"Children hear them, see them, know them;
See the things the fairies show them
Harlequin in magic poses."
From the 1923 Commedia play: The Harlequinade, by Dion Clayton Caltrop and Granville Barker. The painting is "Carnevale di Arlecchino" by Joan Miro. Both seem to be kicking up some new ideas for the new novel…which fairly soon must have a working title because it is getting boring saying "the new novel I am working on." Some how without a title it doesn't seem real.
Oh, I absolutely get that title thing! When I offer a retreat or plan a new class, I need to know the name of the offering – it helps hold the energy for me… kind of like that old thing that if you know someone’s real name, you can get them magically. For me, its that the idea has to be fully birthed with a name before it can take on a life of its own… wonder what your title will be?
I can’t decide if it should include “who” it’s about, or “what it’s about.” Agonizingly, most finished titles don’t come to me until close to the end…but it’s fun to have a snappy working title. I think it’s a little like parents who give their unborn child a dozen nicknames (usually with some aquatic theme!)anticipating the moment when that narrative will arrive fully formed.