Remember how you once dreamed of aimless free time—solitary or otherwise—to jumpstart that novel, revise that troublesome chapter, or do a little necessary research? If only we had more time to work on our craft.
CUT TO… the couch, remote in hand.
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I don’t know much about numerology but 2020 just feels good, doesn’t it?
As creative people with things to say, I declare 2020 the year we choose to abandon perfection and fear. Instead, let’s focus on creation, expression, trusting instincts, and following our inherent need to write.
No ifs, whens, or buts—just butts in seats.
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Everyone respects the value of a strong and memorable book title, but have you given much thought to the power of a well-crafted subtitle? It’s often overlooked and woefully underused. And that’s a shame because its purpose is essentially to close the deal.
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Ever try to read a story and find yourself thinking, I seriously don’t care what happens to these characters?
Maybe you’re a chapter in and already getting antsy, your mind drifting to dinner options. Or worse, bored on the very first page. If so, it doesn’t matter how amazing it gets because the writer is about to lose a reader.
Likability equals reader investment. No one voluntarily hangs with—and I’d argue that’s what pleasure reading is—someone they don’t care about (yet). It applies to heroes and villains and all the desirable real-life shades in between.
How then do you hook readers’ interest and empathy early on?
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Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, titling your book can feel:
Easy (“I’ve known the perfect title since Day One.”)
Challenging (“There’s a working title but it doesn’t feel quite right yet.”)
SUPER HARD (“Kill me now—this is impossible.”)
For most, it falls between challenging and hands-up despair. Why do these few words create such turmoil when you’re able to otherwise craft entire books? It’s because a title is the work’s most hardworking calling card.
And while a bad cover may turn off a prospective buyer/reader, a bad title can bury your book.
No wonder it feels like a lot of pressure.
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I know it’s hard. It’s a little scary to put yourself and your words out there.
As creative people, thoughts and ideas are often pulling us in every direction…except forward. Sometimes we just need a little push.
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