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Title for my book: Acknowledgment to YOU!
Posted by melindaville • 8/06/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: melindaville, suggestions, title for melinda's memoir
On the thread that asked us what we would call the title of our books, stillthinking said she didn't like the working title of my book, which is: Lost and Found: A Journey of Addiction, Recovery, and Redemption.
She thought it was too "Lifetime" and I cannot really disagree with her.
I got the idea on that thread to start *this thread* asking people for suggestions to title my book.
You can learn more about my life--and why I have written my memoir by visiting my blog (for those of you who do not know me).
If I should use the title you come up with, I promise to acknowldge you in my book! (and this is here, now in writing).
Thanks everyone!
User Comments
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I just left you some titles in the other thread!-
Oh, great--thanks (I think--lol).
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From punk bitch to psychologist: All the shit before, during and after.-
LOL--duly noted!
You know--if I had accepted Harvard's offer, I could have titled it:
From Heroin to Harvard. But I went to Penn instead! -
Hahahahaha -
From Pencil-Dicks to Penn? -
"From teller to Penn: A magical story of recovery."
That's of course if you were ever a bank teller in those dark days when you would do anything for a fix or if you know any card tricks. -
From Punk to Penn state!
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Sometimes a good title comes from one of the more poignant/visual lines IN a book.
Are there particular passages that have lines you're pleased with, that you feel say what you're going for? Often that's where the title poetry lies.-
Hmnnnn--I am now rereading it in full--without making edits. I think I will actually look for that--thanks for the suggestions, TSR!
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I think this is the best idea. I love discovering the relevance of the title while I'm reading the book, it adds so much to the experience of reading.
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Yes, I am actually reading it now with this in mind. There's bound to be something along the way.
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Risen Lotus
my favorite title is : a thousand splendid suns.-
Those are beautiful, Lolita!
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Melindaville: An American Tale...ah I'm sorry my mind is not working but i will get back at you
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Actually, that is quite good. Simple, direct.
I rather liked Anin's suggestion: Monochrome Rainbow. Really poetic. -
Perhaps I should put Melindaville in the title! Never thought of that!
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Yes and have BC members all over ya! Hahahahaha
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lol, i'd tell the world i know her but not from where
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Professor Punk-
That sounds like an 80's film about a punk orang-outang that becomes a professor at an Ivy league college much to the irritation of other faculty members.
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Isnt that what happened?
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Almost exactly. That's why Melinda wants to use the money from her book to help other punk orang-outangs fund a reasonable heroin habit without having to give up their teaching jobs.
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LOL--I think that's actually pretty funny, DB. My book is actually funny in some chapters (you have to have some comic relief in a little shop of horrors). If my book were completely funny, I would consider using that.
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I also like the idea of naming your book after your favorite song lyric that you feel some sort of strong attachment to.
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I think you might actually be on to something there. I also have some poetry and lyrics that I wrote way back when that I should probably look at now. I have been meanign to go through all of them to figure out where to use them in the book (I plan to use actual journal entries, lyrics, and some poetry from when I was addicted as chapter openers).
I wrote a song in which one of the lyrics was: "I have seen that I will die in a fire that I will build." Not that I would use that--but it was such an (almost) prophetic line.
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Lost in the Fog
The Wandering Gypsy
Point A to Point B (and all the crap in the middle)
Shooting UPwards
One Day I Will Be!
Lost at Home
Travelling to Melindaville
Trip to Melindaville
Melindaville: More Than a Day Trip
Just Passing Through
( I will stop now...hee hee )-
Wow, Cathy! YOu might actually get an acknowledgment--I like a lot of those! (You are good at this!).
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Actually, the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of your blog and your book being the same title.
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I do think it's not a bad idea to tie Melindaville in--I agree. I am actually getting some *great* suggestions here. This was a good idea. YAY Still for telling me my title sucked!
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@cathy13 "Point A to Point B (and all the crap in the middle)
" I'm sure this will catch the attention of buyers
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I think you are right!
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Are you planning to put your avatar on the cover?
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I did a piece of artwork when I was in treatment. It was a self-portrait, which was (how to describe) like a mosaic or a stained glass window--in which the face is broken down into all these little pieces and put together. Very colorful. When I was working on it in treatment, it was how I felt--like I had shattered into a million pieces and was being put back together. That I would never be the same Melinda as I should have been had I not been molested by my father and become an addict--but a "new Melinda" that was pieced back together in treatment.
I don't think the piece is good enough to be the cover--I am a better musician than I am an artist but I like the idea of this piece a lot. I have an artist friend who is quite famous who has offered to do it--I might take him up on it. Or find someone else to do it. -
It's too bad that James Frey already used the title "A Million Pieces" because that would be so crazy poetic.
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I remember Sinead O'Connor's Universal Mother and she did the cover art herself. Not really stalwart stuff but still it's from her. hahaha options ,options ,it makes it more fun
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The mosaic idea makes me think of words along the lines of "Wasted" like:
Unglued
Broken
Mended
Something along those lines -
I agree, Still-I like that title a lot--particularly considering my self-portrait.
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@TSR: What about this:
Shattered: A Journey Back from Addiction.
??? -
How about Shattered: Putting It All Together After Addiction
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That's good too, TSR! Lots of food for thought here!
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I fall into the school of "less is more"
The less descriptive the title is, the more I am fascinated by it.
Like Augusten Burrough's memoirs. "Running with Scissors, Dry, Year of Magical Thinking, Wolf at the Table"
Gorgeous titles that aren't super literal.-
I have been told by this agent that you need to have a title for a memoir that gives at least *some idea* of what the book is about, which is why I thought of the part "Addictio, Recovery, and Redemption." For exampled, "Wasted" was a great title for the woman's book on the eating disorder. That would have also been a good title for my book, I think (because I was wasted on heroin and wasted my life)--too bad she thought of it first!
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Well, if it were my memoir (which it is not) IMO, I would go with something not very literal.
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I agree with Still it should be along the same lines as "Postcards from the edge" It has to be a title that jumps off the book shelf.
You have to stop someone mid browse and make them pick up your book and not the surrounding ones. -
I do agree with both you (anin) and still.
Hmnnnn, what about? "Shattered: A Journey through Hell and Back." -
That seems quite generic a title to me its exactly what you would expect a memoir like yours to be called that's why I think you have to stay away from that kind of stuff and have a real show stopper that makes people think wow I wonder what that's about.
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I like Melindaville but, if you go with it, you need a subtitle. One would read Melindaville and assume is all about Melinda, so, you should give us, who is Melinda? and why we would like to read about her?-
I agree completely Deray--I would need to have a subtitle. The agent I am working with tells me that the title has to be at least somewhat descriptive of what the book is about--and Melindaville isn't that descriptive of what is inside.
