Sylvi Ali has an eerie operatic voice that reminds one of Lisa Gerrard in s… Read Full Bio ↴Sylvi Ali has an eerie operatic voice that reminds one of Lisa Gerrard in swoops and depths. Her music is a dark and personal mixture of operatic arias, neo folk songs, and gothic ballads.
Classically trained in piano, Sylvi began experimenting with ambient/industrial electronic music in the late '80's. In the mid "90's she began to focus on vocals and more structured song writing. Sylvi has composed soundtracks for dance, theatre and cinema, providing music and soundtracks for the films & theatre pieces of Finnish artist Antero Alli. Her music CDs include "Too Near the Ghosts", "Dream of the Blue Moth", "Under a Shipwrecked Moon" and "A Hundred Birds".

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Sylvi Alli Lyrics

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

C.A. Coltrane

2y↑14

My working title for my WIP is "The Devil's Mirror Shattered," since it sounds noir-ish, fits a lot of the themes and symbols, and, like the rest of the book, alludes to The Snow Queen. My other potential titles from the exercise are listed below. I wrote more than one for some of the prompts.

- In Search of James Fuyu
- The Five Vessels of the Woman in White
- The Fallout of the Astral Warriors
- Sunny in the Snowy City
- Darling, Dead Hoshiko
- The Woman in White and Where She Led Me
- The Star
- The Warehouse Under the Bridge
- Grief in Temple City
- A Fine One Tramping Around
- Grown Up, Yet Children at Heart
- Cracked Reflections
- The Dark and Dirty Mirror
- Unforgivable
- The Self-Imposed Damnation
- But She Knows Better
- This Cold, Concrete World
- Do Nothing, Change Nothing, Are Nothing
- Hate Hurts Only You

ScottyDM aka: Scott Miller

3y↑2

Brilliant, Diane. Thank you.

I'm struggling to finish a novel (the wolf pack scenes are kicking my butt, because emotion and communication with no dialog). The story is inspired by the varied tellings of "Little Red Riding Hood". The title to my story is similarly titled as "Little Red Feather." But it's the wolf who's the protag, and who ends up saving the girl. It was supposed to be a shape-shifter romance, but it grew quite dark, then became as much "save the world" as romance (plus too many POVs for romance), so we'll see. My heroine's name is quite good as a title and will probably stand. It should be commercial enough for traditional publishers. I'll pitch it at the "Pikes Peak Writers Conference" this April.

My next novel, in the planning stage now, was inspired by a Dido song. Once I got into the plot I realized the events of the song are only the setup--the first 1/8 of the novel. Working title is the song's name "Sand in My Shoes," but that will never do as the novel's title. Should be tight, with only a single POV, but more of an anti-romance. It starts romance, but she dumps the guy at the end to embrace her new-found role. The heroine slowly discovers she's a shape-shifting jaguar, then has to deal with the problems that causes, and eventually embraces who she's become. Anyway, I've got no title for this one.

My first attempt at a novel was also inspired by the Dido song "Life for Rent" (using the general concept). The plot became far to complex and so I've set it aside. I'd decided on the tile of "Instinct and Intellect" because it's the exploration of the non-human protag's internal battle. It's a weird genre and may not appeal to a traditional publisher. No shape-shifters, but a combo of sci-fi (genetic engineering) and fantasy (Japanese mythology).

I have a story that's stalled at the working-out-the-details stage. A shape-shifter romance with selkies, and having the theme of freedom. I originally called it "The Old Man and the Sea Maiden," but I think "What Shape the Sea" may be better.

Finally I'm kicking around a concept based on Greek mythology about a tragic platonic love triangle. In my notes I've named it "The Iron Rose," but that name kinda sucks. May just go back to the working title of the two main character's Greek names. However my story could be any genre, set in any time period, with the traditional tragic ending or an upbeat ending, and using any names for the characters. The critical element is the relationship between the two main characters, how that evolves, and how the third character reacts to the relationship. I'll worry about bringing it into focus once I get to writing the Jaguar novel--unless I decide to do my selkie novel next.

I just realized. I steal titles. 😆

Diego2112Gaming

49w↑1

Working on a Trilogy called "Legend of the Fallen Prince."
This video is the first time I've considered naming the individual books anything other than what I had before. Originally, book one was just "The Knight" (triple meaning, main character is a knight, main BBEG is a knight, and it's homophonic with "The Night," which is a key element in the story).

