Story Titling

[Randy Hulshizer]

This simple question has turned into a fascinating discussion. Thanks everyone.

[Chris533]

I HATE HATE HATE the title of my current story -- but was going to just ignore it and submit - but this discussion has been an inspiration -- I've already come up something better -- it can still use some work but much better than what I had

[RSchibler]

I’m on my fourth quarter for the contest and the titles get easier every time. I try to go for something that is both a hook that entices the reader to be curious about what I’m getting at and that, upon finishing the story, will have some kind of deeper meaning. I just renamed my Q3 sub to put it out on submission, and am much happier with the new title. I wouldn’t say it drives my writing, though I think I’d struggle to write without a title. Interesting.

[Dustin Adams]

I used to think my titles were pretty good, but my critiques often suggest other titles.
When I critique, I rarely suggest different titles to folks. Well, except for one recently

Lately (for a few years) I've been into my title being in the body in some meaningful way. Not accidentally or incidentally, but intentionally.

[preston]

I love a good title. To me the perfect title is short, memorable, poetic/lyrical, original, contains concrete images, and has a double meaning, or a new perspective after reading the story. A minor sampling of some great WOFT winning titles:

Adjusting the Moon, by Kerawynn Long (IX)
Winter Night, With Kittens, by Sam Wilson (VIII)
Flutterbyes, by Jo Etta Ledgerwood (VI)
Black Star and Dark Companion, by R. Garcia Robertson (IV)
Silicon De Bergerac, by W. Eric Schult(X)
Arcadus Arcane, by Dennis J Pimple (I)
Conversation with a Mechanical Horse, by Floris M Kleijne (XX)
The Sun Falls Apart, by J.W. Alden (XXXII)
Swords Like Lighting, Hooves Like Thunder, by KD Julicher (XXXII)