How do you think of titles for your stories/poems?
I have this tendency to write first, title later and when I am writing a longer piece, I generally give it a working title and refine it later.
Do you have a process for making titles, or do they just sometimes come to you?
It has been said that a good title can make or break a story, do you agree?
You know, when I first thought of this thread, it was a lot more eloquent, but the gist is, I'd like to know your thought processes on titles, if you please.
Sometimes I would write first, other times the title was first. Unfortunately, Cursed was origionally called the skeleton key because the origional story was about eris escaping the kingdom after finding a mysterious key... well, that title wasn't gonna work out now. Solarites however I came up first and it fits well.
I usually write the story/poem first. I’m actually really bad with titles, and one liners.
When I get the idea of a story, I semi write it in my head, then open word and let my fingers flow. I’m usually nonstop, unless someone bugs me. I’m not the type of person who can start a story and stop for a few days; it HAS to come out all at once. It just does, I can’t leave it unfinished.
Do I have a process? Not really, sometimes I’ll think of what the story/poem is and pick a title to match, or maybe I used a lot. Sometimes I have to ask Jamie what he thinks once I finished editing it with him. He has often picked titles and one liners for me.
I do agree to an extent about titles. I know a title has to grab my attention if I want to read it, but not always. Here on SS, I’ll read anything. I’m pickier elsewhere. >_> I tend to read by Author’s not titles/subjects/etc.
The title is often the first thing that comes to me, or if not the first, it happens early in the writing process. To me, the title is an integral part of any piece and usually sets the tone. For example, when I first conceived the idea for a story about a guy who confuses his fantasies with reality, my idea had a rather dark tone — but as soon as I decided to call it "The Secret Life of Bellingham Sam," the character instantly became more like Walter Mitty and therefore more endearing in my mind.
I usually write the piece first, not always though...and not sure if anyone who's read my stuff noticed, but the title is nearly always contained in a line of the story or poem...
I once knew a drinker who had a moderating problem...
