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Message |
    
Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
3837
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 07:07 am: |   |
Well, finished up my final round (I think I said that last time too) of revisions on the WIP. Going to run through the full manuscript one more time to catch any unfortunate errors, and then start up the query train again.
But last night, I was pondering the idea of a title change. Maybe it's too late...I don't know. Maybe it's just the query-time jitters...
What used to be referred to as FRIENDS IN DEED is now (tentatively) called HEROES FINISH LAST. My concern is that agents will see the mention of my upcoming novel (HEROES DIE YOUNG), think all of these books are interconnected, and reject it outright. Although they are based on the same main character, they stand alone (with some minor interlacing for the enjoyment of those who've read the earlier books and stories).
What does everyone else think?
Mindsight Moderator
Aston's Website
Aston's Blog |
Claudia Turner VanLydegraf
Wandering Member
Post Number:
163
Registered: 08-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 09:49 am: | |
Todd,
I would NOT go with Heroes Finish Last for the simple reason of the negative connotation of FINISHING LAST has. Personally, something that is negative is not all that appealing, don't you think???? You might ask in the title WILL HEROES FINISH LAST? or something like that, or some other positive spin to Friends in Deed that might tie in.
Just my thoughts, and not really worth all that much.
Claudia
MINDSIGHT MODERATOR
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Nancy Mehl
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
2687
Registered: 08-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 03:37 pm: | |
I don't know. I think the actual phrase is "Good guys finish last." Which I don't agree with, btw. I guess it works for "heroes."
I like what Will Rogers said about heroes: "We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."
But I guess that's a little too long for a book title...(G)
Nancy
MINDSIGHT MODERATOR
"The Ivy Towers Mystery Series" Barbour Books - 2008
www.nancymehl.com
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Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
4527
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 05:40 pm: | |
I can't remember why you wanted to change the name from Friends in Deed. I don't like Heroes Finish Last either because of the negative flavor.
The Vladirian Chronicles
Heroes Laugh Last
We Can't All Be Heroes  )
Laurel Johnson
http://laureljohnsonblogs.blogspot.com
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Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
3838
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 08:06 pm: | |
Haven't yet decided to change it for good. Last night, I just began pondering a name change. FID just doesn't seem like it would appeal (title-wise) to agents or publishers.
I have to agree with Claudia and Laurel about the negative nature of HEROES FINISH LAST. Probably going to dump that one. I suppose I'll see if anything comes up while I run through this last round of revisions.
Mindsight Moderator
Aston's Website
Aston's Blog |
Dennis Collins
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
2509
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 09:42 am: | |
Sometimes titles are hidden in the text of your book.
My second book, as a work in progress was simply titled "Monica," until the Monica Lewinski thing came along. Then a friend of mine was proofreading it for me and sent me a note saying "Here is your new title," refering to a line out of the dialog. In the story, one cop was giving another cop very vague directions to a northern Michigan hideaway. He said, "On the fourth of July, you begin in downtown Detroit and you start walking north. When you get to September, you turn left." Hence the title, "Turn Left at September."
Dennis Collins
Moderator
www.theunrealmccoy.com
http://theunrealmccoy.blogspot.com |
Harry Simenon
Unity Member
Post Number:
1906
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 11:49 am: | |
My book was first titled: "The Hidden Masters."
But when you google that all kind of Mystic Eastern folks pop up that have absolutely nothing to do with the story.
Now it's "The Thirteen thousandth Moon," and I still don't like it; I think it's too long and awkward. I did submit it like that though.
I wonder how far I will get down my list of publishers...
(I got down to three in the USA and hit the jackpot already: "Publish America.")
At least I got a letter opener from one publisher as a reward for my patience. Or perhaps it's to open future rejection letters?
I think Dennis' suggestion might work Todd. |
Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
3839
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 03:35 pm: | |
Sometimes titles are hidden in the text of your book.
That's actually how I came up with the title for my novella coming out this fall, HEROES DIE YOUNG.
Mindsight Moderator
Aston's Website
Aston's Blog |
Stephen Lodge
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
663
Registered: 06-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 07:57 pm: | |
"Sometimes titles are hidden in the text of your book."
Movies, too - I remember when I was a kid and we'd hear an actor speak a line of dialogue in which the film's title was used. We'd all cheer!!!
http://www.stephenlodge.com
Novels by Stephen Lodge:
"Charley Sunday's Texas Outfit!"
"Nickel-Plated Dream"
"Shadows of Eagles"
|
Joyce Scarbrough
Unity Member
Post Number:
1285
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 09:33 am: | |
I didn't have the title for TRUE BLUE FOREVER until Jeana wrote the poem for Mickey at the end of part one that ended in "true blue." However, all my subsequent books have had the titles come to me first. Not sure why.
Todd, I like Laurel's suggestion of HEROES LAUGH LAST.
