Thank you, Livia. As I was brainstorming title ideas, the phrases "beyond words" and "beyond the page" kept coming up. I appreciate your confirming that they really do communicate. I have a sense that, regardless of what the title ends up being, many of the themes and ideas under consideration here will play into the book's contents somehow, whether as chapter/essay titles or as section headings.
Thank you, Mike! I had wondered whether the main title of that one would be too abstruse, so I appreciate your reaction. It's actually the title of one of the TLD posts that will be included in the book.
You used the word "transformation" to introduce this project. Should that float in and out of consideration? It is a powerful word, although perhaps too cliché.
I wonder if your mind also first throws into the mix those titles and words that should be automatically discarded, but somehow need to be put out there so as to be permanently ejected from consciousness. The jester in me was struck with "Far From Pilloried Posts," the noting of which will probably get me blocked from this site forever.
These are subtle considerations, Hu. Many thanks. The notion that maybe the first ideas to occur to the surface mind are actually like flotsam flying off or detritus being ejected to make way for the real, focal ideas to emerge -- I love this. Still, "Far from Pilloried Posts" is not likely to be a contender. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy reading it. And I can assure you there's no site blockage incurred by suggesting it! 🙂
There is something there with number 5. Writing with the Daemon: A Guide to Waking Up on the Writer’s Path.
Perhaps it's because Dante has been on my mind, but the connection is strong with the image/focus of a companioned path - both creatively and spiritually.
Thank you, Liv. The idea or image of "a companioned path" -- a phrase that I love -- is definitely full of energy for me, as for you. And it will definitely play a part in this book. If it doesn't end up being the title of the book itself, it will be the title of a whole section.
Wonder where you are with this recently. Right now I’m liking a mash up of 5 and 6 because the subtitle of 6 defines the term of 5 .. writing with the daemon: Creativity, Nonduality, and the Writer's Muse
Your 5-6 mashup represents one of my own favorite possibilities. For a few weeks after I solicited reader input, I was thinking "Beyond Words" was my favorite. Then I realized that I unequivocally want the word "writing" or "writer" to appear directly in the title, not least because it draws my own attention to books on creativity and appears in the titles of some of my own favorites in this genre, such as Bradbury's Zen in the Art of Writing, Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones, and Brande's Becoming a Writer. So for the book's main title, this leaves me with Writing at the Wellspring or Writing with the Daemon as the top contenders. (I'm eliminating The Writer's Dharma, which the TLD crowd here rightly and helpfully identified as an effective option by lack of votes.) I really, strongly dig both of these and am still waiting for an illumination to arrive or some sign or synchronicity to strike and let me know which is The One.
As for the subtitle, I agree that "Creativity, Nonduality, and the Writer's Muse" is a really strong contender. And you're right, it does pair perfectly with The Writer's Daemon, for the exact reason that you state. My other two favorites that have emerged are "Infusing the Eternal in the Writer's Craft" and "Waking Up [or Spiritual Awakening] on the Writer's Path." As I mentioned in another comment, the former was suggested by a friend in an email after I published this post asking for input. I kind of think I can eliminate the latter, though I do like it. "Infusing the Eternal in the Writer's Craft" and "Creativity, Nonduality, and the Writer's Muse" are clearly the more powerful and evocative options.
One of the factors I'm weighing as I mull this all over is whether the word "daemon" might be too abstruse or even distracting or misleading. I would like the book's appeal to be broad, even as its approach is specific to my own perspective and philosophy. IOW, I would like it to have mainstream appeal. And I wonder whether using the word "daemon" might hinder this, e.g., by conveying a wrong impression, such as the idea that the book is about the occult. I think my tribe, my native audience, is certainly far hipper and more informed than that. They'd doubtless understand it as intended and count it not as a distraction or dissuasion but as a positive draw. But this consideration still gives me pause. Again, I'm waiting for a sign, or maybe for a sense of certainty just to download itself into my consciousness.
