Captivating Titles--Whispers' July Writing Exercise

Dear Whispers Readers,

Titles are our first opportunity to capture a reader’s attention, yet so many times I feel a bit disappointed when an otherwise wonderful poem starts off with a title that repeats the first line. Other times, something from the ending is shared that gives away the message, leaving the verse feeling flat.

Finding the right title is hard but if you find one that intrigues or sparks the interest of the editor, you increase the likelihood of publication. One editor I know had 1000 submissions for the latest issue.  Some competitive poetry journals accept 2% or less of what is submitted.  So, every detail matters.  (Note—this does not refer to untitled forms such as haiku and tanka.)

I would like to try an exercise that I hope you will enjoy.

1.      Please share a poem that is untitled—2-10 lines

  in the Post a Comment

2.      Use the reply button, Reply, below any poem that you want

  to suggest a title for

3.      Please note that if you suggest a title the author is authorized

  to use it for publication with his or her poem without

  further authorization.

Below is my poem for this exercise, with a reply for your reference.  I look forward to reading your poems and suggestions for titles.

Sincerely,

Karen O’Leary

Whispers’ Editor