Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month, as a writing prompt for IWSG members. Answering it is optional. For June, the question is: “What’s harder for you to come up with, book titles or character names?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Beverly Stowe McClure,Tyrean Martinson,Tonja Drecker, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor. Feel free to swing by their sites and see what they’re up to.
My answer to the question (“What’s harder for you to come up with, book titles or character names?”)
This month’s question is easy to answer. Since I’ve only written non-fiction stories and I’m working on my first memoir, the names of my characters are their real-life names. I do plan to contact these people, and if they want pseudonyms, they can send me suggestions as replacements. So, book titles are the hardest thing to come up with for me. And, to be honest, after years of working on my memoir, I still haven’t decided on its title. So many possibilities…
My book progress
Bad luck kept following us in May, in a few different departments, but I won’t dwell on that in this post. We were busy with running our business, translation projects for me, a weekly blog, and wrapping up our last house sit. This meant cleaning, organizing, and moving out, plus preparing our camper van Zesty for full-time RVing. We still have a few projects and issues weighing on us, but we managed to switch gears in time, and hit the road. Since we don’t always have internet availability, I’ve scheduled this post to become live on Wednesday. I hope it works out.
Despite the commotions, I managed to read through my manuscript again, make edits, and finish draft three. My husband Mark sent me his suggestions and thoughts about draft two, chapter by chapter, and I incorporated most of them. The book is still too long, but I’m ready to engage different pairs of eyes. This month, I’m sending my memoir to trusted beta readers for their valuable feedback. Plus, I really ought to brainstorm some more about titles, and pick one! If I find the time this summer, which is packed with full-time travel and visits back East and to Belgium, I plan to work on a non-fiction book proposal.
Memoir excerpt
In March, I shared an excerpt of the prologue (“Mid-ocean”) of my WIP (Work in Progress), which has the temporary title “Floating About – A Life Less Ordinary”. A blog post last year included a section of the first chapter (“A True Kiss and a False Start”). For April, I provided an excerpt of the second chapter (“From Seasick to Lovesick”), and, last month, I continued the tradition with an excerpt of the third chapter (“Trying Anew”). Please, find an excerpt of chapter four, which is called “Big Trouble or All Good?” underneath.
“Good morning, sir,” I start on a positive note.
“Good morning. Where are you coming from?” the not unfriendly immigration officer asks.
“Brussels, Belgium,” I reply with a smile.
I’m on my way back to the US after a two-week stay in Belgium, visiting friends, family, and doctors. My friend Rosy married her long-term boyfriend Peter, an additional ‘excuse’ for my trip. It was a unique ceremony, followed by a Spanish-themed party. Over Cava, I reminisced with a mutual friend, An, about her wedding years prior. That was the day I’d met Rosy, another avid traveler, who I was purposefully seated next to. We became instant friends.
“How about you and Mark?” An had asked, while we watched the newly-wed couple lock eyes.
I’d shrugged my shoulders and answered, “You know me. I don’t want to get married. I like my freedom. Besides, he and I went through a rough period recently.” I took another sip of my aperitif. “But, if I ever marry, I want my wedding to be full of beauty, love, and fun. Like this one,” I added. We listened to the upbeat tunes of the Cuban band.
I wish I could’ve stayed longer in my home country, that I didn’t have to run around so much, trying to fit everything into the restricted time I had. I did see my oma often, and our three-hour long chats seemed like thirty minutes. She’s always happy to see me. Each time I’m in Belgium, I show her how much she means to me, always fearing I won’t have another chance. She’s my main reason to attempt a yearly visit. But, Mark’s parents have their 50th wedding anniversary coming up on June 10th, and I don’t want to miss that.
“What were you doing in Belgium?” the officer wants to know.
“Visiting friends and family.” I keep it simple.
“How long are you coming back to the US for?” he asks.
“Six months,” I say. Six months should suffice to put our new plan into motion. My answer sets off the alarm bells. How could I have answered that question differently?
“Come with me, miss,” the official commands, holding on to both my Belgian passports and boarding pass. There we go again… My heart skips a beat as I follow him to the secondary immigration area. This is where the illegal entrants are held, and alleged criminals in handcuffs temporarily detained. I’m ordered to sit down amongst a multi-colored audience. I feel out of place. The waiting starts, and the real questioning hasn’t even begun yet. I sure hope I make my flight.
Comments – especially tips/improvements in regards to the excerpts – are always appreciated.
