March, Titles, Etc...

Happy Thursday Everybody,

It's March! 

February seemed a little long to me (and not because of Leap Day) so on March 1st I was like "Oh wait...it's is March. I need to flip my wall calendar."

So, what's going on? Let's see...I continue on the query road (nothing I'm ready to report, yet). As for writing, I decided to take one of my WIPs (Works In Progress) and write it with a completely different plot. And then, I got another idea and had to work on that!

I try to focus on one WIP at a time because it helps me move forward, but sometimes you gotta get that other idea going before you can finish the previous manuscript. Sometimes the new manuscript becomes the one you finish first. 

When I started with this blog post I was at a loss as to what I should say--not that I didn't have things going on, it's just that when I'm querying a manuscript, I don't say much about the process publicly. The same is true for when I'm writing a manuscript. I don't say a lot about it until it's further along and/or finished (in which case I only say a tiny bit until it's either got a contract, or about to be published, or is published).

The beginning of the month I just didn't feel inspired regarding a blog post. It wasn't until recently (i.e. today, March 14, 2024) that the idea popped into my head (sometimes you gotta let things sit and simmer).

On one of my WIPs I'm having a hard time coming up with a title. Titles aren't exactly my strongest talent, but I'm not completely unable to think of something (I came up with the title of the manuscript I'm querying--and some of my other WIPs have titles). This one, for some reason, is proving difficult. I'm somewhat still developing the story on one end (although a problem I'd had, I think I've got a solution for, now). So, I thought I'd talk about how I, as a writer, come up with titles.

Titles, in general, have been an up-and-down type journey for me. With my first published work, I had a title I used when querying, but when I signed the publisher's contract and we began the process of polishing and working on it, I was asked to come up with a new title. This situation is not unique to me. A lot of times titles get changed before publication. But I blanked out. So, I turned to my long-time critique partner, Tess St. John, and we brainstormed. Eventually an idea came forward, and my publisher accepted the new title.

So, how does a writer go about figuring out a title?

I can't speak for all writers, just for me. My process is generally: "Okay, what is this story about?" and then I go from there. If I'm still working out the plot I may focus in on an aspect of the story, or a particular character trait or something I've yet to put into the story, but I know is coming. If I'm really blanked, I talk to someone. After that, it goes into my manuscript file at the top of the manuscript on the title page and as well as part of the header of each page (as well as my name, and page number). 

Some authors don't come up with a title until the story is written. I like to have one while I'm working on the story so that I'm not sitting there with a file that says "Story about--" or "Inspired by--" because that's a long file name, generally; plus, it helps the story feel more "real" to me. Like it's coming together.

One of my WIPs, I came up with the title almost as soon as I came up with the plot. I love it when it works out that way because then I can just focus on writing and editing. However they come, titles are important. Not only do they give you something to call your manuscript, but oftentimes they give a clue to the reader what the story is about, or even the genre.

What are some of your favorite titles (whether you liked the story or not, if it was clever, funny, or interesting)?

Before I forget...

Easter is coming at the end of this month, so I wish everyone a very Blessed and Happy Easter!

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday. :-)

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

Happy Monday All,

Hey everybody! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Advent. During this second week of preparations for Christmas, I'm looking at my shopping list going "Aaahhh, what do I do for so-and-so?" But I have a few ideas, so I don't have to completely freak out. At least, not yet. I hope.

Last week gave me a horrible surprise. I had an awful sinus infection. I'm doing much better, thank goodness, but I don't recommend getting one. It's not fun. 

The first book in the Immortal Dreams series has been sent to my editor. Already need to change the title (apparently someone else in the publisher's community has the same title of Dream Weaver, so now I'm working on that). I'll let you know what I come up with. (Please NO suggestions. I've got some people already working on it, and too many suggestions make it hard for me to make a decision--I do appreciate your desire to help, but this is something I gotta do on my own).  Hopefully editor likes the story. I really had a blast writing it. I'm working on book 2, which is coming slowly (unfortunately).

