Titles

Every now and again, the perfect title pops into my head before I even have the hero/heroine thought up. Sometimes it happens before I even have a plot. It doesn't happen often, but it does.

Then there are the titles that change as the story progresses, and it's subject to change ten, twenty times before the final draft is finished. That's usually the case with one of my books. When I'm having a really off day, I insert the main character's name as the working title. Sometimes it's the heroine's name, sometimes it's the hero's name. It depends on whose story I'm telling. Tiger Eyes when through three different names (Diego, Gabriella, Tiger's Eyes in that order.)

And sometimes, I find a title I love - and proceed to use it for everything until I have a finished book. Right now, that title is One Wicked Kiss. I just love this title - but have yet to keep it beyond a first or second draft (Tiger Eyes might have even had it at one point.) Someday, it will be a final title. I just don't know when.

But then -

and you knew it was coming right?

there are those times when the perfect title refuses to show itself and I'm left with the dorky crap title I slapped on the manuscript when it was (mostly red inked) first draft.

And the perfect title?

Just.

Won't.

Come.

GAH!

Right now, the manuscript in question is The King's Bride. I hate that title. Hate, hate, Hate it. I hate it so much it isn't even funny.

Trouble is, I can't think of anything better. For months, I've been trying to come up with a better title. Months, I tells ya.

Nuttin'.

Rats.

So, The King's Bride it is, until I think of a better one (HA! I've the distinct feeling that will never happen!)

I envy those who can come up with a title just like that. I envy them the same way I envy those who can write back cover copy that doesn't suck, and a synopsis of under 10 pages.

So with any luck, I'll find that perfect title.

Who knows - maybe it's One Wicked Kiss? ;p