Probably Crossing Swords. Turns out a pirate novel for YA readers called "Dead Reckoning" came out last year. I searched all over, checking all the names, but never saw that one. Oh, well.
Thanks for all the quick help. You all rock.
35 comments:
Anonymous
said...
First of all, pirate wars sounds corny. I think the best one is pirates of fire. The Pirates of New Providence is second best. Third is probably crossing swords.
I agree with anonymous when it comes to Pirate Wars, mainly because Pirate Wars reminds me of Star Wars. Pirates of Fire makes me think of pirates set on fire, Pirates of New Providence is okay but it wouldn't make me pick the book up and look at it. I like Crossing Swords, but I just like that title, I really don't love any of them. C'mon fellow scribes, someone's got to have a title in them for this righteous tale that will make readers out there see it and jerk it up off the shelf and march to the check out going "Wow I have to read this!"
Don't know if it helps any but my favorite non-fiction book on pirates and sailing ships is called "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" and yeah, I picked it up and read it because of the title.
Just a passing thought... what if you used the word "Compass" or something in your title? Considering the main theme is "Direction" it could be symbolic for something... *shrug* Just a suggestion. My favourite of the list is the last one, "Pirates of Providence"...
I voted for "Dead Reckoning." However, what I really meant was "ANYTHING except 'Pirates of Fire.'"
Any of the other titles are good, though I'd try to leave the word 'pirate' out of it. But really, not "Pirates of Fire." One, it's cheesy... And two, it's really cheesy. "Isle of Swords" was a great title; the next really, really can't be called "Pirates of Fire."
Other than Dead Reckoning, "Crossing Swords" is good as well, though it reminds me of "Crossing Jordan" for some reason and it's a bit too close to "Isle of Swords." "The Pirates of New Providence" is okay as well, but again, you might be better off not using the word "pirate" in the title.
But please take my advice about the "Pirates of Fire" thing. I'm passionate about it (lol)
wayne--Everything but "Dead Reckoning" sounds like complete cheeze whiz to me...
The last one is too long -- I think it needs to be close in syllables to your first title. Dead Reckoning actually is identical with 4 syllables. "Pirate WArs?"--(I wince)
Somehow I'm thinking "Dead Reckoning is the one you came up with...it just sounds like a writer came up with it to me.
Wayne, I voted for the first option, but I have to be honest--none of them particularly grab me. The good news is, people looking for your books because they loved The Door Within aren't going to care what the book is called.
And chances are, those looking for a pirate tale will start with Isle of the Swords, so THEY won't care what the second one is called either.
I couldn't find the post with the previous suggestions, so pardon me if these are repeats. And by the way, titles are not copyrighted, so if you have the same title as another book, it's really no problem unless it is a current book and you think it's possible readers will be confused.
OK, here's my thinking. What do readers of pirate stories like? The treasure hunt, among other things. I'm assuming there is either a literal treasure or a figurative one.
Plus, the __ of __ , as in Isle of Swords, works well--has a good rhythm. So how about something like Treasure of Fire. Judging from the other titles, fire seems to be pertinent.
Also, I don't think you need to have the word "pirate" in the title. You didn't in Isle, but the picture made it abundantly clear. To say "pirates" is almost over-kill, maybe even underestimating your audience a little.
You could go with a synonym: Marauders' Fire or Clash of the Marauders. That's interesting and the meaning of the word will be apparent, I think.
Meh. I'm not a fan of Dead Reckoning. I really think Swords should be in the title. Someone on the DIOM forum mentioned Swords of Fire...that sounds interesting to me :)
I think crossing swords sound good for 3 reasons: 1. It just says adventure. 2. It sounds like the 1st, which I think is a good thing. 3. It sounds cool.
A few things about the story that might clue you in:
1. Very nasty pirate villain 2. Villain's new allies have a fire weapon akin to medieval napalm 3. Former pirates become a pirate hunting fleet 4. A major theme is finding direction in life 5. A second major theme is identity
From the Description, Pirate Hunters would work, but It's not exciting. Pirates of New Providence kind of makes it seem like their from New Providence, which agian, dosen't exite me, but going deeper into the words, it makes the plot thicken by the title. (Providence=Fate) Crossing swords tells of conflict, which makes it interesting. Dead Reckoning sounds as if their is finality in a decision. As someone has said already, Pirate Wars does sound too much like Star Wars, though if it was The wars of ___, it would work. Pirates of fire to me sounds like they walk around with big flaming torches, but with the new weapon, it would work.
dead reckoning Function: noun 1 : the determination without the aid of celestial observations of the position of a ship or aircraft from the record of the courses sailed or flown, the distance made, and the known or estimated drift
Sooo, basically it's not something that you want to do all the time, though if you're pressed out at sea and you don't have time to take bearings ;) it's better than nothing at all. That could fit in with the theme of direction and identity, especially if there's some confusion involved because Dead Reckoning can lead to very costly mistakes.
Pirate sailing trivia moment. What was added to the drinking rations to keep the men on ship healthy?
