Some writers struggle with coming up with a good
title for their novel. We all know that when a reader picks a book the first
thing they see is the cover, and then the title. They’ll usually read the blurb
on the back, BUT they read the title first. How do you come up with your title?
As Christian writers we know our book or books will have a
message. If not a blatant Christian message, it will have a theme running
through it of morality, integrity, or clean wholesomeness. When I first started
to seriously pursue writing, I determined that my novels would incorporate a
Bible verse in the title, and that verse would set the theme.
Do you know the Bible is full of catchy titles? The
first novel I wrote was a fictionalize story of my first marriage – it was more
for healing than publication. I titled it As
Waters That Pass Away based on Job 11:16.
My next novel I worked on is In An Eveningtide based on 2 Samuel 11:1, 2. It’s a modern version
of King David when he’s on the roof of his home and sees Bathsheba bathing and
lusts for her. I originally titled it The
Roof of The King’s House, but felt I needed to shorten it. In An
Eveningtide is included in the same scripture reference.
Another one is Grasping
For The Wind taken from Ecclesiastes 6:9. This phrase is actually repeated
several times throughout Ecclesiastes. Another novel I’m working on is A Lily Among Thorns based on Song of
Solomon 2:2.
I also include the full scripture as an introduction
to the novel. Are you struggling for a catchy title? Look in your Bible. I
found that Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Psalm, and Ecclesiastes are rich sources.
And why not include the scripture as the theme for your novel. The Bible is
very poetic and flowery. Give it try!
Leola is a 2012 Rattler Winner in the Historical Fiction category and the first place winner in the 2013 Faithwriter's Page Turner contest. Her debut novel, Like a Cedar in Lebonon is a heart-stirring read. You can catch up with Leola online at Writing With Leola.
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Leola is a 2012 Rattler Winner in the Historical Fiction category and the first place winner in the 2013 Faithwriter's Page Turner contest. Her debut novel, Like a Cedar in Lebonon is a heart-stirring read. You can catch up with Leola online at Writing With Leola.
I love your idea for finding titles, and your idea to include the entire verse as an introduction. I'll have to give that a try!
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