The post about my favorite Christmassy things is up, and Anna Kathryn Lanier is running a giveaway (there's still time to enter) details are found on the post. Click here to see what I said.

I've got several other novel ideas that are going (can't talk about them right now). 

In any case, it's a busy time of year for everyone, but I hope you take some time to stop and enjoy the season. Yes, it can be hectic, but don't forget to have some joy, too.

What are you doing for Christmas this year?

Have A Marvelously Merry Monday!

What's In A Name?

Happy Wednesday Everyone,

Titles are important. They tell us what or who something or someone is. In the writing and publishing world they serve another purpose...they're one of the first things a potential reader sees. It's possible that a reader will pick up, look at a book and even read and/or purchase it simply because the title was so intriguing.

How do I know? Because this has happened to me.

Example: Author Christie Craig (and someone I'm pleased to know--she's such a fun person, by the way) has some really clever titles (I don't know if she has any input in the titles, 'cause sometimes in publishing they get changed) but whomever is doing the title work, they are geniuses (Christie, if you get to keep your titles, then you're a double genius 'cause I already think of you as a genius).

Christie has titles like: Gotcha! and Divorced, Deceived & Delicious I mean, seriously...someone is on a roll. Her book coming out in May is another example of Title Genius at work: Shut Up And Kiss Me.

Now come on, that's intriguing...especially if you read or write romances (which, obviously I do LOL).

Another example: In general I'm wondering if Confessions Of A title is what everyone is doing, 'cause you see it a lot. However, you don't usually see this: Confessions Of A Werewolf Supermodel (book by Ronda Thompson).

Now before Tuesday afternoon, I didn't know about this book or Ronda Thompson, but I'll tell you what, that last part of that title, the whole: Werewolf Supermodel got my attention.

I picked up the book. I checked the synopsis. I said, "Okay, I'm gonna have a look at this." I'm gonna be reading this book simply because the title was the first thing that got my attention.

Sometimes an author's title isn't the one she or he started out with, but sometimes it is. Regardless, titles are important. They might be the very reason our stories get picked up and read. You just never know.

What are some clever titles you've come across?

Have A Write Wednesday!

Title, Title, Here Little Title!

Good Afternoon Folks,

Today's been interesting. What with me having to run down to the doctor's office to find out I've the beginnings of an ear infection and congestion, so I'm on a perscription and Sudafed and Advil for a few days. Not my favorite way of spending a day--but it happens. But hey, at least I'm feeling better than I did last night. Last night I felt like crap.

So...I want to know...is there a system you use for figuring out titles...I'm talking any titles...titles for stories, blogs, emails, you name it. I have a hard time (a good portion of the time) coming up with good titles. Every now and again inspiration strikes and a title hits me out of the blue (like what happened with Conjure A Man).

I'm afraid I wasn't as inspired when I came up with the title, Surreal.

Granted, sometimes publishers change titles, but authors have to have a working title. One by which the story is called.

Generally authors don't have conversations like this with people:

Author 1: "Well, Story A is a coming along brilliantly, but I'm afraid Story 2B is giving me trouble."

Author 2: "I know what you mean. I'm having trouble with Story 357. It just won't come together."

Yeah. Those titles tell others absolutely nothing about the story. We need titles. Sometimes a title is what hooks a person into reading a story. (i.e., How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire -- that's a generally interesting one. It sounds like a how-to book, but it's really a work of fiction).

A writing friend of mine, Rina (kudos to her for sharing this method with me), once told me that someone told her to look at the first page of the book and find something within the first page that describes the whole story. That's one way.

Another way is to sit there staring blankly at the computer screen going "Title, title...what's a good title?" (that's usually my method, LOL).

So, what's your method? Have you found something that inspires you with that fantastic flash that says "Hey! That's a great title."


Have A Write Wonderful Wednesday!