On Fridays, we like to share writing tips and tricks with our readers. We hope this section will encourage and inspire you to continually improve as a writer.
Writing Tip – Creating Your Title
When titling a story or poem, there are some basic principles that might help. First, try to combine verbs and nouns. For example, the title “The Journey Home” might draw more readers under the title “Journeying Home.” Furthermore, avoid vague or sweeping titles like “A Hard Life” or “Dreamer’s Paradise.” Contemporary audiences respond better to titles that actively invoke images that can be viewed as metaphors for larger themes, such as “Crosswords for Lover.” Of course, every rule has its exception, so always listen to your creative instincts when titling your pieces.
Writing Prompt – Start with the Title
Sometimes, the title of your next story or poem will suddenly pop into your head, and you’ll still have no idea how to begin the piece. Instead of forgetting about them, keep a running list of these titles in a notebook. When you have time, pick one at random and free write for an hour, using the chosen title as a springboard. What you write my need a different title in the end, but the original title might trigger the creative impulse you need to begin a completely new writing venture.
When I started my book in ’09, I was running in the park when the thought, A Fine Piece of Chocolate – Righteous Sistas Crossing Over to the Wild Side just popped into my head. Based upon the interest the title invoked, I’ve been running with it ever since.