Friday, March 12, 2010

A new title??

So, I have never been married the title, "Speak Not Against the Sun." I slapped it on so I could put it up on the JAFF sites. It seemed clever enough, but it is a mouthful. It's tied to a wonderful thread throughout my story arc, but I'm not convinced that this is what I will name my baby.

I had been toying with a joke title, which made me laugh, but the more I thought about it, the more appropriate it sounded. And it would stop a Janeite in her tracks, if she saw it in a bookstore. "The Practice of Elegant Females." Very marketable, but still not speaking to my soul.

And then, two days ago, it hit me while I was editing Chapter 9. "A Rush of Blackbirds." It's what started the entire story, and it is referred to several times thereafter. I can't stop thinking about it.

Elizabeth ran through the rain. She was dressed in her deep green gown, her hair wet and loose down her back. A dark figure in a red coat was waiting in the shadows of the wood. He smiled handsomely, and bid her to come. Elizabeth stopped in horror, and wanted to change her course, but something down the muddy path caught her eye. Mr. Darcy was sitting against the oak, holding her handkerchief, but he did not see her. He saw nothing, for scarlet was pouring from his head, and his body was twisted and broken. A rush of blackbirds startled her awake. She was in London.

Le sigh... It just sounds so dang romantic to me. Is it just me? What do you think, Miss Austen?

14 comments:

  1. Ya know, I've always found my titles and then rode them out. Why not wait out the story and then see what you think when you are done - or when you are trying to sell the sucker.

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  2. I love your title and the ongoing Latin in-jokes between Lizzy and Darcy. But an author's gotta go what an author's gotta do.

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  3. Whatever you do will be fab.... bbuuuuuutttttt... I absolutely love the title now. It is poetic and just as clever as Jane's original title. I am certain that I will be muttering your lovely title under my breath any time my hubby thinks he should argue with me.
    xo
    Carrie

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  4. Awww, thanks ladies. Maybe I'm just too close to it now.

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  5. I'm doing a little "I'm on my last chapter, happy dance" right now. Anyone care to join me?? Chapter 13 will be it, I think. I might add an epilog, but I can't believe it. I still have to go back and fill in and clean up the last few chapters, but this is making me soooo very happy.

    "Boogie, boogie wonderla-and..."

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  6. I'll join you in that dance!

    Any chance of a special preview of the rest of the novel for your diehard fans?

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  7. Crystal,
    You will always be the first to see my new Chapters. I want to drag it out a little, only because I don't want it to be over. You will all go away. :0(

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  8. You won't know what to do with yourself when you finish. It's a rather odd experience to go through.

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  9. Well, shucks, I guess you'll just have to write more then!

    Golly, whatever shall we do?

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  10. I have another book in my head, but it's not JAFF. I will at least update you all on my attempts to get this one published etc...

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  11. I like the original and think it is poetic and memorable. Keep it til the book is finished and then decide... but I really love it. Elyse

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  12. I love, love, LOVE the new title! Can't wait to see how it all ends. You are doing an amazing job!!

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  13. Danielle? My Danielle? Hi sweetie! So glad you are enjoying it. :0) Have a blessed day!

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  14. I like the "Speak not Against the Sun" title. Congrats on finishing up your novel!!! I look forward to reading the last couple of chapters. I love your style!

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