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To Heroin And Back: A Journey, etc.
(Was originally thinking of "To Hell and Back.")-
I like that. It's what happened.
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Melindaville: To hell and back.
Melindaville: I fought back
Standing on my own two feet
Melindaville or the story of the Risen Lotus
Raising above or the story of Melindaville
np
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That's great too, Lolita! This is great--you guys are really giving me some great suggestions!
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I like that one Lolita
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YES!!!!!! let me put my thinking cap on, lol!
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"Out Of The Darkness"-
True, Rozie! that did happen! I wonder if people will think it is about a blind person getting sight back though!
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Shattered, insert witty stuff here
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Shattered windows: The Microsoft vista story.
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I do like the 'Shattered' to begin with it--particularly because of the artpiece. I still need to come up with the 2nd part.
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a story about picking the pieces up
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Shattered or the story of Melindaville
Shattered but not broken
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Glass? Heart?Dreams?Home?
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Those are all words that are very telling. I am really getting good word suggestions here. I will have fun playing with all of these! Thank you, CMF!
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Heroin, Hookers and Hell
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no, that's my story, lol!
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That *really* does sum it up, Claire!
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On the shattered theme "Jigsaw memories" or on the prostitution theme there's a play on Apocalypse now "A cock 'o lips then"
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OH! I like that REALLY a lot!
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ME TOO!!!!
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"Panic in Needle Point Park"
oops that's already taken
"Tracks Of My Fears"
"Who Am I? A Drug Less Adventure"
"A Dime Bag To Nowhere"-
LOLOLOL! Very witty!
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I got it, i got it. how about : A MILLION LITTLE PIECES??
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Ha ha ha. Too bad Frey used (and abused) that title!
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tried reading that dumb book and gave up halfway the short sentences just pissed me off. he can't write for shit and i can't believe oprah fell for it.
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I have never read that book. When I knew I was going to write my memoir, I stopped reading autobiographies of recovering addicts. I was going to read it when I finished my book (which is now)--but perhaps I won't.
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The Journey To Melindaville
The Upside of Down
Like A Pheonix
Survive This
A Not So Perfect Circle
yeah my brain is fried from too much spongebob-
Those are some great ideas, ESS! thank you!
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Just updated it it was supposed to be
"A Dime Bag To Nowhere" (not bad to nowhere)
BTW, proud of you. :-) :-) :-)
Been there, done that and worse-
Thank you, Rozie. Good for you too--a fellow survivor. You have a way with titles! I like a lot of those!
Dime bag to nowhere is apropo! NYC memories.
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I was working on a short story about drunk driving
"Second Degree Martini"
You can use part of that if you'd like
Like
"Second Degree Dime Bag" -
"Pushers and Dealers and Me, Oh My"
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Wow--you are a wealth of good ideas!
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Thanks :-)
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A little piece of me.....
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Ha!
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That's going to be YOUR book, Claire!
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Whooops lol
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Well, a place to start might be looking at overarching themes in your memoir outside of specific events. I know when I read your blog: it just reminds me of certain songs like:
Natural's Not In It by Gang of Four
Rise Up with Fists by Rilo Kiley
Night in My Veins by the Pretenders
Goodbye Stranger by Supertramp
How to be Dead by Snow Patrol
Winter by Tori Amos-
I love Tori Amos so much.
Those are all great (and appropriate) song choices. Each chapter has either a snippet of original lyrics that I wrote, or a journal entry from way back when, OR lyrics from a song that was central to my experiences at that time.
I should also go look through my old albums from that time.
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One junkie's journey: from darkness to light
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Dime bag to nowhere is apropo! NYC memories.
"Ave A,B,C and Me"
"Alphabets Are Not Cereal"
didn't know you walked the walk in the hood.-
You look really familiar to me, actually. Hmnnnnn. I think I might have run into you down in alphabet land!
I lived on E. 3rd between 1st and 2nd and for awhile on St. Marks Place and 1st--right across the street from "Manic Panic."
Hey! Maybe I should call my book "Manic Panic" (no--people will think it is about anxiety!).
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Do not overcomplicate this. The title needs to be short, punchy and allow words to say more than words can say.
For example, "Recovering Myself".
A search on Amazon.com indicates this title is not taken. However, note the words saying more than what they precisely say to be "recovered", one must be lost in the first place. This creates the questions:
1. Where did you start from?
2. Where did you get lost?
3. How did you get lost?
4. How did you recover?
Any beginning of a book worth its salt creates questions...this function draws the reader in.
Furthermore, by having a generic title, this also creates a scenario whereby the reader may more easily identify with the subject matter: recovery can imply anything from heroin to chocolate cake. It also fits to be more generic, as there were multiple things to recover from.-
All good points, GC--thank you!
Recovering Myself. I like this--it's simple--I wonder if it will draw enough attention though. Hmnnnnnn. Food for thought. -
@melindaville
Simple titles tend to work best:
"Pride and Prejudice"
"The Grapes of Wrath"
"War and Peace"
And so on and so forth. The worst thing one can do is make the title more interesting than the book. -
I tend to agree a simple title is best. I need to keep thinking (and I have all these suggestions coming into my inbox with the thread). I really value all the input!
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How about just "The Journey to Melindaville"? You could use addiction, recovery, or just putting together the pieces in a subtitle.
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Good point, Legbamel.
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"The Journey to Melindaville" : Heroin, hookers and a hotline to hell.
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Whoa Claire! that's actually really good I think! But GC would say it's too literal (and so would Still).
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Too literal! Sounds like a documentary feature for a DVD.
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BTW
The worse place in the city I ever went to score was Cypress Ave in the Bronx, where a mom was trying to sell a bent set of works with her 3 years old in tow. I think that was a point in my life where I decided I could not live like that. Would you believe the bitch tried to sell me bent works.-
How disgusting. My end came when I woke up in a hospital after trying VERY HARD to kill myself (3 serious attempts one weekend). The first thing I saw was an old, black, male nurse named "Moses" and the first thing I thought of was, "Hey! Moses is Black!" And then I wondered how I made it into heaven.
Then the pain came . . . it really hurts your internal organs to drink an entire bottle of furniture polish.
Moses told me I wasn't supposed to die. I realized then and there I had 3 choices: die, stay the same and suffer, or change. I chose change.
And yes. You did hear that right. Furniture polish.
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You can use the title I was going to use for my autobio "Farting in lieu of bubble bath: The Aningeniousname story."
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Hahahaha.
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Bad Ardy!
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Well I think it conveys a certain sense of hope.
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Actually, I think Aningeniousname makes a great book title all on it's own.
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What about "From gear to sobriety." as a play on "From here to eternity."
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How about "AnIngeniousName: A Journey of Discovery from Aardvark Nipples to Powdered Anuses."