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June 6, 2018 at 07:25
You’ve made fantastic book progress, Liesbet, despite the commotions. The excerpt of chapter four reads perfect to me. I look forward to reading more. BTW, what month will you be in Belgium? I’ll be in Paris at the end of August and would love to arrange a meet up in Belgium or somewhere mutually convenient.
June 7, 2018 at 07:13
Thanks, Natalie. I hope every chapter has something enticing and compelling in it. So far, so good, I guess. 🙂
I’ll be in Belgium from mid-June until the beginning of July, so I’ll be back in the US by the time you’re in Paris. What a pity. Our paths will cross somewhere one day, though. If not in Toronto (where we hope to visit one of these summers), then elsewhere. Enjoy your trip to France!
June 6, 2018 at 08:38
Hi, Liesbet – I agree with Natalie — the except of this chapter reads very well. Good luck with your upcoming travels and writing. I look forward to reading more!
June 7, 2018 at 07:14
Thanks, Donna. You’ll have to be a tad more patient when it comes to reading the manuscript. 🙂
June 7, 2018 at 17:33
Hi, Liesbet – Yes, I totally understand. No problem at all.
BTW – I could read your comment on my WP Reader but I could not reply there. (I needed to click on to your full website to do this).
June 8, 2018 at 10:59
I was mostly teasing you, Donna. 🙂
In regards to the problem in the Reader, it sounds like that’s exactly what happened with your blog last week. When I tried to comment in the reader – for any blog – that error message came up. Did you figure out how to fix it? Does the problem occur with other blogs you try to comment to in the Reader? I wonder whether it’s related to this whole security/GDPR stuff. Sigh… I’ll try to look into it when I’m in a stable situation again. Thanks for letting me know!
June 6, 2018 at 08:39
Something in your manuscript will jump out at you, someplace you went that will capture the whole story.
June 7, 2018 at 07:15
I keep believing that as well, Alex. But, it’s taking a while. 🙂 Thanks for your presence on my blog, and for all the encouragement!
June 6, 2018 at 08:40
I like your new photo at the top, Liesbet – very appropriate for the Roaming About you of today.
Congratulations again on finishing draft three. I wouldn’t worry too much right now about a book title. Your beta readers will be able to help with ideas. A theme might be apparent in the book that you aren’t seeing right now because you’re so close to it, or there might be a particularly significant story. Fresh eyes will be able to give you more options to consider.
June 7, 2018 at 07:19
I actually haven’t changed the photo on the top, Karen. The banner “rotates”, and circles between four images, depending on when you get to the blog. At least, that’s what it’s supposed to do. 🙂 If you’ve only seen one image in all those times you read posts on Roaming About, something might be amiss on my end. Or, it was coincidence.
Thanks for the compliment and insights. I was thinking I might provide the beta readers with a bunch of potential titles. And, you’re so right, I am too close to this work, and I will consider any tips or thoughts from the beta readers, whatever they are about.
June 6, 2018 at 09:18
Nice job, Liesbet! You’re really making great progress. Ack! You left us hanging! Great job on your chapter. Thanks for sharing it with us.
June 7, 2018 at 07:20
You are so encouraging and kind, Jill. Thank you so much for being you, and for being a part of my blog!
June 6, 2018 at 09:20
The excerpt reads really well Liesbet and I agree that the title will come to you when you have your final draft in your hands. Good luck with everything that needs sorting out and happy travels over the Summer! :o) xxx
June 7, 2018 at 07:21
Thank you, Xenia. Your well-wishes might be exactly what we need to get away from our downward spiral these months…
June 6, 2018 at 09:23
Hi Liesbet! Yes to progress, especially in spite of all the other things going on in your life this last month or so. And I agree with your other commenters! Don’t worry about the title at this point. Your readers will be able to help with that too…and maybe the cover? Sometimes the cover offers a “window” into your most important element that will make the title clear. Looking forward to reading more. ~Kathy
June 7, 2018 at 07:23
Thanks, Kathy. I have thoughts about the title and the cover, but the decision should wait until the end, like you suggest. Good idea about asking input from beta readers about the cover as well. I hadn’t thought about that. It’s a bit daunting to “release” this draft to beta readers. I always feel I should read it “one more time”. 🙂 Thank you for all your help with this.
