TITLES THAT STAY WITH US

Doing research recently for a magazine article I came across some information about titles. Titles are the first thing that grabs a reader--or editor/publisher. They also help writers stay focused on their work; a working title may be the only thing that keeps you on track at the beginning. Make it a title that keeps you interested in writing page after page.

I have been a collector of titles for years. Some catchy phrase, line in a poem, or word in a conversatin may join my list. My list isn't catagorized--essay, article, mainstream, romance, western, inspirtional--but it's usually not hard to figure out which ones would fit best to a certain genre/story. Sometimes even the titles will set your muse off on a story line.

On my bookshelf are several titles that might grab a reader's attention. I've offered the genre after each grouping.

McKinnon's Bride, The Rancher Needs a Wife, or Unexpected Complication (Romance)

Mardi Gras Madness, Burn Out, Nothing But Trouble (Mystery)

The Piano Man, Plain Truth, Dairy Queen Days (Mainstream)

Bouquets of Hope, Keep it Simple, A Cup of Comfort (Inspiratiional)

Write Brain, Finding Your Voice, Make a Scene (Creative Writing)

There are famous titles we will never forget: Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz,
Cat on at Hot Tin Roof, The Shining, etc. The one title I am so glad didn't make the final cut is a book by Tennessee Williams. He titled it "Poker Night." That book became "A Streetcar Named Desire." I can't imagine even removing Poker Night from the shelf to read the back cover.

What do you want your title on a bookstore shelf to convey?