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That sounds like a sex manual for young newly weds or single gay men.
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It sounds like you've got your next project...
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In your case, I'd make an exception to the overcomplication rule:
"You Can Wash An Aardvark, But You Can Never Make Him Clean" -
But I was going to call my gay sex manual "Bend it like Beckham."
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hahahahaha
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I used to hang in Max's Kansas City
The 82 club etc etc etc-
I must have seen you around. Did you ever go to CBGB's? By any chance do you know Roberta Bayley?
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How disgusting. My end came when I woke up in a hospital after trying VERY HARD to kill myself (3 serious attempts one weekend). The first thing I saw was an old, black, male nurse named "Moses" and the first thing I thought of was, "Hey! Moses is Black!" And then I wondered how I made it into heaven.
Then the pain came . . . it really hurts your internal organs to drink an entire bottle of furniture polish.
every time I go to the hospital, I get cuffed and put into the observation room. I know the feeling.-
Here's a ((((((hug))))))) for you, my friend.
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You really shouldn't take my advice too literally Melinda.
Architects are notoriously anti-titling of anything. We typically put numbers on things rather than titling it and then don't put any description at all on it. That is because architects love to talk and force people into asking questions instead.-
I asked for suggestions--and I am seriously considering every single one!
And everyone! I really appreciate it!
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Of course CB's The Dolls, Johny Rotten, The Fast, Blonde, Mink Deville.
Be honest hard to remember personal names after all these years Roberta Bayley?.
Do you remember the Von Score Bothers?
I managed "Jimmy James and The Jumping Flames Featuring Von Score and The Ricotta Boys" They played there.
BTW Hugs right back -
The Hitchhiker's guide to Melindaville-
One of my favorite (most influential)books that I read when I was younger was "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Man--that book changed how I viewed the world!
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likewise
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The movie SUCKED! -
"been there.. done that.. NO MORE"
the "No More" part being the more prominent on the cover, bold, big font etc
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Glass promises.
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Blech!
*in ominous narrator voice*
She was a woman in love. He was handsome, successful, and a murderer... -
But as in a junkies promises are easily broken.
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That's a beautiful title--but I am not sure that it relates to my book.
My friend Eddie thinks I should title it:
"I lived"
-- just that--as simple as that. I also thought of this;
"What Doesn't Kill" (makes us strong). -
That's true, anin--but I am not sure people would relate to that.
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What about "Peanuts!: How I used to eat peanuts and other snack foods while high on heroin and other drugs."
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That's a negative on "What Doesn't Kill" -
www.amazon.com/What-Doesnt-Kill-You-Novel/dp/1416564209/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&... -
Oh, that just reminded me of Muriel Hemingway on Larry King Live years ago.
She starts off telling this cute story about her grandfather and before she can even get into it, Larry interrupts her and says "You mean Ernest Hemingway." -
Actually, GC--you cannot copyright a title. I could use it. But I wouldn't use one that had already been used.
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@melindaville
No, I wasn't suggesting that it was copyrighted, I was just suggesting you may want to get something that matches to an existing title less closely. -
That's a good one, Melinda. "What didn't kill me." Comes from Nietzsche: "What does not kill me makes me stronger."
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@Still I edited. I shan't drop Eddie's last name any more (but he wouldn't mind--he's my BFF).
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That's what I was thinking, Anin--From Nietzsche.
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I was only teasing you Melinda...
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Yes, I realized that--but it was still cheap name dropping! I admit it! I have a few others I could drop too! But it's all in the book!
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Show off!
I have the occasional cup of tea with the queen.
not THAT queen... lol
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Stealing your words from up there:
My end came when I woke up-
Nice catch, Claire!
Or how about just, "The End Came When I Woke Up." -
Pervert!
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I was thinking that you may of used a sentence like that in the book? Especially as that idea of linking it into the book was suggested by thrifty up there.
@anin Shurrup -
Thats been used anyway for "Harry Potter and the end that came: The difficult teenage years."
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How about: "My Season in Hell."
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Rimbaud.
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Truthfully, it was more like "Ten Seasons of Hell"
Or really, more like 30 seasons (I was 30 when I entered recovery). -
There you go. Just name it "30"
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Oh my
"30"
I know the architect in you loves that. Les is an engineer--he's completely precise. He thinks I should title it: My experiences with heroin addiction and recovery." LOL! -
30 ways to kill yourself without actually dying.
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I would totally read a book called "30". At the very least, I would pick it up to find out what it's about. 30 virgins? 30 hookers? 30 shots of vodka?
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I like 30
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Really? 30? Hmnnnnn. That's just so vague though!
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That's the beauty of it. The cover illustration can be your artwork or some super close up shot of needles.
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I was thinking of the 30 being a mixed media art piece, made up of photos of you, needles and punk stuff.
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That would look very cool.
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Especially as melly poo has so many cool photos and it is all about her.
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You guys are really making me think of that. I like the idea of the cover montage/collage of pictures and artwork.
And yes--this book is MOSTLY about me--but it is also an interesting expose on the sex industry and San Francisco punk scene of the 80's.
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I really like Jenn's idea of reading it and finding a line that sticks out to you...this is off the cuff so don't laugh but what about:
What Gets Broken Can Be Fixed-
I would never laugh at that, Faith! I like that. And I do agree that Jenn had a great suggestion.
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I love titles that refer back to literature. How about "An Angry Fix." From Howl. That's a very well-known line.
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It's true--I was so full of rage. Full of rage when I picked up razors and small knives to cut myself when I was 12. Full of rage when I began piercing my veins with sharp needles.
I'm still attracted to things that are sharp--I can become fixated. It's such a long road back, really--when I am upset, I have to fight the urge to cut myself. Still. I hope someday to never have those urges any longer. -
duplicate.
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What about this:
The Long Road Back.-
So over done.
The servers keep overloading and I keep getting dumped from BC. I can think of several hundred spammers who I would dump from this website so we can finish our conversation... -
The back road long.
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No titles with Roads or Journeys. So overused!
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@Still--that's why I went for a run--because I kept getting kicked off. And I agree about the spammers.
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It's too bad Rock Brynner used The Ballad of Habit and Accident. I always thought that was a great title (and he tells a good story about his life, too).
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Melinda, I really like "An Angry Fix." Isn't that what self-destruction is all about? Besides, it's a very famous literary reference. You can quote the passage in its entirety in the introduction.
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I actually agree with NP that it is very apt title.
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This is my favorite (so far). I really do like it. I just got back. I went for a 40 minute run! I felt so inspired!
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Fixed
Shattered. Mended. Whole.
Yesterday's Tomorrow
Mainlining Life
The Junkie Behind Me or The Hooker Behind me
Off the Needle, off the Streets, on the Mend
Just some off-the-top-of-my-head ideas...-
Wow. I'm impressed, SV! You're very good at that!
