I have been working on my book for some time now. I made an outline, then I changed it, then I changed it again, then I got angry, threw it in the trash, made a new one and I am still changing it. Character development is also going through my head. I am at a state where I simply follow my stream of consciousness to see where it takes me. I am still in my beginner phase.
But you know what’s the most difficult thing?
Coming up with the title. That’s it. I will make a million more outlines, but I am not coming up with the title any time soon. I think it’s hard because I don’t know how to express anything in a few words and titles are short. I write blog posts that give me all of the space in the world I need, I make youtube videos where I can say whatever I want and the time won’t run out. I am not a person that knows how to be concise. Most of the time, when I try to say something in a few words, I end up saying something wrong or stupid. I need my space and creative liberty.
So, that’s what I have been struggling with. The word document in which I am writing the book is literally named “Nothing yet”. Maybe that will be the name of the book in the end!
For those of you who wrote books, I have a question. Do you have any advice for a newbie? I wrote short stories before but this idea in my head will turn into a novel. Do you maybe have some courses on book writing you think would help? I am open to all suggestions!
Love,
Luna
I’d suggest that you use a simple label, like “Book Project” and call it that for now. Then try to forget about coming with the title — ideas for that will probably come while you’re writing. Are you writing scenes beyond an outline? If not, I’d also suggest that you capture the stream of consciousness and write scenes as the ideas pop in your head. Capture the energy and flow of that stuff. There’s probably gold in there. Editing will come later. Then you can carve away the repetitious stuff, or paragraphs that you don’t think fit well.
I am relying heavily on my stream of consciousness because I have the beginning, I know where I want it to go but the middle hasn’t been figured out yet so I just let my imagination work its way and one day I know that the title will come to me as well!
A title is 350 words scrunched into 4 words or less. Usually the point of the story is most of the time title. Or the hint to the point. I hope this helps.
Thank you, every advice helps!
you’re welcome anytime 🙂
I did write a book called Horizons which comprised short pieces that were all illustrated. It was pretty long about 150+ pages. It took me a long time and I have to say the sales were disappointing. Still I am happy I put it together. Stick it out, you will be very satisfied when you finish it! Phil
I’ve never published anything, I am hoping this book will be the first for me and even though I dream of success as any other artist does, I think I crave more that satisfaction of finishing and publishing my own work.
I have not written a book but most people I have listened to and read say just be free with your writing don’t stress it will be the first of many drafts and at some point a title will emerge – good luck 🙂
Thank you!
I use a whiteboard to keep track of my stories. A list of characters, vague big moments. I usually know roughly how it starts and where I would like to steer the tale. The rest is whatever pops into my head and progresses the book there.
That’s an interesting approach, I am definitely going to try 🙂
I often use titles of songs I like as story titles. Then It’s like your writing is a movie with a soundtrack. Titles are not copyrighted.
I did not know that, thank you for telling me!
Titles are always hard to find! Most of the time ideas come when I stop searching…
That’s what I am thinking too, so I am just trying to let go and let the idea for the title come to me.
Sometimes the name of a book has almost nothing to do with the story. Hemingway’s – The Sun Also Rises, is a good example, you must read the book to find that one reference. The refence is meaningful to the entire story as a whole but it is also deeply cryptic. So my suggestion is to keep writing and the title will find you, through your words. Just keep building great characters and tell your story. Good luck.
In my opinion, stop fussing over the title. Just enjoy what you are writing. I don’t know much about writing a book but i know relaxation is key. People write from an inspiration point of view, for some is the passion and for others, current affairs. I know it isn’t easy to write a book however when we are over thinking it, we put ourselves under stress that could have been avoidable without our notice. You will be surprised by what a cool head can do. Do not give up, the title will come when you least expect it. Good luck!
Hmmmm, tricky problem… Just call it W.I.P. (work in progress) 😜
✨🙏🕉🌱🌿🌳🌻💚🕊☯🐉✨