My enthusiasm for my prospective published manuscript was severely wiped by my sisters’ comments on giving them copy of just the cover document expecting them to be enthusiastic but…. why, what for, how, Oh, yes? I had decided on a title and they both challenged it! Of course, I wanted to get mad, say why I had chosen but what does it achieve! My darling John held me back from saying something that I would regret. 1 hope they regret what they say! The title is “Diary for My Daughter’ and I thought it worked. They wanted an ’s’ on that! I have done ALL the work.
Thought I'd throw this in the arena to see what you think!
Three good things:
1 Connection with England at the first World Rugby Game.. 7am our time!
2.Learning how to focus amongst a flurry of beautiful spring flowers…. red tulip amongst blue hyacinths and yellow daffodils.
3. Communication from all my 365 friends to make me feel a bit better!
Did they mean you should have said their daughters too? Too right you did all the work...did they offer to do any proof reading? Never mind your name will be on the cover & that's what matters!
Lovely rich jewel like colours! We seem to be peering through a jungle into an oasis of flower!
@happypat I chose the title because it sounded right, Pat not because I was supposed to be the only daughter! They don't like my choice and it makes me furious that they can't be glad for me and proud of what i have done!I haven't replied to their comments and thought it better to leave them to think about what they have said to me. The colours here are real but the tulips and hyacinths are very low to the ground so difficult to photograph unless you are lying on the ground! I took this with my zoom.
I agree with @hjbenson Your work, your concept. And as you say the dedication and authors notes should suffice. Your feelings are understandable. Keep that title. Fab colors too
Beautiful combination of colours. Family can be very trying at times so I'm glad John managed to restrain you - the smallest thing can grow into something much bigger. Your title sounds good to me when it's just your name on the cover and all will be explained inside the cover.
You know, as an author I have learned that the people who give input should be listened to respectfully but I get the final say being self published. And talking to a lot if writers I learned that family is often the last to appreciate the work you put in or take it seriously. Just like people here, who
Love visuals as I do, appreciate my pictures much more than my musical family does.
It's a pity such a petty thing should cause such a rift in your family! It seems unless your mother's diary was specifically dedicated to all of you that you should be able to give it whatever title you want! You were the one who did all the work and if you have recognized them elsewhere they should be happy with that! It's too bad they think your title is excluding them !
Your photo is an excellent harbinger of spring! Beautiful colors and a fabulous low POV! You have given it a really fantastic composition too!
@pandorasecho Thanks for your words, Dixie - they are reasonable and true! Of course, I havent' told them the hours and hours of work I've put into this, maybe I should!
@grammyn Mum didn't even expect her diary to be published, Katy so no dedication. It was me who picked them up and started this project. i can see from everyone's good words that I'm worrying unnecessarily!
I do love the colours in this Maggie, fav for me. As for the books title, I suppose it depends on how much of a rift this will make between you and your sisters, and whether that matters (to you). From the point of view of fairness, you have done all the work, and the title should be your choice. Just my two cents' worth.
Those types of statements happen a lot in families. I think Dixie is right- many times your family does not really understand the artistic side of what you do. And in the end- you as the artist/author has the final say on what the title is. They will just have to learn to live with it. And like most families do, I'm sure they will!
@hjbenson I think Harry had a good point. One thought I would have is what will matter the most in 5 years (I use this a lot in my own career when faced with decisions). If 5 years from now, the not adding an 's' - whether earned or not - creates a longlasting division in the family, it may not be a battle worth fighting. If in 5 years, it's a non-issue and if it is really important to you, then go for it. If you decide not to, then you control the foreward and the dedication. You also control the 'description of the author' on the jacket cover. There are so many ways to convey authorship that in the end, adding the 's' may be the high road to take, without depriving you of the recognition you deserve for all your work. Authorship is so tricky -- at least they aren't asking to be added to the author list! Good luck with this. I hope it comes together in a way that you can feel good about.
