I like the idea of something simple and plainspoken. One of the things that's always attracted me to the site was the fact that the writing was completely devoid of pretension - what needed to be said was said and it was left at that. I kind of worry that if the title sounds too much like a traditional theology or religious book, it'll turn off people who might otherwise be interested in the different brand of religious thought this writing offers.
That said, I'm afraid I don't have an really constructive suggestions; I'm not much of a creative type. Sorry.

This just popped into my head.
I'm not even sure if I like it, but I'll throw it out there...

Together on the road to somewhere...
A Journey with Gordon Atkinson - Real Live Preacher

Stories You've Never Read Before

or

Tales of a Real Live Preacher

or

Writings of Genius

Obviously I too have no real creativity. Just think of me as a money man.

I personally would really prefer to have a discussion about a title after the content is clearer. A title often drops out of content, in my experience.

That said, a working title is a good idea, as is a working abstract and some working imagery & themes.

But I'd like anything we come up with here be just a working title until the content is decided on, and then the discussion be revived for the final title.

As a working title, I suggest:

"I think of you as 50 people"

inspired by something you wrote in
http://www.reallivepreacher.com/rlparchive/node/1450

Ralf

I'm also not good at titles, but I like Ralf's 50 people idea. I would also like to see RealLivePreacher.com on the front somewhere. Maybe even a Vol 2. Or not. Either way, it has value for multiple reasons:

1. It provides continuity from the first book. People who come to the party late like to know if they're plugging into a series, even if each book stands independently. If they like it, they know there's more to seek out.
2. For people who may have heard of the blog but not your name, or remember seeing/liking the first book, but don't remember your name, it clues them in that this is more of the same stuff they liked or heard about.
3. It directs people to the blog, even if they don't buy the book. After they check out the blog, they may like what they see and get the book.
4. It needs to be on the front because, since it will primarily be sold online, not in a store, they can't pick it up and flip over to the back or inside and see a URL there. If it's distributed through venues other than your websites, all the potential reader may see is the front cover. The nice thing about the title of the first book was that as soon as you saw the cover, or even read the title, you knew immediately about the blog without having to read a review or a "to get more info" blurb. The books are nice. They're fun. They're a different format for getting your writing out. But it's the blog where you build the community that is the commited reader base (like this group) that will make Consafo sustainable. And that's what we all want.

Rock on.

How about
"Real Live Preacher 2...
Confessions of an agnostic/misfit-Christian."

From - http://www.reallivepreacher.com/node/383

(Mis)adventures along The Way

i'm better when i have ms and toc to peruse. if you have toc and an intro i'll be happy to swing it around our in-house group that does titling for S&H books. i'll forward along the entire list we come up with.

How about ... "Real Live Faith"

I'm trying to come up with something that fits with the origin of the title Real Live Preacher. I should go stand outside a Ripley's Believe It or Not and listen to the barker for a while.

Simply "RLP" might work too.

...then some small sub-title having to do with "Everyday Honest Reflections from A Real Live Preacher."

I think this essay speaks to the agnostic as well as believers who honestly wonder and question. It spurs you to action. To me, these words from that essay capture so much of what "goes on" around RLP.

[From...A Burning Bush Would Be Nice]

"It's the sort of miracle you might miss if your eyes are scanning the horizon, looking for smoke or for messiahs who are even now poised on the edge of their temples, ready to take a dive in front of the news cameras.

Can you feel the pull of the Spirit, lowering your eyes to the world in front of you? Can you feel yourself becoming like a child, rolling an autumn leaf between your fingers and locking eyes with the homeless man selling newspapers? Can you feel the tug that pulls your heart away from epiphany and toward service?

Can you?

And isn't that a pretty big miracle in itself?"

that essay is tha, THE bomb...

My two cents.

I like Ralf's wait and see. I react better than act. Here are early "sequel" thoughts:
- Still Live Preacher (hmmm...maybe Still Life Preacher)
- RLP TOO (or TWO or TUTU)
- Real Live Prophet (though i suspect there will be no profit!)
Obviously, someone else needs to title it.

Do you have a tentative list of essay titles that will be going into the book? Lots of essay collections take their title from one of the essays: Annie Dillard's *Teaching a Stone to Talk*, for instance, comes from the title of one of the essays included in the volume. So, what are some of the essay titles that will be in the book? There might be one that could do "double-duty" as a book title, too.

For You, the 50 People

I think you should say
"RLP - Again!" or
"Real Live Preacher -again!"
What about "RLP- Second Coming!"

not sure why I'm adding to this. You've invited way too many cooks to this kitchen.

Though, if that is the point, then my first suggestion is something along those lines, "church is the joyous result of too many cooks in the kitchen"

My second suggestion would be
The madtabulous fandanguramic hilaritroidic adventures of Gordan Atkinson, RLP.

absolutely my favorite is "I Think of You As 50 People" with a subtitle like "on the road with real live preacher" or whatever.
each of us is at least 50 people all at once
the title conveys closeness and familiarity
it says you're talking to the people who are reading what you've written - in the past, and right now
it suggests that you're not quite sure of what everything means but you're willing to step out into mystery and relationship

I am reminded of what Bilbo and Frodo say about a journey or path starting at our door and becoming an adventure. For a title I would suggest:

There and Back again: A Spiritual Journey by RLP

I have always enjoyed the little extra twist RLP puts in his writtings. So I had a few suggestions for book title to throw on the table.

Rest Stops
Life on Earth
Hey, Mister Know It All
Thoughts From My Brown Bag
Silly Puddy?

i was gonna say "pain in the essay". but that wouldnt be proper.

or would it?

Wow - some really good suggestions coming out. I'll add my thought to the mix: "Real Live Word" Because Jesus is the Word and Gordon you bring that Word alive. The living word is essential - that we see it has meaning and relevance in our lives today and the power still, to change us.