~Joyce Sterling Scarbrough
True Blue Forever
ISBN 0-9722385-9-X
Different Roads
ISBN 0-9722385-3-0
Authors Ink Books
http://www.authorsinkbooks.com
Read the first chapters: http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1
Waste time on Joyce's Blog: http://joycescarbrough.blogspot.com
Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kztz5e3XZeo |
Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
3840
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 06:18 pm: | |
I do as well...though I'm debating whether it would be better suited for this one, or for the next manuscript (DEATH BRINGS THE VICTORY)...still have a few more days until I finish final edits (plus some time for the synopsis), so we'll see what happens.
Mindsight Moderator
Aston's Website
Aston's Blog |
Harry Simenon
Unity Member
Post Number:
1910
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 03, 2008 - 10:48 am: | |
"Death brings the victory" sounds quite cheerful to me... |
Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
3841
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 03, 2008 - 06:22 pm: | |
That title was actually a take-off from a church hymn. Since I haven't finished the manuscript (or gotten anywhere close), it's still very much in the air...but the nature of the story isn't altogether cheerful.
Mindsight Moderator
Aston's Website
Aston's Blog |
LA
Unity Member
Post Number:
2263
Registered: 12-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 14, 2008 - 06:25 pm: | |
Todd,
It would depend on the genre, I believe you write sci-fi, right? As well as the content of the book. Unfortunately, I cannot say that I've read your Aston series, so I wouldn't have a clue where to start with titles, but if "We Can't All Be Heroes" doesn't fit this one, I'd keep that idea in mind for a possibility. At least for a short story. That has potential as a title.
If there is a poignant line in the story, such as Dennis had with Turn left at September, grab that and either use it as is or twist it. The poignant line tends to speak volumes about the book in its simplicity.
Best luck, man.
LA
New Releases: Joyce Sterling Scarbrough: DIFFERENT ROADS. Elura Coren: JADED. Allen Parker: NUDIST GUY & YANKEE GAL |
Bill Nelson
Unity Member
Post Number:
2971
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 14, 2008 - 08:31 pm: | |
LA,
Damn, I though you were dead.
I'll cancel the flowers I ordered. |
Harry Simenon
Unity Member
Post Number:
1940
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 09:17 am: | |
Hi LA,
Good to hear from you again! I hope you don't immediately leave? |
Frank Mazur
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
334
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 10:24 am: | |
The trouble with the word "heroes" is that today it has a "watered down," if you will, meaning. I've heard the thousands who died in the towers on 9/11 called "heroes." I recently listened to the pilots and medical staff of two helicopters that crashed into each other termed heroes. Maybe it doesn't matter, but it might be worth your consideration.
4-dollar gas? Stay home, kick back, and read a great book by F. E. Mazur.
SPINE
THE BUCKSELLER
"A BIGGER CASE" |
Harry Simenon
Unity Member
Post Number:
1942
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 10:53 am: | |
In my opinion the word hero should be used when somebody undertakes something extraordinary dangerous or brave while fully realizing the risks?
It's the same with the word 'terrorist' it seems. Even peaceful protesters are labeled that way sometimes by people who do not agree with the protest.
Soon the world will exist out of heroes and terrorists only. |
Stephen Lodge
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
668
Registered: 06-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 09:06 pm: | |
"Soon the world will exist out of heroes and terrorists only"
And that will come to be - just as soon as we get rid of all the whiners.
http://www.stephenlodge.com
Novels by Stephen Lodge:
"Charley Sunday's Texas Outfit!"
"Nickel-Plated Dream"
"Shadows of Eagles"
|
Fred Dungan
Unity Member
Post Number:
2096
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 10:25 pm: | |
Harry,
In the case of the two medical helicopters that crashed, it was obvious that both pilots had steered away from an occupied area on the way down. Putting other people's lives before your own makes someone a hero in my book. Besides, since helicopters are not equipped with black boxes, we will never know what exactly happened in the last seconds before they crashed. I would much rather give the pilots, the patients, and the medical personnel that were aboard the two mercy copters the benefit of the doubt than to rob them of an honor which they may or may not deserve. Everybody loves a hero, but nobody loves a spoilsport.
http://www.fdungan.com/son.htm |
Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
3848
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 05:24 am: | |
Putting other people's lives before your own makes someone a hero in my book.
And in my upcoming book, as luck would have it...
Mindsight Moderator
Aston's Website
Aston's Blog |
Harry Simenon
Unity Member
Post Number:
1943
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 09:08 am: | |
Fred, I wasn’t commenting on any helicopter pilots, only on the use of the word ‘heroes.' You start to have a ‘Pavlov’ response when reading my name…
“Everybody loves a hero, but nobody loves a spoilsport.”
But that is no reason to create heroes out of thin air: you would do injustice to real heroes. Like Frank says: that would create inflation.
If you don’t know what happened than there are no heroes and no cowards; situation unknown. |
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