Wendy Wasserstien is dead.
I just am in shock. I didn't know her, but was a fan. I liked that she decided to have a baby by herself at age 48. That was an inspiration for me. That means her daughter is only seven or eight. I identified with her, for perhaps obvious reasons. Not that I think I'm as talented or funny, it's just...oh. Oh. Oh. She had a sibling die of cancer too. And...oh jeez. Sad. Sad. Worrying. Life is so short. Oh gawd. This can't derail my writing today. It just can't.
Another thing. The reason I'm posting right now.
There are those who think I should change the name of my show to something other than "Letting Go Of God." To something else. To something that does not give away where the show is headed. These people who think this...they are smart people with a lot of experience in show biz. I don't know. I just don't know. These people say, "This title turns away the very people who need to see this show." Hmmm... Hmmm...
Okay, it could be this: Letting Go Of God? Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.
This is a long title, and includes a question mark. But it makes me laugh.
Or there is this: The God Monologue.
This was my working title before I came up with Letting Go Of God. I usually would shy away from the word monologue in a title since it seems like a lecture: or boring. But since The Vagina Monolgues popularity, maybe it's okay.
The only reason this has to be addressed right now is that I am just about ready to put out the cd and I want everything to have the same title. So, if you are inclined to weigh in, I would love your thoughts.
Hi, this is my blog.
About Me
- Julia Sweeney
- My book "If It's Not One Thing, It's Your Mother," published by Simon & Schuster, is out on April 2, 2013. I am doing a film of our show, "The Jill & Julia Show" with Jill Sobule, which will be available by April 1st.
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Shows and Speaking Events
I have several events booked in connection with my book's publication.
1.) Feb. 9, 2013 Saturday Darwin On The PalouseDarwin on the Palouse 2013 There is a free showing of "Letting Go of God." I will be introducing the film and answering questions afterwards. Moscow, Idaho, University of Idaho
2.) 92nd Street Y, NYC, Tuesday April 2, 2013. Tickets:
Books I love
Jill & Julia Shows
1.) March 16, 2013 7:30 p.m. HARTFORD, CT The Mark Twain House, Go to www.marktwainhouse.org for tickets.
2.) July 3, 2013, Wednesday Chicago, IL City Winery, www.citywinery.com/Chicago
3.) July 5, 2013 Friday Ann Arbor, MI The Ark 8 p.m.
4.) July 6, 2013 Saturday Club Cafe, Pittsburgh, PA 7 p.m.
5.) July 7, 2013 Sunday Washington D.C. The Howard Theater 8 p.m.
6.) July 9, 2013 Tuesday Fairfield, CT Stage One 7:45 p.m.
7.) July 10, 2013 Wednesday Fall River, MA
Narrows Ctr for Arts, 8 p.m.
8.) July 11, 2013 Thursday New York City! Highline Ballroom 8 p.m.
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12 comments:
Hi Julia,
I'd actually keep the "Letting Go Of God" title. It's unique.
I wouldn't change it.
:)
-Tommy D.
I've always thought that "Letting Go of God" was a great title, and descriptive of my own decision to turn away from my Christian upbringing. "Letting go" is a great way to put it, and much gentler to audiences than my own tendency to say words like "rejected" or "stopped subscribing to such nonsense". ;)
Seriously, I'm not sure it's a good idea *not* to give that information away. I think the sort of folks that would be turned away by that title would be very uncomfortable with having this conclusion come up by surprise. Unless that's your goal. I don't know. It all depends on what you're trying to say.
I think you should follow whatever your heart says about the title. That's my 2 cents.
"Loosing my Religion" - It is a popular title from an R.E.M. song, but catchy. I don't know about copywriting issues. I always liked that title.
Now you could get goofy and go with "God, I'm just not that IN to him." - It may be a problem because of the book, "..He's just not that IN to you." but it seems a little "younger" so to speak and there is a connection. However, it does imply the existance of God and that you just don't believe in him as opposed to believing that there isn't one at all. It's a subtle difference, but there is my two cents!
Thanks!
Amy
I think you should keep your original title.
It's descriptive, concise, and neutral.
And you wouldn't be thinking of changing it unless other people had planted that seed of doubt, right?
I *definitely* wouldn't go with "The God Monologue(s)." It would look too much like your trying to cash in on the popularity of "The Vagina Monologues," and would link your show in the minds of some people with that show, which wouldn't be a good thing, since your show is not in the least way like "The Vagina Monologues."
PS That's great that the CD is about to come out!!!
"God,SCHMMod!"? i dunno, just sounded like a piece from the Daily News or something...
I concur with others already posting: your original title said it all. Don't change it!
Looking forward to it!
"Letting Go of God" is perfect. Though you could always go with "You're Not There, God. It's me, Julia." No, that's no good. Uh... maybe, "I Believe... (I'm now an atheist)." Ecch, that's horrible. Why can't I stop this? "So Much for Heaven". Ew. I'm done. Keep "Letting Go of God."
Hi Julia,
I heard you on NPR this weekend and was excited about your "Letting Go of God."
After having been suckered into two strong religions despite having strong atheist leanings, it resonated deeply with me.
In the past five years, I've stood up for my own reasoning and rejected what always seemed "fabulous" as in "fable." I'm looking forward to hearing your CD.
Regards,
Patio
Please keep your original title.
Audiences are alot smarter than "showbiz experts"...
Besides, why would you want to entrap a truly rigid religious person into stumbling onto your show/book?
I have to agree with the "experts". People believing in God will be VERY reluctant to hear a piece with this name. The least you can do is add a question mark to the end of the title, so that they don't know for certain what to expect.
This cannot have effect in actual fact, that is what I think.
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