This will be the briefest of posts, but one I take immense delight in making public. I just received a publishing contract from Oak Tree Books for my first (self-published) book, BY FORCE OR FEAR. I have taken it off Amazon and will be sprucing it up–maybe even a new cover–for re-release in e-book and paperback. I hope to launch it with as much fanfare as possible and will let the world know when it is available.
Be sure to check in on April 1st–yes, Tuesday, April Fool’s Day for an interview with Marilyn Meredith, author Murder in the Worst Degree, the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries and the Rocky Bluff PD series.
Sometimes I know the title before I write the book. At other times I flounder while trying to find the perfect title.
For my Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries, Tempe is a Native American, I often find an Indian legend or saying by an Indian and use some part of that. Dispel the Mist, Invisible Path, Wing Beat all came about that way. The one I’m working on now, Spirit Shapes also came from a quote. Of course they have something to do with the story too.
Raging Water by Marilyn Meredith
The latest in that series, Raging Water, is a reference to what happens to Bear Creek when a huge storm strikes. I had to ask for help from my writer’s group for that title.
Sometimes the title strikes me immediately, even before I start to write–at other times I flounder.
With the Rocky Bluff series, a first title came easy.
Final Respects revolves around the death of a much-loved policeman, a mortuary and a funeral–the title was perfect.
Bad Tidings refers to the bad news police officers often have to deliver–and there is plenty in this book.
In Fringe Benefits a not so good police officer takes advantage of his job.
Smell of Death was the perfect title for this mystery centering on multiple murders.
Because No Sanctuary is about two churches, the ministers, their wives and the people who attend, this was the perfect title.
An Axe to Grind fit the murder weapon and motive.
Angel Lost has a double reference which becomes apparent when you read the story.
The reason for calling this next one No Bells doesn’t become apparent until near the end.
Dangerous Impulses by Marilyn Meredith
I had one heck of a time coming up with the title for Dangerous Impulses and one of the members of my critique group provided this one.
And for the one I’m writing now, a friend gave me the title which triggered the plot line. I’ve only written 5 chapters so I’ll wait a bit to reveal the title.
Remember, titles can’t be copyrighted, and often there is more than one book with the same title–sometimes they even come a around the same time.
I do always check Amazon for titles I’m considering.