@taffy More wise words from you Taffy - I've just got another email from a sister and my face is red with frustration. I don't like being dictated to as to the title when I have chosen it. I feel like replying - alright, I'll put a f'ng S on it if it makes you happy!
My take on this is simple...Did your Mom give this to YOU and wanted YOU to write a book about it? Did your sisters contribute in any way? Did they know YOU were going to write the book? If the answer to the first two questions are yes and the third is no and the fourth is yes, then it is YOUR book, YOUR work, YOUR title!!! If there is a NO to 1, 2 and 4 and a YES to 3, then add the S. Families are so weird when it comes to money or things left between siblings from an estate or when ONE of them becomes or may become well known or famous!! In the END, it's what is in your heart that matters and nothing else. I really know how you feel.
@cashew Thanks Kathy! Your statements ring true. My sisters were told I was going to write the book but they did not contribute in any way. Mum never wrote the diary to be published. I am now thinking that the way out of it is to make a completely new title out of it that does not reflect on anyone!
@maggiemae Then if you do put the 's' on the end, in the foreward, and in the dedication, make sure you use "I" and put only your initials at the end. You and everyone else will know it's your book.
@taffy I'm not worried about being recognised as the author - the dedication is by me as is the author's notes. I've just got to get round these fusspot sisters in order to be in accord! I'm getting ideas for a new title!
So much about said about the book. It is your book and your title and that is all that matters. Mums notes to...... Enjoy the book. Beautiful colours in this photo.
I understand why you are so cross I would be furious. I think Harry has summed up a solution so well Maggiemae. I love your title and I think you should stick with it. I also love this cheerful and colourful photograph. Fav because it cheers me up on yet another foggy day.
@thistle thank you Joyce for your comment! Sisters say the title is not 'authentic' and I don't want to create a rift. Deep thinking ahead! Thanks for your cheerfulness!
Love the deep rich colours.
Sorry you are getting such stress for all your hard work. Something on the lines of 'A mother's memoirs' might work. I hope you are able to sort this out without anyone (you included) being left unhappy.
Lovely vibrant photo.
I like your title .... as you say - you did all the work so why should you not pick the title, But ..... glad that you have come up with a title that works for you all :)
It's YOUR book, YOUR hard work, YOUR editing, YOUR idea to have it published ... as far as I'm concerned you can call it what YOU want - and I for one certainly like your title. Family relationships can be so trying!
Beautiful, vibrant shot!! And, I certainly hope the situation with the title of your book gets resolved satisfactorily, especially for you. That being said, life is short, and you are the only one who knows how much a family rift with your sisters would bother you (vs not having the right title for your book)....I have seen too many situations arise and drive people apart! I am glad you might be moving towards a more neutral title....another one would be "A Life Well Lived". Good luck with it all!
Lovely rich jewel like colours! We seem to be peering through a jungle into an oasis of flower!
Love visuals as I do, appreciate my pictures much more than my musical family does.
Your photo is an excellent harbinger of spring! Beautiful colors and a fabulous low POV! You have given it a really fantastic composition too!
My take on this is simple...Did your Mom give this to YOU and wanted YOU to write a book about it? Did your sisters contribute in any way? Did they know YOU were going to write the book? If the answer to the first two questions are yes and the third is no and the fourth is yes, then it is YOUR book, YOUR work, YOUR title!!! If there is a NO to 1, 2 and 4 and a YES to 3, then add the S. Families are so weird when it comes to money or things left between siblings from an estate or when ONE of them becomes or may become well known or famous!! In the END, it's what is in your heart that matters and nothing else. I really know how you feel.
Sorry you are getting such stress for all your hard work. Something on the lines of 'A mother's memoirs' might work. I hope you are able to sort this out without anyone (you included) being left unhappy.
I like your title .... as you say - you did all the work so why should you not pick the title, But ..... glad that you have come up with a title that works for you all :)
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