Now though? Ideas...
"Apotheosis."
"Death and Dreams."
"The Death of Darkness."
"Kinslayer."
"Where No Light Shines."
"Under a Dark Sun."
"The Tailor."

All relevant to the plot. Most stay within the theme of darkness/night. Course there's a couple in there that I'm sure have people scratching their heads, but I assure you, they make sense in the context of the story!

Yves Gomes

3y↑2

I took the exercise to the letter, including the fun of some goofy results. Here are all the answers (that apply) in relation to a novel that exists only in my head. I thought it was cool that some of them were repeated. I wonder if that's a good sign and if it happens with other people, too. Try out the full exercise, too, and post it as replies! Also, can you guess the genre?

1- The Other Side of the Sea
2- The Weaver's Gauntlet
3- The Other Side of the Sea
4- Lily
5- Pearl
6- Lily's Lilies
7- Defiler
8- The Other Side of the Sea
9- A Hole in the Water
10- ...
11- The Throne Was Empty
12- Mother of Pearl
13- Mother of Pearl
14- Creation and Loss
15- God Was Tired
16- Eclipsed Exodus
17- Lily's Lilies (or) Eclipsed Exodus
18- The Death of a World
19- Emergence
20- A Hole in the Water
21- The Emergent Genesis of Emotion
22- ...

Bell W

1y↑1

Untrained eye and new seasons sound like stories I would read 😄
I had so much trouble finding my book title! I finally found it though.
I was going to have it as something like crypics or something like that but very quickly changed it lol. I ended up with
"SANCTIONED: RENEGADE COALITION"
Tbh I had to make sure those were actually words.
I just thought it sounded cool and the last brain cell said "wait! make sure that's no a slur or something" wile eating sand and found out that it actually fits really really well!

Sanction is to cause penalties or punishment to have obedience with the law.
The group in the story is a group of people with powers who are basically seen as animals because of their powers and are only allowed to exist under government control. They are banned from doing most anything (for good reasons that wouldn't be a problem if laws were put in place to protect them)

And renigade coalition would be a temporary group formed by people who rejected the principles of the government that have formed their own society.
And that is what the group sanction is in my story!
Blew my frigging mind
I swear 5 am no sleep is when I get my best ideas lol.

All comments from YouTube:

Riri

3y↑57

"Whatever you do, keep writing." is exactly what I needed. I'm happy I watched this until the last second.

abhorrentmortal

1y↑1

Yea same.😅

Paula Puddephatt - Author

3y↑114

My novel is called Distorted Perceptions. Sometimes book titles come easily and naturally. Other times, not at all. Great subject. 😀❤

Junior Chante

3y↑1

Did u finish

MovieFiendz

2y↑6

NO! It should be called Kingdom of the Distorted & Perceptions

CitizenMio

2y↑3

@MovieFiendz Nay! Clearly it should be Allusions of Kingdom Distorted: Perceptions

Rebecca Maracle

1y↑3

Not "A Storm of Distortions and Perceptions"? :D

What's the genre?

AHM

3y↑342

Me who hasn't written a single word yet but is watching anyway.

moe

3y↑7

Same 😂

The Office 2

3y↑18

“The secrets of business, by Michael Scott”

Libbielife

3y↑5

You’re not alone !

EJWilly

3y↑6

Lmao yeah, stuck in the planning phase (my version of outlining)

Brandon

3y↑6

Some books have started just from titles

11 More Replies...

C.A. Coltrane

2y↑14

Jarmo Liebrand

2y↑2

I love titles with more than one meaning. I personally have two WIP titles with various meanings.
To Untrained Eyes (Initially it focuses on mages. They are banned from society and they are hunted down by a kind of inquisition called Prorai. At first the title resembles the difficulty of identifying mages, as they look similar to humans in appearance. It also refers to a literal third eye being planted in someone’s forehead, realising one’s blindness as one sees magic itself is not evil. The fact that the eye of a giant is [in comparison] far better at spotting small details. The blindness that ensues after all events will inevitably fade into history’s nothingness). (Fantasy)
The Shadow World (As I was making up a Sci-fi universe I came up with my first relevant planet, one full of crime syndicates that trade weapons and cause chaos. This makes it [figuratively] a world in and of itself. Now it stands for more things: A society in which people live more and more in the dreaming world, the shadow of large transport ships transporting refugees of a planet. The shadow of responsibility. The shadow of guilt looming over those who betrayed their friends. The shadow of the everlasting impact of a dynasty long gone. A clone standing in the shadow of her donor and her sisters. The impending shadow of doom itself. Doom for the people and their planets, as in their comforts, complacency took root, which allowed the seeds of destruction to bloom. The story focuses on many different characters and planets, which in one way or another, go to waste due to humankind’s [and aliens too] false sense of comfort). (Sci-fi)

