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Choosing Titles

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A lot of writers begin a story without a title in mind. They flesh out the characters, envelop themselves deep within the story, and never think about the title until a) one comes to them naturally while writing the book, or b) they are forced to think of one because they can’t submit without the title.

Not so with me. You see, I can’t lose myself in a story if it’s untitled. I can connect with the characters and flesh out their lives, but I can’t spend hours, weeks, and months bleeding on the page without giving that page a name. Talking with friends about my work in progress only works for me if that WIP has a title.

Imagine it: I’m raving about my newborn son or daughter, showing pictures to friends. They ooh and ahh over how handsome he is, and then someone asks, “What’s his name?”

I can’t reply, “I don’t know, it’ll eventually come to me.”  Could you?

So the first thing I do is think about the tone of my book. Is it funny? Sexy? Serious? Does a consistent theme run throughout? Something that either the hero or the heroine needs to learn or acknowledge by the end of the book?

Once I’ve decided, then it’s time to brainstorm. I sit at my desk and make a list of words related to my book. Nothing is off limits. I write down everything I can think of that is related to my story, whether it’s an emotion, a setting, or a question.

At this point, one word usually jumps out at me ““ a word I KNOW has to be in the title. From there I play with word combinations and another list takes shape””a list of possible titles.

Here I should probably tell you that sometimes this method works for me, and sometimes”¦well, not so much. Take, for instance, the title of my first book, Not Without Risk. My original title for this book was Strength to Love. No really, that’s what I called it, which was better than my original title for After Midnight (and no, I’m not telling what that was called). Anyway, back to Risk”¦The farther I got into the story, the more I hated the title. It just wasn’t right. Then one day I’m typing along and the hero’s mother tells him, “To love someone, to have someone return that love is”¦It’s a risk, certainly, but what is life if not a risk?”

*insert light bulb*

There it was, the moment when the word clicked into place. Risk. Everything in that book revolved around risk, from the hero’s job, to taking a leap of faith and risking his heart in order to find love.

Here’s another confession. I have a compulsion to see the name of the book somewhere in the book. It doesn’t matter to me whether a character voices it, or thinks it; my titles have to be in the book. This need made naming, or should I say coming up with the correct name for, AFTER MIDNIGHT even easier.

The original title broke my rule about following the tone of the book. It was too sappy, and gave the impression the book was light-hearted. I don’t write light-hearted. Yes, everything I write has its happily-ever-after. Yes, the hero and heroine always ride off into the proverbial sunset. But getting there is never an easy journey. I torture my characters, some more than others, and Isabeau Montgomery”¦she’s a tortured heroine.

Then it hit me. Isabeau owns a bar, the opening scene takes place in that bar after closing. In fact, most of the key moments in the book occur late at night. Night”¦ Darkness”¦ Midnight”¦aha! There it was.

Sometimes the moment that changes everything comes After Midnight.

~*~

Thirteen years””that’s how long Isabeau Montgomery has been living a lie. After an automobile accident took her mother’s life, Izzy hid herself away, surviving the only way she knew how. Now she is happy in her carefully reconstructed life. That is until he walks through the door of her bar…

Black Phoenix singer/front man Noah Clark came to Long Island City with a goal–one that doesn’t include an instant, electric attraction to the dark-haired beauty behind the bar. Coaxing her into his bed won’t be easy, but he can’t get her pale, haunted eyes nor her skill on the piano out of his head.

Can Noah help Isabeau overcome the past? Or will her need to protect her secret force her back into hiding and destroy their chance at happiness?

 

Find Sarah here:

Website: http://www.sarahgrimm.com
Blog: http://www.authorsarahgrimm.blogspot.com
Group Blog: http://www.smutwriterssoapbox.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SarahGrimm.Author
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SGrimmAuthor

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We are thrilled to have author Celia Breslin with us today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give readers a chance to get to know more about you and your work. While some questions may be traditional, you’d be surprised at what readers connect to. Sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can. So, let us begin.

