I retitled my novel yesterday.
Over time it’s been Phoebe Jane Anarchy, Revolution’s Pride, Give up your dreams of revolution we’re calling your parents, Dreams of Revolution and Zeal. On my old blog, I had a poll and the long title was by the far the most popular. But now I have a new title.
I was walking along Stirling Highway to pick up a takeaway from Bibik Chan when the new one came to me:
The House of Zealots.
Because it’s about a share house of students who have in common, more than anything, zeal – for one of them religious zeal, for the other three political, although these things get mixed up.
(Having written this account of the new title, I already doubt it. I’d already retitled it when I was walking along Stirling Highway. It’s just that I had a sudden vision of the book in my hands, with a black shiny cover and that title on the front. Now I can’t remember how the title really came to me.)
Nathan Hobby, a biographer in Perth 
Here’s the deal. Stop right now and forget about the title. Tell yourself there is going to be no title. You will find it difficult to do this, maybe not, however if you do it, and I mean really believe there is not going to be a title then you will get one.
The idea behind this I found out by accident. Simply telling yourself I am not going to write anymore when it is in your true nature to write is quite the shock on the mind not to mention the body.
The title will seek your attention and try to get it but refuse to give in and then you will know when the title you have been looking for will appear as if dictated to you.
That’s the secret to titles. Same applies to getting the girl. Really!!!
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Thanks for the advice, Michael. 🙂
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