This week: The Use of Titles Edited by: Dawn Embers  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
 
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
Contests & Activities Newsletter by Dawn
Names are so important, this is a topic that gets handled on a regular basis for the different newsletters. It is also important for this newsletter because what you call the contest or activity will help draw attention from potential entrants. Then there is the possibility of a title prompt and whether the writers can/should use the prompt or contest as the title for their entry. |
There are many elements that are important for contests, activities and the items that get entered. In some ways, the title is an important piece of the puzzle. It's a tough decision, not matter the type of item and when you have been here 20 years, it becomes a matter of finding something that fits but isn't a repeat. Titles are tough.
First, there is the title of your activity or contest. When you create a contest, it helps to call it something that fits with what you are trying to accomplish. Since all of my prompts for "What if...? story contest" [13+] start with "What if" finding a title wasn't difficult. And the Weekly Quickie wasn't something that I named but it made sense considering it was a short deadline and the content in the beginning was just erotica flash fiction. Similar with the activity, I named my group for novel writing during November after the challenge and added the plus since it was helpful for people not following the exact rules of the original challenge. So, I picked titles based on the particular activity or prompt options.
But that is not the only reason for a prompt. Writer's Cramp is probably based off the short deadline. The Contest Challenge is a contest activity where it's a challenge to enter contests that are listed each month. There are so many options. I suggest checking out the current contests and activities and guess where the title came from: "Writing Contests @ Writing.Com" [E] and "Activities @ Writing.Com" [E].
Then there is the option, as the host or judge to use a title as the prompt. I've seen this approach in particular with The Writer's Cramp but other people have also used them. It also has been used in the Daily Flash Fiction challenge too. The contest aspect or difficulty comes in that every single story entered is going to have that title. But it's sort of fun knowing other people have the same title since it's realistic and common even in the published world. It is fun to see what different people will write under that same label. Like any topic prompts, there is that aspect of how different people will create such a variety of stories under the same prompt/title.
For the contest entrant person, the title of the static item can be a big deal. Whether it's a poem, flash fiction, long story or even a blog post about personal things, everything we post needs to have a title on the item in order for us to be able to save them. Some judges don't mind if you use the prompt as the title, even for the prompts that don't require such. Sometimes, though, I admit to preferring that you find a different title than just using the prompt or the contest name as the title. I like to see what you can come up with in creating a title that links or makes sense with the particular item. I definitely would prefer someone not use the contest title for the title of the item because it feels less original and doesn't showcase the elements of plot or character. You can use the prompt as part of the title if you like but some might get more points for coming up with something different. Then again, if the judge has the title prompt, then you have to use it as the title or it won't qualify.
I'm curious what other people prefer? Do you like prompts that are the title? Do you dislike using the prompt or contest name for the item title? What are your thoughts?
|
Quick Deadlines
Other Contests
Writing Month Prep Help
|
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
How do you pick a title? Do you like when a contest gives a title as the prompt?
Well, it has only been a week since my last newsletter for contests and activities. This means we don't really have an comments sent thus far for the topic of activities that last all month long in September in the wake of the fun celebration of the site's birthday/creation date.
Instead of feedback, I'm going to leave a few title prompts for you to consider using.
Title Prompts
The Antique Clock
Adventures of a Self-Proclaimed, Mostly Contained Hoarder
Space Jam
Elements of Anxiety
Pepper Jay and Chipotle Mike Go On An Adventure
Poppy
The Loss of Beauty
|
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
Contests & Activities: September 17, 2025 Issue [#13344]
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
