She had once co-written a book as well while her granddaughter had just self-published her first novel. I then showed her my notebook with the new title etched across the front page. Without missing a beat the fellow pilgrim nodded and repeated, “Chasing shadows…” I explained my use of metaphors and place names and how I used them in my previous titles.

When she and her husband neared I said, “I just wanted to thank you for giving me the title of my book!” I immediately wrote those words down in my notebook and waited for that American woman to catch up to me.

“So I Now Had My New Title: Shadows, Shells, and Spain!” So I walked and allowed inspiration to call – and it answered me on Day 22 on my approach to Santiago de Compostela. While I walked, I referred to my book as Roads, Romance, and Spain – but that was far too obvious bordering on boring and a further regression from the title of Bulls, Bands, and London. And yes, there will also be some sort of twisted love story. As already indicated, a significant amount of the story will take place on the Camino. (And “London” was chosen over “Pamplona” because, well, I knew I was heading to Spain for book #3.) (I don’t think I have to explain “Italy”…)īulls, Bands, and London lacks some subtlety but does do the trick: “Bulls” embodies the sacrificial bulls from Pamplona’s San Fermin Festival while “bands” alludes to Neil and Jordan’s love for Britpop, Jordan’s rock music website, the Blur reunion show at Hyde Park, and Neil’s rock ‘n’ roll pub crawl in Camden Town. I need two metaphors (with an alliteration) and a location…īullets, Butterflies, and Italy: “Bullets” refers to the threat of violence and murder while “butterflies” symbolize the feeling of new love and the sensation you get in your stomach when you’re attracted to someone new. Obviously, I have a method to my madness. But a chance encounter during my last day of the Camino suddenly inspired its formation. Usually titles are the last thing on my mind until I’ve completed the first draft of the book. The other difference in this trip is now I also have a book title! This Friday, I return to Spain for the second part of my research trip for book #3 – although this time I’m trading in the peaceful and pastoral Camino de Santiago for the louder and more libertine Ibiza (along with Mallorca and Gibraltar).

James long, beyond the shadow of doubt