Can you share a little something about Celia Breslin that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

Sure! I play piano, and I like to sing. Used to be a soprano, but now I’m more of an alto. I also like to work out every day. Weight training, cardio, walking, etc.

How long have you been writing?

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I have more story ideas than I have time, LOL. 

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Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

It started as a hobby when I was a kid/teen. Fast forward to adulthood…when my daughter was born, I thought, why not publish my stories? So, I started submitting my vampire series to publishers, and it was picked up. Writing has been one my job hats ever since.

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Interview with Celia Breslin
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Can you share a little something about Celia Breslin that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

Sure! I play piano, and I like to sing. Used to be a soprano, but now I’m more of an alto. I also like to work out every day. Weight training, cardio, walking, etc.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. Mostly short stories back then. After college, I moved on to novella and novel-length work. I still do write the occasional short story, including The Night Hag, a dark modern fairy tale I wrote for Halloween 2023 (free to my newsletter subscribers).

What have you found most challenging about it?

I have more story ideas than I have time, LOL. 

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is definitely fun and fulfilling. I do get emotional about my stories, especially when I’m throwing all sorts of problems at my main characters. But then I get to cheer them on when they overcome the obstacles and achieve their HEA.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule, or do you have to be in the mood?

I try to write regardless of my mood. I like to stay connected to my WiP, so daily writing is a must.  I’m also an editor, so my typical workday includes both activities. Oh, and my daily workout!

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

It started as a hobby when I was a kid/teen. Fast forward to adulthood…when my daughter was born, I thought, why not publish my stories? So, I started submitting my vampire series to publishers, and it was picked up. Writing has been one my job hats ever since.

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Shay Morgan falls asleep every night and wakes every morning to the same thoughts.

Adam died. He wasn’t coming home, again. And she had no choice but to go through the rest of her life alone.

For Shay Morgan, the last two years has been exhausting. Life has been a game of hiding the heartache endured by losing the only man she’d ever loved. And she’s been successful. To the folks of Black Moose, Vermont, she appears a strong woman who continues to enjoy life through her work as a construction company owner and her many community activities. In reality, she simply has been keeping her pain at bay. However, with the death of a beloved friend and the return of a spiteful businessman to town, her good-natured, thin veneer cracks and she finds herself drowning in grief once again.

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Perfect Tomorrows is a heartwarming journey about loss, friendship, and a second chance at love. Shay and Ethan’s story highlights that grief is universal, the healing process is unique for everyone, and peace and joy are always within reach.

Amazon

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Perfect Tomorrows by Autumn Jordon

Shay Morgan falls asleep every night and wakes every morning to the same thoughts.

Adam died. He wasn’t coming home, again. And she had no choice but to go through the rest of her life alone.

For Shay Morgan, the last two years has been exhausting. Life has been a game of hiding the heartache endured by losing the only man she’d ever loved. And she’s been successful. To the folks of Black Moose, Vermont, she appears a strong woman who continues to enjoy life through her work as a construction company owner and her many community activities. In reality, she simply has been keeping her pain at bay. However, with the death of a beloved friend and the return of a spiteful businessman to town, her good-natured, thin veneer cracks and she finds herself drowning in grief once again.

A chance encounter with a handsome stranger— who sneaks past her defenses and infuses joy back into her life— teaches Shay that love is never replaced by another, and in order to truly live a full, rich life, she needs to let go of her past. But can she trust him?

With a little meddling from the good folks of Black Moose, Shay and Ethan both might just get a lifetime of perfect tomorrows.

Perfect Tomorrows is a heartwarming journey about loss, friendship, and a second chance at love. Shay and Ethan’s story highlights that grief is universal, the healing process is unique for everyone, and peace and joy are always within reach.

Amazon

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What is the price of justice?

As a ward of the Lacklands, Robyn Loxley has lived a privileged life. Even now, in 1942, when another war ravages the world and people on the home front must do without, her adopted family is not affected by the rations and shortages.

