In 8 days (not that I’m counting), my next book will release.
I’m completely exhilarated and terrified all at once.
For one, Risking Love, took a lot out of me. This couple…I tell you, they had to be the most stubborn characters I have ever written. For those of you who think we authors sit down and command the stage and move characters around like puppets…well that doesn’t happen to me. I never know what they’re going to say, do, or in the case of Shorty and Nikki (my hero and heroine) not do.
You see, this couple was supposed to be my book two couple in my Maple Run series. I had it all figured out the moment I wrote The End of book one. Yet they REFUSED to talk to me. Clammed up tighter than a…a…—I don’t know, I may need a minute—a clam shell. Too cliche?
Anyway, I ended up picking another couple to write for book two. Then book three. And finally by the time I was ready to write book four, they were ready to speak. I just knew it would be smooth sailing from then. Not!
There was so much hurt, fear, and well, risk in this story. The title for this book is no mistake. Nikki has to take a huge risk in trusting Shorty, in trusting love. But it’s the theme I knew in my heart was right for these two. What I didn’t quite realize was the risk I was taking as an author to write their story.
What if I made a mistake somewhere between page 1 and the end? What if people don’t love them as much as I do? What if? What if? What if?
Hence the terrified feeling filling my stomach as my countdown draws me closer to release day and the ability to read reviews. This may be a book whose reviews I may need to hide from. I usually have an uncontrollable compulsion to read every review, but yeah, I put a lot of sweat and tears into this book so my heart is extra tender.
There’s a risk if I read these reviews, but also a reward.
Oh and I would like to share a very short excerpt as a teaser, because I’m mean like that. ;)
From Chapter One, Page One:
“Welcome to The Maple…Pit.” Nikki Gordon forgot the rest of her speech because Gregory “Shorty” Smalls had just walked into The Pit with another woman.
Her breath faltered as she looked into Shorty’s dark brown eyes. He flashed his engaging grin as if nothing momentous had just occurred. She cataloged his features, taking in his warm russet brown skin and the close-cropped haircut that always had her hands itching for a feel. Everything looked the same except for the woman standing next to him.
What do you think? Attention grabbing?
As the countdown draws near, I’ll be taking all support chocolate and coping suggestions. ;) But before I go, tell me, do you often connect with a title of a book or is it just window dressing?
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Find out more on her website at http://tonishiloh.com.
Congratulations on your upcoming release! I am looking forward to this story!
As for titles, I like to have them relate to the book in a real way…they should absolutely mean something!
The book title is often the first thing I take note of. Very important.
I got a review copy and loved Risking Love!! You did an excellent job of making memorable characters.
As to titles, I don’t usually put much stock in titles, especially now that I know about keyword stuffing. ;)
But I think it does depend on the genre. Sci-fi/fantasy and Dystopian genres need to have fairly clear titles as to what the main setting or character is (like Divergent or Hunger Games or the Lord of the Rings).
But inspirational romances don’t need that as much. If they have the word “love” or “heart” or “family” in the title, I’m interested enough to read the description. That’s the only thing a title really does for me anymore.
(Unless after I’ve read the story, I still don’t get why it was called that, then the title matters, but in a bad way. That doesn’t happen very often at all, though.)
I so agree. I love that moment when I figure out why the author picked the title.
It’s second for me after the cover. :)
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! <3
Sci-fi/fantasy and Dystopian genres have some really great titles!
I feel that the title of a book sets the tone. I will look for the meaning behind it as I read it, if it isn’t already obvious from the start.
I like it when the title is used in the book at a certain point. Kind of like an “Easter Egg” hidden inside to find.
Hi Toni! Best wishes on your upcoming release. As a retired teacher, I appreciate the back story about an author’s work. As an avid reader, I am usually first drawn to a book by its cover, then the title, then the blurb. While reading I always hope to discover a connection between the title and the story. Each writer has a unique twist on the title and its connection. Some authors, especially cozy mysteries, use alliteration in their titles. I presume with so many romance writers and romances, it is difficult for an author to come up with an unique title for her work. Titles matter to this reader. Enjoy your week and hoping your reviews are 5 stars.
Yes! I love those easter eggs.
Thank you so much, Renate!
Mostly, the title of a book doesn’t do anything to help/hurt my opinion. I can’t ever remember titles, I do remember cover art and the authentic that wrote it. I’m so beyond excited to read Nikki and Shorty’s story!!!!!!
Sounds like a good tease to me!
Usually the cover grabs my attention first.
I crochet to help me distress. Baby beanies for the hospital or for the people who come to our hunger breakfast are mostly what I’m doing now, but I have several WIPs ?
Hope you find what works best for you.
Oh, this book sounds sooooo good!! The title sometimes grabs my eye, but really, it’s the author and the blurb that totally draws me in. If the rest of your new one is like the blurb you teased us with, it’s got to be a great book!!
I can remember titles for books I’ve re-read otherwise, it’s cover art for me too.
I hope you enjoy their story!
Thanks, Julianne!
Thank you so much, Trudy!
It’s always scary to put a book baby out into the world but some are scarier than others. I enjoyed the excerpt. Congratulations on your upcoming release!
Thanks, Kimberly!
The blurb is it for me. Titles and covers, not so much.
I don’t read the blurb if I can help it.
Hi Toni, Congrats on your new release! I like book titles to make sense in terms of defining the story or characters or trope or theme. It’s also nice to be reading the book and identifying the title when it’s mentioned in the story. I love your opening paragraph – very intriguing. :)
Thanks, Narelle!