I may not be blogging very much for a while. My time is taken up with lots of other stuff these days. One big thing is working with TM Publishing to complete the editing of the former “Mrs. Job.” As I’ve said before, people pronounce “Job” as if it has to do with paid employment and that is clearly misleading. So we’re looking for another title and cover illustration.
Once we get all this relationship counseling taken care of, I’ll be offering the original “Mrs. Job” at a reduced price.
In the meantime, if you have read “Mrs. Job,” you might be willing to put out a few suggestions for title change (and cover.) (Anything that doesn’t have “Job” in it.) The publisher has offered the following suggestions.
Some questions to prompt the brainstorming process:
What is the core idea of the book?
What is the primary emotional experience you want a reader to have while reading or by reading the book?
What phrases, images, or emotions from the book resonate most strongly with that idea?
What prompts the protagonist’s story arc? Why does the character who changes the most in the book, change?
What symbols and images connect to that cause?
What feelings does the point of view character experience throughout the story?
Does the reader share these feelings? If so, what feelings should the reader experience?
What symbols or images related to the story would evoke that feeling?
These are some of the things we discuss as a company when creating a title and cover. They are just a starting point; hopefully, putting the answers to these questions into words will spark other ideas.
monagustafsonaffinito 
How about-The Story of —–. I forget the main character’s name-forgive me.
Sue Sue Kunitz suekunitz@hotmail.com 952-474-2553 Home 952-221-9634 Cell
Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:56:12 +0000 To: suekunitz@hotmail.com
Aha! You mean “The Story of Dara.” Thanks for the suggestion, and for taking the time to read and respond.
As European I instantly knew that the title pointed to Job’s wife. How about a new main title – with the important undertitle: and this is the story of mrs Job from the Bible.
For me, it was the angle of MRS Job that had me read and buy the book ( which I love, just as it is( or was, as it is:))
Thanks for these thoughts. I’ll pass them on to the publisher.
Mona – While you know I loved the original book, I have a problem in suggesting a title. I am not of a religious background, and found the story a very human one. Of love, loss, redemption. Universal themes. But, having said that I fell in love with Dara. She struggled with the same doubt, wishes for a happy marriage to her heart’s desire – that we all wish for.
The story, however is biblical. So maybe the title should reflect the time it represents.
I am afraid I can’t suggest an appropriate title.. Sorry I can’t be of assistance, you know I wish you nothing but the best.
Pat
Thanks, Pat. Actually I know it’s religious, but to me the more important thing is the woman’s story. I’d just as soon have a title that would appeal to everyone — religious or not. I guess that’s part of the problem — not one clear purpose.
I’m gglad you’re the one figuring this out and not me.
And I was counting on you for the brilliant solution! Seriously, it is a challenge. Just wish me luck — and the whole team working on it. Thanks for responding.
I second “The Story of Dara”. Best of luck!
Thanks, Amy. I’ll be in touch in more detail down the road a piece.
Mona