By Nancy Lohr
Assignment 8 – Titles
The title of your book (or shorter work) is likely your reader’s introduction to your content, so you need to think about what those few words say. It is not unusual for a writer to try to describe the book in the title or to write a very short synopsis. Some readers will find that enough to open the cover and see whether the first few paragraphs are engaging. But some readers will have learned enough from the synopsis to move on to another book, another author. For those readers you need a hook, an enticing hint of what is to come.
In broad strokes, a title that describes is better suited to nonfiction, and a title that intrigues is better suited to fiction. All titles, however, should invite the reader in.
Assignment:
Assignment 9 – The Mighty Sentence
Sentences should combine craft, comprehension, and appreciation. Work to write sentences that will draw readers in and make them want more.
Assignment: When you are tempted to say of something you are reading, “Hey, listen to this,” take the time to record that sentence where you can return to it for pleasure or for analysis. This can be in a handwritten journal or notebook, but it can be a computer file too.
Examples
—It was in the books while it was still in the sky. (from John Updike essay about a Ted Williams’ home run)
—The goodness of the mother is written in the gaiety of the child. (Victor Hugo, Les Misérables)
— “Victorious and dead,” some muttered, “is a poor sort of victory.” (M. L. Steadman, The Light Between Oceans)
—Craftsmanship isn't like water in an earthen pot, to be taken out by the dipperful until it's empty. No, the more drawn out the more remains. (Lloyd Alexander, Taran Wanderer)
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