Crafting Compelling Titles and Names for Your Story

Writing a captivating story or novel is just the beginning. Giving it a strong title and the right names for your characters is crucial to engaging your readers and setting the tone for your narrative.

Choosing a Title for Your Story

Importance of a Compelling Title

A good title can make all the difference. It's the first thing your readers see, and it either entices them to dive into your story or deters them from giving it a second glance. For fiction, the title should be clever and intriguing, while for non-fiction, it should be clear and informative.

6 Tips for Choosing Your Title

Memorable Titles Have Two Meanings: Your title should give your readers a glimpse of the content and a deeper meaning upon reflection. For example, "To Kill a Mockingbird" not only refers to the action but also symbolizes the harm caused by hurting the innocent. Keep Your Voice: Your title should match the tone of your story. If it's light and modern, don't choose something too formal or heavy-handed. Do an Internet Search: While unique titles are important, too many of the same titles can confuse potential buyers. Use search engines to ensure your title stands out. Make a List: Titles often come to you as you write. Jot down at least five options and choose the one that best fits your story. Strong Nouns and Verbs: Use precise, evocative words that will capture your reader's attention. Short and impactful titles are best. Don’t Give Away the Ending: Especially in mystery or suspense novels, avoid revealing the plot in the title.

Types of Titles for Story Names

Choosing a title that fits the type of story you're writing is essential. Here are some ideas for different types of stories:

Adventure: Dream (for child adventures) Mystery: Murder On My Mind (instead of just "On My Mind") Thriller: The Apocalypse, Felicity (can also be light and positive) Romance: Romance of the Roses, The Wishing Rose History: The Secret Society

Name Your Characters Creatively

Character names should reflect their personality, background, and role in the story. Here are some examples:

For Elves: L’arniel (Fantasy Novels) For Romance: Not suitable for an elf in a fantasy novel unless it's an elven romance For Working Classes: Names that sound aristocratic may feel off For Ethnic Characters: Use names that fit the ethnic background of your character

Example Stories and Titles

Based on the provided title idea for a thriller story, here are some potential titles and names:

Title: "In the Crosshairs" Character Name: Frank Rich (for the protagonist, a retired police detective) Title: "Chase for the Century" Character Name: Sarah Mitchell (for a coworker in the investigation) Title: "The Secret Game" Character Name: Ethan Thompson (for a tech expert in the investigation)

Additional Resources:
Check out this book for more writing tips: Write Better Right Now: Creative Writing Tips