Warner's cookies

35w

I like unforgivable best

The Ghost of Johnny Cash

3y↑45

I found your channel a few weeks ago and I absolutely love your videos! I work outside by myself so I've been streaming them over and over, you've provided me so much information, guidance and support to finish my several almost-done stories, thank you 💯
I wish you did more videos but keep up the amazing work. BTW I've listened to your analysis of Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" at least a dozen times, it's bloody brilliant.
FWIW your voice is perfect, it's so soothing and confident. Thank you so much, keep up the great work 👍

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

3y↑8

Awwwww, thank you so much! I truly appreciate your support, and I'm so glad to have inspired you to finish more stories. And it makes me smile to hear you say that about my Poe video, since it was the most work for the fewest number of views, haha! Keep writing. :)

username1nmillion

@Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer Your video here may actually help me , although it's a fair bit too long so I'm watching it in sections { of roughly 10 minutes or just about under that each } . 😕▶️📚📋🖋👏⏱

Skybird

3y↑38

Coming from someone who doesn't read, but writing a book, your content is immeasurably thorough. It's helped me really hammer down my story idea and turn it from a fading pipedream to a reality!

tetewhyelle

3y↑83

Oh my gosh. I needed this video. I just finished the first draft of my novel last week and have been struggling to come up with a title.

Romica Bhatia

3y↑2

Good luck!

Flor Lozana

3y↑2

Good luck with your novel!

John Parnham

3y↑6

My middle grade novel is called. 'The land of lost things' (not yet published) It was originally a working title not intended to be finalized but somehow it stuck and as the book 📖 advanced, it became more and more relevant to the story.

cjpreach

3y↑11

I'm on Title #4 now, but this video has got me thinking about "New and Improved" Title #5. Another thoughtful, and thought-provoking lesson. Thanks DC. You're the best.

Jana Fallatah

3y↑5

it's a novel i'm reading right now, it's in arabic and it's called "انا السمو اللي يناسب سموك".
which means "i'm the grace that match your grace".
and the main couple in the last published part named their newborn girl "سموّ Grace" and it all made sense and i'm soo happyyy <3

William Erickson

3y↑8

Being a Lovecraft fan, I enjoy punchy tiles that lend an air of mystery, like The Lurker at the Threshold, The Thing on the Doorstep, The Call of Cthulhu, etc.

The working title for the novel I've been working on forever is "Shadows Reign" it is an urban dark fantasy based, among other things, on the Jungian concept of The Shadow and each of the characters represents a different stage in shadow integration from from total denial of the shadow to complete domination by it. The main character represents individuation, or the person who accepts and integrates the shadow, achieving harmony with it.

Junior Chante

U done the book

Fiene van Dijk

3y↑3

I want to try writing a title before writing a book (not necessarily before coming up with an idea) and see what I can come up with. I've always loved vague title ideas like 'Trees don't smile', 'Quiet never runs' or 'Rain bleeds only once'. I don't know if you understand, but it's a specific feeling. Who knows, maybe I can inspire anyone who's looking for a title.

FYI, I've only ever given informal titles to my few works. 'Unseen Cherry Blossom' and 'Snowed Under/Words Don't Speak' are the only ones. The latter is still up for debate

Pery Machado

3y↑4

Can't believe I'm a week late in seeing this, but that's the great thing about these videos, you can watch and rewatch them whenever you need inspiration. They are always a great resource, full of useful examples and in-depth analysis of what makes, in this case, a title a great title. Love it. And of course, "Whatever you do, keep writing." The heart warms at those words.

omni vorous

2y↑1

A Master Class, no less! I am now reviewing the titles I thought and decided were great for my debut novel!

Rachel

3y↑2

An absolutely excellent compilation of examples! Lovely graphics alongside a thorough list of considerations on the importance of titling. Definitely recommending! Thanks!

