The Pub Discussion Board

How do I get my titles? I've had it happen three different ways. Usually, the most common way, is something hits me as a great title as I'm writing the story. A line a character says. An event that happens in the story. On a story or two, the title came to me first and then I created a story around it. The last way I get my titles, I ask other people for ideas. My wife reads most of my stories, and has come up with one or two titles that I've used, other writers, friends, my editor(s). They might give an idea, and even though it isn't perfect, sometimes it sets off a chain in my head that leads me to a better title. Inspiration can come from almost anywhere.

I can sympathize with your plight.  I hate naming things in general, and story titles are some of the most important names you come up with.

The first thing I'd say is, try to find a way to describe the story without being too specific.  For instance, in my case, "The Woodward Academy"... well, okay, we know there's a school of some kind involved, but beyond that... 

It also helps if you can find a way to play on words a little bit.  For instance, with my book "Warmth of a Touch"... well, that is kind of an expression all on its own, but also describes the book's story pretty well.

You can also have fun messing with pre-existing titles.  An example:  "Where the Maiasaurs Roam" was a deliberate rip-off of "Where the Buffalo Roam". 

Titles usually come to me during the planning stage of a story.  (What do you mean, you don't have a planning stage?  Shame on you.  )  Also, don't be afraid to change your title before publication, if you come up with a better one.  (It's not a good idea to change it after you've started releasing it, though.  That will just confuse people...)

In general, I guess I would say, think about what the story is actually about, and then find an interesting way to describe that, without giving away too much.

Just my $1.50... (inflation, don'cha know? )
Eric Storm