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Robyn and the merry band get an update in this dieselpunk adventure.
My thoughts
I can’t tell you how excited I am to share The Treason of Robyn Hood with the world. I’ve always loved Robin Hood stories, and I had a lot of fun playing with dieselpunk. I loved reimagining long beloved characters and putting them in a new setting.

One of the things I wanted to do with this book is to have a version like the old Robin Hood storybooks (specifically Howard Pyle’s The Merry Adventure of Robin Hood). So, I hired an illustrator, and together we created a special illustrated edition. Man, this thing has it all: the full page ink illustrations, the Lombardic capitals at the beginning of each chapter. We even modeled the cover after those vintage sci-fi magazine, plus the addition of bookbinding tape like on those classic hardcovers.

Unfortunately, I am waiting on print proofs for the special edition at the moment. With all the extra stuff in it, it required a longer production timeline. But it definitely be out soon, so if you’d like that edition, check my website for updates. Or sign up for my newsletter, and I will send you an email to let you know.

 
What the critics are saying
“The Treaso...

The Treason of Robyn Hood, a dieselpunk adventure by D. Lieber Hi again. It’s me, D. Lieber, urban fantasy author, steampunk, and…well, and a lot of other things. As I mentioned, today is release day! Yay! I’m super excited to tell you about my brand new dieselpunk adventure The Treason of Robyn Hood. Check it out.

What is the price of justice?

As a ward of the Lacklands, Robyn Loxley has lived a privileged life. Even now, in 1942, when another war ravages the world and people on the home front must do without, her adopted family is not affected by the rations and shortages.

That’s not to say she hasn’t been affected by the war personally. As Robyn hits yet another roadblock in her quest to see her best friend Will, trapped in a Japanese-American concentration camp, she stumbles onto the people of Sherwood.

With dark truths revealed about the Lacklands and what really goes on in Midshire, Robyn must answer what justice means to her and what she’s willing to do to exact it.

Robyn and the merry band get an update in this dieselpunk adventure.
My thoughts
I can’t tell you how excited I am to share The Treason of Robyn Hood with the world. I’ve always loved Robin Hood stories, and I had a lot of fun playing with dieselpunk. I loved reimagining long beloved characters and putting them in a new setting.

One of the things I wanted to do with this book is to have a version like the old Robin Hood storybooks (specifically Howard Pyle’s The Merry Adventure of Robin Hood). So, I hired an illustrator, and together we created a special illustrated edition. Man, this thing has it all: the full page ink illustrations, the Lombardic capitals at the beginning of each chapter. We even modeled the cover after those vintage sci-fi magazine, plus the addition of bookbinding tape like on those classic hardcovers.

Unfortunately, I am waiting on print proofs for the special edition at the moment. With all the extra stuff in it, it required a longer production timeline. But it definitely be out soon, so if you’d like that edition, check my website for updates. Or sign up for my newsletter, and I will send you an email to let you know.

 
What the critics are saying
“The Treaso...
...

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The War of Antiquities:  Four by SB Jones March 31, 2013

Book 4

The Mage Council enlists outside help in the wake of recent assaults and murder.  Therion continues to threaten everyone and everything around him as Duke finally takes steps to put him in his place. Catherine starts to break through Duke’s walls and learns about his past.
Kindle https://coffeetimeromance.com/the-war-of-antiquities-four-by-sb-jones/?feed_id=3423&_unique_id=66f63f7ad48d7&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=KarenneLyn&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterThe%20War%20of%20Antiquities%3A%20%20Four%20by%20SB%20Jones252093 March 31, 2013 Book 4 The Mage Council enlists outside help in the wake of recent assaults and murder.  Therion continues to threaten everyone and everything...