AscendantStoic

3y↑5

That has to be one of the most comprehensive guides to naming stories that I saw, great work Diane ;)

LAngel2

3y↑1

This is a very helpful video! I love the way it's formatted and the narration is pleasant.

I'll definitely be using this advice to name the middlegrade Contemporary fiction I'm working on. It's the only one of my stories that doesn't have a title. Which sucks because it's the only one I'm planning on pursuing publishing for.

Some favorite book titles of mine are from short stories and are interesting or clever.
"I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream," "The Most Dangerous Game," ect.

Basement Made Tapes

I always give some consideration to Questlove's titling method for all those Roots record he name. Should capture the album in particular, the band at that moment, and the times the album is released into.

I personally want my titles to apply in at least two ways, or two characters but usually theme and character

Y.A

3y↑2

I just want to say I appreciate how much time and effort you put into these videos. They are so helpful. Thank you so much.

Mary Dawodu

1y↑2

Thank you for this video. I was stuck on a finding a title for my book but this opened a world of possibilities for me.
I was wondering if books written by African authors would be in the analysis when I saw you used 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe. That felt good. Thank you.

Freedom Through Spirit

35w↑1

Excellent video, best I've found on the topic thus far! To the point, lots of visuals, and insightful and well-researched advice. Appreciated. 💟

ScottyDM aka: Scott Miller

3y↑2

It's my life

3y↑2

I love it when you show the content throughout the video instead of digital face to face interaction with viewers. It makes the content easily understandable. Thank u for your valuable videos!

AT

3y↑2

I have been binge watching your video all week. You inputs has made my book 200% better....
I am writing a children's book, that tackles with adult topics like freedom, destiny and death.
Will love your inputs on writing a children's novel.

Mari in Wonderland

2y↑2

I love the titles by Ian Fleming. My favorite is the "The Spy Who Loved Me" narrated by Rosamund Pike

Anne Bang Pedersen

3y↑3

I love your videos, they really help me with my writing! I have learnd loads bu watching and re-watching them. Thank you for makeing them.

AvyMationz

3y↑6

Title for me can sometimes turn out to be a nightmare. It's frustrating when you've written a whole book or story and you can't think of a title.. btw this video was amazing..I was wondering when you would upload a new one :)

Joel Drummond

3y↑12

"Words with atmosphere" I love it! Very informative and entertaining, Diane.

РОГОФОС

3y↑5

fun fact, words "World" and "Peace" in russian are represented by the same word ("мир", in latin "mir")
but in the past people would specify what they're talking about with a letter 'Ъ' (which doesn't make any sound of its own) so world would be "миръ" (which, depending on the context, may also mean "high society")
and there are very old prints of War and Peace that are actually titled "War and the World" (or "War and the High Society", which makes a lot of sense for its content)

so the title itself is somewhat of an enigma

РОГОФОС

3y↑2

and, yes, "world peace" in russian is "мир во всё мире" (peace in all of the world)

Joseph Cillo, Jr.

3y↑7

A nice Christmas gift from Diane Callahan!

I used a biblical allusion explained in the epigraph in my novel, "When the Wood Is Dry: An Edgy Catholic Thriller." The subtitle helps clarify that this is a work of religious fiction, specifically Catholic, that goes to extremes and can be read for the thrills, but explores much deeper themes.

The epigraph, "Jesus turned to them and said, Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and your children...For if these things happen when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" --Luke 23:28, 31

Well, it's a little heavy for Christmas and goes better with lent. For Christmas, you might try my novel, "Merry Friggin' Christmas: An Edgy Christmas Comedy." Unfortunately, this one is a bad example of titling since the title is very close to a not-so-great Robin Williams movie, "A Merry Friggin' Christmas." If you are self-publishing, be sure to Google your title to avoid this mistake...

Carla Ferracini

3y↑2

You may never know how much this video is useful to me. I have never thought about half of the things you said. Instinctively I think I picked one of the best names for my book and put it as my 1st temporary name but I have just started to work on your suggestions and may find something better (i have done 7 names so far and the 1st is still the best). Thank you

James Anderson

3y↑2

Been hoping for something like this. I like my title but my editor thinks it's misleading. Doing the excise I think I have a winner. The suggested excises are a good thing to have, keep up the good work.

Elessar

3y↑28

Ah, exactly the video I needed. I always struggle with naming things.

30sKX

3y↑1

Amazing info you share through your videos. Excellent narrations too.

