For those of you who’ve been following along as I write Unnamed Joanna #22, I just now hit a word-count total of 57,164 words. That means I’m at 61.17% of a 95,000-word book, and I’m officially on the banana peel. In other words, it should be all downhill from here.
Of course, that 60% number is entirely arbitrary, right along with getting 10,000 steps—which I’m still doing, by the way—but it’s a way of keeping score; a way of knowing that I’m making forward progress. The truth is, I find that, as a general rule, writing the last third of a book is fundamentally easier than writing the first two thirds of the book. That occurs primarily because by then I usually know where the story is going.
But here’s another bit of the book publishing business that you may find surprising. The whole while I’ve been writing this book, I’ve been waiting for the right title to pop into my mind. It hasn’t exactly popped. It’s been more or less sneaking in around the edges of my mind. Or is it corners instead of edges? No idea.
At any rate, I finally hit on what I believe to be the right title. So yesterday I sent my suggested name to my editor. Today I received her reply. It turns out, the person who has the final word on titles is currently out of town—and so are the marketing people who also get to weigh on the topic. As far as getting approval on title is concerned, I’ll have to take an old cold tater and wait—which is exactly what Evie would say.
But the truth is, I’m enjoying writing this book. It’s been like putting together a 5,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. All I can say is, I hope my readers enjoy it, too.
But that’s why today’s blog is short but brief—which is also something Evie would say. I need to get back to writing STILL Unnamed Joanna # 22.
Whatever the title ends up being, the book will be a gripping read! I know that from experiencing all your other books. Looking forward to this one.
Today’s blog was, indeed, short. But informative. I’ve often wondered about the book titles. Some of them stick in my mind, others don’t. And some I’ve figured out while reading. No matter, it’s all good for me. I’m getting antsy waiting for your next book(s). That’s something I think my mother would say.
Whatever the title turns out to be, it is going to forever, in my mind, be Unnamed Joanna #22, and I can hardly wait for a new J.A. Jance book. Right now I am on a total re-read of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragon Rider’s of Pern series, and have discovered Todd and Gigi McCaffrey. Since I discovered Pern in the 80’s, it has been my favorite place in the Universe.
Blessing to you and Bill.
how about trying out the title on your loyal followers?
I planned to. Not allowed until the decision is made.
Your posts are SO enjoyable! Love hearing your progress and insights into the publishing world. My editor warned me that as of this week, the whole publishing-related world starts using up their vacation days. Apparently that is true!
Patience with a cold potato…perfectly said.
I am rereading some of the Joanna Brady books and I will be looking forward to this one when it’s done. Thanks for all your good writing which has given me so many hours of reading enjoyment.
Hurry home, vacationers! How can we pre-order if we don’t even have the title?
Good morning!
I do so enjoy your blogs! Love your sense of humor. And, of course, love your books. Looking forward to Unnamed Joanna. Beaumont and Joanna are my favorites.
Have a blessed day
Mary
I’m waiting, I’m waiting.
I’ve gone back and re-read some of your books. Because I have nothing else to read, the old saying, I’m waiting with bated breath. Hope that doesn’t mean I have worms in my mouth.
I am rereading the Joanna Brady series for the third time. It’s been several years since the last binge reading of all of these books and it’s just as much fun as it was when I read the story series when each new book came out. I don’t remember how I discovered your books but I love them! That includes JP Beaumont and Ali Reynolds
I’m so glad that your still writing. I just love your books ?
Your weekly notes do wonders for my attitude. I cannot really explain it except it puts a smile on my face and makes me laugh.
I honestly think you are way too hard on yourself. Writing a book is a very time consuming and mental strain on the writer, in my inexperienced opinion. I applaud your brilliant approach to writing and your talent.
Keep up the great work.
Whatever the title is I’m sure it will be a great read.
I’m just astounded by your talent and energy.
Number 22 will be great!
So glad I found your books!
I have my sister to thank for that!
Have a good day, and maybe some ice cream. I always feel better when I have a nice treat.
Lana
Something you wrote about a month ago inspired me to dig out ALL of your books I have, sort them, and start re-reading them. Since my introduction to you was a Joanna Brady book, I started with her. Had to fill in a couple of gaps from a used book place, but I’m finished with Joanna, and have started re-reading Ali. BUT, I’m so looking forward to another Joanna book. She’s my favorite character of yours.
I lost my last fur baby right before I started the Re-read. I’ve buried my nose in books since that happened. It helps me thru the sadness. At some point I’ll have to re-surface to the real world, I suppose, but I am thoroughly enjoying the Re-Read adventure. Can’t wait to read Unnamed Joanna # 22! Keep it up, please!
As your other fans have let you know, we don’t care what the title is, we will love it. Joanna has always been my favorite, so I anxiously await, like the others.
Janice Molina
Your fans will love the book, regardless of the title.
I anxiously await the book, along with a multitude of other fans.
Janice Molina
Hope they like it
I can hardly wait for it to come out.
Hope what came to mind gets approval ! Interesting to learn so much about publishing a book! Looking forward, in a dry season for reading at the moment!
I have enjoyed all of your books , all series . I’ve read them all . Continued good writing and getting in your steps
As an avid fiction reader, I always enjoy trying to figure out how the author chose a specific title for his/her book. Many times I’m surprised. And many times I’m just plain puzzled, but it’s all still fun.
Love your get up and go, JA!
Best to you and Bill <3
As an avid fiction reader, I always enjoy trying to figure out how the author chose a specific title for his/her book. Many times I’m surprised. And many times I’m just plain puzzled, but it’s all still fun.
Love your get up and go, JA!
Best to you and Bill <3