How important is a title? Would “For Eternity” grab your attention if it wasn’t free?

Greetings, everyone!

While laboring over a title for my next novel, I wondered if other authors have a difficult time finding the right one. After a bit of research, I found some trivia that made me smile.

Most of you have probably seen the movie, “Jaws,” based on Peter Benchley’s novel by the same name. According to Mr. Benchley, he considered over 100 titles, including The Shark, Leviathan Rising, The Jaws of Death, Silence in the Water, and The Jaws of Leviathan. He came up with a winner with a simple one word title, Jaws.

F. Scott Fitzgerald settled on The Great Gatsby, but had second thoughts about not using a title he preferred, Trimalchio in West Egg. In my opinion, he chose the correct one. I wonder if Stephen Crane’s novel, The Red Badge of Courage, would have sold as many copies if it had used his other consideration, Private Fleming, His Various Battles?

Margaret Mitchell planned to name her novel Pansy, after the main character. After changing Pansy’s name to Scarlett, she considered Bugles Sang True and Not in Our Stars before settling on the final title, Gone With the Wind.

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Enough book trivia! Are you in the mood for a free short fantasy story? Download your copy below.

Monique is a witch who associates with no one but Dante, a raven. At Dante’s insistence, she accepts an invitation for a weekend at an enchanted hotel, where she rescues a kitten from the jaws of a goblin and is pointed in a new direction.

FOR ETERNITY- Various distributors including Barnes & Noble, Apple & Kobo  

FOR ETERNITY – Amazon.com

Thank you for reading my newsletter!

Best wishes,

Karen

P.S. Ivan says, “Cato, the kitten, is a character in the story. He reminds me of me in my younger days.”

Summer is a great time for bird watching, flower sniffing, herb cutting, and beach reading!

The hummingbird babies have hatched and fledged and we’re seeing tiny nectar drinkers hovering in the flowers. Migrating birds, butterflies, and baby critters are my favorite part of summer. The herbs loved that June heatwave and have flourished. I’ve got enough parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, and oregano to last a year. Oregano notwithstanding, I’m sure Simon and Garfunkel would be pleased. Do you remember that song?

If you’re looking for your next novel and enjoy epic adventure and fantasy with a touch of realism, you might enjoy my new release, Goldfield Forest. It’s on sale for $1.99 through July 31st.

In 1783, August Alexander becomes lost during an archaeological expedition in the Amazon jungle. After wandering for days, he has little hope of survival before a mystical clan saves his life. August doesn’t realize his ancestors were guardians of the fae, or that his encounter with the clan of lion people sets off a series of events that spans two centuries.

Like August, Maria Goldfield is an archaeologist. She is also a 21st-century guardian of the fae. When Lena, a supernatural lioness, needs help to prevent the destruction of the rainforest and the demise of its magical inhabitants, she turns to Maria. Risking her life and the future of the little people she protects in Goldfield Forest, Maria agrees to accompany the lioness to the Amazon jungle. There, they confront Bagrim, a warlock, and fight to protect the plants that provide the only cures for illnesses that could cause the death of otherwise immortal fae worldwide.

The novel has Ivan’s seal of approval! Of course, Ivan approves almost anything that doesn’t wake him.

Here’s what some editorial reviewers had to say about Goldfield Forest.

“This enchanting novel will transport you to a world of magic and wonder, filled with mystery, intrigue, and unforgettable characters that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.” Midwest Book Review

“…a narrative filled with intrigue, suspense, and fantastical creatures, keeping readers eagerly flipping pages through fantastical settings to discover the fate of these highly lovable characters.” Readers’ Favorite

“…a fantasy lover’s fantasy. This novel is sprinkled with fairy dust. There are little people everywhere, waving and winking at you … with natural imagery, you’re going to love spending time in these forests.” Independent Book Review

I hope your summer is filled with magic. Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter!

Karen