Putting a name on a novel

When producing a new book, I usually pick a title early in the process. I knew what I was going to call The Mine, The Journey, The Fountain, The Patriots, and other novels long before I started writing them.

With other books, such as Indiana Belle and Sea Spray, I did not settle on a title until I finished the second draft. In every instance, I picked a two- or three-word term that best captured the spirit of the work.

Most of the titles tend to fall into familiar categories.

In The Mine, The Mirror, and The Fountain, I revealed the nature of their time portals. In The Show, The Memory Tree, Indian Paintbrush, and Sea Spray, I embraced important symbols. I hinted at natural disasters to come in The Fire, September Sky, and River Rising.

In Hannah's Moon, Caitlin's Song, and Annie's Apple, I highlighted the names of key female characters. In Indiana Belle and The Patriots, I told readers something about the protagonists. In The Journey and The Winding Road, I announced the stories' uncertain paths.

In Mercer Street, Camp Lake, The Fair, The Refuge, Crown City, and Annie's Apple, I touted the novels' primary settings with virtues and nicknames. The titles refer to Princeton (New Jersey), Maine, Chicago, Hawaii, Coronado (California), and New York City, respectively.

Though I strive to be as original as possible, I do not consider other authors' works when deciding on a title. I go with my best judgment, often with the input of others. I view book titles like many parents view baby names. Even if someone else has an Ethan or an Emma, they do not have my Ethan or Emma. Each work is something unique.

I do consider cover images when considering titles, because I know the two go hand-in-hand. Some titles lend themselves to straightforward covers. The Mirror, The Memory Tree, Indian Paintbrush, and The Fountain have a mirror, a tree, a flower, and a fountain on their fronts. Other works, like The Journey, River Rising, The Lane Betrayal, and Duties and Dreams, required more abstract presentations.

The title words can always be found in text of my books — in some cases many times. In The Fountain, The Fire, and The Mirror, the title is referenced more than forty times. In Caitlin's Song, The Lane Betrayal, and Duties and Dreams, it is mentioned only once.

Though I have not picked a title for my next book, I have one in mind. If I go with the idea, it will be because it nicely brings a family saga to an end. I hope to start the book, the third in the Stone Shed series, in August, after a long break and some traveling around the country.