Apparently everything. The right name will trigger an emotional response be it humour, curiosity, wonder or anticipation, and this is what you want, especially for a novel.
With that in mind, I’ve decided to rename my story. For a very long time it has been called by its working title, Highwayman, mainly because I have an interest in highwaymen, pirates, and altogether unsavoury (but fascinating) blackguards. I’m sure that I’m not alone given the reams of literature on the subject.
But my story has entered into its adulthood, and it is about more than just a highwayman. It’s about divided loyalties, sacrifice and perspective. Depending on what part of the ship you happen to be standing on, you may see a villain for a hero or a respectable man for a tyrant. And during the English Civil War, one was often mistaken for the other.
Hence the new title….drumroll please...Traitor’s Knot.
The English Civil War was a time of divided loyalties, not just between the King and his subjects or between one faction of Parliament with another, but also between families and loved ones. To one man, a traitor, to another, a hero. What a twisted knot that was.
I’d like to thank Sally Moore for helping me brainstorm this one over several glasses of wine. She really is the cleverest writer in her class.
I hope you find the new title intriguing and provocative.
Chime in and let me know what you think. I’d also be interested to know what your favourite book title is and why.
Cryssa Bazos 
Hi Cryssa!
I’m having that exact same conundrum with my second book! Maybe I should get you and Sally to come brainstorm over my way!
Traitor’s Knot sounds great. Looking forward to reading it!
In gratitude,
Marissa
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We’ll have to set up a patio party with lots of wine. A nice pinot grigio would do well. So looking forward to the release of Avelynn.
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Congrats Marissa! When is the book launch?
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Will there be Vikings?
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Hi Cryssa ….like ‘Traitor’s Knot’….. and the play on words of ‘Traitors Not’ …. depending which side of the fence you were sitting on … clever!
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Thanks so much Moonie.
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Hey Cryssa. I love the title! Apparently wine is good for the soul when it comes to titles. Wasn’t that in Bahamas? That might also have had something to do with it.
My favorite title…Probably Tale of Two Cities and Lord of the Flies. And who can forget Pride and Prejudice? Named by Austen ‘ s publisher and not the author herself. I wonder what her working title was?
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Good memory about P&P. Her working title was First Impressions. Good thing she changed it. I always liked The Hobbit because it first made me wonder what a hobbit was.
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That’s right! First Impressions. Good memory to you, too Cryssa!
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You see, that’s what I probably would have called it, because that’s what it was. Fortunately someone had a head for catchy titles.
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They had a ‘sense’ and ‘sensibility’ for it.
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I’m up for a patio retreat with wine and titles on the menu! I’m brilliant with titles, unless they are mine. Sometimes brilliant with wine. As long as I’m not driving.
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