Roses versus Skunk Cabbages

It’s kind of funny, actually.  I was all set to write about how coming up with a title for a piece may or may not be that important, only to get hung up on finding the right title for this post!  After all that thought, I landed on the one above.  Explanation in a bit.

I am fascinated by some of the questions that pop up on the various writing forums I frequent.  Some are interesting, drawing me into deeper thoughts about the process and product of our art and craft.  Others are the questions of beginners, still in that fear fraught jungle of self-doubt where we begin (and sometimes remain).  There are a few that make me shake my head.  Questions where the writer is asking us to do the work for them, to a greater or lesser degree.  My “favorite” in this category is “I want to write a novel, give me an idea”.

My friend, if you can not come up with the seminal concept for a book, how on Earth are you going to develop it?

I know I’m not alone in my annoyance because I see other writers getting snarky with the OP.  That’s not a constructive offering.  Either help them find their own idea(s), or find some gentler way to let them down.   There is a nasty streak in some of our writing communities.  I’ll probably write about that at a later time.

One of the questions that jumped out at me of late has to do with how and when titles are created.  Do you have to have a title before you begin writing?  Certainly not.  So where do titles come from?  Does the stork bring them?  Are they found under cabbage leaves?  (And no, that’s not what the title here refers to).  Is it when Mommy and Daddy Titles love each other very much?

No.

Which then brings me to the question, “OK, smart boy, where do YOUR titles come from?”

That’s a question I’d never considered.  At some point, whatever I’m writing grows a name.  I’ve noted elsewhere that the name for my short story collection was me trying to be clever.  One of my WIP began with a long title based on a statement in the story, but is now wearing a much shorter title, also from something in the action.  Another one is the name of the group at the center of my story.  A short story I have out for submission at the moment (fingers crossed!) has a title based on the direction the main character is physically traveling.

In all of these cases, the title grew organically from the work itself.  My bet is that this is the origin of 80-90% of my titles.  On the other hand, an idea for a title will pop into my head, unconnected to a specific story.  I write these down for later consideration.  Off the top of my head, I can’t think of any stories that began as just a title.  Maybe that can be my next challenge.  Pick one of these titles (I have one in mind) and write the story/stories that go with it.

As evidenced at the beginning of this post, I don’t see great value in getting hung up on a title.  It’s a barrier to writing.  I’m against those.  The movie industry is big on “working titles”.  It’s just something to call it while you’re working on it.  So call your piece “The thing I’m writing right now” and get to work.  Eventually, the name will make itself known.

As for our title here?  My first thought was from Shakespeare- “What’s in a name? that which we call a rose, By any other name would smell as sweet.” (Romeo and Juliet).  But it didn’t feel right.  Getting the title right is important.  Which led me to this quote (and thus the title):

“I read in a book once that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but I’ve never been able to believe it. I don’t believe a rose WOULD be as nice if it was called a thistle or a skunk cabbage.”  L.M. Mongomery, author “Anne of Green Gables”

I think she’s probably right.  Finding a title is just one part of the creative process.  My best advice is this: don’t let it get in the way of the greater work.

So where do your titles come from?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Peace,

Jay