In the meantime, I have made significant progress on the book itself. Very soon, I'll start sharing updates in posts for paid subscribers that will provide a direct window on the book's development.
yeah I get how "daemon" might limit the reach if it's in the title. Even after 10 years of working with the idea, I still have an unconscious negative/spooky ping when I see the word. glad to hear the book is moving along!
Did you ever decide on what it will be called? I like Ryan’s mashup of 5 & 6. However, I am opposite to him with respect to writing. I’m not a writer but a visual artist. I get just as much out of your work as a writer would. I feel like anyone who considers themselves creative would have an interest. In the name of getting your splendid work in front of of more, please don’t limit yourself to writers!
I appreciate the advice, Keena. I'm still debating the title, though I really do like "Writing at the Wellspring." Obviously, "Beyond Words" would target a broader audience of creative people. For the subtitle, I'm digging "Creativity, Nonduality, and the Writer's Muse." Though of course the word "writer" could be dropped to broaden that portion as well. Good considerations. Thank you for spurring me along.
Thank you, Livia. As I was brainstorming title ideas, the phrases "beyond words" and "beyond the page" kept coming up. I appreciate your confirming that they really do communicate. I have a sense that, regardless of what the title ends up being, many of the themes and ideas under consideration here will play into the book's contents somehow, whether as chapter/essay titles or as section headings.
Yes, Beyond Words will appeal to the largest audience
Appreciate the input, my friend.
Thank you, Ryan! I had wondered if the "wellspring" one would appeal to anyone. Thank you for confirming.
Writing at the Wellspring: Nonduality and the Call to Create (?).
Thanks, John! I like your recombination of that main title with that subtitle. Feels like it flows.
I like #6! Good mix of specific and broadly appealing, and just has a really cool ring to it.
Thank you, Mike! I had wondered whether the main title of that one would be too abstruse, so I appreciate your reaction. It's actually the title of one of the TLD posts that will be included in the book.
Here's an original suggestion that a reader sent me in a private message:
Ink of Infinity: Embracing the Eternal in the Writer's Craft
You used the word "transformation" to introduce this project. Should that float in and out of consideration? It is a powerful word, although perhaps too cliché.
I wonder if your mind also first throws into the mix those titles and words that should be automatically discarded, but somehow need to be put out there so as to be permanently ejected from consciousness. The jester in me was struck with "Far From Pilloried Posts," the noting of which will probably get me blocked from this site forever.
These are subtle considerations, Hu. Many thanks. The notion that maybe the first ideas to occur to the surface mind are actually like flotsam flying off or detritus being ejected to make way for the real, focal ideas to emerge -- I love this. Still, "Far from Pilloried Posts" is not likely to be a contender. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy reading it. And I can assure you there's no site blockage incurred by suggesting it! 🙂
3. Writing At The Wellspring: Where Creativity Meets Awakening.
Really clear and concise. I'd buy it!
Thank you, Lily! Interesting to see "Writing at the Wellspring" initially emerging as a reader favorite.
I would go for a title maybe using a combination of 5 and 6 title options.
Writing with the Daemon: Creativity, Nonduality, and the Writer's Muse
But even just using the 6th title option seems about right to me.
Casting Words in the Void: Creativity, Nonduality, and the Writer's Muse
Thank you, Lucian. This is helpful.
I really have no suggestions, but all morning the phrase "comfort and Joy" has been going through my head. May you find both when you find your title.
Sincere thanks, my friend.
There is something there with number 5. Writing with the Daemon: A Guide to Waking Up on the Writer’s Path.
Perhaps it's because Dante has been on my mind, but the connection is strong with the image/focus of a companioned path - both creatively and spiritually.
Thank you, Liv. The idea or image of "a companioned path" -- a phrase that I love -- is definitely full of energy for me, as for you. And it will definitely play a part in this book. If it doesn't end up being the title of the book itself, it will be the title of a whole section.
