With my first novel already entered in the ABNA contest, I'm working on revisions of Novel #3. My biggest problem, though, is my title is absolutely terrible. Title suckage is a consistent problem for me, for my titles are either far too long and convoluted (I must have learned this from my research paper writing days) or are simplistic and completely unimaginative.
Here's the story's premise: A sixteen-year-old girl, who has been in and out of foster homes most of her life (mom lost military husband and turned to drugs for solace), moves into a house on Puget Sound with her mom and new stepfather. The house is a bargain, but it's also haunted, and mom and stepdad have issues from the very beginning. Finally, stepdad leaves for good--only mom does, too, since she disappears like she has so many times before. The daughter Emme doesn't want to go back into foster care, so she tries to make it on her own in the little house, keeping her mom's absence from her stepdad and social workers. But the house she's living in is haunted, as she's reminded of almost daily.
This is an actual picture of a ghost among some tall grasses. Source: Ghoststudy.com. If you like ghosts, you should really check out this site. LOADS of great pictures!
The ghost at first terrifies her, but soon she gets used to him, even learning his name ("Charley"). He finds ways of communicating with her, and even helps her get a job and keep the house, etc. Beneficial ghost. I don't want to go into all the other details (don't want to spoil it for anybody), but I have the most horrifically craptacular title on the face of the planet right now, and I need a better one. Come to think of it, any title would be a better one! Let me illustrate:
Just Me and Charley
Yup, that's the title. Pathetic, yes, but at least I already know this! I really want something to reflect the ghostliness, Puget Sound, the foster kid trying to make it on her own, etc. Have pity on me and help me out, all you creative people!
Oooh, how about Ghost on the Water? It's better, but, like I said, any title would be better. Can you help me? Please?
While you're at it, got any creepy-ish music to suggest I listen to while I revise? I love to revise accompanied by appropriate music.
WITHOUT COINS ON HER EYES (Coins for Charon to row across the Styx)
ReplyDeleteMOM LEFT CHARLEYS DEAD
EMMA'S LIVING DEAD
HAUNTED HELP
GHOST OF FREEDOM
GHOST WHISPERS IN MY EAR
A DEAD GUEST
COMING TO LIFE WITH THE DEAD
CHARLEY WAITED A LONG TIME
DEAD WISDOM
OK That's ten. I wouldn't suggest anyone in particular Shakes but maybe one will give you the inspiration you need. I have done a title almost every day for a decade.
I know a lot of people have trouble with titles but the key is know your point and then allude to it in the title.
FOSTER GHOST
ReplyDeleteADOPTED BY THE DEAD
GHOSTLY GUIDANCE
That's all I can come up with before coffee.
MY BEST FRIEND IS DEAD
ReplyDeleteSOLACE BEYOND THE VEIL
SPIRITUAL HOME
SAVED BY A SPIRIT
JUST ONE PROBLEM WITH CHARLEY
MY HOME BEYOND THE GRAVE
I like:
ReplyDeleteAdopted by the dead
and
The problem with Charley
My input: Haunted Happiness
Sorry. That's all I've got.
I was just thinking "The Problem with Charley" was better than the way I worded mine.
ReplyDeleteWalking Man, I agree that the title should suggest the point somewhat--or at least the mood. Perhaps that's my problem. The novel has some humor in it, sure, but it's more scary/thriller/mystery.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Project Savior--it would be nice to suggest how solitary both of them are, how this brings the ghost and the girl together.
Stephanie, I love the first one--it's a shocker. And, nightingailw, I'd love to have his name in this--perhaps I work it through...
If any more of you chime in, be certain that I'm listening. I've got at least a few weeks of revisions, so keep the titles coming!
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ReplyDelete