Reviews from

The Trouble With Book Titles

A Lesson in Forebrain Utilization

46 total reviews 
Comment from Sankey
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

An interesting read already All Time Best so maybe you don't want my correction suggestions. The bad--but also the good.")" (Inverted commas as I wanted to indicate the closed bracket needed.)

while I [ratcheted(wracked) my brain

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2023
    Thank you, Goeff, for digging so deep into my portfolio. I'll take a close look at your suggestions. I use far too many "closed brackets" (we Yanks call parentheses), any way. I'd be surprised if there weren't more dangling content lacking a "closed bracket". Thanks for honoring this with 6 shiny stars.

    Jay
Comment from Father Flaps
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Ah, Jay. Everything you write is worth six stars. You should have just called it, "Six Star Stories".
I have to get my hands on a copy. One way or another. My library collection contains Tennyson, Wordsworth, Longfellow, Browning, Cowper, Shakespeare, Burns, Bryant, Heman, Carroll, Silverstein, Montgomery, Poe, and Twain. It will never be complete without "Squires".
Stay healthy and keep writing, buddy!
Hugs,
Kimbob

 Comment Written 20-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2023
    I hope I don't feel uncomfortable among those titles, Kimbob. I do think you'll enjoy reading the stories. There's some good stuff there. And thank you for reading this post and honoring it with a six!

    Jay
Comment from Shirley McLain
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I can fully understand about titles and short stories. I've been in that dilemma more than once. You did a wonderful job with your story, and I enjoyed the read. Have a great Sunday. Shirley

 Comment Written 23-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 23-Apr-2023
    You are so sweet, Shirley. Thank you. And a six! WOWSER!
    Jay
    PS: I hope you got your Freebie by now. 2 more days. (And excuse me if we've covered that before. I've talked to so many brothers and sisters here that they all seem to bleed together.)
    Bless you.
    JS
Comment from Lady MJ
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Interesting approach in this story. I do remember the movie "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and it is still a smash hit today. Yes, I agree "scrutinize twice and publish once". It will save a lot of time (which we all do not have) and effort.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 23-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 23-Apr-2023
    Thank you, Lady MJ. Tell me, though, did you snag your freebie from the link at the end of my article? I'd really appreciate that.

    Jay
reply by Lady MJ on 24-Apr-2023
    Not yet.
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Jay, I love your prose about your collection and your creative title. Another of my writer buddies, though not on this site, and one who actually does it for a living says he's not a writer by profession, but a re-writer. I can understand his point of view as well as yours.

Take care,
Rhonda

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 23-Apr-2023
    Thank you so much, Rhonda, both for your kind words and the lovely six stars. (How in the world can you hold on them so long?) You didn't mention in your review whether you snagged my freebie. I respect your opinion so much. I'd love you to read it. Will you?

    Thanks, again,

    Jay
reply by davisr (Rhonda) on 23-Apr-2023
    I actually haven?t been on in a few weeks due to a project I?m working on, so had all 6, lol. It was worth it regardless.

    I have not tried the link as I wasn?t sure if it was still active. I?ll check it out now and get back to you!
reply by davisr (Rhonda) on 23-Apr-2023
    Got it!
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2023
    Awwww, you are one sweet thang! Thank you so much. Let me know what you think of it.
Comment from nomi338
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Your excellent verbiage gives me much to consider as I am in the process of writing my own set of short stories. I am brave/foolish enough to tackle fairytales told from an urban perspective. Please pray for me, as I am sure I will seriously need it.

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 23-Apr-2023
    I've read enough of your work to know that you'll do just fine, Nolan. You didn't tell me in the review if you snagged your copy of my free book. I value your opinion, Nolan, and hope that you will read it and if it moves you, that you will urge your friends, family, and church to read it. Only two more days ... and then it's $2.99. Free is better!

    Jay
reply by nomi338 on 23-Apr-2023
    I had not gotten my copy yet because I was confused about the time factor I am going now to retrieve my free copy.
    A word of caution, free will make you popular, but it will not make you prosperous. :))
reply by nomi338 on 23-Apr-2023
    I did not read the entire book yet. What I did read I thoroughly enjoyed. I can imagine myself at an advanced age, I cannot however see myself taking unnecessary risks to prove a point. I will demonstrate my wisdom by sitting still and enjoying a cold drink, a peaceful nap, and a pleasing book to read.
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2023
    You are too funny. I don't have delusions of wealth from my writing, but if enough people enjoy the freebie, they might be more amenable to purchasing one of my other books. Everything is in preparation for the publishing of my trilogy in a couple of months. I want people to feel comfortable buying it. So ... popularity ain't half bad! LOL.
    Jay
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2023
    Good for you, Nolan. That is true wisdom! Thank you for getting your copy.
    Jay
reply by nomi338 on 24-Apr-2023
    And there it is. If you fail to plan, you can plan of failing.
Comment from LJbutterfly
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I appreciate your advice on considering a book title before publishing. My main two take-aways are, look for commonality in your short stories, and "scrutinize twice, publish once."

An author friend of mine titled his book of short stories, "All Over the Map." I won't criticize since he at least published. I wish you much success with your book, and now I'm heading over to Amazon.

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 23-Apr-2023
    Oh, goodie! I hope that "heading over to Amazon" means you're gonna pick up "The Uneven Zen of Time". I value your opinion so much, Lorraine. If it moves you, I hope you will help create the buzzzzzz! Thank you so much!

    Jay
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Well, my name is already in the hat. I jumped on board last night and plan to read as much as I can this afternoon and evening so that I can offer up a review. But having read your work for a long time I'm sure it will be outstanding as is everything you write. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    Oh, Ric, thank you so much. I hope you enjoy reading it. Of course, I look at it differently from my age, but I think you'll find it moving.
    Jay
Comment from evilynne
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Oh, no! Please don't tell myomom! Well, she is no longer on this earth but she'll come back to haunt us! Anyway, I enjoyed your writing concerning titles for our writings. Evi

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    Thank you, Evilynne! I hope you finally got to download The Uneven Zen of Time.
    Jay.
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Ah Jay, I tried - but the page was blocked to me. Am I excluded because I am an Australian?! Hope not. I'll try again later. Meanwhile, congratulations on publishing your short stories, and on a brilliant title. That would be a hook for me, for sure. Meanwhile, I 'm still considering whether my short stories are worth publishing - and if so, what on earth would the book title be. A bit of everything. A box of chocolates (you never know what you might get). Thanks to forrest Gump. Loved your story. Well done.
Wendy

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    Thank you for trying, Wendy. I sent you a PM for the workaround.

    Jay