Catchy Title

Snoink · 2007-02-24T05:51:07Z

There are a lot of people who think that titles really don't matter. It's almost as if they think the title and the story exist in two different worlds. So many people will think, "Oh, this is a crappy title, BUT OMG. THE STORY IS AWESOME SO READ IT." ...I tend to wonder what planet they're from. But seriously. Titles DO matter. When I look on YWS for things to read, I see a lot of titles, and that's usually the first thing I look for. If it doesn't have a good title, then I keep looking. For books in the bookstore, it's even more important to have catchy titles. I don't have many favorite authors, but I can't stand a stupid title and won't pick it up if it is a typical cliched story. Ouch. So will I give you a formula about what works and what doesn't? Nope. There are just too many titles that could work. But I will give you titles that won't work. Untitled Just come up with something! It doesn't have to be perfect, but it has to be something! Take the main theme of your writing and BAM! A title. Never name something Untitled. Rememberence If you go on YWS, there are just SO MANY titles that have to do with memories and the like. It's an epidemic of memories! Unfortunately, these titles are not memorable. Seriously. Instead, take something interesting and original about your writing and use it instead! Loneliness I DON'T CARE. I mean, if I cared about your character or the narrator of the poem, then maybe I might possibly care, if it's written well. But don't tell me I'm supposed to feel the loneliness up front. Otherwise, who cares? The ______ of _______. Okay. Maybe it would work for "The Barber of Seville" but if your nouns are "curse" and "sword" then you can come up with something better! Pain ...same thing as loneliness. I won't care unless you make me care. And at the title stage, I don't care. FREAK That's my title. :P Anyway! I hope this rant has been somewhat helpful.

xtenx wrote:. But the fact that the author is published at all means the book probably isn't a complete piece of crap (there are exceptions to that of course ).

:coughcough"Criss Cross" coughcough:

Oops. My story has swords in the title!X_X I only used it because "sword" is a term for war in a favorite story of mine. (I've changed the title of that story SEVERAL times. Started out as "A Lot Bit" because I love the sound of that phrase....bleh. I can always change it again

)

I rely on titles a lot, too. for example, if a poem sounds emo to me (no offense to anyone), like it has "pain", "Loneliness" "sorrow" "blood" "death" "despair" "The Dark ___" or "Tears of ____" I'm about....100% less interested in it. Come on, people! It's the same way with usernames. It's a trend to give yourself a dark, creepy name that gives the image that you are in a cult, have a deal with the Lich King or have sold your soul. And I just don't get it.

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