Judi Angel

3y↑3

Excellent again. Thank you, Diane, for who you are and what you do. Merry Christmas and blessings for 2021.

picard714

3y↑19

"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy." Have loved the book for many years and the first thing I found intriguing was that title.

The Noobest Girl

3y↑4

Sounds like the beginning of a bad joke

picard714

3y↑4

@The Noobest Girl Ha! You're not that far off. The title is a take of an old English nursery rhyme.

Jar Of Tar

3y↑1

@The Noobest Girl or a tf2 trailer

Diego2112Gaming

49w↑1

TheLivingYandere

This actually helped me a lot. I was stuck on what to title my book series but I brainstormed and I think I know now.
The first book will be: "Memoirs of a Monster: Of Blood an Blue Skies"
Though I'm still open to suggestion.

MRB16th

3y↑1

I named my first two books after a central event/point in the book (Project Open Europe, Battle Of Phnom Penh), while the third is a play on an existing title and a reference to the mental state of the central characters (The Tears Of Winter).

In a nutshell, my books are alternate history with a continued Cold War and an ambigous timeline.

Anam Khan

3y↑1

I appreciate that your videos come with subtitles and timestamps. Also very helpful video!

anurag raj

2y↑2

I love this channel. I recently discovered it and the channel is binge-watch worthy.

Isha Malve

3y↑4

Hello! Love your work, I just wanted to suggest a topic: comedy writing.
I'm not naturally a very humorous person, I'm better at writing drama than comedy. However, I recently watched Fleabag, the show by Phoebe Waller Bridge. She made this amazing mix of comedy that we feel guilty laughing at, and then she punches us in the gut with a bout of strong drama!
I'd love to hear your take on that, and maybe a few tips on how to do it?... That is if you are amiable...
Thanks a lot!❤️

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

3y↑2

Oh man, I've had a half-written script on "Writing Better Humor" in my drafts folder for years, but it's a hard topic to pull off, especially in the fiction world. But hopefully one day soon I'll have the confidence to finish that video, haha!

MrGoMaster

48w

your videos are so inspiring and wholesome for a writer. >Please keep going.

AvatarYoda

2y↑2

I have a different reason for seeking a new title: my book is too long for a first-time author's work. Luckily, its structure enables me to split it in two and each half is satisfying (hopefully). However, now I have to find two new titles, as the original title will now be the series title, and since I don't want the first book and the series to share a title, I have to find titles for both halves.

Xenozfan2

48w

Anna Dressed in Blood! That's a title I've not heard in a while. Glad to see it included here. Great book.

Yves Gomes

3y↑2

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

2y↑2

I'm impressed! My first thought was that it was a philosophical novel with a speculative element of some kind, a story akin to Dune or The Unbearable Lightness of Being.

I'm especially drawn toward The Other Side of the Sea (reminds me of Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane and T.J. Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea), along with The Weaver's Gauntlet and The Death of a World, which sound epic in tone. I hope you'll put the story to paper someday soon! :)

Yves Gomes

2y↑1

@Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer Thank you for the thoughtful and encouraging reply. You nailed the speculative and philosophical vibe. That'd be the intent, as opposed to something more epic.

The story would be about a village that harbors some outsiders of the same religion. But the outsiders are actually there to rapture them away from impending doom.

Cheers!

Jarmo Liebrand

2y↑1

WIP titles for concepts of mine are:

