Title Leading Story - video

National bestselling children’s author R.L. Stine shares inspiration on how to come up with story ideas. He typically thinks of a great book title first, and then creates a story from the title. This technique is the reverse of what most authors would do, but it shows us that there is more than one way to create new stories. It is also a great example of how to play on our strengths. He knows what works for him and he replicates it every time. Find what works for you in story development, then leverage it every time.
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  • My first work I have just completed writing. I just sent off the last two sections to my editor. I feel confident about the process from start to finish. Am I suppose to know when a book is marketable? How am I suppose to introduce myself to the world of words?
  • Thank you Mr Stine, I like to do this too, the title kind of opens up the story for me, I'm just starting out as far as writing my first book, but for years I wrote poetry and song lyrics and I found that I always had my title first which helped bring out the story etc. In 1997 in South Australia, Australia I opened a book store and stocked your Goosebumps series, they sold like hotcakes.....as I'm sure you know....Good work!
  • Actually, I do both. For most articles/short stories I write, I come up with a title, then I try to create a story around it. Other times I finish my story/article, then I try to give it a catchy title. But then there are other times that I'd come up with a title first and then develop ideas around that title, only for me to end up changing the title! But then having my title first and then write is less head-aching anytime I use this method because it gives me something to focus on rather than finish writing my short story or article in a day or two and then use a week to think of a title! I guess you just have to figure out what works best for you. I sure will use this method for my next book.Thanks for sharing!
  • cant hear the audio
  • Mr Stine, Thanks for this great tip. I did the same for Félix and Boubou, the magical stethoscope. It was very successful. www.nicoleaudet.com