I could really relate to this post, Terry. Titles are always tricky for me and right now I'm wrestling with what to call my next book. I look forward to post #2 on this topic.
I loved this post, Terry. My book titles are the first words I start tapping on the keyboard and they don’t change when the last page is written, but I always appreciate reading other stories behind the title and covers. I facilitate a monthly writers workshop, and we often discuss bestselling titles and covers, how some “match” or “don’t match” the narrative. Looking forward to reading your next post.
Clever design, and book title surely affect book sales, at least from the point of initial attraction to the book. I think a famous or recognizable author play a huge part too. I’ve always had the book title in my head simultaneously with the story idea, or so it seems. In every case, I think, my titles create a direct connection to the core theme of the book. I’ve had comments on my titles – ‘where do you come up with those titles?’ – and the answer is, they just come to me. In any event, you’ve just give me an idea for a future blog post[s] of my own.
Thanks so much for doing these substacks, Terry. They are a goldmine, especially for new writers and the aspiring. I would guess that titles are highly important for debut or early novels, but then the author's name would displace them as the major draw. Perhaps later titles could even be a bit mysterious, and might increase curiosity about work of an author who is already familiar and liked. For example, you mention 'Up and Down' being your least favourite. But I remember responding to that one by wondering what that Fallis guy could have come up with that would have that title and needing to find out.
RE your point about new topics becoming harder to find: I'd be interested in your thoughts sometime about how to control sub-plots and prevent them from becoming more interesting than the main one.
Thanks for checking in. Good point about the importance of titles perhaps declining as the writer gains some popularity. (I'll let you know if that ever happens!) Good question about wrangling subplots. I'll give it some thought.
Thank you Terry Fallis for revealing this! Since I am just a mere reader, enjoyed reading this too. I can say I have read all of your novels by now so read it with much interest. Looking forward for the part 2.
I did not read few of your recent posts, thought your next book is coming this August, now it's on next August? Sorry I may have missed...
I think the names we give our creations are incredibly important. They need to be sticky and help the consumer connect to the content - before, during and after consumption. What's in a name? Everything.
I could really relate to this post, Terry. Titles are always tricky for me and right now I'm wrestling with what to call my next book. I look forward to post #2 on this topic.
I loved this post, Terry. My book titles are the first words I start tapping on the keyboard and they don’t change when the last page is written, but I always appreciate reading other stories behind the title and covers. I facilitate a monthly writers workshop, and we often discuss bestselling titles and covers, how some “match” or “don’t match” the narrative. Looking forward to reading your next post.
Clever design, and book title surely affect book sales, at least from the point of initial attraction to the book. I think a famous or recognizable author play a huge part too. I’ve always had the book title in my head simultaneously with the story idea, or so it seems. In every case, I think, my titles create a direct connection to the core theme of the book. I’ve had comments on my titles – ‘where do you come up with those titles?’ – and the answer is, they just come to me. In any event, you’ve just give me an idea for a future blog post[s] of my own.
Thanks so much for doing these substacks, Terry. They are a goldmine, especially for new writers and the aspiring. I would guess that titles are highly important for debut or early novels, but then the author's name would displace them as the major draw. Perhaps later titles could even be a bit mysterious, and might increase curiosity about work of an author who is already familiar and liked. For example, you mention 'Up and Down' being your least favourite. But I remember responding to that one by wondering what that Fallis guy could have come up with that would have that title and needing to find out.
RE your point about new topics becoming harder to find: I'd be interested in your thoughts sometime about how to control sub-plots and prevent them from becoming more interesting than the main one.
Hi Jack,
Thanks for checking in. Good point about the importance of titles perhaps declining as the writer gains some popularity. (I'll let you know if that ever happens!) Good question about wrangling subplots. I'll give it some thought.
Thank you Terry Fallis for revealing this! Since I am just a mere reader, enjoyed reading this too. I can say I have read all of your novels by now so read it with much interest. Looking forward for the part 2.
I did not read few of your recent posts, thought your next book is coming this August, now it's on next August? Sorry I may have missed...
I think the names we give our creations are incredibly important. They need to be sticky and help the consumer connect to the content - before, during and after consumption. What's in a name? Everything.