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"I Accidentally the Book!"-
That's twisted! The weirdo in me really likes that!
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Thank GAWD! a thread that doesn't gross me out. Now I'll go put on my thinking cap.
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"Climbing Everest Would Have Been Easier" (too long?)
"What the Hell was I Thinking?"
"When the Brain Leaves The Body"
"Brain Went One Way, I Went the Other"
"Definitely not OZ"
"Clouded Dreams"
"Psychidellic Psychosis" (sp)
"I Found the White Rabbit"
"I Killed the White Rabbit"-
Wow--you're good at this, Cathy.
I have to say--I love Nothing Profound's idea of "An Angry Fix." That's so appropriate really--because the R=A=G=E was so prevalent throughout my addiction (and a good deal of my recovery). You guys are seeing the "new and improved Melinda" (look ma--no more chocolate mess!). A year into my recovery, I was still a mess--just a clean and sober mess!
You know the AA thing, "Hi Everyone! My name is Melinda and I'm an alcoholic?" I used to say, "Hi Everyone! My name is Melinda and I'm an international terrorist!" (A chapter in my book is actually titled this).
I had some rough times early on.
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"look ma--no more chocolate mess"
Damn what a week,
No job for Rory on the horizon
No iPhone
and now
No book acknowledgement!
I'm going to bed now!-
Oh, Cathy--I am so sorry to hear about Rory's potential job offer not coming through. I might use one of your titles still! Who knows.
If there's anything I can do . . . please let me know--give me a shout! You and Rory are good folks. I wish I could create a job for you. What does Rory do? I'm just wondering if there's any possibility he could work for Les? Les's business is pretty focused--but who knows! It's worth a thought, for sure. -
awwwwww shucks ma'am!
I shouted at you!
Thanks for your compassion!
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Why not call it Melindaville?-
I have thought about Melindaville--but it doesn't even give a clue as to what the book is about (except for people who read my blog). I'm still playing with variations of using that, though.
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"(You Will) Read This Book"
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How about "(You Will) BUY This Book."
I really want to make a lot of money for my foundation! My heroin addicts need me to! -
"(You Will) Buy and Read This Book!"
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"Been there, done that, done with it"
"Rebuilding myself"
"Death didn't want me."
"I'm a heroine"
"The Melinda puzzle"-
ooooooooooooh
Death Didn't Want Me
I love that one RainHat and the new avatar.... rawr! -
I like 'Death didn't want me' --that was the truth. Very creative, Rainhat--thank you!
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@Melinda: My pleasure.
@Cathy: Thanks!
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Why not call it "Heroine" a play on both meanings.
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You know--that really could be kind of interesting. The point is to get people to want to pick it up off teh shelf--and I think that would!
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You know--that really could be kind of interesting. The point is to get people to want to pick it up off the shelf--and I think that would!
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I like Heroine a lot too. Well no I don't...I don't do that...but you know what I mean
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LOL--don't worry, Cathy--we know you aren't a junkie!
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Yea I could totally see it on kind of a raw graphic, maybe a chalkboard or something...
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@Lotus--I agree--that's just what I was thinking. It's so stark, you know. And with all the artwork and collage--it could be powerful!
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Yay...glad you like it!
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my favorite so far!
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There are several books already called Heroin. -
The "e" makes all the difference, in this case.
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"melindaville the Mindfreak "
melindaville: the monk who keep messing"
"messed for the last time "
Once upon a time, "penniless in penn " by melindaville-
Very nice, Adityavardhan--and thank you!
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Fixing Angry Melinda
Kind of encompasses NP's idea but gets at more of the journey. It can also be read two ways.-
Wow, Cindy--I like that a lot. There are a lot of different meanings in 3 words! Nice.
I have to say--BC has a WEALTH of talent. No wonder I like hanging out with you guys!
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I like "An Angry Fix" -- except maybe you want to use a more positive play on the word "fix" that would also include the final "fix" that healed you of your addiction? Not sure about using "angry" in the title - to me it's kind of one-note.-
I actually like that a lot--but I also like 'Heroine' -- very simple. The agent I signed with has told me that the publisher will have specific ideas that I will have to listen to also. I want whatever will sell the book--so I can fund my foundation!
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Yeah, I like "Heroine." To me it's perfect because in one word it speaks of your survival - and is also very positive. And the word play, of course!
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Yes, Lisa--that's what I think too! Rainhat and Lotus are brilliant!
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It's like that movie: Heroine and the Angry Fix
You could have a rockin' band with a name like that.
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Reformed Sleepwalker
Chasing the Dragon-
ooooh, Faith--I like 'Chasing the Dragon' -- because that was so true!
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I figure you can always add a subtitle something like the road to recovery and redemption.
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Yes! That's what I'm thinking too! Thank you
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Okay. This just came to me. What do you think!
The H Train Goes Downtown
thoughts?-
Sorry Melinda but I think that sounds like a musical title
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I appreciate your honesty, Deray--you know--I think I need to stop thinking about this for awhile!
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For what it's worth, I think your original title is perfect.
"Lost and Found: A Journey of Addiction, Recovery, and Redemption" tells me exactly what your book is about. If I'm looking for that type of book I would definitely pick it up.
It's a title that grabs your target audience. What could be better?-
You could be right. I do think the title is critical--so it's great to get all these ideas and opinions. It gives me a lot to chew on.
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How about something that acknowledges what a key component blogging has been in your redemption and recovery? Maybe something that uses text/forum slang:
"Rolling On the Floor, Laughing My Ass Off, or How I Blogged My Way Back From Addiction and Prostitution"
or just
"Rolling on the Floor, or How I Blogged my Way Back From Addiction and Prostitution."
Is this the right direction?-
Well, I didn't blog my way back from addiction though. I cleaned up my act 15 years ago, decided to go to college--and did amazing well at that--so much so that I became a fully funded doctoral student and am now a professor psychology.
The blogging only happened a year ago! A lot of the book is hard, also--it's not exactly a comedy although there are funny chapters. Some of the book deals with being a survivor of incest/sexual abuse and such--so I don't know if the title should be *too* humorous.
I do appreciate the suggestions and welcome any more you might have! And it's also really nice to see you here again! I know this must be your busy season.
I'm still wanting to go to your place in CO but unfortunately, we aren't going to be able to visit my sister in CO this summer. Les has too much going on with his business -
Hmmmm. I really want an over the top title. Your story deserves one with a great hook and subtitle:
What about "Tricks, Tracks and Psychiatrist Slacks: Or How I Clawed My Way Back From Prostitution and Addiction And Became a Couch Doctor, Professor and Blogger Extraordinaire" -
Now, Gtally--I do like that one a lot! That's a lot of fun!
