The Title Hunt Continues

Yes, I am STILL trying to figure out a title for my new book. It’s getting down to the wire here, people.

Today I’m trying an exercise suggested by a former student, Colleen Titelbaum, who forwarded it from Jessica Brody at the Writing Mastery Academy.

Here’s what Jessica recommends:

1. Rip or cut multiple small strips of paper (the more the better!)
2. On each piece of paper write down a word (or phrase) that in someway is associated with the story (these can be related to themes, imagery, locations, character traits, life lessons, catch phrases, key objects in the story, even a character name!)
3. Randomly divide up the slips of paper into two equal groups and put them in two different hats (bags and bowls work too). For an added challenge, try three groups/hats!
4. Pick one slip of paper randomly from each bowl and try to mash the two words or phrases together into something coherent.
5. Write down all combinations (even if they don’t strike your fancy at that moment, you never know when a bad title could inspire a good title later down the road).
6. Once you’ve made your way through all the slips, repeat steps 3-5 as many times as you like!

So far it’s creating some interesting word associations. Longing and loyalty. Lovers and death. Mothers and riches. I’m going to do a few rounds of this and see if anything comes of it.

Fingers crossed.