It started out as
After The Fire, but one Sunday afternoon, as I was sitting in my dining room, clicking away at the chiclets of my laptop, my husband came in and sat across from me in the rocking chair that I once used to rock my babies in. He waited patiently for me to stop pounding out my thoughts on the computer before he spoke.
When I paused, made eye contact and then said, “What’s up?” he started out cautiously, choosing his words carefully.
“I know I don’t understand much about this writing stuff, but I think you should change the title of your book,” he almost winced when he said it.
My first thought was, he was crazy because I’d already divulged the title to hundreds of friends, Twitter followers, and a couple of agents. Too late now. Or is it? I decided to hear him out.
“I had this idea of a phoenix, rising out the ashes. Out Of The Ashes, is your book title. See a phoenix is a cyclical creature that regenerates itself, rising once again, like the sun, out of the ashes and is more powerful then before. Can you see it?”
I like the idea, but it’s been used in the last decade. Even though you cannot copywrite a title of either a song, or book, I’m still hesitant. But it IS a good idea. I could write a preface with the history of the Greek myth of the phoenix. What a great analogy. But too corny? I can’t decide.
Anyway, I originally came up with After The Fire because my book takes place……AFTER THE FIRE! Haaaaa! Too obvious? I don’t know. But the title is very important.
I could really use your input. Please comment on this with your thoughts and I will also put it up on Facebook and Twitter. By the end of the week, (May 13th) I will post the winning title, based upon your votes and insight.
Next Blog: I am going to share some of the information I have been receiving this week from other survivors/victims of the fire. Good, bad, and indifferent. The one thing I can attest to, is so many are still going through it. BUT YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Hang tough my friends!
Also, an idea given to me that I had a passing thought of myself, for advice to our community on how to possible push up over the proverbial red-tape hill. That’s coming up shortly.
Here’s hoping all the moms out there are having a splendid Mother’s Day! Remember, we are given the immense privilege to be called by the name of MOM, and we hold that title for the rest of our lives. It’s pretty damn amazing don’t you think?
” After the Fire”. Sorry Charlie 😉
When I hear, “Sorry, Charlie,” I remember CHARLIE TUNA from all those old commercials! Haaaaaa!! Thanks for your reply. I had to post what you said because it gave me a chuckle……..oops! No more Charlie jokes! LOL
Patti, your book about the fires is such an emotional topic as it touched so many lives. Charlie’s idea for the title hit me once again with tears. It’s hard to explain the tears and sadness that comes over me when there is talk of last summers fires because I didn’t lose my home, my belongings, or my pet. I didn’t suffer the fear of survival while running from the flames. Yet it happens and all I can figure is I still have buried feelings of losing my family home as a child 53 years ago. Oh I was plenty scared for myself and what might happen as well as for all the people and animals invokved. Are they feelings of empathy or sympathy? All I know is no matter how many times I drove to Middletown or Cobb and took things to help someone, the feelings of sadness and heartache flooded my emotions. Something as little as a pillowcase or handmade baby quilt meant so much to those I met. The gratitude was overwhelming and my heart cried for them. I wanted so much to make those who lost everything know that they were not alone and we all were there to help them with anything in our power. But how do you help make the nightmares stop, and help get everyone back to where they were? Then it happened. A few weeks ago I drove to Santa Rosa, and as I passed Hidden Valley and headed into Middletown I saw it. Out of the ashes was a clean pad ready to build a home, and then a newly framed home, and in between were fields full of green grass and beautiful wildflowers. The healing was beginning to show. Once again the tears fell, but not from sadness, instead from answered prayers. Signs of rebirth and new beginnings. I know it won’t happen over night, but it is happening. I met so many people and heard their stories and I love that you want to tell the stories for all to read. Your title After the Fire made sense, but Out of The Ashes and the rising of the Phoenix truly speaks of the people and stories of the fires that will haunt us for years to come. I pray God gives all who need the strength to rebuild their lives and move forward with the healing. Best of luck with your book. Look forward to reading and sharing it with others. A note to Charlie…thank you for being there and giving your all to help those in need. Love you guys!
Debbie,
Your words are so heart felt and honest. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being the truly wonderful human being that you are! I know I am a better person for knowing you. Those you help are grateful but also touched that you care so deeply. Sometimes, it’s the everyday little things people remember, that you did, or you said, or even just listened.
Thanks Debbie!
After the Fire
And
Out of the Ashes
the Valley is reborn
I like where you are going with this incorporating the two, but that’s just too long. Needs to be “catchy.” If people have trouble remembering the title agents and publishers don’t like it. We should work on it.
Rebirth of the valley out of ash and fire?
It’s gotta be one or the other………AFTER THE FIRE, or……. OUT OF THE ASHES.