Whatʼs in a Name?
When we choose a name for something or someone, it is a highly important and personal decision. Think about a time you named a pet, your son or daughter, or maybe even your business. How long did it take you to come up with the perfect name? If you are like me, you had to have time to let it “sit” with you, roll around on your tongue, and maybe you even discussed the name with some close friends and family members. I have been asked many, many times why I chose the name ʻThe Writing Whispererʼ for my company. Iʼd like to take a moment to share with you, before moving on.
The Logic Behind the Name
I have been teaching writing for over 15 years from students age seven through graduate school, and to everyone from small business owners to everyday people who have a personal story to tell. Through all of my encounters and experiences with people from all walks of life, three aspects of writing have become crystal clear to me, as a writer, teacher, and coach: writers need encouragement, they desire to be heard, and they want to get feedback from other writers. The Writing Whisperer is that voice of encouragement in your head, that voice of reason that encourages you to tell your unique story to the world, and that voice who whispers, when the writing gets tough, “You can do this. Just keep writing, one word at a time.”
As you can see, I put a lot of thought into my company name. I wanted to ensure that it spoke volumes to others, perhaps in ways they may not have even realized.
As Writers, We Must Think of Titles In the Same Way As We Do Names
When writing titles for your book chapters, blog posts, or any other written work, I encourage you to think about the importance of titles, just as you would when picking out a name! Your titles must be catchy, to the point, and capture peopleʼs attention immediately, otherwise your readers will be scanning the shelves and internet for a title that interests them.
Tips for Writing Catchy Titles
• Ask a question.
• Provide a solution to a common problem.
• Use action words which invite your reader to take action.
• Make sure your title delivers the message found in the writing.
• Write a controversial title.
• Use emotional words to grasp your readersʼ attention.
The next time you sit down to write a title, I hope you are inspired by the suggestions I have provided.
Question: Do you struggle with creating catchy titles? What methods have you tried for writing the perfect titles for your pieces? Please join the discussion.