I don't know...I just don't really like Dead Reckoning. It...does nothing for me. I really think "swords" needs to be in this next title to tie it to the first one.
I mean, I like the meaning of Dead Reckoning, but the title does not jump out at me. If I knew nothing about you, Wayne, it wouldn't interest me in the book. *shrugs*
I like Pirates of New Providence. It makes me wonder why they're worth mentioning, what makes these pirates so different, that they'd get their own book title. It also sounds the most original, because New Providence is something that's not familiar to me. Dead Reckoning sounds like a horror movie. Pirates of Fire doesn't sound good. If you must have fire, what about the "Fleet Inferno"?
I don't know if it's best to settle on a title simply because there aren't any other books called that. Perhaps you should just let your ideas stew and see if, by the time you finish the book, you don't have a new title you can use.
Pat, you speaketh great wisdom. But alas, as so often is the case in this business, wisdom cannot prevail. lol
The publisher needs the name up front because they are already beginning marketing. They are already getting art departments working on designs for the cover. And what trumps all, they are already creating catalogues for their sales team, so they need a title now.
"Crossing Swords" isn't a bad title. There's some wordplay in it that I like. It certainly speaks of action, conflict, and pirates.
Thanks again to all for the creative help. It's nice to have a knowledgeable group of friends to turn to in a pinch.
Here's the link to an amazon listmania with a reference of all four books: http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/fullview/RJRV1I1WFCKNH/ref=cm_lm_pthnk_view/102-1294766-5095303?ie=UTF8&lm%5Fbb= 50 points! That makes 160 total! Woo-hoo!
35 comments:
First of all, pirate wars sounds corny. I think the best one is pirates of fire. The Pirates of New Providence is second best. Third is probably crossing swords.
I agree with anonymous when it comes to Pirate Wars, mainly because Pirate Wars reminds me of Star Wars. Pirates of Fire makes me think of pirates set on fire, Pirates of New Providence is okay but it wouldn't make me pick the book up and look at it. I like Crossing Swords, but I just like that title, I really don't love any of them. C'mon fellow scribes, someone's got to have a title in them for this righteous tale that will make readers out there see it and jerk it up off the shelf and march to the check out going "Wow I have to read this!"
Don't know if it helps any but my favorite non-fiction book on pirates and sailing ships is called "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" and yeah, I picked it up and read it because of the title.
I liked Crossing Swords - it keeps with the "swords" theme of the first title. That's the one I voted on on the poll.
Pirates of Fire sounds too close to POTC, for my liking, so no.
I like, Crossing Swords then Dead Reckoning...
I'll have to work some more see if I can find any others that would be better...
Just a passing thought... what if you used the word "Compass" or something in your title? Considering the main theme is "Direction" it could be symbolic for something... *shrug* Just a suggestion. My favourite of the list is the last one, "Pirates of Providence"...
~B
I voted for "Dead Reckoning." However, what I really meant was "ANYTHING except 'Pirates of Fire.'"
Any of the other titles are good, though I'd try to leave the word 'pirate' out of it. But really, not "Pirates of Fire." One, it's cheesy... And two, it's really cheesy. "Isle of Swords" was a great title; the next really, really can't be called "Pirates of Fire."
Other than Dead Reckoning, "Crossing Swords" is good as well, though it reminds me of "Crossing Jordan" for some reason and it's a bit too close to "Isle of Swords." "The Pirates of New Providence" is okay as well, but again, you might be better off not using the word "pirate" in the title.
But please take my advice about the "Pirates of Fire" thing. I'm passionate about it (lol)
wayne--Everything but "Dead Reckoning" sounds like complete cheeze whiz to me...
The last one is too long -- I think it needs to be close in syllables to your first title. Dead Reckoning actually is identical with 4 syllables. "Pirate WArs?"--(I wince)
Somehow I'm thinking "Dead Reckoning is the one you came up with...it just sounds like a writer came up with it to me.
James
Wayne, I voted for the first option, but I have to be honest--none of them particularly grab me. The good news is, people looking for your books because they loved The Door Within aren't going to care what the book is called.
And chances are, those looking for a pirate tale will start with Isle of the Swords, so THEY won't care what the second one is called either.
I couldn't find the post with the previous suggestions, so pardon me if these are repeats. And by the way, titles are not copyrighted, so if you have the same title as another book, it's really no problem unless it is a current book and you think it's possible readers will be confused.
OK, here's my thinking. What do readers of pirate stories like? The treasure hunt, among other things. I'm assuming there is either a literal treasure or a figurative one.
Plus, the __ of __ , as in Isle of Swords, works well--has a good rhythm. So how about something like Treasure of Fire. Judging from the other titles, fire seems to be pertinent.
Also, I don't think you need to have the word "pirate" in the title. You didn't in Isle, but the picture made it abundantly clear. To say "pirates" is almost over-kill, maybe even underestimating your audience a little.
