The Perfect Title

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.