I like #4
Thank you! Your vote definitely helps to clarify, especially since several other readers have preferred #4 as well.
5 sounds the coolest.
Appreciate your input. I think "Writing with the Daemon" is among my favorites as well.
Conscious Darkness: The Nondual Daemon and the Writer’s Muse.
Conscious Darkness: Creativity, Nonduality, and the Writer's Muse
“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.”
-C.G. Jung.
Thanks, Jesús! "Conscious Darkness" -- a powerful image and metaphor, that.
My vote would be for No. 3 - it seems to me the title that best says what the book is about. Though I also like the word "Daemon"!
Thanks, Ollie! That one and "Beyond Words" have emerged as front runners for the main title. I appreciate your input.
Wonder where you are with this recently. Right now I’m liking a mash up of 5 and 6 because the subtitle of 6 defines the term of 5 .. writing with the daemon: Creativity, Nonduality, and the Writer's Muse
Your 5-6 mashup represents one of my own favorite possibilities. For a few weeks after I solicited reader input, I was thinking "Beyond Words" was my favorite. Then I realized that I unequivocally want the word "writing" or "writer" to appear directly in the title, not least because it draws my own attention to books on creativity and appears in the titles of some of my own favorites in this genre, such as Bradbury's Zen in the Art of Writing, Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones, and Brande's Becoming a Writer. So for the book's main title, this leaves me with Writing at the Wellspring or Writing with the Daemon as the top contenders. (I'm eliminating The Writer's Dharma, which the TLD crowd here rightly and helpfully identified as an effective option by lack of votes.) I really, strongly dig both of these and am still waiting for an illumination to arrive or some sign or synchronicity to strike and let me know which is The One.
As for the subtitle, I agree that "Creativity, Nonduality, and the Writer's Muse" is a really strong contender. And you're right, it does pair perfectly with The Writer's Daemon, for the exact reason that you state. My other two favorites that have emerged are "Infusing the Eternal in the Writer's Craft" and "Waking Up [or Spiritual Awakening] on the Writer's Path." As I mentioned in another comment, the former was suggested by a friend in an email after I published this post asking for input. I kind of think I can eliminate the latter, though I do like it. "Infusing the Eternal in the Writer's Craft" and "Creativity, Nonduality, and the Writer's Muse" are clearly the more powerful and evocative options.
One of the factors I'm weighing as I mull this all over is whether the word "daemon" might be too abstruse or even distracting or misleading. I would like the book's appeal to be broad, even as its approach is specific to my own perspective and philosophy. IOW, I would like it to have mainstream appeal. And I wonder whether using the word "daemon" might hinder this, e.g., by conveying a wrong impression, such as the idea that the book is about the occult. I think my tribe, my native audience, is certainly far hipper and more informed than that. They'd doubtless understand it as intended and count it not as a distraction or dissuasion but as a positive draw. But this consideration still gives me pause. Again, I'm waiting for a sign, or maybe for a sense of certainty just to download itself into my consciousness.
In the meantime, I have made significant progress on the book itself. Very soon, I'll start sharing updates in posts for paid subscribers that will provide a direct window on the book's development.
yeah I get how "daemon" might limit the reach if it's in the title. Even after 10 years of working with the idea, I still have an unconscious negative/spooky ping when I see the word. glad to hear the book is moving along!
Did you ever decide on what it will be called? I like Ryan’s mashup of 5 & 6. However, I am opposite to him with respect to writing. I’m not a writer but a visual artist. I get just as much out of your work as a writer would. I feel like anyone who considers themselves creative would have an interest. In the name of getting your splendid work in front of of more, please don’t limit yourself to writers!
I appreciate the advice, Keena. I'm still debating the title, though I really do like "Writing at the Wellspring." Obviously, "Beyond Words" would target a broader audience of creative people. For the subtitle, I'm digging "Creativity, Nonduality, and the Writer's Muse." Though of course the word "writer" could be dropped to broaden that portion as well. Good considerations. Thank you for spurring me along.