September 20

September 20
Self-Starter: Write down three possible titles for your memoir.
1. Mini-lesson on titles.
2. Computer lab to type memoirs.
3. Revisions and editing.

Titles

“Much of a writer’s work is to
generate options
and make deliberate choices.”
--Atwell and Dorsey

Some Thoughts on Titles
-- Students often select titles that are
Labels – “When I Tried Out for The Wizard of Oz”
“My Dog”
or Clichés – “The Best Christmas Ever,”
“The Winning Goal”

-- Look for a word or phrase in your writing that
sums up your story or essay.
(and/or) Generate other ideas for the title.
• Discard it if it is too misleading.
• Discard it if it is cliché.
• Discard it if it is just a label.

-- Sometimes you can tweak a tired title to tantalize:
“Dorothy, the Wizard, and Me”
“My Life as a Dog” (I haven’t read the book or seen the movie, but it does have an intriguing title.)
“The Best Misery”
“The Losing Goal”

--Effective titles tend to be intriguing, memorable, distinct, deliberate.

-- Consider the theme of the piece when selecting a title.

--You may begin with a title or (more often) not select a title until the piece is otherwise finished and polished.