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Thanks! Ridiculously long sub titles are all the rage now in the publishing world. You could make it even more over the top and lengthen it to: "Tricks, Tracks and Psychiatrist Slacks: Or How I Put the Couch Before the Horse, Clawed My Way Back From Prostitution and Addiction And Became a Couch Doctor, Professor and Blogger Extraordinaire"
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Wait, that last suggestion uses "couch" twice. It needs a funny slang word for psychiatrist -- "Bug Doctor", "Headshrinker", etc. I'm kind of leaning towards "Headshrinker."
So, for an over the top, edgy title, what about: "Tricks, Tracks and Psychiatrist Slacks: Or How I Put the Couch Before the Horse, Clawed My Way Back From Prostitution and Addiction And Became a Headshrinker, Professor and Blogger Extraordinaire"
Something that hints at adversity, but uses humor to show your resilience and rejuvenation.
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Sex
It will sell a lot.
MindyBindyPoo
Mindyville
Eaney Meany Miney Molinda-
LOL! You would come up with that.
And you better WATCH IT, DEE BEE. You don't want to make me mad!
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So you are saying you want to tie me up?
Kinky.
How about:
WWOB
Welcome to Melindaville
Sex, drugs, and rock n roll -
No--I'm saying I'll bean you with my magic boomerang!
I think those names are a little too general--don't you? But I do appreciate any and all suggestions! -
Addicted
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Oh, no! Derek fights back:
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In your biography you state at the end "Melinda's life has come full circle today."
What about "Full Circle"?
Other possibilities - "My friend, Death" (re: your suicide attempts) - "Strike 3, You're Alive" (coming out of coma after 3rd attempt) - "Between the Lines" (re: Coke addiction) - "Looking In from the Outside" (idea of being out of control, loss of control)
I'll keep thinking.-
Wow, Rory--I am really impressed. I actually really like all of those. You and Cathy are really good at this. You would be great working in advertising, I bet. Seriously--these are some very good names. I really like 'Between the Lines' but heroin was really my drug of choice--far more than coke.
"Full Circle" really strikes me well. I like that a lot. I wonder what everyone else thinks of that. -
I like "full circle" ==b
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I was also trying to quantify it more as a 180 ... as you've actually gotten your life turned around and going in the "better"/opposite direction. Full circle kinda denotes you're right back where you started ... although we understand it to be NOT back to your destructive life, but the life you had BEFORE the commencement of the destructive patterns.
Shakespeare once said, "The wheel is come full circle." You could bastardize it to be "My life is come full circle." Not sure if that's too long.
In the vein that you're now on the "right path" in life, you can take a part of what Buddha once said, "You cannot travel the path until you become the path itself." - "I Have Become the Path."
He also said, "No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path." How about - "Walking My Path."
Just thoughts.
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"Full Circle" was a Michael Palin book. And it's not gritty enough, with a sly touch of humor in the face of adversity.
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Oh--then I definitely don't want 'Full Circle' if it's a Michael Palin book.
I actually kind of really like your edgy approach above. It's more my style than any of the suggestions up until now. There have been some great ones--but yours kind of encompasses my style and the way I view things.
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No Longer Wasting Away In Melindaville.
The Other Side of The Rainbow
My Life And Everything In Between-
Nice! I really like those, Shirley! I especially like the first one as a clever take on Margaritaville.
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Yup! That's what I think of every time I see your user name, Margaritaville. Drives me crazy the song won't leave my head.
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Sorry, Shirley!
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Heroin Chic
You can take that as chick as well
In its purest form heroin is a white powder derived from the dried milk of the opium poppy
so that made me think of
The Poison Poppy
or
Poppy Poison
not edgy enough I think though.-
Yeah--I really would like to have something that could sum up the major points of the book:
childhood sexual abuse....self-destruction...sex industry....punk rock...heroin addiction ...death....resurrection...recovery....redemption.
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"Dying to Try and Trying to Die"
"Get me off this planet"
"F U...I know what I'm Doing"
thoughts of an addict
The Big Bad Wolf
How Shame Can Kill
(I was thinking of how a child feels shamed when abused and cannot handle all that goes with it)-
There are some great possibilities there, Cathy--you really do have a great mind for this.
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uh....been there, done that! (well some of it anyway)
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When Will I See Light?
When Will I See The Sun?
Crawling Out of The Rubble of My Past-
Crawling toward the light. I like 'light' as part of it. Nice!
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Crawling Out of The Rubble of My Past to Find The Light
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A Light From Within the Darkness
Step Out of the Dark
The Darkest of Circles
The Upward Spiral
Navigating Through the Dark
Dispelling the Darkness
Enough of the Darkness
An Inward Light
Grasping the Light-
I like the upward spiral - it takes the Full Circle approach and makes it clear that she may be back where she started (i.e. healthy) but that she's moved up a few levels since then.
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That's my favourite too ... incorporates a lot of different meanings. And where typically people go in a 'downward' spiral into hell, etc., she brought herself out of hell ...
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Oh! I like "An Upward Spiral" also!
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"Habit Breaker"
"Nightmare on Dope Street" -
A Life Redeemed by the Wisdom of Dr. Jay
by Melinda-
LOL, Dr. Jay! And ain't that the truth!
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The Melindaville Revolution-
Viva Revolution!
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A Trip to the Hereafter
Drugs: What It is and Isn't
I Was A User-
Nice, Onchong! Thank you!
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How about 'Transformation of Hell' or something like that.
As I understand it right, it is more than picking up the pieces or refinding what was lost. You are doing something creative with those experiences, that is only possible for someone who transformed them into something constructive.-
I actually like that a lot--or perhaps this variation:
"Transforming Hell"
I actually really like that. I have to say--I have gotten some great ideas from this thread. This was a wonderful idea.
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If a major part of the book is about heroin:
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I hope that sounds OK to Americans...
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WOW very clever and creative!
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Wow! That's great! I like that A LOT.
"White Rainbow, Broken Dreams"
What do all of you think of that? -
I like that. The title and the book cover. Very effective.
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I like the short "White Rainbows" more...
p.s. How about "Punk Freud"?
Edit: I just saw 9,970 Google hits for "Punk Freud"; guess it's not that original... -
I like White Rainbows a lot--and I think I agree, the shortened version is better. You may just win the acknowledgement in my book! I'll give you a shout if I do use it--so I can get the acknowledgment right.
And thank you! -
Sure
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I think you should name it whatever comes to your heart. Once it's in print, you can't go wrong. If it's your life, it's your story. Whatever you feel comes naturally just keep title short.
www.realtalkandpeople.blogspot.com-
That seems to be the consensus here--to keep the title short and to make sure that it speaks to my heart.
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I just want to say thank you so much for all the great suggestions. There are so many of them! I'm going to be heading up to Maine next week, where I will sit down with Les and we will go through all of these.
