The scene became the idea for the book. The title followed the scene. For years I lived with that title. I loved that title. I believed it was THE title. So much so, that I had the book cover made before I finished self-editing the first time. Can you imagine where this is going? I had copies made of the book cover to show friends and family. This was my way of gathering interest long before I got it published.
An acquaintance saw a photo of the book cover. My world took the first shift. “You know your editor might change your title.” Stubborn me paused and shrugged off the comment. Why would I worry, I had a great title. No way was my title changing. It said what I wanted to say about my story.
Then it happened. The second shift. I was told the title needed to change. This was throwing out my baby. I sat with the suggestions for far too long. I had to finally admit the title I had lived with for years needed to be changed. How can I explain that to the title? Laugh if you must. A piece of me was being pushed aside, and I needed to mourn.
A new title and now the cover needs to be re-worked. I hope the readers like the new title. In my mind, it will always be the title that started me on writing the story. Here’s to the original title, long may she live with me.