The War of Antiquities: Four by SB Jones March 31, 2013

Book 4

The Mage Council enlists outside help in the wake of recent assaults and murder.  Therion continues to threaten everyone and everything around him as Duke finally takes steps to put him in his place. Catherine starts to break through Duke’s walls and learns about his past.
Kindle https://coffeetimeromance.com/the-war-of-antiquities-four-by-sb-jones/?feed_id=3423&_unique_id=66f63f7ad48d7&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=KarenneLyn&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterThe%20War%20of%20Antiquities%3A%20%20Four%20by%20SB%20Jones252093 March 31, 2013 Book 4 The Mage Council enlists outside help in the wake of recent assaults and murder.  Therion continues to threaten everyone and everything...
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Authors Dish: Blue Saffire's Favorite Hero 
October 2018: Favorite Hero
~ Blue Saffire ~
CTR asked:
QUESTION: Of your published titles to date, which hero is your favorite and why?

Blue Saffire said:
I think my last hero Felix is my favorite for now. I guess because he is still fresh in my mind and because he is a lot like my husband. They all are, but this time I see a lot more of him in this character. 

- Website - http://bluesaffire.com/
- Twitter - @TheBlueSaffire

Brothers Black 5: Felix the Watcher Brothers Black Series 
[Contemporary IR Romance]

I’m a P.K., a pastor’s kid. I’ve done almost everything I’ve been told since I was a little girl,—no matter how confining that has felt. I’ve hidden my dreams and desires to toe the line. 

So imagine the burn of being blamed for something you didn’t do.

There has only ever been one person that truly gets me. He’s the only one that knows who I want to be. Felix Black. He’s been there for me for as long as I can remember. Always listening, always watching, always teaching, always encouraging me. 

Which is why I shouldn’t be shocked when he finds me. 

It’s my job to watch. To be the eyes for everyone else. I guess that’s why my best friend tasked me with watching over his sister. Yet, that’s something he never had to ask for. 

Guilt for what I’ve missed isn’t what has me determined to give Kaye the world. I’ve loved her forever. I will always make sure she’s alright. 

And he does give me the world. Felix has the key that unlocks what’s been hidden. His love, his touch, his attention sets a fire that blazes a trail, leaving nothing but black smoke in its wake. When the smoke settles, we’ll just have to see what’s left. 

Available in Ebook:
- Kindle - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JW8HQPQ/

 

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Authors Dish: Blue Saffire`s Favorite Hero
October 2018: Favorite Hero
~ Blue Saffire ~
CTR asked:
QUESTION: Of your published titles to date, which hero is your favorite and why?

Blue Saffire said:
I think my last hero Felix is my favorite for now. I guess because he is still fresh in my mind and because he is a lot like my husband. They all are, but this time I see a lot more of him in this character.

- Website - http://bluesaffire.com/
- Twitter - @TheBlueSaffire

Brothers Black 5: Felix the Watcher Brothers Black Series
[Contemporary IR Romance]

I’m a P.K., a pastor’s kid. I’ve done almost everything I’ve been told since I was a little girl,—no matter how confining that has felt. I’ve hidden my dreams and desires to toe the line.

So imagine the burn of being blamed for something you didn’t do.

There has only ever been one person that truly gets me. He’s the only one that knows who I want to be. Felix Black. He’s been there for me for as long as I can remember. Always listening, always watching, always teaching, always encouraging me.

Which is why I shouldn’t be shocked when he finds me.

It’s my job to watch. To be the eyes for everyone else. I guess that’s why my best friend tasked me with watching over his sister. Yet, that’s something he never had to ask for.

Guilt for what I’ve missed isn’t what has me determined to give Kaye the world. I’ve loved her forever. I will always make sure she’s alright.

And he does give me the world. Felix has the key that unlocks what’s been hidden. His love, his touch, his attention sets a fire that blazes a trail, leaving nothing but black smoke in its wake. When the smoke settles, we’ll just have to see what’s left.

Available in Ebook:
- Kindle - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JW8HQPQ/

 

More Authors Dish about their favorite hero.
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