You guys are the best! -
The most important thing is originality.
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I definitely agree with that, Onchong.
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Love you, Melindaville.
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Awwww! I ♥ you too, NP!
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I have a feeling that a title (or cover) that focusses on the heroin addiction will be less of a draw than one that focusses on sex...specifically, sex work.
Sex sells...drug addiction tends to scare people off. Even with my own related background (drug use and other out-of-the-mainstream pursuits) I would find a sex-themed title/cover more compelling to pick up and browse (first step towards buying) than one with a drug-addiction theme.-
You mean like a picture of a seductive woman in lingerie lying on a bed?
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That's why I want to tie the sex industry in somehow too.
Perhaps, "White Rainbows, Black Fishnets"
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I have one last suggestion: "Fix".
It could mean any number of things. Fixing yourself through recovery. Fix as in heroin.-
I suggested "Fixed" for exactly the same reason!
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That's very good too, Still! And yes, I remember SV's suggestion above--it's on my short list!
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From Heroine to Heroism, the Story of Melindaville.
Variation:
From Heroine to Heroism, a trip to Melindaville.-
Very nice, Anok! Only it would be 'From Heroin to Heroism: The Story of Melindaville.'
I like that--I do like tying "Melindaville" in somehow. That is also on my short list.
or 'tripping around Melindaville.' or 'tripping through Melindaville.' -
Oh, duh LOL I figure that your cause, your non profit, and the reason you're writing the book totally makes you a hero ♥
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I have had some more thoughts about this - the problem with much of what you've experienced is the lack of a unifying theme: it's not just about drugs, for example, and not just about abuse, and not just about working in the sex industry.
However, what does unify them is how most people would rather not think about the existence of such things. They'd prefer it hidden, in shadow.
So, perhaps:
A Walk in the Shadows
Or a variation thereof.-
I don't know if "a walk in the shadows' is descriptive of my life. I was *never* in the shadows--I was upfront and center, with my drug addiction, my punk rock music, my work in the sex industry. More than anything--I think the book has to 'speak' to what my life has been about.
One of my favorites so far is "White Rainbows." I am also thinking of variations on that, such as 'White Rainbows, Shattered Dreams.'
'A Walk in the Shadows' kind of reminds me of a pedophile's story! Sorry! But it does. -
Well back to ye olde drawing board.
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Thanks, GC--I do appreciate it! I think your idea of simplicity is a very good one. That seems to be the general concensus.
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Melinda, I don't like "Shattered Dreams" at all. It's been done to death. "White Rainbows" is interesting because its a drug reference, am I right?
I think the biggest thing is to stay away from cliches. -
Well, perhaps just 'White Rainbows.' The cover can be descriptive of the sex industry, heroin addiction, punk rock--I like the idea of a montage/collage of photos/art work for the cover.
I'm also reading my book right now and looking for passages that call to me. I am making a short list--after I am finished, I plan to post the list here and have people vote on their favorites. There are quite a few from this thread that are on that list, actually. Lots. -
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OH NO! I can't look at those! I only peeked (thank Goodness).
I am purposely staying away from ALL memoirs about addiction/dark side of life until I am completely done with mine. I am afraid that I will subconsciously use something that I read/see and I don't want to do that! -
@Melinda
The covers are from a variety of books, not just memoirs.
I also had another idea earlier today: Ashes and Dreams.
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You know, I spoke to Les about this and he says that he feels the title should be positive also--to not have it be too negative since it does have a happy ending.
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Uh huh...part of my reasoning behind "Fixed."
I like the "White Rainbows, Black Fishnets" also...I got an immediate vision of a pair of long fishnet-clad legs with a satin and lace garter on the thigh, a syringe and some Benjamins tucked into the garter. -
I really like the simplicity of 'Fixed' --it's definitely on my short list.
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I had another thought when I was on my bike just now. What do you think of this?
"Notes from the Underbelly"
That kind of encompasses all of it: sex industry, addiction, punk rock, etc.
Or
"Melindaville: Notes from the Underbelly."-
mmmm....notes doesn't work for me...sounds too scholarly
Also, the title is reminiscent of Postcards from the Edge -
"Notes from the Underbelly" has been used all-ready by a blog turned book turned TV show.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notes_from_the_Underbelly -
Well, there goes that idea. (this is why I don't want to read other memoirs, or look at real life suggestions).
I have lots of great suggestions here. I know I'll come up with something good. I'm zen with it!
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"Fixed" may be sophisticated, but I'm afraid it's a little bit technical and cold for my taste.
I think that a book's title should act like a short poem.
The best titles in my opinion are 2 letter metaphors.-
You may have a good point. I really do like 'White Rainbows'--a lot.
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"White Rainbow" is the title of a 2005 movie.
Also an underground musician.
I think if you want to use White Rainbow in the title, you need to make the title a bit bigger...adding the "black fishnets" eliminates possible confusion and more closely defines the book's nature. -
I live in a different country and was raised in a different culture, so I may be way off when it comes to American connotations, but in my opinion the “black” part is too obvious after using “white”, and the “fishnets” makes it sleazy. “White Rainbows” sounds like art. “White Rainbows, Black Fishnets” sounds to me like one of these romance novels with Fabio on the book’s cover.
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Well, I'm an American and I appreciate your cultural difference (I live in South Africa and come across unexpected cultural interpretations all the time).
The black fishnets DO evoke a rather sleazy image...very much in keeping with the sex work angle. I used to live near San Francisco, where Melinda worked, and have seen the girls on the streets and working the clubs many, many times. I also used to work as an exotic dancer and in related occupations, so I know what I am talking about from the inside as well..."black fishnets" evokes that aspect of Melinda's past life very succinctly.
To an American reader, that title does not evoke a "Fabio" novel...those are generally romance novels (often historical in nature) in which the female protagonist is the antithesis of a heroin-addicted prostitute: invariably chaste, often prudish, almost always a virgin.
The black-and-white contrast is not necessarily a bad thing, although I am not sure what "White Rainbows" will conjure up in the mind of an American reader. It didn't resonate with me or evoke an image in the way that "black fishnets" did. Sex sells...illicit sex sells even more...while drug-oriented themes are less compelling. Everybody can relate to sex, not everybody relates to being addicted to heroin.
Her husband hit the nail on the head when he reminded her of the happy ending. People LOVE redemption. My personal opinion is that a title that references both the illicit and the redemption will be the winner. -
Should she tell the surprising end of the story to everyone who just looks at the front cover, or should it be a pleasant surprise to readers after they already bonded with her character?
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I think the objective of a title is to get people to pick the book up. Once they have it in hand, they can be further drawn in by the jacket blurbs, excerpts, and review quotes. But first, they have to want to pick up the book, and the title (especially if the book is shelved and the cover art is not visible) is the primary hook for that.
