Titles that Sing

The title is, arguably, the most important thing to consider in writing your story. Titles are what make a reader pick up your work, or pass it by.

Often the title comes from a phrase in the story. Sometimes, it’s an emotion, sometimes it is just a description of what the story is about.

Originally, I titled my memoir Unleashed:

Dogs are awesome!. 

Trainers who use fear and discipline, end up with a broken dog. I prefer using love and understanding for a fulfilling partnership. Leashes are tools. Dogs are so sensitive they can feel your mood through the leash. But you can’t live your life tethered. A good trainer seeks a spiritual connection. There comes a day when it’s time to remove the leash. It’s always a risk. Is the dog in tune with you enough to follow voice commands? Is the handler steady enough to remain calm? Was the unleashing a mistake? Or is it the beginning of freedom?

At 48 years of age, having spent most of my life tethered to duty and responsibility, I broke free. My unleashing was dangerous and life-altering. The road to redemption runs through ruin. My story, the one I am about to share with you, is one of fear and shame, but that’s not all. It’s also grit, perseverance, grace and redemption.

But as my story evolved, it was titled Living with Conviction which let me focus more on my personal journey and less on the dogs.

Don’t be afraid to change your title when something stronger is revealed!

Some of my favorite book titles are:

• Wild by Cheryl Strayed (I like simple)
• Colors of Goodbye by September Vaudrey (Wow. What a story!)
• Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls  (Who wants a half broke horse? But isn’t that what life is?)
• The Unwinding of the Miracle by Julie  Yip-Williams (Something marvelous happened and then it fell apart – I’m interested)
• Mudbound by Hillary Jordan (Something profound is bound to happen in this book!)

Take a trip to the library or a book store and make note of titles that appeal to you.