I’d love your help choosing a sub-title for my next book! I’m moving forward with a book of poetry for kids who have serious mental health disorders. It’s whimsical and manages to be fun- despite the intense topic.
It’s called Hortensia and the Magical Brain.
The book is for parents, care givers and health care professionals to read to kids with symptoms of bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, psychosis, anger and aggression and ADHD symptoms, just to name a few.
It’s fantastical- in other words, though I will keep it original, it’s a Harry Potter type book where reality and the magical intermix in a fun and educational way.
Here is an original sketch of Hortensia and the Bipolar Witches from illustrator Kaytie Spellman’s magical drawings. I have added a short poem below so that you can see the tone. Our main character Hortensia is keeping the bipolar disorder witches behind the door in this sketch! Hortensia’s nickname is Pickle.
Bipolar Lullaby #2
Three bipolar witches are toiling and mixing their brew
Their spills and their hexes are coming for you
Your brain has a door, don’t let these girls in
Shut it tight, dear Pickle, don’t let the girls win
***
Titles! They are so important. I originally thought of Bipolar Lullabies, but the poems and other parts of the book are about more than bipolar disorder. The subtitle has to mention mental health in some way- the book is very much about specific symptoms, especially mania, depression, psychosis and anger.
Here is what I have now. The title does NOT have to appeal to kids. It needs to appeal to those buying the book to read to the kids: parents, caregivers and health care professionals. The kids will be drawn in by the drawings and poetry.
Title: Hortensia and the Magical Brain
Subtitle example: Poetry for Kids with Mental Health Disorders
The subtitle needs keywords in order to help sell the book- I like Hortensia and the Magical Brain, but am not thrilled with my subtitle.
Let me know what you think by visiting my Julie A. Fast Facebook page and leaving your comments not he post where I ask for your help.
Thank you!
Julie
PS: We are funding this poetry project through a Kickstarter program. Details coming soon! The Kickstarter will being in September.
Brilliant! Would a subtitle like “Poetry to Support the Mental Wellness of Kids” work?
Also Hortensia means Hydrangeas, one of my favorite flowers, especially the blue ones! 🙂
Oh Samina! I wish we lived closer to each other! I had NO idea about the meaning of Hortensia. Her name came to me when I was on a big red, double decker London bus! Julie