New Title? Thank You, Muse!

Although I haven’t officially typed a new title into my manuscript, it is apparently changing. And it’s a done deal.

The other day, while reading through the table of contents of Book One, a chapter title grabbed my attention, and wouldn’t let go.

Awen Rising.

The two words dogged me, meandering in and out of conscious thought, diddy-bopping through my brain cells, refusing to cede ground, or depart. I pondered and mulled the two words for days, loathe to relinquish a title I’ve treasured for the last six years. But, the more I agonize, the deeper the proposed title burrows in.

Sitting down with pen and paper, I search for an answer. Awen Rising? Why?

• It is active, leaving the passivity of Blessed Are the Peace Makers cowering in the dust.
• It’s shorter, snappier, and more personal to Awen, the driving force of the trilogy.
• It implies that something, or someone, good or bad, will be rising, or increasing in awareness and power. Something, or someone, that must be reckoned with. Awen.

So, basically, Awen Rising captures the essence of Book One. Even better than Blessed Are the Peace Makers.

But if Book One's title changes, then so must Book Two's.

"Awen Storms", the muse whispers.

Hmmm. Awen Storms hints that Awen will be challenged, or conversely, bring challenge upon others. Again, this title captures the heart of Book Two, if not perfectly, then pretty darn close.

And what about the finale? Book Three?

"Awen Tide", la muse moans softly, rocking me gently to and fro. I consider the meaning. 

A tide is relentless, never-ending, always encroaching, consuming, constant. It can cleanse and heal, bringing life from sea to shore, or it can rip the land to shreds. And, like Awen, a tide is ruled by the heartbeat of this fair planet, as she is influenced by Earth's elements and the moon.

So three new titles. Woohoo!

"But why change your titles, after all this time?" you ask?

Because the muse says so. And when la muse speaks, I must needs listen. Else my muse will go mute, and a writer is naught without the sweet serenade of her muse. But, get on board with her "suggestions", and she will gladly stick around. At least, until the next kerfuffle.

Plus, the shiny new titles have catapulted me back into the thick of Awen’s story, soaring high on the wind beneath my wings.

Thank you, Muse. I've missed you so.

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell writing as O.J. Barré

O.J. Barré is author of the upcoming AWEN trilogy. Book One, AWEN RISING, is complete and in query. The first draft of Book Two, AWEN STORMS, is nearing completion, and Book Three, AWEN TIDE, is swirling in the mists of creation.