June 6, 2018 at 10:03
Wait, wait…what happened next? 😳 Gail
June 7, 2018 at 07:24
🙂 I guess you’ll have to wait until next month. Or, until the memoir is published. Hint: nothing too good, initially…
June 6, 2018 at 11:28
That’s a sign of epicness–being uprooted, bounced about, and still making progress. Way to go!
June 7, 2018 at 07:26
Thanks, Crystal. I did push myself pretty hard last month, and often thought I wouldn’t be able to concentrate with the other things going on. But, then again, this whole year has been tough for reasons I have not expressed in my blogs yet, so I’d had some practice. 🙂
June 6, 2018 at 11:39
You seemed to get through your last draft really, really quick. I wish I worked that fast. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
June 7, 2018 at 07:28
Hi Anna! I’m probably fooling myself into believing that all these are “drafts”, while all I do is read through them again, edit a bit, and make minor adjustments. I did manage to cut the manuscript down a few thousand words thanks to my husband, but it is still way too long. But, I’m proud to have been able to focus mainly on the manuscript in May. Good luck with your writing projects. I’ll be over to your blog soon.
June 6, 2018 at 12:04
Titles for non-fiction are a bit more complicated than fiction, I think. But something will pop. I very much enjoyed the excerpt – I definitely want to know what happens next!
June 8, 2018 at 10:36
Thanks, Lee. I have it relatively easy in that my life is always an adventure, even if I don’t want it to be one. Enough stories to fill a lifetime of writing already. 🙂
June 6, 2018 at 12:20
I can’t believe I never thought about the fact that you might need to use pseudonyms for some people in a memoir. Makes total sense not that I think about it. Now, it has me all curious about the memoir writing process – what do you put in, what do you leave out, what do you alter a bit to “protect the innocent” etc. Can’t wait to see that draft 🙂
June 8, 2018 at 10:41
I’m a pretty honest and straightforward person, so if it’s up to me, I leave everything in! 🙂 I report what happened from memory and blogs, but apparently, you have to be careful with names. Most people probably like having their real name (first name only) in a book, others might prefer a pseudonym. A lot of memoirs involve touchy subjects, and that’s where it might become a pickle in regards to upsetting people or performing libel. When it comes to the law, it’s tricky. According to Mark I’m not bashing anybody in my memoir (except for one person who deserves it), so I should be fine in general. If people I contact request to read the excerpt in which they are mentioned, I’ll send it to them beforehand.
June 6, 2018 at 13:42
Here you are, through another edit, and I’ve done absolutely zero on my book writing. Even during a rough month or so, you’ve kept the pedal to the metal – great job! I’m guessing you were “all good” with the not unfriendly immigration fellow since you’re still here!
June 8, 2018 at 10:44
The title of my blog comes off a bit stronger than it actually is, Lexie. It was a rush against time to read through my manuscript again in one month. I call it the third draft, but all I did was edit it a bit and make some cuts. 🙂 You’ll catch up with me this summer, since I won’t be able to do anything, due to travel and other plans.
In regards to the other part of your comment… Soon after the not unfriendly guy, things changed drastically, and I was actually not all good. 🙁 The title of the chapter is partly related to the immigration experience and partly to something else…
June 8, 2018 at 14:20
Aha – I will eagerly await the book then (I already was, of course)!
June 11, 2018 at 19:43
🙂
June 6, 2018 at 16:04
I enjoyed reading the excerpt. It flows well…and I’m curious what happened next.
Good luck on the titles!
June 8, 2018 at 10:45
Thanks, Tonja! Coming up with titles is the fun part, finding one that clicks, and that you’re completely happy with is something else. 🙂
June 6, 2018 at 17:51
What you’ve written in this excerpt is so interesting and flows well, Liesbet. As many have already said, great progress…some of that distraction got your writer’s juices flowing! I think the title will come at the right time. I’ve had many blog posts re-title themselves in the 11th hour and it was the right choice. And you will know it when that inspiration comes! Have a great week!
June 8, 2018 at 10:47
Thanks, Terri. I do believe that the right title will click at some point. Then, I’ll have to stick with it, instead of trying to improve things, over and over again. My mind has been tested this year, but I’m glad I did manage to pull away from it all and focus on my memoir at times. I hope you had an amazing week yourself!
