Trish St.Hill

My last week was spent trying to find a name for my fourth novel. The name of a book is always the last thing I worry about, as it is often something about the book that sparks the name – something the main characters said or did, or even how the book ended. This time, however, I dedicated a significant portion of my week to brainstorming and refining potential titles that might encapsulate the essence of my narrative. I embarked on a strategy to list about 25 names, carefully checking each one to ensure there are no existing books by the same name to avoid confusion among readers and to carve out a unique identity for my work. Each title I considered had to resonate deeply with the themes and emotions woven throughout the story; thus, I spent hours reflecting on key moments, character arcs, and the overall message I wanted to convey. The process was both exciting and daunting, as I wrestled with the weight of choosing a title that not only captured the heart of my story but also intrigued potential readers.
Day after day, I explored the nuances of language, diving into synonyms and phrases that could evoke the right feelings in my audience. I wondered whether I should lean toward something more abstract or opt for a straightforward title that clearly hinted at the plot’s direction. I found myself scribbling ideas in various notebooks and even typing titles into a Word file, hoping to stumble upon a spark of inspiration that would lead me to the perfect fit. Along the way, I reached out to relatives and friends, sharing my shortlist and eagerly soliciting their opinions in the hopes of gaining fresh perspectives. Their feedback was invaluable, revealing angles I hadn’t considered and pushing me to rethink some of my initial ideas. As the week progressed, I began to feel a mix of frustration and exhilaration, knowing that a title could be the gateway for readers to connect with my narrative in a profound way. It felt as if I was on the brink of discovery, balancing the thrill of creativity with the pressure of expectation, all in pursuit of that elusive title that would do justice to the world I had created.

After dwindling it down to 6 names, I asked relatives and friends which name got their attention after giving them a blurb of the book, without giving spoilers. Their reactions were fascinating and varied, as each person seemed to connect with different elements of the story, highlighting how subjective the naming process can be. I was intrigued by the breadth of interpretations and personal connections that emerged during our discussions, with each individual offering insights that I had not considered, which made the entire process incredibly enriching. In some cases, I later found out that while no book had the name I listed, there are books with similar titles that could potentially overshadow my work in a search engine. So back to the drawing board I go – removing names, adding new ones, and checking name availability, which has become a meticulous yet necessary part of the journey.

The process sounds simple, but it is often a strenuous task because of the need to have the title evoke curiosity, capturing the essence of the story in just a few words. It feels as though the title must not only reflect the heart of the story but also resonate deeply with potential readers’ emotions and interests, almost like a well-crafted hook that can grab their attention at first glance. The challenge lies in finding that perfect balance, ensuring that the title encapsulates the themes and tone of the narrative while still igniting a spark of intrigue. Readers must not only ask what the story is about but also whether it beckons them to find out, making the title a crucial first impression that can significantly influence their decision to explore the pages within.

As I ponder over options, I continue to remind myself that the right title can act as a beacon, drawing readers toward the adventure I’ve crafted, inviting them to delve into the world I’ve painstakingly built. It serves as the gateway to myriad experiences, emotions, and characters, compelling them to imagine the journey that lies ahead. Whatever name I settle on, it will signal the end of the most crucial part of the writing process and signal the next step to publishing this work, a transition that also brings with it a mixture of excitement and anxiety, as the final choice will forever embody the essence of everything I have created.