* The story guides the title: The title should accurately reflect the story's themes, characters, plot, and overall tone. It's difficult to capture these elements until the story is complete.
* Finding the perfect fit: As the writer works on the story, they gain a deeper understanding of the essence of the piece. This allows them to craft a title that truly encapsulates the story's core message and leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
* Creative spark: Sometimes, the perfect title emerges during the writing process. A powerful line, a character's name, or a key symbol in the story might inspire a title that wouldn't have been obvious at the outset.
* Avoiding the "title trap": Focusing on the title too early can limit the writer's creativity. They may feel bound by their initial idea and miss opportunities to develop a more impactful title later.
* A final touch: Similar to how a painting is signed after it's complete, a title serves as the final touch that elevates the story and provides a lasting impression on the reader.
While some writers do come up with titles early on, it's generally a more effective approach to let the story lead the way and allow the title to emerge naturally during the writing process. This ensures that the title truly reflects the heart of the story.