How much thought do you put in to choosing the title of your story? Do you take into consideration how many views/votes it will receive, when you chose the title?
Danielle x
Head Penguin
A steamy lesbian three way
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How important is the title?
Alpha Blonde
I prefer clean/subtle titles rather than the 'I Fucked my Boss on the Boardroom Table' declaration style titles. I tend to assume the latter will probably be a shorter quicker read (penthouse letter style) and just doesn't feel as creative or intriguing to me.
I don't take views or votes into account. I just pick the title that I like best. I definitely put thought into it - sometimes I'll know the title before I even start writing, other times it comes to me halfway through the process. Often, there's nothing sexual implied by the titles I choose (eg. The Blue Room, Fade to Black, The Cabo Connection).
I do think the more abstract titles definitely have a different kind of reading audience than the sexual action-oriented titles. I associate them as being longer reads with more character development and build-up. As long as the title fits the style of story then it should bring in the right kind of readers.
I don't take views or votes into account. I just pick the title that I like best. I definitely put thought into it - sometimes I'll know the title before I even start writing, other times it comes to me halfway through the process. Often, there's nothing sexual implied by the titles I choose (eg. The Blue Room, Fade to Black, The Cabo Connection).
I do think the more abstract titles definitely have a different kind of reading audience than the sexual action-oriented titles. I associate them as being longer reads with more character development and build-up. As long as the title fits the style of story then it should bring in the right kind of readers.
Her Royal Spriteness
i am crap at picking titles, tho i do tend to go with the same method DD uses - something that isn't blatant and that kind of fits the overall tone of the story - that said, if anyone wants to take over actually titling my stories, i'd be ever so grateful 
edit-i broke my rule and titled two stories rather rudely, but the point of those stories was to write a tongue in cheek really over the top nasty story with everything and the kitchen sink thrown in, just to prove a point - and, of course, the damn think ended up earning me a badge for famous stories *sighs*
edit-i broke my rule and titled two stories rather rudely, but the point of those stories was to write a tongue in cheek really over the top nasty story with everything and the kitchen sink thrown in, just to prove a point - and, of course, the damn think ended up earning me a badge for famous stories *sighs*
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
Head Penguin
repulses me to the bone. However, I did wonder what reaction the title 'No Daddy it hurts!' would get in terms of views even if the content was quite mild. Let me just stress, I'm not writing that, but just saying...
More seriously, I do think that some of my own stories have received more views/votes/comments just from the title. I wonder if 'Caught wanking in my panties' would have been so well received if it were called 'Masturbatory Underwear - a recollection.'
More seriously, I do think that some of my own stories have received more views/votes/comments just from the title. I wonder if 'Caught wanking in my panties' would have been so well received if it were called 'Masturbatory Underwear - a recollection.'
A steamy lesbian three way
Cheeky Chick
I actually suck at like names and titles and such but when I am naming a story I normally go off what the story is based off. Like the large part of what the story is. If the story is of a sub misbehaving it’ll be She knew she did wrong, or if it’s a tease in a car, Road trip tease, etc. That’s normally how I do it. Sometimes I sit there and think for a while like what the hell am I going to name this one. It comes to me eventually.
It is however important, though not as big as the tags. I think the tags are more important than the title, but that’s just me.
It is however important, though not as big as the tags. I think the tags are more important than the title, but that’s just me.
CurlyFries
Quote by Dancing_Doll
I prefer clean/subtle titles rather than the 'I Fucked my Boss on the Boardroom Table' declaration style titles. I tend to assume the latter will probably be a shorter quicker read (penthouse letter style) and just doesn't feel as creative or intriguing to me.
I don't take views or votes into account. I just pick the title that I like best. I definitely put thought into it - sometimes I'll know the title before I even start writing, other times it comes to me halfway through the process. Often, there's nothing sexual implied by the titles I choose (eg. The Blue Room, Fade to Black, The Cabo Connection).
I do think the more abstract titles definitely have a different kind of reading audience than the sexual action-oriented titles. I associate them as being longer reads with more character development and build-up. As long as the title fits the style of story then it should bring in the right kind of readers.
Agree.
I do put thought into my titles, but don't choose them to get more votes/views. One story is "The Conference Call," which I like better than "I Rubbed One Out on his Desk." I probably would've gotten more votes with the latter, but I like to keep it more erotic than pornish. I don't like sexually explicit titles as much as I don't like sexually explicit user names, but that's just me.
Cocolicious
Titles are hugely important to me. Often, I find that I stress over choosing a title. However, I tend to begin a story with a title in mind and name it as such, but sometimes the story morphs into something different and a title change is needed. I too prefer the abstract, in fact as a reader, I'm apt to not read a story titled "Bending Over the Desk and Fucked by Daddy." If your title is long, I'm apt not to read it. There is something to be said for seducing a reader into reading your story with a title. I don't care about bringing views/votes in with a title, I name it what I want without that even coming to mind. Sure I'd like it loads of folks read my stuff and comment on it, but if a single person read, loved it and said so, I am over the moon!
