The trouble with titles is that they can be either be nonsensical, dull, obvious or a combination of those elements. The key is trying to find something that fits the story while being interesting enough to entice people to read the thing. The trouble I have is finding one that doesn't match the criteria that I've outlined. With finding a Doctor Who story title in particular there are other criteria that need to be considered. Do you go for a 'Something' of 'Something'? Or a The 'Something'? You've got words that crop up again and again too, so do you include them or not? 'Terror', 'Fear', 'Horror', 'Time', 'Death' - words that seem synonymous with Doctor Who. Again, worthy of inclusion?
Well, obviously I thought so! I think that sometimes it's the right thing to do, but it doesn't always work. The title has obviously got to fit the story, but there's no point trying to shoehorn 'Who-like' words into a title just for the sake of making it 'traditional'.
Does the title have to fit the era? Again, I think it's down to personal taste. Some would say that it's essential, but I don't necessarily buy into that. If you can think up a good title that does your story justice, what does it matter if it seems 'period' or not?
Any thoughts?
No comments:
Post a Comment