The Euwian (Euwians are a special human race [quite similar to Numenorians from the legendary J.R.R. Tolkien]. The main character is one of those Euwians. Quite self explanatory). (Fantasy)
To Untrained Eyes (Initially it focuses on mages. They are banned from society and they are hunted down by a kind of inquisition called Prorai. At first the title resembles the difficulty of identifying mages, as they look similar to humans in appearance. It also refers to a literal third eye being planted in someone’s forehead, realising one’s blindness as one sees magic itself is not evil. The fact that the eye of a giant is [in comparison] far better at spotting small details. The blindness that ensues after all events will inevitably fade into history’s nothingness). (Fantasy)
New Seasons (Don’t know if this one is a keeper. At first, the homeland of the main character is occupied by foreign forces. Winter. Said main character has been given a crucial role in their Empire, as he cooperates with them. Things are looking up. Spring. Members of the royal family (the one he serves) are either assassinated or captured. Fall. I could basically tell the whole story but the point is the seasons represent how much hope there is for the main characters. Unfortunately for them, no part of the book will be considered summer). (Fantasy)
The Shadow World (As I was making up a Sci-fi universe I came up with my first relevant planet, one full of crime syndicates that trade weapons and cause chaos. This makes it [figuratively] a world in and of itself. Now it stands for more things: A society in which people live more and more in the dreaming world, the shadow of large transport ships transporting refugees of a planet. The shadow of responsibility. The shadow of guilt looming over those who betrayed their friends. The shadow of the everlasting impact of a dynasty long gone. A clone standing in the shadow of her donor and her sisters. The impending shadow of doom itself. Doom for the people and their planets, as in their comforts, complacency took root, which allowed the seeds of destruction to bloom. The story focuses on many different characters and planets, which in one way or another, go to waste due to humankind’s [and aliens too] false sense of comfort). (Sci-fi)
Eternal Day (Concept I haven’t really worked out yet. I’m not sure which concept to use and which one to discard [I have two concepts that are quite different, but share the same setting]. It would be a thriller, though. The main character finds himself on one of the Earth’s poles. It is pole day there, hence the name). (Thriller)

Bell W

1y↑1

Lighthoof The Game

3y↑1

Well done!!! This is so helpful <3

Nesiah Rampersad

Hi Diane I really like your videos they have really helped me on my writing journey. I was wondering if you could give your advice on getting original ideas for writing. Because it is so off putting when you see the same things over and over.

Victor Williams Lawson

3y↑1

Hi Diane, I love your content. And your narrative voice is divine. The production value of videos is top notch.
I tried looking you up on social media or email but couldn't find anything.
Can the fourth wall be broken in prose? If yes, how can that be done?
My writing has improved tremendously thanks largely to your videos... So thank you.
Happy new year

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

3y↑1

Thank you so much for your kind words! My Twitter handle is @quotidianwriter, and my email is quotidianwriter@gmail.com. Yes, you can absolutely break the fourth wall in prose. I recommend reading Redshirts by John Scalzi. "If on a winter's night a traveler..." by Italo Calvino is another great example. I have a half-written script on that very subject, but alas, I don't when I'll be producing it. Keep writing. :)

Alba Quercus Fagaceae

3y↑1

in my novel that i am writing, there are races of half-human half-animal beings, built like centaurs but with animals besides horses, so i named the novel "six of limbs", since i didnt like just "six limbs" and i liked how it sounded like a card in a deck of cards. i also made some sketches of a posisble cover for the book, and i structured it a bit like a card from a deck.

Junior Chante

joe nishmitha

3y↑1

Thank u for this wonderful video I have just found this blog a few month ago and it has done wonders for my writing please do a new one 😊 💜 soom

Nat Nickelton

3y↑1

Great suggestions! Thank you so much for adding text and using less stock photos. Some of your other videos have a lot of distracting photos, so I have to listen to the audio only and not look at the screen. I've got ADHD, I have trouble focusing.

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

3y↑1

I'm glad that this video was a better viewing experience for you! Have you tried the Writing Excuses podcast before? They have great fifteen-minute episodes without visual distractions. Also, many of my video transcripts are available as text articles on Medium, and these newer ones will be on there soon. Thank you for watching. :)

Leon Mayne

My last name begins with an M and my birth month is October and I might have to use 'Dagger and the Damned'. Also 'The Death of a Beautiful Woman' would be a good allusory title for an ironic deconstruction of the trope.

Danae Kolyva

I came up with a title while watching this! Thank you 🌹

Eddie Lane

3y↑3

I just had an agent ask me for my full manuscript, along with 2-3 alternate titles. This caught me off guard a bit, and I came up with 2. I wish I would have seen this video!! Lol

Jaime Nyx

3y↑1

Great video! Loved the exercises at the end especially. Thanks!

alannothnagle

3y↑1

This was excellent, a true Christmas gift. Many thanks for another great video!