As a mod, I can tell right away what the story will be about from it's title if you create one of the titles mentioned in this post. Being creative is much better!
As a mod, I can tell right away what the story will be about from it's title if you create one of the titles mentioned in this post. Being creative is much better!
I aim for a title that captures the mood of the story and maybe hints at the content in some way, which is also the sort of title that tends to get my eye as a reader, too. For instance, "One Beautiful Morning" draws on the mood of the story rather than content. I don't tend to go explicit in the title unless it's a pure stroke story and even then I'd likely not do anything too "pornish".
I pick the title when I'm finished at least one draft so I know exactly where I'm at with the story but often don't get the title settled until posting time. I find it can be a struggle to get it "just right".
I pick the title when I'm finished at least one draft so I know exactly where I'm at with the story but often don't get the title settled until posting time. I find it can be a struggle to get it "just right".
Quote by Dancing_Doll
I prefer clean/subtle titles rather than the 'I Fucked my Boss on the Boardroom Table' declaration style titles. I tend to assume the latter will probably be a shorter quicker read (penthouse letter style) and just doesn't feel as creative or intriguing to me.
I agree. A title can hook you in, and sometimes it is best if the title does not give too much away.
Unicorn Wrangler
Often my titles start off as a way for me to remember the story as I save it. Sometimes it changes to better fit the story... but it's not something I put a lot of though into. I've had stories that have been posted with the original title, and others I have changed the title on as it fit the story better.
I do wish I put more thought into some of my titles... and lately I have... some are more "cryptic" than others... but if you read the story you understand it quickly enough. Might be why many of my stories don't get the hits I would like... but I do try to provide a hint or two in the description of the story.
I do wish I put more thought into some of my titles... and lately I have... some are more "cryptic" than others... but if you read the story you understand it quickly enough. Might be why many of my stories don't get the hits I would like... but I do try to provide a hint or two in the description of the story.
Active Ink Slinger
I also try not to make my titles too pornographic. I try to make them fit the style of the story, or have it relate to the story in some way. My last story for instance, 'Trust Your Senses'. She was blindfolded, so her sense of taste, touch, and smell were the only ones she could rely on. Seemed to fit when I thought of it, but even now I am doubting it. I find the title to sometimes be the hardest thing about the story.
Quote by CurlyGirly
Agree.
I do put thought into my titles, but don't choose them to get more votes/views. One story is "The Conference Call," which I like better than "I Rubbed One Out on his Desk." I probably would've gotten more votes with the latter, but I like to keep it more erotic than pornish. I don't like sexually explicit titles as much as I don't like sexually explicit user names, but that's just me.
I agree with this. The titles with a load of words like 'cum' and 'slut' just don't do anything for me. I kinda think 'If they can't even create a half-decent title, the story's gonna suck.'
Active Ink Slinger
I prefer a shorter, more intriguing title than anything too literal. There's more on choosing a title in this thread too...
http://www.lushstories.com/forum/yaf_postst23559_Appropriate-story-title.aspx
http://www.lushstories.com/forum/yaf_postst23559_Appropriate-story-title.aspx
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Why not read some stories instead
NEW! Want a quick read for your coffee break? Why not try this... Flash Erotica: Scrubber
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Velvet-Voiced Titillator
Quote by sprite
i am crap at picking titles, tho i do tend to go with the same method DD uses - something that isn't blatant and that kind of fits the overall tone of the story - that said, if anyone wants to take over actually titling my stories, i'd be ever so grateful
I agree totally with Sprite and DD, I find the tittle one of the hardest part. I wanted to find a something simple, that captures the feel and plot for that chapter.
Clumeleon
I quite often use suitable metaphors as titles which refer literally to something in the story and, on another level, to some part of the message of the story.
For example, Playing By The Rules is a story which revolves around an actual game invented and played by the two main characters. However, on a deeper level, it's about a different game which neither of them was really aware they were playing and how the "rules" were affecting their relationship. Opening Night is similar, but the metaphor is more subtle than even I appreciated at the time.
Help The Aged is also a title of mine with a dual-meaning. Fucking love that story.
This has been a plug by Clum.
For example, Playing By The Rules is a story which revolves around an actual game invented and played by the two main characters. However, on a deeper level, it's about a different game which neither of them was really aware they were playing and how the "rules" were affecting their relationship. Opening Night is similar, but the metaphor is more subtle than even I appreciated at the time.
Help The Aged is also a title of mine with a dual-meaning. Fucking love that story.
This has been a plug by Clum.
Advanced Wordsmith
Personally, I think the story is basically the writer's way to invite others in, so it holds great importance, there are a great amount of people who make that "should I red this or no?" decision based off the title.