You could go with a synonym: Marauders' Fire or Clash of the Marauders. That's interesting and the meaning of the word will be apparent, I think.
Just giving you more to think about!
Becky
I like "Dead Reckoning." Don't know why. Makes me want to know more, implies danger, also implies justice. It might be taken though.
That's my vote.
Meh. I'm not a fan of Dead Reckoning. I really think Swords should be in the title. Someone on the DIOM forum mentioned Swords of Fire...that sounds interesting to me :)
Dead Reckoning sounds familiar to me. I think I've seen a book with that title before. But out of the options I like that one the best.
I think crossing swords sound good for 3 reasons: 1. It just says adventure. 2. It sounds like the 1st, which I think is a good thing. 3. It sounds cool.
Dead Reckoning sounds cool also.
If you give me a hint of the story line, I might be able to help.
A few things about the story that might clue you in:
1. Very nasty pirate villain
2. Villain's new allies have a fire weapon akin to medieval napalm
3. Former pirates become a pirate hunting fleet
4. A major theme is finding direction in life
5. A second major theme is identity
Thanks!
Dead Reckoning is my fav.!!!!
Oh great, now we probably have to wait a year or so for the sequel. I might go mad, I tell you! MAD!!!
From the Description, Pirate Hunters would work, but It's not exciting. Pirates of New Providence kind of makes it seem like their from New Providence, which agian, dosen't exite me, but going deeper into the words, it makes the plot thicken by the title. (Providence=Fate) Crossing swords tells of conflict, which makes it interesting. Dead Reckoning sounds as if their is finality in a decision. As someone has said already, Pirate Wars does sound too much like Star Wars, though if it was The wars of ___, it would work. Pirates of fire to me sounds like they walk around with big flaming torches, but with the new weapon, it would work.
dead reckoning
Function: noun
1 : the determination without the aid of celestial observations of the position of a ship or aircraft from the record of the courses sailed or flown, the distance made, and the known or estimated drift
Sooo, basically it's not something that you want to do all the time, though if you're pressed out at sea and you don't have time to take bearings ;) it's better than nothing at all. That could fit in with the theme of direction and identity, especially if there's some confusion involved because Dead Reckoning can lead to very costly mistakes.
Pirate sailing trivia moment. What was added to the drinking rations to keep the men on ship healthy?
Take a guess ;)
I don't know...I just don't really like Dead Reckoning. It...does nothing for me. I really think "swords" needs to be in this next title to tie it to the first one.
I mean, I like the meaning of Dead Reckoning, but the title does not jump out at me. If I knew nothing about you, Wayne, it wouldn't interest me in the book. *shrugs*
What about just Isle of Swords: New Providence? It's less cheesey and fussy without too many words or any repetition.
dead reckoning
I like Pirates of New Providence. It makes me wonder why they're worth mentioning, what makes these pirates so different, that they'd get their own book title. It also sounds the most original, because New Providence is something that's not familiar to me. Dead Reckoning sounds like a horror movie. Pirates of Fire doesn't sound good. If you must have fire, what about the "Fleet Inferno"?
I still like "Dead Reckoning" though...sounds piratey and dangerous!
Bonus: Call it "The Pirates who don't do anything" and have larry boy do a cameo!
wayne--
How about something direct to Blackthorne or Declan?
"Blackthorne's Fire"
"Blackthorne's Revenge"
or
"The Sea Wolf" --for Declan since he's a pirate hunter now?
James
WELL DUH! why was I saying Blackthorne?
IT's just Thorne after all. I was getting this guy mixed up with a character from my own novel, A World Within. (smacks forehead - falls into floor)
I don't know if it's best to settle on a title simply because there aren't any other books called that. Perhaps you should just let your ideas stew and see if, by the time you finish the book, you don't have a new title you can use.
My suggestions,
Flaming Swords,
Swords Aflame,
Pat, you speaketh great wisdom. But alas, as so often is the case in this business, wisdom cannot prevail. lol
The publisher needs the name up front because they are already beginning marketing. They are already getting art departments working on designs for the cover. And what trumps all, they are already creating catalogues for their sales team, so they need a title now.
"Crossing Swords" isn't a bad title. There's some wordplay in it that I like. It certainly speaks of action, conflict, and pirates.
Thanks again to all for the creative help. It's nice to have a knowledgeable group of friends to turn to in a pinch.
Never alone.
-WtB
I noticed you're almost halfway through on the word meter, Wayne. Excellent! Keep it going!
*Turns on "Push it to the Limit" by Paul Engemann*
- Jason
Swords Ablaze
Wayword Compass
Blazing Compass
Cardinal Points
Forgive me if this has already been suggested ... but what about "Swords of Providence"??
Here's the link to an amazon listmania with a reference of all four books: http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/fullview/RJRV1I1WFCKNH/ref=cm_lm_pthnk_view/102-1294766-5095303?ie=UTF8&lm%5Fbb=
50 points! That makes 160 total! Woo-hoo!
Sorry, wrong place to put that last comment. My bad!
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