That being said, redemption appeals more to the American mainstream than the purely illicit...especially to women. Remember, there is a wide streak of Puritanism in the American culture...being bad is not ok unless somewhere along the line you "see the light" and are redeemed.
So, I think alluding to her redemption in the title could be critical to getting people to pick up the book, which is the first step in making the purchase. -
This is a very interesting discussion. First, there are some terrific ideas on this thread--so much so that I have already started a list with the best of them, which I will study very carefully while I am up in Maine on vacation next week.
I want a title that is going thought-provoking, that captures the eye immediately, and that is related to my story; I believe several existt on this thread.
I do agree with many of the points SV made about American readers--Iabsolutely love the title "White Rainbow" but I am not sure that this is even associated with heroin much in the U.S. these days because from my knowledge, most junk these days is in the form of 'mud' and most of it is from Mexico. When I was a junkie, it was either Persian Brown--or China White (my favorite).
It's food for thought, for sure. -
"China White and Fishnet Tights"
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A further thought based on my earlier assertion about titles needing to provide unity - if I was writing your book, and I realise this may be taking a liberty, there would be a paragraph or two providing a synopsis of the entire journey:
"For the first thirty years of my life, I lived on the edge of society, in the margin that many people would like to pretend doesn't exist. The average suburban housewife or husband doesn't want to know about the varieties of hell that exist amidst their quiet, well trimmed existence, or worse, they only want to dip into it momentarily to satisfy dark pleasures which common propriety denies to them.
"I, however, for whatever reason, felt I deserved to linger in this wasteland; perhaps it was my upbringing, perhaps it was the abuse I suffered, perhaps it was something in my nature, perhaps it was a combination of all of the above. I lived in darkness; I thought the best I could do was paint it in brighter shades by following my artistic impulses, writing music, falling in love, and yes, by trying to push it out of my mind with the help of narcotics and alcohol. It took me years to realise that a better life awaited me; it began the moment I refused to accept what seemed to be my fate. No longer satisfied with brighter shades of darkness, I stepped into the light."
As such, I suggest the following title:
A Brighter Shade of Darkness-
But that title implies that the darkness still exists, doesn't it?.
I like the phrase "dark pleasures" and that might be coupled with a second two-word phrase as its counterpoint, making a simple title that encompasses the entire journey. Don't ask me what that second phrase might be, though, I'm temporarily tapped out! -
So, White Rainbow, Dark Pleasures? That really does sound like a really, terribly, awfully bad romance novel, although seeing it in the biography section certainly may catch some eyes (then the syringe-and-fishnets cover reels 'em into the boat).
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A Brighter Shade of Darkness--
That's a beautiful title, for sure--but does it get to the heart of what the memoir centers on? I'm not sure. It does imply that a certain amount of darkness still exists (which is not all that far from the truth--when you have lived the life I have, there is always a little darkness in your heart).
It's a lovely title, Green. -
@Melinda
One further thought that's been running through my mind today - can you take us to Montana in your writing as well?
The following paragraph has been in my thoughts:
"Much of the landscape of Montana must look now as it is did before the region was touched by the hand of man. The snow capped mountains, jagged, thrusting up into the azure sky, the patches of wildflowers in the neighbouring valley manifesting themselves as spots of vibrant purples, yellows and blue amidst the tall grass, and the occasional herds of sepia shaggy-haired bison, all must be now as they were even before the Native Americans set foot on this land."
I've never been there, so I have absolutely no idea if this is right. However - here's the why:
"Montana is a reminder of the eternal; that much came before us, and will carry on after us. My life may be a short episode when contrasted against this timeline; however I would like to think that I am in the process of polishing it, so that its reflected gleams can reach beyond its pre-set limits."
Please forgive the lack of editing...however, this is just the "note taking" process. -
@Green--you are such a wonderful writer! Those are beautiful passages that you wrote.
I do take the readers to Montana I believe. I describe the beauty of Montana in my recovery--the mountains of Montana were very healing to me at a time when I was the most vulnerable. -
@Melinda
Ah, excellent - however, I'm only guessing as to what's actually in the book, as I haven't read it yet. -
The book starts with my waking up in a coma, where I review the past weekend's events (suicide attempts) and then the next few chapters are about my VERY first days in recovery. My first night in the Freedom House, I remembered looking back on my life's events--so then the book goes back through my childhood and go on to what happened to me as an adult, i.e. theater, punk rock, sex industry, addiction, etc. Then the book picks up again when I am in recovery. It's broken down into 3 parts:
Part I: The Crossroads: That crucial point where I decided to change.
Part II: The Storm: My childhood and dark adult days.
Part II: The Phoenix: Recovery, Redemption and Triumph.
It's too long (I'm told) also. It's 120,000 words--I have been told it should be only 100,000--but I don't know what to throw out. -
@Melinda
It's difficult to comment on what can be kept and trimmed without looking at the full text, but the structure you're suggesting is sensible.
I can offer some general guidelines as to how to trim, however: the most important of which comes back to a phrase you've heard me say before - let words say more than words can say.
Now what do I mean by this? You need to leave things hang in the air. For example, you could say:
"My hands trembled. I was afraid."
But strike out, "I was afraid". With the hands trembling, we don't need it.
I haven't seen any obvious examples in your prose of this, but it is a common element among writers who are particularly passionate (and I believe you fit into this category) - they have such strong ideas that they can't bear out to leave any detail.
Usually if you go through this exercise a few times, your prose gets progressively tighter and even if you do break a word limit, it becomes much less noticeable.
But, as always, your mileage may vary. -
I did cut out 10,000 words---it was actually 130,000 before I started editing. I tried to trim it down in my major edit--but I am sure there is more work to do on it.
I'm giving it to Les now--he's going to be the first person to read it. I have decided that it will be too confusing for me to have more than 1 person read it at a time. I feel too many suggestions will be overwhelming to me--and I am also really overwhelmed with even giving it up to ONE person (even Les!). Right now, it is all mine--in a way, I hate letting go. In fact, I just wrote a blog post about this that I will likely publish later today. As long as all the secrets are still mine, I feel safe--giving it to another person makes me feel vulnerable. -
@Melinda
That is a good first step. Do keep in mind that all writing is a risk; but at the same time, you are doing this for a cause you passionately believe in. Keep in mind that this will echo for years to come. Even after its print run finishes, copies will still ripple out into secondhand bookstores. Who knows, there may be young women who have not even yet been born will will find themselves sitting on the bare floorboards of a flat in Detroit, or New York, or Los Angeles, having given up hope, and yet happening across your work on some dusty bookshelf. Having read it, that young woman or those young women may find enough strength to make the necessary phone call.