"I ‘accidentally’ wrapped my hand over my pitched tent. “Trying to cover it up” I lied to myself. Only to be rewarded by chills rocketing down my spine. Fuck! I needed to cum now! "
"Wasted Time" by
Gentleman With Handcuffs
Quote by DanielleX
How much thought do you put in to choosing the title of your story? Do you take into consideration how many views/votes it will receive, when you chose the title?
Danielle x
You know - I'm guilty of only reading title to choose what I want to read. I don't always - but often. . . so it should be focused on the overall point of the piece. One word - a sentence . . . I'm not picky so long as it gives a good idea.
Author
I do put a fair amount of thought into the title. They represent the only words a potential reader will see as they peruse the variety of stories available, and will often be the single opportunity you have to present your story.
That said, on Lush it is less important, as the reader will also see the first few lines of the story, so one should strive for an enticing opening sequence.
That said, on Lush it is less important, as the reader will also see the first few lines of the story, so one should strive for an enticing opening sequence.
Active Ink Slinger
Mine haven't been extremely brilliant. It's something that is a double-edged sword though ... especially in the erotica genre. Most readers are "scanners" and from what I see, tend to click on the stuff that spells it out as opposed to the witty and metaphorical
"If you knew what you were doing you would probably be bored."
Active Ink Slinger
I like a clean title that perhaps poses an intriguing image or scenario. Though there is a nice direct simplicity to, ahem, "I rubbed one out on his desk" - had to smile at that one. If the "this is what happens in my story -- BOOM" style of title sounds hot to me, hey, I might read it, even enjoy it. But I probably won't respect myself afterwards.
Now subtitles, I don't mind dragging those into the smut. Something I've started doing is picking a favorite line or something that sounds like a decent hook from the story and making that the subtitle.
Now subtitles, I don't mind dragging those into the smut. Something I've started doing is picking a favorite line or something that sounds like a decent hook from the story and making that the subtitle.
Quote by CurlyGirly
Agree.
I do put thought into my titles, but don't choose them to get more votes/views. One story is "The Conference Call," which I like better than "I Rubbed One Out on his Desk." I probably would've gotten more votes with the latter, but I like to keep it more erotic than pornish. I don't like sexually explicit titles as much as I don't like sexually explicit user names, but that's just me.
Great points.
Like you, my motivation is to choose a title that is easy to remember. That way, when another chapter goes up, it's recognisable.
Active Ink Slinger
The title is often the hardest part
Devil's Advocate
I'm with Clum. I tend to go for something metaphorical that captures the main theme. And then I go and ruin it by stretching for that witty double meaning, like some hack newspaper editor.
My latest story is a racy little piece about what happens when someone cute from work invites you over to watch Netflix and Chill.
Active Ink Slinger
In my opinion, the title (as well as that single sentence catch under it) is what draws people in. If it sounds boring, no one will want to read it.
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
I like catchy titles that are almost like one liners that capture the whole story, especially if they're ambiguous. The more ambiguous the title, the more likely I am to read the story because I want to find out WHY the story was called that.
I really don't like literal titles like, "My Sister's Best Friend's Brother Fucks Me in the Ass". I almost never read these because I feel like the whole story has already been given away.
I really don't like literal titles like, "My Sister's Best Friend's Brother Fucks Me in the Ass". I almost never read these because I feel like the whole story has already been given away.
░P░U░S░S░Y░ ░I░N░ ░B░I░O░
Her Royal Spriteness
Quote by slipperywhenwet2012
I like catchy titles that are almost like one liners that capture the whole story, especially if they're ambiguous. The more ambiguous the title, the more likely I am to read the story because I want to find out WHY the story was called that.
I really don't like literal titles like, "My Sister's Best Friend's Brother Fucks Me in the Ass". I almost never read these because I feel like the whole story has already been given away.
what if there's a twist, though, like it wasn't really her brother but a first cousin or someone disguised as her brother? now you'll never know.
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
Quote by sprite
what if there's a twist, though, like it wasn't really her brother but a first cousin or someone disguised as her brother? now you'll never know.
Some things are better left unknown.
░P░U░S░S░Y░ ░I░N░ ░B░I░O░
Active Ink Slinger
I just went to my stories list, and looked at all the titles. Story titles tend to be either a "catch line" from the story, or a name or phrase that closely relates to the story. Poem titles tend to be a line from the poem, or a part of a line that I think conveys the central theme. OF course, there are exceptions. "Minuet In G" for example, tells the reader absolutely nothing about the bdsm, mystery or twists to follow. Similarly, "Tennessee" isn't even mentioned in the poem, although the photo was taken in Tennessee, on the road between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
In general though, I try to remember the title is the first impression a reader will get, and we all know the adage about first impressions.
In general though, I try to remember the title is the first impression a reader will get, and we all know the adage about first impressions.
"There's only three tempos: slow, medium and fast. When you get between in the cracks, ain't nuthin' happenin'." Ben Webster