Seven generations, six with deep roots in one Iowa county, or with strong ties to it, since 1855–from pioneers to the keeper of their stories. Of the six, the author is the only one who never lived among the rolling hills of Guthrie County, Iowa, but it’s where her beloved Grandma Leora was born, where she lived to the age of 97.
The men these women married will make cameo appearances.
What do we inherit from our grandmothers besides mtDNA? Heirlooms? Character? Shadows of the past? The legacy of a small log church in Indiana was nurtured through my motherline and woven into the blessing and mystery of my own inheritance, that of lives lived with faith in the God, family, community, and the hope of heaven.
Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations. – Deuteronomy 32:7
Yes, I’m working on another book, feeling my way into it. Above, so far, is a back cover copy WIP (work in progress). Is it compelling enough? No title yet. What do you think?
Motherline: A Legacy of Seven Generations
Guthrie County: Motherline Songs, Seven Generations
Meadowlark Songs: Consider the Years of a Motherline
The Legacy of *Rocky Fork: Motherline Musings
*Rocky Fork is a Baptist church from the first generation, before any of them came to Iowa, but perhaps it’s not poignant enough to become a title.
Seven Generations According to Native American tradition, the consequences of choices made by ancestors in one generation reverberate for seven generations. Make those decisions with utmost care, they say, to guarantee good lives for those who come after. Seven generations of a motherline, six lived in Iowa, five in Guthrie County, four were oldest daughters, three lived into their nineties, two with high school diplomas, one became the keeper of their stories.
I like the first title listed best.
Thank you, Barry. I’m leaning toward that one as well.
I like the third title, Meadowlark Songs: Consider the Years of a Motherline. (But, then, what do I know? I do know you’ll make the right choice, a good one!)
Thanks, Dennis. I’ve even been trying out cover ideas.
I’m already looking forward to reading progress reports on this one!
What a generous comment, Dennis. Will it make a difference that it’s mostly in free verse?
I like the first title (and the poem!).
Thank you, Eilene! What if the whole thing is mostly in free verse?
Hmm. I like poetry, but I’m more of a prose person.
So am I, so that’s why I was surprised about how this one seems to want to take shape.
I think the first title has my vote. It’s simple and gets to the point.
Thank you, Kelly. I’m leaning toward it as well, after changing it about four times.
I think the back cover copy is compelling. I was a little confused about the log church and the mention of Indiana. If Iowa is the main subject, Indiana seems to be a side road that doesn’t need to be mentioned on the cover. If the story is about the church then more needs to be said about it and less about Iowa. Motherline is a powerful descriptor. I like the first title but would do the graphic like this Motherline – A Legacy of Seven Generations. (Not have a colon) I hope this helps.
Thank you, John. That’s so helpful! I hadn’t planned to even include that generation until I discovered the Rocky Fork church. It showed up in a title for a while, but I gave it up. I need to give it up in the back cover copy as well! Six generations are in Iowa, so I’ll rework things.
Glad I could help.
John, you’ve made some very good points. Your altering of my favorite title of Joy’s WIP with a dash is also a great suggestion.
The first title for sure. It sounds really wonderful!
Thank you, Joseph. This one has been nudging at me for a long time. . . .
Oh my goodness. This is so exciting, Joy. I love that you’re looking at this as an unfolding…gathering input and listening to your heart. No matter what, it will be wonderful. I just know it. 💕
I’m out of my comfort zone with this one, Vicki, so thanks for the encouragement!
You bet! I love where you’re headed, Joy. 🥰❤️🥰
Thank you for the good news about another book! I think including “meadowlark songs” somewhere in the title, along with “motherline” would be appropriate for a book of free verse.
Thank you, Liz. If I can keep the brain fog at bay long enough, I just might get it done!
You’re welcome, Joy! I have faith that you will.
This is exciting news, Joy, and I like the first title the best. But I know whatever you decide on will be wonderful! xo
Thank you, Lauren!
I think they are all wonderful, Joy, and motherline is touching. It is coming from your heart and mind.
Thank you, Tim!
The first title still gives me the desire to pick up the book off the shelf.
Love the idea using the institution of motherhood.
Oh my, thank you, Gail.
How about combining one and three: Meadowlark Songs – A legacy of a seven generation motherline. Since the book will be written in free verse, I like the poetry of Meadowlark songs. Whatever the title, I look forward to reading the book.
Aha, another poet is also nudging for Meadowlark Songs. Thank you, Bob!
This is good news! Good luck to you with your latest endeavor, Joy. I agree with John W. Howell, who likes your first title with a dash instead of a colon. 🙂
Thanks, Nancy!