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.

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.