Quick answer: A good name for a private story should be memorable, evocative, and suitable for the story’s tone and themes. When naming a private story, consider using metaphors, allusions, imagery, double meanings, rhymes, rhythm, and personal connections to create a unique and fitting title.
Choosing the right title for a private story that only you will read can be an exciting creative endeavor. Unlike a public story, there’s no need to worry about marketability – a private story title can be as strange, silly, or sentimental as you want. The most important considerations are that the name resonates with you and captures the spirit of the story.
What makes a good private story title?
Some elements that make for a strong private story title include:
Memorable and Evocative
A private story’s title doesn’t have to be instantly recognizable, but it should be memorable to you and evoke the right mood. Opt for words and phrases that spark your imagination and connect to the story’s themes.
Meaningful Metaphors
Metaphors allow you to encapsulate the story creatively through symbolism and analogy. Is there an object, place, or concept that represents your story’s themes? Turning it into a metaphorical title can be powerful.
Rhyme and Rhythm
The musicality of the words can help make the title stick in your mind. Internal rhyme, alliteration, and other poetic techniques add lyrical flair.
Double Meanings
A title with a double entendre gives it a playful richness. Look for words and phrases with multiple applicable meanings.
Personal Connection
Using a meaningful date, location, quote, or cultural reference that resonates with you adds a personal touch. Your private story’s title doesn’t need to make sense to anyone else.
Unexpected Word Combinations
Thought-provoking and unusual word juxtapositions can capture the imagination. Mix whimsy with gravitas for an intriguing title.
How Long Should the Title Be?
There are no strict conventions on private story title length, but here are some factors to consider:
– Very short titles (1-4 words) boldly establish central themes but lack detail.
– Moderately short titles (5-7 words) can include some nuance but remain focused.
– Longer descriptive titles (8+ words) allow you to flesh out metaphors and imagery.
– Titles over 10-12 words risk becoming cumbersome.
In the end, you can make the title any length that you feel does justice to your story. A rambling 50-word title could work wonderfully for your own amusement!
Types of Titles to Consider
Here are some private story title templates and examples to spark ideas:
Evocative Imagery
Paint a word picture of your story’s key images or atmosphere:
– Sunset Through the Willows
– Spring’s First Daffodil
Character Names
Name the protagonist or reference key characters:
– Hannah’s Choice
– The Summer of Sam
Thematic Metaphors
Use metaphorical language related to your themes:
– An Ocean Between Us
– Where the Heart Wanders
Setting References
Mention symbolic locations from the story:
– Cabin in the Woods
– The Paris Diary
Dates or Years
Highlight important chronological references:
– April 15th
– The Summer of ’69
Abstract Concepts
Embody central ideas or messages:
– Crossroads
– Unbroken
Common Expressions
Give cliches or sayings an original twist:
– Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
– Method to My Madness
Tips for Brainstorming a Title
Here are some strategies to help generate title ideas for your private story:
– Jot down any words or phrases that capture the spirit of your story as you write the first draft. Revisit the list when creating a title.
– Make a master list of potential title options, then narrow it down by choosing several favorites and sitting with them for a few days to see which sticks.
– Explore variations by changing small words and rearranging clauses and punctuation. For example, “Willow Lake” could become “The Lake by the Willows.”
– Freewrite about images, colors, objects, places, etc. related to your story’s most important moments. Inspiring title phrases may emerge.
– Read your story’s climactic scene out loud. Listen for any impactful language that could make a good title.
– Explain your story premise to a friend and have them suggest potential titles based on what stood out to them.
– Search for quotes and song lyrics containing meaningful phrases or metaphors suited to your story.
– Avoid overthinking – sometimes your first instinctive title idea is the best one!
Examples of Private Story Titles
To further ignite ideas, here are some examples of memorable titles for hypothetical private stories:
Literary Metaphor
The Uncaged Bird – A story about a woman finally discovering freedom and empowerment after an oppressive marriage.
Nostalgic Setting
Christmases When You Were Mine – Fond remembrances of childhood holidays spent with a beloved grandparent.
Mysterious Concept
Behind Closed Doors – An intriguing fantasy story about magical portals hidden throughout the protagonist’s mysterious house.
Dramatic Date
November Rain – A romantic, introspective narrative delving into heartbreak and loss on a rainy November night.
Abstract Tone
Whispers in the Dark – A suspenseful psychological thriller about a woman driven to the brink of madness.
Pop Culture Allusion
The Great Catsby – A quirky adventure story featuring feline versions of the characters from The Great Gatsby.
Conclusion
Naming a personal story is an opportunity to let creativity run free. An ideal private title expresses something meaningful while capturing the spirit of characters, settings, themes, and tones. The best approach is to experiment with various techniques like imagery, metaphor, poetry, double meanings, and personal significance until you discover the perfect fit. With an infinite array of possibilities, you can craft a title that resonates deeply with you and brings your private imaginings to life.