I’m a totally pantser, in regards to my writing
anyway. I never outline, never plot anything. I just write, and then I edit
like crazy when the writing is done! My non-planning doesn’t stop with just the
writing either. It bubbles right on over to titling my book.
My title is generally the last thing I type. And it
takes me forever and a day to figure out exactly what I should type on that
first page. I’ve never thought of myself as someone who picks a book based on
its title, but apparently I really do. I mean, something makes me pull that
book from the shelf instead of the one next to it, right? This epiphany has
kicked me in the backside and forces me to really consider what exactly goes
into that perfect title.
I suppose I decide on my title when the writing is
finished because I’m not completely sure where I’m heading. For an effective
title, I really need to capture the feel of the book I’ve just written. Because
who wants to pick a funny titled book off the shelf only to discover it’s
heartbreaking and didn’t induce a single laugh! So yeah, a title should feel
like it belongs to the words inside.
Sometimes, like in my last manuscript, there’s a particular
setting that just won’t leave me alone. It bugs me (in a totally good way) until
I spin it into the title. And it fits perfectly. There’s a ton of stuff that
happens under those Maples, so it’s only right to carry it over in the title.
For my most recent manuscript, I chose a two word
title, and yes one of those words is The! Admittedly, I’m not a fan of one or
two worded titles, but it felt right for this manuscript. Two little words pull
my characters together, describes them, and, in my opinion, is eye catching. If
I were to see those two little words on the spine of a book in a bookstore, I’d
totally snatch it up.
And, it’s not like I’m completely convinced my
titles are the most awesome things in this world. Chances are, they’ll change
at some point before my books ever hit the shelves (if they ever do!). So,
while I love my titles, even the migraines they induce, I’ll happily consider
alternates.
*note* I
do not own the images in this blog post. All credit to original owner.
