Writing a great title for a book or article is often a challenge. Here's how I brainstorm titles. It looks like
atomic fission.
I start with the subject in a circle in the middle of a blank page then start adding
circles for synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, rhyming words, associated nouns and verbs,biblical phrases, etc. Let the atomic reaction begin. (See diagram.)
Once I have brainstormed until fission has slowed down, then I start looking for relationships between the
various circles.
For instance, I was asked to write an article for a funeral director on the importance of showing emotion. I wrote GRIEF in the middle circle and fission-ed out to topics such as EMOTIONS, FEELING; FUNERAL HOME, CEMETARY, BURIAL PLOT; etc. I then made
the connection between FEELINGS and BURIAL and came up with "Don't bury your feelings."
Here are some of my favorite titles that came out of this atomic reaction:
Synonyms on a lack of follow-up in evangelism: "Losing the found"
Antonyms on faith healing: "Healing: faith or fake?"
Homonyms on cult abuse: "Sects and violence" On irritations in staff ministry: "Staff or staph?"
Rhyming words on some Christians' unhealthy emphases on demon activity: "Demons: Possession or Obsession?"
Associated nouns and verbs on importance of talking about grief at a funeral: "Don't bury your feelings"
Familiar phrases, titles on spiritual warfare: "Other World Wrestling Federation" On the importance of
encouragement: "Affirmative Action" On the message of Christmas: "Yes, Virginia, there really is life after Christmas" On assurance: "Are you eternally in-secure?" On honesty in Scripture: "The Rest of the [Bible] Story"
Most of all, have fun and let the reaction begin.
Copyright © 1999 James N. Watkins
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