For years, I have been working on a book I had originally titled “Shadyside.” A lot of years in fact. Over a decade probably.
It’s come together quickly at times, and then I’ve hit snags where it sidelined my creativity (and, worse, enthusiasm) for years.
Then I’d have an idea out-of-the-blue that dissolved whatever block had been stopping me and off I’d joyously start working again.
The latest block was the title. This one has been a two-year doozie.
See, there is a popular neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, named Shadyside.
Go ahead. Google it. You know you want to now. I’ll wait…
I don’t want to even try and compete with something like that. My book would never get found on the off chance anyone Googles it to try and find it –or to find out more about it.
So…it had to be renamed. In my heart I knew this to be true.
But I loved the name Shadyside.
Even when I was frustrated with which direction to take certain plot turns, I have always loved my beloved Shadyside.
It’s not only a title, but the setting for the book which is a character in an of itself. And just like any other character, I’ve developed feelings for it. Strong ones. Because I know this is one of my best stories yet –and best characters.
Which is also why it’s taken me so long to complete it. There’s that nagging little Negativity Monster lurking in the dark recesses of my mind saying, “What if it’s not as good as you think? What if everyone hates it and never wants to read another word you write ever again? Or, even worse, what if it is as good as you think? What else have you got? Can you handle the pressures and expectations following a winner? Can you deliver a second time?”
I’ve finally come to the point I know how to beat that little monster back, but the title…
Shadyside was so perfect. [Insert high pitched whiny voice here.]
But if had to pick another title, I better make it matter. As in, the words better have meaning.
The two words I liked best were:
- Reaper, and
- Forge
Definition of “reaper” – a person or machine that harvests a crop. Also short for Grim Reaper.
Definition of “forge” – produce a copy or imitation for the purpose of deception.
Bingo! The book’s essence is about both of those things.
But together for a town’s name they weren’t meshing.
And then it happened. While looking at the cover (which I’ve had for years because the moment I saw it, my heart screamed, “That’s Shadyside!”), and deciding how to make Reaper or Forge work, I asked myself, “What is on the cover itself?”
Woods, trees, forests, pines…
Hmm…Pine Forge? Forge Pines? Reaper Pines?
Eureka!
Reaper Pines! Yes! That I can work with.
So…just a few final pages to write and re-write, proofing and editing, followed by formatting and voila!
Soon, readers will be able to experience Reaper Pines and decide for themselves if this is a good book or not!
Before
After
