First, here are the answers to last week’s questions:
Name That Tone!
The Boneman’s Daughters–chilling
Redeeming Love–romantic
The Shunning–Amish
The Riddlemaster of Hed–fantastical
A Vase of Mistaken Identity–whimsical
Without a Trace–suspensful
Three Weddings & a Giggle—humourous and romantic
Name that Genre!
Kidnapped–adventure
Sister Chicks Down Under—witty women’s fiction
The Lightkeeper’s Ball—historical romance
Deadly Pursuit—suspense
The Twelfth Prophecy, A.D. Chronicles—biblical fiction
Okay, now, on to Tip #3 for crafting strong titles. As USA channel puts it, Characters welcome! Ever and always, Keep Your Characters in Mind. Sometimes the best title for a book focuses on the character. But not just on the name, though that can work well. You can also base a title on your character’s:
- Personality
- Personal struggle
- Conflict with other characters
- Lesson learned
- Nickname
- Nationality
- Flaw
- Physical characteristics
- Occupation or calling
…and so on. Look at all the facets of your character to see if there’s something that would lend itself well to an eye- and imagination-grabbing title. Also, remember that these kinds of titles can often lead to wonderful designs.
Also, remember that your location can be considered a character as well. Certain regions, states, or countries tend to have personalities, so to speak. Build on that for a title that creates the image of your story before the reader has even hit page one.
Some examples of character-based titles:
Name
Magdalene (interesting that they chose Magdalene rather than Mary Magdalene. Used the far more negative/emotional portion of the name for the title)
Rachel’s Secret
Here Lies Arthur
Ruby’s Slippers (outstanding cover art enhances the name and tongue-in-cheek connection to Wizard of Oz. See below!)
Physical Characteristic
The Eye of Jade (cover design played off this title beautifully. See below.)
The Face
The Bluest Eye
Character’s struggle or “state”
A Bride in the Bargain
Daughter of Liberty
Deceived
Snow Angel
Personality
The Duchess & the Dragon (gives you a strong sense of the heroine and hero, right up front)
Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes (this title uses location as well)
That Certain Spark (the cover art is what makes this title so effective! See cover below.)
Location as a character
The Shack
What the Bayou Saw
Savannah from Savannah (wonderful mix of name and location)
Texas Angel
Occupation/Calling
Guardian of the Flame
The Alchemist
The Night Watchman
Any others you can think of to illustrate this tip?
I haven’t read the book yet, but I love the title of C.J. Chase’s new novel Redeeming the Rogue. It gives us insight into the hero and the romance. The term rogue also makes me think it’s a historical–which it is.
The current title of my current wip is Pierce My Ear. Taken from scripture and describing the heroine’s spiritual journey. Does that work … or is it just weird?
“Pierce My Ear” is a title that would grab my attention. It works for me — and is a bit weird, too, which is why it works for me.
I think it works. 🙂
Classics from the past have used these approaches with great success. Here are some quick notables…
Name:
Pilgrim’s Progress
Don Quixote
Robinson Crusoe
Gulliver’s Travels
David Copperfield (not the magician 😉
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (symbolism in that moniker)
Struggle:
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Red Badge of Courage
Personality:
The Great Gatsby
Physical characteristic:
The Hobbit
Well, too many to list in one lifetime. But you’re certainly on target, Karen. You’ve assisted in my own brainstorming lately. Thanks!
I would love opinions on two title options for my book:
“Oops, I’m a Mom! –Falling in Love with the Children Who Fell into Your Lap” (subtitle open to change)
or
“Who are All These Children and Why are They Calling Me Mom?”
Thank you! 🙂
I like the first one. It gives me a clear idea of what the book is about, and it sounds light and humorous. From the title, I’d guess the book would help me deal with my life while helping me laugh at it too.
I like the second title too, but it sounds vaguely familiar. Don’t know why.
Thanks for your input! The second one should be familiar; it’s on wall plaques and coffee mugs. But my publisher seems to think it’s fair use. I’m leary of using something not original. I like the first one too. 🙂
Karen: Thanks for good insight on titles. Your list was very practical and fun.
It was good to hear your voice (so to speak) and see your face again. We met several times when you were speaking at Norma Jean Lutz’ Professionalism in Writing conferences in Tulsa in the mid 90s. I helped Norma Jean put a couple of them on. I was the chaplain. I was also leading the Tulsa Christian Writers’ Group at the time and a pastor at Kirk of the Hills.
Of all the editors/writers I met at those I still remember how challenging–and delightfully off kilter–and full of grace your thoughts and ideas were.
Thanks for being an encouragement back then and still.
Eugene