June 6, 2018 at 18:18
I really want to try housesitting. I’ve signed up for a few sites, but the timing hasn’t worked out yet. Do you do it a lot? And happy IWSG day! http://www.raimeygallant.com
June 8, 2018 at 10:49
Hi Raimey! My husband and I have been house sitting full-time for 2.5 years, and are now contemplating combining that lifestyle with van travel in our Zesty. We love the house and pet sitting lifestyle, especially when desiring to live “everywhere”, with dogs, and rent-free, while focusing on work during the week. Which sites have you signed up with? My favorites right now are Mind My House and House Sitters America. Good luck snatching a good sit soon!
June 10, 2018 at 03:44
I’m on Mind My House, and Housesitters was the next one I was going to try, or maybe I’m already signed up, and I’ve forgotten. I think I did something like an unpaid trial with housesitters…
June 11, 2018 at 19:52
Sounds good. If you could sign up for email notifications, you’ll get what’s available and within your search criteria straight into your inbox. Much easier that way. I browse through those in outlook, and click on the ads that sound interesting.
June 6, 2018 at 20:24
I so enjoyed reading the excerpt ! You have me on the edge of my seat. Actually I think my palms may be sweating. Congratulations on all of your progress. Well done!
June 8, 2018 at 10:52
Thank you, Sue. I’m glad you’re enjoying the ride with all these snippets. I hope the whole book will be as compelling that it captures the reader.
June 6, 2018 at 22:49
I love the excerpt. It is crisp and clear and having been in that situation a few times whilst in process of getting a green card and then a US passport, I could really relate to the experience!
Given your creative blog post titles it seems that the book title will no doubt be a good one and will evolve and come to you during the process.
Keep going and we’ll done so far!
Peta
June 8, 2018 at 10:53
Hi Peta! Thanks for the compliment and the continued encouragement. I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt. And, it’s nice to know (well, you know what I mean) that someone can really relate to these experiences. It’s hard to capture those moments of distress, fear, and mistreatment in writing.
June 7, 2018 at 00:14
Well done in getting through the next draft! I love the way you always leave us with questions hanging – although, I suppose this time I can be fairly sure you weren’t clapped in jail or deported …
June 8, 2018 at 10:55
Aha! You never know, Anabel. 🙂 This experience was quite a few years ago. All I can tell is that this particular immigration experience didn’t end the way it usually does, or the way I needed it to be… It had big consequences. And, that’s why it made the memoir.
June 8, 2018 at 08:04
Awesome work, Liesbet! Congratulations on finishing your third draft.
Sorry to hear you’re still facing some challenges, but I hope June is a better month for you. Enjoy your time on the road. xo
June 8, 2018 at 11:00
Thanks, JH. Life on the road is challenging, but rewarding as well. Without internet obligations, it would be a blast. 🙂
June 9, 2018 at 04:16
Glad to hear that you’ve made some headway with your book! Well done for finding the time with everything else that is going on. x
June 11, 2018 at 19:44
Thanks, Claire. These months, even though I work from home and live a bit of a different lifestyle, I feel like I’m working a full-time job again, like when I was a teacher. Except, I’m combining about three different job styles. It comes with quite a bit of stress, and little time for fun. But, progress is finally being made. 🙂
June 9, 2018 at 11:00
Liesbet
As always I’m intrigued with what will happen next in your memoir. You are a master of the cliffhanger.
Good luck and travel safe
Laura
June 11, 2018 at 19:47
Thank you, Laura. I wish I could say it was a talent, but it’s not. My life just comes with unexpected twists and turns, and whatever I do – whether I want it or not – nothing ever goes smoothly or as planned (which s why I gave up on plans a long time ago) and everything is an adventure one way or another. I guess it makes for good stories. And, of those, I will never run out. I’m experiencing yet another crazy change of plans as I’m writing this…
June 9, 2018 at 11:53
Bravo, Liesbet, to accomplish a third draft of your memoir. And also good for you to take time out to camp around in Zesty. Everyone needs a break once in a while. If only I’d remember this advice. My Mom’s been very sick in the hospital, so that’s been keeping me busy lately.
This is a good scene here at the airport. You have the reader in the palm of your hand as we wait to see what happens. Good job!
June 11, 2018 at 19:50
Thanks, Victoria.
Sorry to hear about your mother. That requires so much time and energy! Wishing you all good health and strength!
Mark and I enjoyed our “break”. Living in Zesty was part choice and part necessity, because we didn’t have another house sit. So, the office came with us, which made it a bit more challenging. Yet, we did get to explore some amazing areas in New Mexico and Colorado. We’re back in Santa Fe now, in Zesty, to deal with our windshield and wrap up our time here, preparing for our trip east by train in a few days.
