How did you...

Z0Marley · Feb 9, 2009

decide your title was THE title?

Personally, I'm having a hard time with it. Any help/insight is much appreciated!

NightShayde · Feb 9, 2009

Mine felt wierd for a while, but towards the end it just clicked.

It seemed a small part of the story but once i continued writing, that little part seemed to really run through the entire book. Even if you couldn't see it, it was there.

That's what I think a title should be.

jst5150 · Feb 9, 2009

I discovered my SF book title reading through US Army official instuctions. As soon as I saw it, I knew that was it.

Shadow_Ferret · Feb 9, 2009

I went through about 12 different titles until I hit upon one that not only worked for this book but provided opportunity for word play in subsequent sequels.

But honestly, at this point, it doesn't matter since I figure it'll get changed between now and publishing by either, my agent if I ever get one, and the editor if again I ever get one.

tehuti88 · Feb 9, 2009

Ah, goodness, I just titled mine after where the action takes place, then the sequels' titles play off of that in ways that relate to the plot. "Manitou Island," "Return To Manitou Island," "Escape From Manitou Island," "Beneath Manitou Island," etc.

I imagine though if I keep coming up with story ideas, I'm going to run out of ways to use this title.

sirensix · Feb 9, 2009

I still haven't come up with a title for mine.

Lccorp2 · Feb 9, 2009

Morally Ambiguous is partly about pointing out the stupidities of what characters can get away with if they're designated "good" and "evil", and it just clicked.

Besides, it's part of the MC's title.

Feidb · Feb 9, 2009

As for my fantasy, it is called "Meleenas Adventures - Treasure Of The Umbrunna."

The MC is Meleena, she goes on an adventure, and it is designed with the intention of being a series.

My adventure thriller series is what I call the "Gold" series. Lusitania Gold, Spanish Gold, Palmdale Gold, etc.

On the other hand, my icky bug novels all have "The" titles, so far. "The Greenhouse" and "The Factory." I decided on the "The" titles a long time ago. I recently realized that horror writer Bentley Little uses the same pattern. I haven't noticed it so much with other authors.

I think my titles fit the stories like a glove. However, an agent might not. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Darzian · Feb 9, 2009

This thread is somewhat related to the discussion at hand.

Straka · Feb 9, 2009

Mine just sort of pop in my head.

But I wouldn't sweat it too much, it will most likely be changed by the publisher if the work makes it that far.

DeleyanLee · Feb 9, 2009

I don't bother coming up with "THE" title. I just find one that works for me and I can be happy with if it's the one that sticks past publication.

TheIT · Feb 9, 2009

I was halfway through the novel draft before I figured out the title. With my other novel draft, I knew before I started writing.

For me, my titles try to capture some of the theme of the story. Sometimes it's obvious.

Mr Flibble · Feb 9, 2009

Once it popped into my head I just knew. It describes the book to a T.

ChaosTitan · Feb 9, 2009

I stuck a quarter in a Title Machine and out it popped.

Come up with something that will help catch the eye of an agent or editor, but don't get too attached. It may change.

ebenstone · Feb 11, 2009

I'm kind of weird in that I need a title before I write. I have an obsession with title motifs...they have to match up from book to book and relate to the theme of my book. The present WIP involves the four seasons. The first book, Winter's Discord, has changed titles once and I'm toying with another change.

zanizh · Feb 11, 2009

Darzian said:
This thread is somewhat related to the discussion at hand.

Ha, Darzian. I was about to put a link to my thread there but you beat me to the punch.

Since I found out that upon acceptance, the editor is likely to change the title anyway, I've put it in my head not to fret about it so much.

Buffysquirrel · Feb 12, 2009

With one book, I was reading a collection of short stories and a phrase leapt out and hit me between the eyes.

But I try not to get too attached to titles. I hear if I ever sell the book, it'll probably change!

sirensix · Feb 12, 2009

Look to your favorite poems! The one title I do like, I got from a poem.

How did you...

Z0Marley

NightShayde

jst5150

Vorpal Comics. Weekly Podcast. Twitch Artist. Vet

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

tehuti88

Mackinac Island Fanatic

sirensix

Mediocre Sorceress

Lccorp2

How are you gentlemen?

Feidb

Been Here A While

Darzian

To-to-to-ron-to

Straka

Bored Fanatic

DeleyanLee

Writing Anarchist

TheIT

Infuriatingly Theoretical

Mr Flibble

They've been very bad, Mr Flibble

ChaosTitan

Around

ebenstone

zanizh

Lost in Revision Hell

Buffysquirrel

sirensix

Mediocre Sorceress