Carpe Librum

I am not done with my next book - just in case the topic of this blog got anyone excited - but I do need a title and cover design. Because I have been booked for a couple summer events, I need to order marketing materials, something I cannot do without a cover for the book that will be out by then.

My previous titles came to me easily, and I instantly fell in love with them. This book has been more of a challenge in a few ways and title is one of them. Hopefully, my Booklikes family can help.

This novel begins with the news of Elizabeth of York's death reaching Margaret Pole, her cousin. It is biographical fiction in the same style as Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen, but not truly a sequel. Margaret served in the household of Prince Arthur and later as governess for Princess Mary and was a good friend to Catherine of Aragon. In her early years, her father was executed by his brother Edward IV for treason, later her brother was executed (more for having an excess of royal blood than any action) by Henry VII. Things seem to go well for Margaret with the ascension of Henry VIII....until The Great Matter.

So, that's the story in a nutshell. Here are some titles I have been brainstorming with. Anything I choose will probably have 'The Story of Margaret Pole' as a subtitle.

Fate of the Last Plantagenet

Traitor's Fate

Countess, Martyr, Saint

Path to Tower Green

Last Plantagenet Martyr

Tudor Treachery

Betrayal of the Last Plantagenet

I also like the idea of taking something from a poem believed to have been written by Margaret when she received word that she was to be executed:

For traitors on the block should die;
I am no traitor, no, not I!
My faithfulness stands fast and so,
Towards the block I shall not go!
Nor make one step, as you shall see;
Christ in Thy Mercy, save Thou me!

As for cover design, I would like something with an aged look similar to my last book and was thinking of featuring an image of the Planta Genista that gives my favorite dynasty its name, but I am open for suggestions on this too.

Can't wait to hear your ideas!