EYEWALL, SUPERCELL AND…?
Fans and friends, I’d love your input on something: namely, the title of my next book.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, it’s a more traditional thriller (relative to Eyewall) set in Atlanta and dealing with bioterrorism, specifically weaponized Ebola. Ebola, if you aren’t aware, is one of the most deadly viruses on Earth.
By the way, there was a nice feature on CNN earlier this week dealing with America’s preparedness for a bio-terrorist attack. In a phrase, we aren’t.
But back to the novel. My working title all along has been The Koltsovo Legacy. But an informal survey by the president of my literary agency produced a common reaction: “So, it’s a book set in Russia?”
Well, no. The prologue is set in Russia, in Koltsovo, a major bioweapons facility. But the rest of the story, except for the epilogue, occurs in metro Atlanta. So anyone who correctly identifies Koltsovo as being in Siberia and thinks the novel is a thriller sited in Russia might be disappointed.
Then, as my publisher’s PR person points out, the title also counters the “branding” I seem to be establishing with Eyewall and Supercell, Supercell being the novel I’ve just begun. They are simple, one-word titles that effectively sum up the core threat of each plot. A hurricane in the first instance, tornadoes in the second.
The Koltsovo Legacy doesn’t fit that Eyewall/Supercell “brand.” I need something else. I’ve got a couple of ideas, but I’m not sure I’m on the right track,
How about you? Stun me with your cleverness. (There could be a free book involved.)
-September 9, 2011-
I'm posting this for the 2nd time because I put it in the wrong place the 1st time…most likely a senior moment.
I read EYEWALL over the weekend – excellent! Looking forward to SUPERCELL. As to names (none seem clever) – FEVER, VIRAL, VIRUS, OUTBREAK, CONTAGIOUS, EPIDEMIC, DEADLY, INFECTIOUS, AIRBORNE.__Happy writing!__
Thanks, Karen. Looks like you hit on some of the same names I did. I came up with VIRUS, but that's rather innocuous, I'm afraid–a virus can cause a mere cold. OUTBREAK is a movie, as is "Contagion"–close to CONTAGIOUS.
EBOLA is another candidate that's been tossed around–or maybe EBOLA-ATLANTA. Don't know. Still struggling.
Again, thanks for your ideas.
Hi Buzz, enjoyed "Eyewall" very much. Been thinking about a title… only one has come to mind thus far: "Virulence."
Will shoot some more your way if I think of them!
Best,
Jayson
I vote for Virulence. Maybe Infectious.
Read Eyewall today, loved it! review goes live later this month only because I want to post a teaser.
Looking forward to Supercell
The title EBOLA seems to be gaining traction now, a favorite of my agent, marketing guru and editor. Whaddaya think?
EBOLA is a straight forward title for sure. I would pick it up and give it a read more based on who the author is(!) but — just thinking out loud here — to me, it isn't an overly dramatic or gripping title.
Enjoyed the book a lot.- Look forward to another. Moved to Ferndale, CA. just after they filmed Outbreak. The town is still furious after many years and they had a whole new set of rules with Majestic.
Titles are difficult. Run into that with artwork !