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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/12450
Contests & Activities: March 06, 2024 Issue [#12450]




 This week: Titles
  Edited by: spidey Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey Author Icon, and I'm your Editor this week!




Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

How do you come up with your title?

One of the things I've always struggled with is titles (and names of characters, but that's another topic). A title is a great way to capture the the interest of a prospective reader. It can leave a good impression immediately (which is something you might want to do when entering a contest on WDC).

There are a few approaches you can try:

1. Title first. Come up with a title first and then work your story around it. This is better for folks who are good at thinking of catchy titles. It might be based on a phrase you've heard or read somewhere or just a thought that pops into your mind.

2. Title last. Maybe writing your story or work will inspire a creative title once your done. Think about the themes, setting, characters, etc. that might inspire a unique title to your work.

3. Prompt. Base it on a prompt for a contest. That's one way to make sure your story or piece of writing connects with a given prompt, and it can help the reader or judge keep it in their mind while reading.

4. Be unexpected. Maybe your title seems like it has nothing to do with the writing! This can be a risk, because it could backfire. If the reader feels betrayed or misled by a title that seems disconnected to the writing, that can cause a negative experience. So it's a fine line if you choose that route.

5. Don't worry about it. Some people forget the title right after reading! *Laugh* In all seriousness, maybe it's not that critical for all readers.

What do you think? Are titles that important? And how do you come up with them?


Take care, and as always, keep on writing! *Quill*



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Editor's Picks






Official Writing.Com Contests & Activities:

 
Good Deeds Get CASH! Open in new Window. [E]
Write reviews to win cash prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

What a Character! : Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Create a memorable character using the given prompt for huge prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon




Contests/Activities:

Space Wars Open in new Window. [13+]
There is a war going on in outer space and the aliens need your help to bring peace!
by Angelica Weatherby- NaNo 30000 Author Icon

Hook of the Book Open in new Window. [18+]
Can you write the most engaging opening sentence for a story?
by . . . Jeremy Author Icon

Tales Shown, Not Told Discussion Forum Open in new Window. [18+]
A short story contest with a focus on showing, not telling.
by Max Griffin 🏳️‍🌈 Author Icon

Mad Hatter's Tea Party  Open in new Window. [E]
March Madness at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party Raffle & Auction Extravaganza.
by Choconut Author Icon

EXPRESS IT IN EIGHT  Open in new Window. [13+]
Poetry-sharing Activity for expression and entertainment!
by Solace.Bring Author Icon

Weekly Goals Open in new Window. [13+]
Motivate yourself to conquer your goals this week! Post on Monday; update us on Friday!
by The StoryMistress Author Icon

Wonderland Open in new Window. [13+]
a "nonsensical" writing activity. Shssh! Activity in Session!
by iKïyå§ama Author Icon

WDC Dragon Vale  Open in new Window. [E]
Tame, Grow, and Adopt a Dragon for delightful rewards.
by GERVIC Author Icon


 Steampunk Reading Room Open in new Window. [E]
Providing a reading resource for those who wish to read and review Steampunk stories.
by Beck Firing back up! Author Icon



Some How/To Items that might help you:

On Giving Reviews Open in new Window. [E]
Are you speechless when you stare at that little reviewing box? Here are some tips.
by Roseille ♥ Author Icon

Helping Links Open in new Window. [ASR]
'Help Links' for Newbies and all other members who are still learning
by Maryann Author Icon



Some contest resources:
How to Create a Contest Open in new Window. [ASR]
Things you need to know before you open a contest. Includes a contest template.
by Angels in my Ear Author Icon

"Create/Edit a Message ForumOpen in new Window.
Newbie Hyperlinking 101 - Bitem Format Open in new Window. [E]
Learn the ins and outs of creating a link using the bitem format.
by NickiD89 Author Icon





Know of some gems that deserve exposure? Submit them in the feedback form or submission form at the end of this Newsletter, and I'll put them in my next one!





 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer

Feedback from my last newsletter "Contests & Activities Newsletter (January 10, 2024)Open in new Window. }, which discussed Wintering.

I am quite amused that there were two newsletters focused on word count this week. This seems to build off a post I made in the General Discussion forum not that long ago. I was surprised to see how much of a response my question got.

That said, I'm surprised the novelette got left out here. The space between 7,500 words and 17,500 tends to be where my story attempts usually end up. *Pthb*


~ Turkey DrumStik Author Icon

Oh, that's interesting! I didn't see that post, but now I'll have to go look for it! And oops, for leaving out novelette! *Blush*



Personally, I like the framework provided by contest's word limits; I used to love The Amazing 55 Word Contest. Telling an abbreviated, but complete, story in 55 words wasn't the easiest thing to do.

Re Wintering (and sorry this is late): my time here on WdC or with my nose in a book constitutes wintering from RL duties; probably not the best plan, long term. *Whistle*


~ Write_Mikey_Write! Author Icon

A shorter word count limit might appear easier, but I agree, harder than it seems for sure!


What is your strategy for coming up with an eye-catching title? Do you think titles are important?

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