On titling fics

[themostepotente]

I'm hard pressed to admit -- sometimes the title of a fic is the deciding factor on whether or not I read it.

Titles can be very eye catching, and sometimes I need that stimulus (can I call it this?) to attract my attention.

Witty, clever, thought provoking -- anything really. I just need to make that connection.

To me, there is nothing worse than a poorly titled fic. Does anyone else share these sentiments?

Do poor titles affect your judgement? Does the word 'Untitled' tend to turn you off?

How do you go about choosing an appropriate title for your fic? Song titles, catchy phrases?

What about sharing story titles with a well-known author? So many fics out there. It has to happen more often than not.

Share your thoughts, please :-)

--P

Comments

[ellensmithee.livejournal.com]

Do poor titles affect your judgement?

Of my own fic, yes. It depends. I have a fic where I so gave it the wrong title and I just cringe everytime I catch sight of it in my fic directory. ("Hurt No More" *cringe*). I think the fic is all right, but it didn't get much fb, and I think part of the problem was the cringeworthy title (OK, OK, the fic was boring and melodramatic, as well).

How do you go about choosing an appropriate title for your fic? Song titles, catchy phrases?

Yea, and puns based on the above.

What about sharing story titles with a well-known author? So many fics out there. It has to happen more often than not.

It's happened to me, but not often. I wouldn't do it on purpose. If it happens, I don't really care.