"The Book Formerly Known As..."

The artist formerly known as Prince.

I always got a kick out of that. Wasn't he always Prince? I don't know what the deal was, but he's back to being known by his original moniker and as scary as ever.

Anyway, after much contemplation and competition, the book formerly know as ANTEBELLUM APPARITION has a new title. 

I wish to thank especially David Roberts and Dennis Sparks for their many wonderful ideas. Though I chose none of their suggestions (or anyone else's for that matter), together they did inspire me towards a title.

Even though neither of them "won" the contest I am still awarding them with a signed copy of the finished book for the time it took to brainstorm and the inspiration they gave me. Each of these fantastic gentlemen contributed nuggets that led to the final title which is....

You're dying to know, huh? Well, it's really nothing all that profound. You see "Antebellum Apparition" was way too complex and ambiguous. It's suppose to be a Middle School reader, for crying out loud!

And the title had to, as clearly as possible, tell what the book was about. In two words, beginning with the same letter (I wanted the same sound, too, but that just didn't work out). As a ghost story of sorts, and taking place primarily in a theater space inside an old mansion, I decided upon:

PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM

The story is well outlined within my skull and I will begin transferring it to computer sometime in June. It will be completed by October and released on Thanksgiving Day 2013.

CONTEST: Name That Book and Win

Okay, fans and followers: 

Market Research has indicated that ANTEBELLUM APPARITION is way too complex of a title for a middle reader (though I love it). In fact many adults have no idea what antebellum is (except for Lady Antebellum, the Grammy winner). Obviously the title of a book must reach out and speak to potential buyers. In a few words it must convey what the book is about.

I need a new title and I need YOU to help me. 

Rules are simple: You can submit as many ideas as you like. If you submit one that I like best I will use it. If no one submits one I like/use, no one wins.

The title must be only two words and both words must begin with the same letter and sound (ex: two hard P's or two P's with the F sound, not a mix of the two like in "Proscenium Phantom" but "Proscenium Poltergeist" would work, except that's too lofty). Short words--one to two syllables--are better.

The story concerns a Haunted House (if that weren't such an over used title it would be perfect)--actually an antebellum (pre-civil war) house that has been turned into a theater, very much like Vancouver's Slocum House and appears to be haunted. So I want the title to clearly say "ghost or haunted" and "house or theater" in some way.

While I like "Greenroom Ghost" as an alternative, not everyone knows what a greenroom is. However, lacking a better title (that YOU come up with) I will likely go with that.

What you get: 

If your entry is selected I will give you credit in the acknowledgement of the book AND you will receive a FREE personalized autographed copy.

Use the cover photo for inspiration. The contest closes June 30, 2013. (the book comes out Thanksgiving Day 2013.)

Think synonyms, use a Thesaurus, get creative but clear. And good luck!

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