June 10, 2018 at 07:55
A wonderful excerpt, Liesbet!
The mention of a Cuban band captured my attention… I love exotic rhythms…
World-renowned Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine (originally from Cuba) is one of my favorite 80’s bands.
Congrats on finishing your third draft! You’ve made great progress.
June 11, 2018 at 19:54
I grew up with Gloria Estefan! 🙂 It’s interesting that the part about the Cuban theme jumped out in that scene, since it is just a little mention. It makes me realize that different readers pick up on different things, and how could I ever know what to leave in and what to delete? Thanks for the compliments, Michelle!
June 11, 2018 at 14:40
You are a busy woman, Liesbet. My May was super busy too with the illness and unexpected death of my brother Mark, which you know about. I’m just now getting back to catching up with commenting on friends’ blogs like your own.
I enjoyed your excerpt, especially the note of suspense near the end. (Leave the reader hanging!) Good use of dialogue also.
I’m stumped with my title too. I have a working title but my readers, especially the paid developmental editor, is not too keen about.
June 11, 2018 at 19:59
Hi Marian! Welcome back. I hope everyone is healing in their own ways, slowly coming to terms with the changes in life and adjusting back to their own “normal”. It takes a while to get going again after experiences like these. I find that trying to focus on completely different things helps.
Thanks for the comment and the compliments. Brain storming many titles is as far as I’ve come. Now, I’m deleting most of the 100 or so, in the hopes that my beta readers will find a favorite. If you have different title ideas, you could run those by your readers and editor, after they’ve read the manuscript.
I actually don’t think I’ve ever been not busy, unfortunately. For some reason, we want to live this particular lifestyle, but, dealing with certain responsibilities and work situations makes everything much busier and more challenging than if we were to lead a “normal” life. Not sure I’d want it differently. But, I’d love to read a book once in a while and just sit in nature doing nothing. 🙂 Or, go on a vacation. Haven’t done that in over a decade.
June 11, 2018 at 18:12
So much kudos to you my friend for all you do and life on the road as well as writing a book. I loved your excerpt and do look very forward to reading the book when it comes out! Enjoy your trip home!!! 🙂 xx
June 11, 2018 at 20:01
Thank you for your ongoing support, Debby! It’s hard to be on the go these last two weeks, sightseeing and catching up on blogs, emails, and other online tasks in libraries, while feeling guilty about not working on my book anymore. I need a real vacation! 🙂
June 14, 2018 at 03:19
You are doing great work Liesbet, and you’ve very humble about it. The chapter excerpt is great 🙂
June 14, 2018 at 11:17
Thanks, Yvette. That’s such a nice and encouraging thing to say. I’m glad you liked the excerpt. I hope the whole book will prove to be compelling.
July 8, 2018 at 11:43
Liesbet, good for you for persisting with your revisions to your memoir through such a busy time. Third draft – wow!
One thing I have been wondering about has to do with the main theme – your relationship with Mark. Do you find it hard to write about such a personal topic? Is there a temptation to smooth out any unpleasant bits for the sake of the wellbeing of your future relationship? I have to assume that Mark is totally onboard with it, seeing as he has read the manuscript. However, these sorts of concerns are why I write mostly fiction rather than memoir.
Jude
July 9, 2018 at 01:59
I feel with writing, you really need to make it a priority to make it happen. There is always so much else going on… In the spring, I finally made myself do this, despite some really rough times on a few different levels. I am proud of that, but there is still a lot of work to do. And, I know that the present and the near future will make it difficult to continue (hence my focus before this period)>
As far as your other remark… that’s a good one. I’m pretty outgoing, straightforward and “sharing” with people in general. So, no, I don’t have a problem writing about this topic, and being completely honest about what happened to me or us. I’m writing about MY feelings, and MY experiences with Mark during this time, and they weren’t always nice. I don’t smooth anything out. I was as honest in my vocal remarks to Mark during the time this memoir takes place, as when relaying the episodes in the book.
Apparently, it is harsh at times (based on the comments of one of my beta readers), but as I told him: that’s the point – to be honest and subjective (it’s my take, my memoir), and it’s OK if the reader hates me at times. And, yes, Mark read everything and knows how he behaved at times. The memoir is a true account, and we all have our negative sides. That being said, I totally understand that some people find it difficult to reveal all that.