Glutton for Punishment

[jpskewedthrone]

So, as you all know, (Bob), Patricia Bray (pbray) and I recently proposed, sold, organized, and edited an anthology called AFTER HOURS: TALES FROM THE UR-BAR, which will be hitting the shelves March 2011 and is now available to preorder online in many places. This was our first outing as editors, and we apparently didn't learn our lesson, because we're now in the process of working up proposals for a few other anthologies. But we're having some problems with the title for one of them. So, I'm here asking for the reader's help. Here is the proposed write-up for the anthology at the moment (although it's subject to change before we actually submit this):

We all know that the faery existed once upon a time . . . but they haven’t completely vanished. This anthology will celebrate and explore how the faery interact with the modern world. What happens when a faery ring appears on a rooftop garden in central New York City? What if that tall stranger sitting next to you on the airplane is really one of the fae?

I've decided to run a poll to see what you, the readers, think. Leave additional suggestions in the comments!

[Poll #1585047]

Comments

[terri-osborne.livejournal.com]

If you do end up doing this one, please keep me in mind. I have some fae vampire hunters who'd love to have their story told, just haven't had the time to do it yet. :)

[madkestrel.livejournal.com]

I was torn between "Faery Next Door" and "The Modern Faery's Guide", but I finally decided that the word "guide" in the title could confuse bookstore workers into shelving it in self-help. *grin*

[mtlawson.livejournal.com]

Should it be Fae instead of Faery, like so:

The Modern Fae's Guide to Surviving Humanity

[darkspires.livejournal.com]

How about Stiltskin.Inc? And do modern day Mer folk qualify? I have one of those.

[elfwench.livejournal.com]

Agreed.

[dichroic.livejournal.com]

I have to say I'm not crazy about any of these titles (and I *am* crazy about the idea of the anthology and would certainly buy it if e-versions are avaiable). "Once Upon a Present Day" is my favorite of the choices given. Otherwise.... I don't know.

Thoroughly Modern Magick
Everyday Fae
Puck Everlasting (I suppose you couldn't get away with that one)
That Girl at the Bar is Not Who You Think She Is
Pointed Earz RULE!! (in graffiti font on the cover, of course)


.... yeah, I'm not enamored of any of those, either.

[elfwench.livejournal.com]

I am intrigued, and would love a copy of this book once it's published. Please post when it's available! Actually, a novel in this vain would be more awesome.

[lindaabdavis.livejournal.com]

While I love Puck This!, I'm not sure it's specific enough of a title for an anthology. It is short though and extremely clever. The below suggestions are also short, relevant, and I think rather catchy (though maybe not as clever):

Modern Day Fae
Fae Today!
Today's Fae
Fae Among Us

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

I was going to suggest "Fae Among Us" as well.

[lindaabdavis.livejournal.com]

Hey, that's two votes!

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Can't wait--whatever it's called. :D

[music-lover3.livejournal.com]

I like the faery idea, it's cool! Can't wait to hear more about it!

[oneminutemonkey.livejournal.com]

The thought of this anthology even potentially existing has me drooling with anticipation.

Dare I ask what sort of qualifications you and Patricia look for in potential contributors/submitters to your anthologies? Because I can make a hell of a pitch for myself if need be... :)

[shanrina.livejournal.com]

I really like Puck This!, but without more context it could be a hockey anthology. Maybe "Puck This!: The Modern Faery's Guide to Surviving Humanity."

[xap]

i like this one!

[handworn.livejournal.com]

"Real Men Are Faeries"

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Are the proposed anthologies all invite-only? This sounds like fun!

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

"Winging It: A Fairie's Guide to the 21st Century."

[bearmountain.livejournal.com]

Good one, Melissa!

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[irismoonlight.livejournal.com]

I prefer Melissajim's
Winging it: A Fairie's Guide to the 21st Century

or
lindaabdavis' two:
Modern Day Fae
Fae Among Us.

or
Underhill Condominiums (as the sacred places were developed, the Fae moved on -- or did they?)
Fae in the Internet Age
The Future is Fae.
On a Wing and a Glare: Fae during the Ages of Aviation and the Internet.

[dsgood.livejournal.com]

Are they native to this world, or are they immigrants from elsewhere?

[dogzilla30.livejournal.com]

I chose these two:
The Modern Faery's Guide to Surviving Humanity - Seems to invite all fae points of view
Goodfellow's Guide to Modern Faery - Seems all encompassing for stories from fae or human point of views

[shaysdays.livejournal.com]

Josh- it's Shay. I can't sleep because I JUST got to the part where Ash sets sail. And I'm stupidly thrilled. BTW, I've gotten like, six people to get this trilogy- you owe me a Cosmo next year.

And oh, yeah I guess I should vote on this, CONSIDERING.

So my suggestion is- "The Bar Flies."

[dqg-neal.livejournal.com]

I always love a good Modern Day Faery story. I'd love to be able to revist a character from the Bad Ass Faery anthology series. I hope you can sell this one, and perhaps open a few slots up.

[janni.livejournal.com]

You probably already know this, but Holly Black's (most excellent) fantasy series is Tales of Modern Faerie--so that's the first association many readers will have for titles with wording along those lines. (Not necessarily a bad thing at all, just one to be aware of!)