Emma Carena

1y↑1

i love poetic titles so muuch like search for the lost times, the flowers of evil, l'écume des jours. the sound and the fury, as i lay dying wonder

idk something like associating two commun words that do not comes together usually sound so cool to me

777 777

3y↑3

Tell me! is a story I once wrote. Inspired by Edgar Allen Poes "The Raven". It is about a being chasing a girl down the halls and rooms of his house, to find a box in the basement. The title frase is said, around three times, in the story. Answer if you would read it, I would love to know.

queenmotheralicent

3y↑1

I'd love to read it! When I first read your comment, I thought the title was interesting enough, but it was the exclamation mark that piqued my interest. I can't say that Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" was the first thing that came to mind, but it does come to show how much you thought of your title before coming up with it. It fits the synopsis of your book and it rolls off the tongue quite easily.

mrussoart

3y↑1

This is a great video. Probably will have to watch more than once 😆

Abubakar jamro

3y↑2

Hey Diane! Hope you are doing great. Can you tell me whether I should break the fourth wall in a novel?
Here is my attempt:
When the elf king was at his deathbed. He announced Eldrond's elder brother as his successor over Eldrond. And just like any other story involving succession. They fought for the throne.

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

3y↑3

Breaking the fourth wall can be a really fun narrative device! In this case, I think it depends on the larger context of the story. If you have an established outside narrator (i.e., it's clear the narrator is aware they're telling a story), then that type of reference could work. The opening of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis establishes that type of narrator: "Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy. This story is about something that happened to them when they were sent away from London during the war because of the air-raids." Keep writing! :)

Abubakar jamro

3y↑1

@Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer ok thanks for answering my query. :)

Foot Long

3y↑1

I don't think this example is necessarily one of fourth wall breaking; reader's of your story may also assume from this excerpt that Conflict during Succession is something rampant within the world of the story itself...

Segen

3y↑1

While watching this video I came up with 5 good titles. I haven't even written any novel yet.

Роман К

3y↑2

Thanks for another interesting video. Great job!

Rocío Miranda

3y↑2

My problem is that I can't even begin if I don't have a title. Thank you for this video.

Casedilla

2y↑1

Mine’s called “Soul Within”. If anybody likes it, let me know. Or criticism in general, including negative. It's a fantasy, possibly epic

ReformedRoxas

3y↑2

My proposed novel title is "Dying Blood," because the main character suffered multiple martyrdoms during a man-made zombie apocalypse, and as a result, he suffered from trauma and became psychotic, literally.
EDIT: The epigraph is, "Was everything is an illusion? I would rather live in the past, losing my track of the future."

Riya Sethi

Sounds interesting. Can I read it?

ReformedRoxas

@Riya Sethi it's not yet written it started. It's still in development in my mind.

Jeff 'the gamer' Boy

@ReformedRoxas I like stories with a different approach like yours. I wonder if you went ahead and wrote it.

1 More Replies...

Sweith Shetty

Please make a video on how to develop characters, each with different personallity yet having something common to share ..(for novels)

Ruby Phoenix

3y↑3

I used to want to become a writer, about 15 years ago I started writing fanfics with my favorite bands, then I moved into original stories, but for the last year I stopped writing completely, like I lost my muse, I don't know what to do now 😩

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

3y↑1

I hope you find that creative spark again soon!

Alejandra Rodriguez

3y↑1

The setting on the title is also very popular in historical fiction : a gentleman in moscow, mexican Gothic, the Violinist of venice, the Paris wife, the most beautiful girl in Cuba, meet me in Monaco. ..

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

Ooh, great observation!

Loved Deukae

3y↑3

Great video as usual!! Thank you!!
Guys I also recommend a lot the channel of Abbie Emmons, her channel is about writing and it's simply amazing :)

BenAC75

'A Tale of Two Brothers' is one title I have thought of because two brothers are the main characters in the story. I don't like that title very much because it seems so bland to me.

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

3y↑31

Hi there, viewers! A text version of this video is available on Medium: https://quotidianwriter.medium.com/how-to-title-your-novel-all-genres-ba5b87ae74be

You can find the list of categories and title generation prompts on my Ko-fi blog, along with my behind-the-scenes notes: https://www.ko-fi.com/post/Behind-the-Scenes-How-to-Title-Your-Novel-B0B0316YK

Katie Bee

How to write short stories next ?? 😁

The Shaping Sickness

3y↑7

"Neuromancer" is to me the best title ever. It's so clever.

Michael Hunter

Goodness, what a lot of research! Thank you.

DoAndroidzDream

3y↑3

This video was a pure pleasure to watch and listen to.

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

Awwww, thank you so much! It's always wonderful to see a comment from you. :)

K StarWalker

I've started writing two books possible prequel "The Young Knight" or "Young Knight, the Forgetful Journey" and the origin book, title is, "Where the Tides Flow" or "Where the Tides Lead" What do you think of these titles?

