Thursday, July 24, 2008

Guest Blogger -- Title Gods/Goddesses Needed!


A novel by any other name…still wouldn't have a title.

Sometimes a story comes with a title attached. Other times finding a title is like pulling teeth without any anesthetic. In my experience, there is no in-between. Right now, I'm faced with the latter. I have a completed manuscript just aching for a name. I even went so far as to write a tagline, blurb, and warning—a task I usually dread—in an attempt to find a title. So far, no joy. I asked around at Slash & Burn. Now I'm asking you here on Kate Davies Blogs! I want to hear your suggestions based on the aforementioned tagline, blurb, and warning, which I will post below. No suggestion is too silly, too bawdy, too schlocky, too snarky, too purple. Hell, my first novel was named by one of my beta readers with the accompanying statement that "it's better than nothing". Which it was, since it made it to publication. And speaking of that, I'll even sweeten the pot, shall I? When I sell this thing (I'm practicing my positive thinking. Kate's so good at it and I'm trying to learn from her.), if it goes to print with the title you suggested, you'll get a free download. Sound fair? All right. Here's what I've got.

Title: (You tell me...)

Author: Maia Strong

Genre: M/M erotic fantasy romance

When internal conflict is mirrored by civil unrest, Jonas must choose between truth and safety.On the surface, Jonas Vaneau's life is perfectly average. He works at the law courts five days week, spends Sabbath night with his parents and every other night with his cat, and tolerates the unending string of single women his mother invites to Sabbath dinner. But his routine life cannot provide what he most desires—at least not as long as he must continue to pretend to be the person his overbearing parents want him to be.

An unusual encounter with a seemingly ordinary client causes Micah Hartshorn considerable consternation. When Jonas inadvertently and inexplicably breezes right past his emotional defenses, Micah finds himself involved in a drama that is far beyond anything for which his professional skills have prepared him. Figuring out this new puzzle isn't in his plans—especially not when he has his own issues to deal with both at home and at work.

All personal problems are swept up in political unrest when new laws change daily life for everyone in the city. Conflict grows among a population divided by new policies. What chance does an ordinary legal journeyman have to fix the city's troubles when he can't even fix his own?

Warning: This book contains drinking, sex, language, politics, and organized religion; nine-year-old civil rights activists; legalized prostitution; and foreign food.
So... Help?

Links! We got links!
http://www.maiastrong.com/

4 comments:

mamasand2 said...

Hi Maia! You know just another paragraph or 2 about Jonas and Micah would have really helped.So I'm doing quite a bit of guessing here, but I will throw out a few. Let me know if you want more.


Safety in Truth

Safety Through Truth

To Live the Truth

Set Free by the Truth

Set Free by Truth

Living the Truth

Truth's Safe Haven

Finding Truth

Finding the Truth

Finding Safety in Truth

Finding Happiness in Truth

The Truth of Two

Happiness Through Truth

sandie

Maia Strong said...

Right on, sandie! Awesome list! :D

Anonymous said...

I went to a legal dictionary site and put in "safety in truth" and came up with the term "prior restraint." Maybe something along those lines...

Maia Strong said...

Prior Restraint. That's intriguing, esp. considering Jonas's job. Thanks, Arden!