that’s a cool Christmas present for me. Somebody liked my suggestion. Of course, I am not sure how many people suggested the same title, but it still made my day.
On December 10, 2009 at 6:33 pm Chevy said...
Hey, I like that!
On December 10, 2009 at 10:51 pm Sharon said...
So glad the title has been decided and I really like the choice! Can’t wait to read the book. I’ve been re-reading Fast Women this week and want to ask a question to all these readers- In the book, all 3 women have china/dishes that have been passed down , collected or stored. A mother even takes a hammer to her inherited china when she finds out her husband is cheating and Suze sends the passed down china to her husband’s new mistress. Here is my question–Have any of the Cursie readers ever broken their china, sold it or hated it after an incident in their lives?
On December 11, 2009 at 12:31 am Sierra said...
After my best friend’s mother died, she was having a really hard time because she was the one who had to take care of everything. (Her parents were long divorced.) One evening she ended up smashing a small figurine in the parking lot because she was so angry and upset at something her father had said. The next day, I went to Goodwill and bought her a huge stack of plates. I think only one of them survived the next few months. Fast Women was my inspiration.
On December 11, 2009 at 2:54 pm Jenny said...
Love this. Thank you.
The inspiration for that part of the book was from a bookseller who told me that after her husband dumped her for a younger woman, she took his mother’s china, which she hated, and separated out all the cracked or chipped pieces, and then put them in a paper bag to contain the mess, and then smashed the hell out of them with a hammer. I loved that story, how careful she was.
On December 12, 2009 at 11:07 pm RfP said...
I always enjoy a good Crockery Smash. Wish more fairs had them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOi2wuN2Uo0
San Diego used to have an indoor version: Sarah’s Smash Shack, where you could rent a soundproofed room full of cheap crockery to smash.
http://boingboing.net/2009/05/31/sarahs-smash-shack-r.html
It must be a universal impulse. Googling ‘crockery smash’ brings up a number of interesting links!
On December 11, 2009 at 12:26 am MaryG said...
OK, now I’ve April Rhodes (Kristen Chenoweth in Glee) singing “Maybe This Time” in an endless loop in my head. Lucky for me, I love her voice.
On December 11, 2009 at 2:14 am Carol Anne said...
Which brings me to Liza Minnelli – singing the song. Cabaret – a must see musical.
On December 11, 2009 at 2:52 pm Jenny said...
My fave version used to be Liza Minelli’s. Now it’s the one from Glee.
On December 11, 2009 at 12:54 am robena grant said...
I like it. It says so much about so many of your characters. Bet you’re glad to have that problem solved.
On December 11, 2009 at 1:14 am Julia said...
What about something around the theme/phrase of a “do over”? if you wanted to add sexy (maybe even snark?) some play on “do me” and “do over”? or “get me” and “get it right”
On December 11, 2009 at 6:39 am BettyD said...
Larger than Life
On December 11, 2009 at 2:56 pm Jenny said...
Maybe This Time was one of the first alternate titles I suggested to Jen, so we pretty much did a loop back to it when we couldn’t find anything else. It’s been used before several times, but marketing didn’t care. It was in the original post–the one before this–but we’d already gone past it. And I can definitely live with it. It won’t be one of those stunningly great titles, but then there are very few of those, like stunningly great covers. Which is the next job. Argh.
I know. High class problems. I’m not complaining, I swear.
On December 11, 2009 at 4:25 pm Kay T said...
just saw the title of the new Anne Tyler – Noah’s Compass. It really grabbed me and made me go off on a “compass” jones for a day or two while my internet was gone. It fits with North and South, etc. But I REALLY like Maybe This Time. so you did not need my two cents worth. But here it is for FREE!!
On December 11, 2009 at 6:52 pm RandomRanter said...
For some reason I keep thinking “That’s a Twist” which might be because I started with turn and tried to figure out a more contemporary version of turn of a screw.
On December 12, 2009 at 12:41 am Jill said...
Can you stand one more title ? A woman in Joplin had published a book about Joplin Historic Architecture. It probably wil have a limited readership. The title is NOW AND THEN AND AGAIN
On December 14, 2009 at 2:03 am Nancy said...
Skipping everyone else’s wonderful suggestions this time (sorry, folks, it’s late). … I saw the 2-sentence description about 3 females, those who give up the past succeed. Took me to the Mary Engelbreit illustration showing a fork in the road, with signposts
Your Life | No Longer an Option
and the caption Don’t Look Back. Very evocative for me. Go forward, stop worrying about all the stuff that came before.
On December 17, 2009 at 11:58 am k said...
stuck together,
‘so you’re alice’
‘since we’re stuck..’ (sorry, got a bit fixated on the excerpt)
On December 17, 2009 at 11:59 am k said...
ohh! just saw that you already chose on a final title (which i do like!!) So sorry! never commented on a blog before, just got really suckered into the whole discussion..
On December 19, 2009 at 9:04 pm ruthie said...
Sorry to piggyback on this one, but the previous one has dug in its little heels and is refusing further comments. Anyway, if no one’s said this already, I saw on imdb that there was a prior Once More With Feeling in the 60s with Yul Brynner and Kay Kendall.
Sounds like it might be fun. Hope I did that right. Preview’s not working.
On December 20, 2009 at 6:37 am stephanie said...
1. yum yum yum. paul newman =) =)
2. i dunno how to help because i read the books when they are out BUT
3. maybe i’ve go the idea:
history repeating, the past & pending (thats a shins song though), second time around, here we go again, never again.. i dunno just thought i’d help
4. i like once more with feeling & maybe this time (glee is my fav too!!)