Today’s post is a short one. I’ve mentioned before that A Traveler’s Tale is most likely only my novel’s working title. I’ve been told that that particular title has been used before, in whole or in part, and recently.
So it also won’t come as a surprise that I occasionally turn my thoughts to alternative titles for Elisa and William’s story, and that recently I’ve played with a few of these.
Sorceress, Wisewoman, Witch, Wife is one, but it’s probably too long. A variation could be Sorceress, Enchantress, Witch, Wife, or even Sorceress, Horse Thief, Wisewoman, Wife. But of course, all are likely too long, too.
A Future in the Past, is nice, but only just. Same for Future Past, which sounds more like an errant English verb tense than a book title.
Oddly, I like this next one, even though it’s only bearing on the story is that it refers to a line in the novel. It is: The Luck of Two Magpies or The Luck of Magpies.
I thought I had a photo of two magpies in my photo file of Bruges. Turns out it’s hardcopy and not electronic, so here’s one of the city’s clock tower.
And with that, I’m out of ideas… for now.
Well, I said it would be a short post.
I LOVE The Luck of Two Magpies. I would definitely check out a book with that title. BUT, it should reflect something essential that is woven into the story–not just mentioned once. (Unless the line is the eye-smacking, showstopper mother of all lines.) Not trying to make work for you but is it worth it to see if the magpie connection can be strengthened enough in the story to justify the title?
Well, repeating their appearance in a place or two, especially with one in the denouement when all issues have been resolved would be an easy fix. Good idea, M.
I like The Luck of Magpies. But agree with the maerwydd above that it should reflect the novel in some way. Can you find a variation on your original title? Wisewoman’s travels, wife’s tales, something about a journey or story, perhaps? As you can see I struggle with titles, good luck to you though.
Hmm. Well, S.P., trying to find alternative descriptors for how Elisa is seen by the various characters in the 14th century story is what got me to that cumbersome coupling in the first place–trying to capture various aspects of her persona. It may not be the way to go, but I’ll keep working on it! Thanks for the comment.
I like the magpie one too, since it’s mysterious. If I’m really stuck, I play with title generators online – usually the word associations spark an idea!
Dear Deniz,
Interesting idea. Thanks for the input.
Donna