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

I'm partial toward "The Young Knight" and "Where the Tides Lead"!

K StarWalker

@Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer Thanks.

Mcgooey

3y↑1

I've racking my brain on a title for the book I'm trying to right so far the best I've come up with is "Hellhounds: Escape on Lyngvi"

DANDAN THE DANDAN

3y↑1

Thanks for the video, finally got an idea for an untitled draft

GroomingElk

I had a manuscript called "The World of Siam" i thought it was a good title for what i was writing but idk, but the new novel im writing, i just have no idea of what the title should be, i have the main plot down, but no idea for the title

inkfeats

3y↑4

Yay! Thanks for another great video:)

Rain For All

I think i should go look for one of your novels..you poses so much wisdom

Matthew Schlafke hosts Rebel Writers

Right now my book Title is "One Life to Give" A novel about Love, Family, Loss and War.

@vastcool

I think William S Burroughs had the most fascinating titles

Junkie, Queer, Naked Lunch, The Soft Machine, Nova Express, The ticket that exploded..and the hippos were boiled in their tanks.

Brianna Thomas

Awesome advice, thanks

Muhammad Aasil

3y↑1

I'm considering several titles for a sci-fi and would like to know what you think.
A) launch
B) zero-g or zero gravity
C) catastrophic cosmos.

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

3y↑2

I think they all have merits! I like the simplicity of Launch. Zero-G or Zero Gravity conveys the sci-fi aspect better, but it's probably a common title. The alliteration of Catastrophic Cosmos appeals to me, and it has a more pulp fiction vibe, if that's what you're aiming for.

Yves Gomes

Launch.

Randy Writes-a-Lot

One dislike on this helpful video is one too many. But really, I have never seen such a great like/dislike ratio ever...

DreadFireWyrm

3y↑2

I've been stuck on a title for my piece. It's a dark fantasy in the vein of spaghetti westerns/samurai movies. I was thinking something like "The Butcher's Bill" or "The Butcher".

EL Fanatico

I like ''The Butcher''

Melanie A

3y↑1

Happy Holidays writers! Let's finish that book in 2021!

It's Me YCB

3y↑4

My Romance novel is called "Second Sunday," but after watching this video I was thinking "A Kiss on the Second Sunday."

Atlas Comics CEO T

3y↑2

How about, We Fell In Love On The Second Sunday?

It's Me YCB

3y↑1

@Atlas Comics CEO T I like that! Thank you!

Atlas Comics CEO T

You're welcome!

Xiatter

2y↑1

I just started The Graveyard Book this morning. I hear great things.

Amanda Brazee

"The Struggles of a Wilter" is the book I'm working on.

Swarali Deshmukh

3y↑3

Did you know that I was trying to title a book right now? And then this showed up!

AV

3y↑1

same

gray

my book is going to be called "Over the Hill," as our main character leaves the city and suburbs to stay with her grandma in the country for the summer. The two places are separated by a large hill you must drive over.

Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

2y↑1

That sounds like a pleasant coming-of-age story with an interesting setting!

gray

@Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer also did I mention the grandma's house is haunted by ghosts

Jerrold Hewson

45w

Just stumbled across this page gonna check out the library!

Uibu Desu

2y↑3

I'm A High School Boy and a Successful Light Novel Author, But I'm Being Strangled By A Female Classmate Who's A Voice Actress And Is Younger Than Me

is obviously a perfectly fine title right?

Yariel Robles

1y↑1

1:38 as a native Spanish speaker, seeing 100 años de soledad in anything other than it's native language triggers my fight or flight response.

DTHRocket

3y↑8

I'm going to write a book called "Dragon's Shadow in the City of War..." Oh no wait, how about "A Shadow of War at the Gates of Dragon City." Or, "A City of Shadows and a Dragon of War."

No. XIV Xion

3y↑3

A War of Shadows and Dragons: The Ruined City

Laurelë Lasselin

3y↑1

The Dragon City Under The Shadow Of War?

Char van Doorn

3y↑1

this came just in time, thank you so much! also merry christmas :)

Marcos Garcia

46w

The current title i hold is "Just Hunger". The story follows a man justifying his cannibalism by targeting Criminals. I thought the play on Just for Justice would work but idk

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