That’d Make A Great Title!
Two of my most favorite authors do it. When I’m reading John Irving and Neil Gaiman, or even listening to them talk, every other sentence seems to have something in it that makes me think, “That’d make a great title! I could write a whole book on that alone!”
Which is really rather depressing when you think about it.
And inspiring.
Ever read an author’s work, and get struck by possible titles? Possible novels? Who? Who most inspires you?
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Natasha Fondren is a writer traveling the U.S. in a camper with her four cats. She is currently enjoying the lizards and desert heat in Arizona.
I get ideas, but not possible titles. Your mind must work different from mine. My title for my next book is from a song. Maybe.
Oh, nice, Edie! Lyrics are great for that! I don’t generally get titles from books; just from those two authors. They have a way with words.
Sometimes bizarre phrases from the newspaper or silly things people say remind me of possible titles, but I rarely get that sort of thing from books. I need to read more Neil Gaiman!
Robin, Neil Gaiman rocks! You must!
What a great question, Natasha. But I get so many ideas from magazine photographs from a wide variety of magazines, so it is less from authors and more to painters and photographers that I glean ideas. And your blog, of course.
Nice, Rick! I’ll have to try that. The pictures and art Bernita always features give me ideas, lots.
Hah!
Titles are really tough for me. I think THE SILVER SCAR could have several, though. But in the end, the scar is the catalyst that propels the book and characters.
So I’d throw a hissy if someone changed it.
Unless they gave me a shitload of money.
That’s a pretty title! I like it, Betsy!
PS: When I go through edits, it’s generally with a shrug for each suggestion and the thought, “What do I care? She’s paying.”
Until they start putting in comma splices.
Whenever I read Billy Collins’ poetry, I find a story within them worth writing (at least to me, lol). He also acts as a chronic inspiration, as well as various mystical beliefs. A recent poem I wrote about snow is titled “Gabrielle’s Fallout.” I’m submitting it to my college’s writers’ journal. I’ll post it if they accept it. (Oh, the utter degradation of rejection by school…)
Oh how pretty! Good luck, Kath! I just saw Billy Collins has a new book of poems out. I read one!
YES! Billy Collins newest, Ballistics, is really, really good.