Alternatively, it may make its way into some congressman's briefcase for summer reading, or into the home of a psychiatrist, the former perhaps looking at funding for treatment of addicts with a compassionate eye, the latter inspired to work on new approaches.
I say all this, though you know it already, because what you're doing is well understood: have courage, if you see it through, you're going to accomplish a great good. -
Thanks, Green--in my blog post--I do touch on the triumph I feel too. Vulnerability, fear, triumph, and pride--it's all mixed in there together. I'm a complicated person, I think. :/
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@Melindaville
There's nothing wrong with being complicated. It's far preferable to being boring.
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Can't you just stay with the short 2 word beautiful artistic inspiring heroin related title, and just add more stuff to the image, like next to the needle and the spoon you put something like a furry handcuffs? Won't that be enough?
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You can't see that image when the book is shelved.
The title on the spine needs to be compelling enough to get people to take it down from the shelf.
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I would suggest a title, but some of the titles that have previously been suggested far outshadow anything I could have come up with. I'm quite impressed by some of the suggestions here.-
I agree, VK--there is a wealth of great material on this thread.
I am so grateful to everyone!
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"Out From The Zero"
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You're a pro, Rozie!
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Regarding the metaphor “White Rainbows”…
In my opinion, the great thing with a very short metaphor is that it can be as clever as the reader, and often perceived as something other than what the original writer thought of when he wrote it – and that’s OK.
I’m not for explaining metaphors since it ruins the magic, but just a few examples of what it can mean:
Searching for your life’s meaning through the white powder.
Addiction to heroin took the color out of your hopes and dreams making your life pale.
Some wonderful physical effect of heroin on the human body.
A signal for divine intervention.
All of the above.
I have a few more, but you get the idea...
I believe a metaphor should obviously stand for something when it’s written, but there should be no surprise if it’s interpreted differently by every reader. -
I think the new main themes of your life and this book are the loss of innocence due to your father's betrayal and the rage that consumed you as a result of this betrayal. Your road to recovery has been the attempt to regain your innocence, your trust, and to tame that rage. So I've been thinking of titles along the lines of:
Rage and Resurrection: a story of innocence regained.
Innocence and Rage
The Betrayal of Innocence: a tale of redemption
Innocence Regained-
I love Rage and Resurrection and it made me think of
"The Rage of Innocence" maybe too cutesy of a wordplay but I like it! -
Uh Oh, I just did a search an The Rage of Innocence is already a book title (a crime novel by William Pease) ....damn...I thought I had a winner
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@Cathy--it's astounding how many 'original' titles have actually been used. In fact, "Lost and Found" has been used--someone from BC actually told me it had been.
More to think about!
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Sorry people, I'm too sick to continue this discussion. I've had high fever for the last 5 days, and slept about 6 hours since Tuesday. I hope it's not "you-know-what"...
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Oh! I hope you are better soon...and that it's not that.
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I found this thought provoking...it may provide some fuel for further discussion insofar as providing a "marketable" title for book:
www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/aug/08/excess-adam-phillips-
Thanks GC, I'll read that when I'm more awake!
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Give Me Librium Or Give Me Meth -
Melinda-check out my suggestions above. I think "Rage and Resurrection" is a great title.
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YOu know--my mother has always described my recovery as "a whole bunch of miracles." A brief summary of some of the events in the book:
1. two overdoses, one in which I was actually not breathing/heart stopped when the paramedics arrived.
2. in the projects when a gunfight broke out at a dealer's house. One of the addicts there used me as a human shield when the gunmen began firing.
3. Michael and I were actually hit by a Cal-Train in San Francisco while we were in our van. We were kicking heroin, drunk on Wild Turkey, and on our way to rob a whorehouse in Berkeley. The train completely took off the back half of the van--if we had been turned around, we'd both have been killed (this is actually a funnier chapter (believe it or not).
4. Several dangerous encounters with customers, including one who beat me until I thought he was going to kill me, gang raped in the projects, and a few other situations where I felt my safety was threatened when I jumped out of a moving car.
5. Several dangerous encounters scoring drugs, when I was robbed by knifepoint, beaten up and had my money taken.
5. Right before recovery began: three serious suicide attempts, the last of which put me in a 3 day coma.
Perhaps the title should be: "Out of Darkness: A Whole Bunch of Miracles"
I don't know--might be too cheesy.-
I think "A Whole Bunch of Miracles" is definitely worth considering.
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Dear Lord, Melinda. I am speechless reading this.
I am so glad you survived this to become such a wonderful person. -
@Still--I just finished reading the entire book, cover to cover (lol--so to speak). I am actually in awe of what I managed to live through.
I've had more than a few guardian angels in my life--and I do believe Moses was correct when he told me, "Girl, you ain't supposed to die." (This was when I told him I should have jumped off a building when I realized the furniture polish hadn't killed me). He went on to say, "If you'da jumped off a high building, you'd just be all broken apart. God wants you to live, girl."
At that moment, I knew he was right. So, I had to change--and that's when the real struggle--the fight of my life began. . . -
We share a few experiences here...glad you made it through in one piece!
"Whole Bunch of Miracles" sounds good for a title, too! -
@SV--I have felt from the time I got to know you and some of your experiences that we are kindred spirits. I'm glad we both made it through--and that we both have found such happiness in life.
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In light of this, I still think "A Brighter Shade of Darkness" still works - because somehow you were able to find some level of sustenance, e.g., you were able to paint the scenes in lighter shades, amidst what would otherwise be hopeless.
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Thanks Melinda for the kind words.
"Memoirs For The Manic"
"Hard Steps From Nowhere"
"I Believe In Light After Dark"
"Close Calls"
Your lifestyle is so familiar-
I have that feeling with you too, Rozie.
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Get your stupid spammy link out of my discussion thread! What does YOUR STUPID link have to do with this discussion!
Disgusting.
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Maybe he is looking for a quick fix
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Melinda I have to say, I never got hit by a train. Fell off one but never hit by one. That had to be a wake call.
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Actually, it wasn't a wake up call. I was still messed up for a good 3 years after that.
I have a really hard head. It takes a long time to get through to me!
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LOL, tell me about it. I'm still drinking and pissed at myself for that. Nowhere as bad as it used to be, but it's still there. With same old song,
NO MORE TOMORROW - THIS IS MY LAST DRINK!
sometimes having a hard head can work for you as well in a positive way.
BTW I have a wonderful blog / website please visit
google.com
LOL -
Broken Shards
Splinters in the Mirror
Cracked Glass
Slivers of Life
Shattered Remains
Broken Hues
Broken Hues on a Rainbow
Lost Mosaic Shattered
Falling Mirrors
Bent Dreams
Blurred Lines
Through the Glass
Shattered Glass Tunnel
Glass Tunnel
The Junky Kaleidoscope
The Broken Kaleidoscope -
Bump
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