Trish St.Hill

Some writers wonder what to call a book even before they start writing. What if I was to tell you that is the last thing you should worry about? Before I start writing a book, I ask myself a few questions:

(1) What type of book would this be – Fiction, non-fiction, Novel, Autobiography, self-help…?

(2) What is the book about?

(3) How would it end?

The name can come about anytime during the writing process or at the end. Sometimes it is a name that just pops into your head, or a part of the book that reminds you of something which suggests the name. This can lead to some fascinating titles that reflect an underlying theme or emotion within the narrative. It could also come based on an irony of the story. For example, my first book was initially called ‘Beneath the Golden Apple Tree’. As mentioned in an earlier post, my daughter later encouraged me to change the name to ‘Beneath The Golden Mango Tree’, after explaining that the West Indies is more known for mangoes than apples. But the reason that name was used was because of how the book started and the significance of the tree in the main character’s life, serving as a metaphor for growth and resilience. Naming a book is not just about creativity; it can also be an evolving process that mirrors the journey of writing itself—reflecting how characters develop, how plots twist, and how themes emerge. Ultimately, a title should capture the essence of the story and resonate with potential readers, inviting them on a journey they will want to explore.

In my second novel, ‘Beyond The Mango’s Shade’, I arrived at that name at the end of the book, after pondering what the book signified. I realized that this narrative, in many ways, was about life’s growth and adaptations, illustrating the myriad challenges that test our resilience. Gone was the young, idealistic Felicia of book one; she had undergone a significant transformation. Life had dealt her some wild punches, each one a lesson wrapped in hardship, forcing her to confront life’s imperfections that could potentially throw her off balance. Through every twist and turn of her journey, Felicia learned to navigate the complexities of adulthood, discovering strength she never knew she possessed. The book’s blurb leaves its reader wondering if someone so naïve could evolve intact and emerge not just whole, but more profoundly aware of the world around her, embodying the notion that growth often comes through struggle.

In my third novel ‘Tears Of Exile’, the name popped at me while I was writing the section on the Garifuna internment at Balliceaux, a place fraught with a painful historical significance and deep emotional scars. I reflected on how tearful the experience must have been for our Garifuna people on that barren island, stripped of their freedom and forced into a profound sense of loss and longing. The isolation and despair they faced in such a desolate location intertwined with their rich cultural tapestry, adding layers of grief to their story. Later, the word exile stood out, resonating deeply with the overarching themes of my narrative, as it encapsulated the struggles of those who were displaced and marginalized. Most of the story was about the exile and their life leading up to being exiled, detailing the painful memories that lingered and the indomitable spirit of resilience that emerged from their suffering. I settled on Tears of Exile, a title that fit perfectly based on the story, as it evoked both the sorrow of separation and the enduring hope for a return to their homeland.

So, the key takeaway is to keep writing and worry about the name last. Writers often spend an excessive amount of energy and time worrying about what they will name their book when they should focus more on the other vital elements, like what the book is about, the characters’ arcs, the settings, and how it will end. If you do not know those central elements of the book, it could create many challenges in your writing process, leading to frustration and writer’s block. Remember that drafting is a journey of discovery; every word you put down can help illuminate the path forward. So, write on and pay more attention to the substance of your book, allowing yourself the freedom to explore various themes, tones, and styles. Often, the name would be derived from that substance, emerging organically as a reflection of the deeper narrative you have crafted, highlighting the essence of your story in a way that resonates with your readers. This approach will not only ease the naming process but also enrich your writing experience overall.