Anypony who knows me knows that I'm terrible with titles. I had to ask quite a few people before I settled on the title of my first "Quill-fic" Missive the the Princess. It's been brought to my attention that my next Quill-fic, A Real Page-Turner could be seen as part of the same continuity. Upon review, I'm inclined to agree. (Especially since I have a few more "episodes" in the works, culminating in Quill attending Winter Wrap Up). So, I come here in search of a title for my collective works. The story as a whole is about a unicorn from Canterlot named Quill Inkwell, and his 'wacky' adventures in Canterlot and the surrounding areas. I try to stay as close to the spirit of Friendship is Magic as much as I can. Questions, comments, answers?
You are asking for a main title for all your collective stories correct? It's difficult to come up with a title for others as most of the time the author will be unhappy with suggestions provided (at least that's how I feel when I ask others), but I'll give some advice. Depending on how "wacky" these adventures are, it's best to have a title that expresses the mood of the story. It should not be dull and simple, yet it should be easy to remember. I haven't read any of your stories, so bear with me as I don't know what style your writing is. But if you are taking a comedic approach, an appropriate title may be "The Wild Adventures of Quill Inkwell", "Quill's Wild Tales", "Quill's Adventures Through Equestria" or something like that. Personally, I wouldn't get too caught up in the main title just yet. In fact, the main title may be best to come last in this case, as you are writing adventure by adventure. Once you have finished, it is easiest to come up with a main title by reflecting on the story or moral Quill's adventures tell. Focus on creating solid titles for your individual works as they are the most important. A good way to go about titling individual stories or episodes are: - Creating a hidden meaning: This sparks interest in the reader. But don't confuse them. Give them something of interest in the title that will grasp their attention making them want to read and find out. - Perhaps a possessive title: Examples: Angela's Ashes, The Optimist's Daughter, Charlotte's Web - This is best used when the story focuses on a character (doesn't necessarily have to be Quill, keep in mind) and an object, event, or even a feeling or mood. - The place your character is traveling to, or has arrived in. These work as "transition periods" in your collective story if you ever write an episode dealing with an arrival at a new place. Can be physical or even a dream of a place your character may aspire to go to. - A memorable line from the story itself - This is relatively straight-forward. Some examples: To Kill a Mockingbird, Tell No One, Sleepless in Seattle. - And of course, don't hesitate to use one word titles either if all else fails. Also, before releasing a written work, make sure you are absolutely happy with the title and structure. Keep it for a few days, or even weeks after completion and calmly think to yourself if you are happy with it. More time to think after completion perhaps may spark an even better title or idea for a next story.
I could certainly help find titles if I were to read them! If you want a faster solution, though, make a very generic name such as Walk to the Mall, and use a thesaurus to make it sound intelligent. "Stroll through the Marketplace" Now for possible suggestions... A tale of Quills and Scrolls Events of Equestria Maybe even How the world revolves around Quill
Wow. These are all great suggestions! The adventures aren't altogether too wacky. They're about as wacky as could be expected from your average episode of Friendship is Magic. @ Jhera - I'm liking How the World revolves Around Quill. :derpe: Oh, you can find (what is now) the first chapter in the fanfictions section. Missive to the Princess
I will certainly try to find time to read it. And to be honest, this would be my first MLP fanfiction. With school's end on the approach I've got very little free time, but I will try to squeeze your fic in.
Think of a word, or something simple like that. Or just read a book or watch some mlp. Stuff always comes to me then.
Ooh! Ooh! OooOooOooh! -waves hoof frantically in the air- How 'bout "The Quill Chronicles"? Totally mainstream and not unique at all, but I like the word 'Chronicles'.
Hi, everypony! Quill here again! I appreciate all of the input with helping me to find a title! In lieu of making a new thread, I've decided to make this my Official Development Diary. It'll be a nice place to stash all the fanfic ideas that I have going around my brain. I think I'm going to start with this little number: Spoiler: Mahou Gakkyuu Hakumei Kirameki: Yujo wa Mahodesu (Translation: Magical Student Twilight Sparkle: Friendship is Magic) Warning!: My japanese isn't the best (and that's being extremely generous). For all Japanese, I'm using Google Translate, so expect some errors. Dear Headmistress Megami Tentai, I can’t thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to attend classes at the Institute for Gifted Individuals! I knew that one day, if I studied and worked hard enough, that I would one day follow in the footsteps of the greatest individuals who ever lived such as my personal hero, Hoshi Uzumaki! Again, I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what the coming year has in store for me! Your (New)Faithful Student, Hakumei Kirameki P.S. – Sui Long also sends his regards. ----- From the desk of Headmistress Megami Tentai: Dear Hakumei Kirameki and Sui Long I’m glad that you’ve expressed so much interest in attending classes at the Institute and we are more than happy to welcome you into our own little corner of the world. If you perform in your classes half as well as you performed in your entrance examinations, I can see that you will have a bright future with us! When you arrive, your room (including a personal computer) will already be prepared for you. I understand that you will be arriving from the Capital. I sincerely hope you have a safe trip and we all hope to see you soon! Sincerely, Headmistress Megami Tentai ----- From: tentaimegami@tigi.edu.jp To: kiramekihakumei@tigi.edu.jp Cc: Faculty-All Subject: Welcome, Hakumei Kirameki! On behalf of myself and the entire faculty, allow me to personally welcome you and Sui Long to the Institute for Gifted Individuals! I am deeply sorry that I could not meet you in person, but important business matters have come up that demand my immediate attention. I’m sure you understand. Seeing as you’ve arrived here before the weekend, feel free to make yourself at home and have a pleasant weekend! Classes begin bright and early Monday morning! Don’t be tardy! ^_^ Headmistress Megami Tentai ----- From: kiramekihakumei@tigi.edu.jp To: tentaimegami@tigi.edu.jp Cc: Faculty-All Subject: Re: Welcome, Hakumei Kirameki! Thank you so much! It is truly an honor to finally be on campus among all this…knowledge! All of my things are accounted for, including my precious Kasui (whom I assure you, will not cause any trouble!) I will be sure not to waste any time this weekend. I will begin my studies immediately! Thank you so much again, and I can’t wait to officially see you on Monday! Hakumei Kirameki ----- From: amaimonokishou@tigi.edu.jp To: kiramekihakumei@tigi.edu.jp Cc: ruratsukikozaiku@tigi.edu.jp, tentaimegami@tigi.edu.jp Subject: Greetings, New Student! Greetings and Salutations, Miss Hakumei, and welcome to our school! (Or may I call you Kirameki? ^_^) My name is Miss Kishou and as President of the Student Council, it is my duty and privilege to welcome all new students to the Institute! I would also like to take this time to inform you of the upcoming festival, “The Summer Sun Celebration”! It is a celebration to ring in the new school year and we sincerely hope you will be able to attend. You really won’t want to miss it. It’s simply divine! ~Kishou~ ----- From: kiramekihakumei@tigi.edu.jp To: amaimonokishou@tigi.edu.jp Cc: ruratsukikozaiku@tigi.edu.jp, tentaimegami@tigi.edu.jp Subject: Re: Greetings, New Student! I sincerely thank you for your heartfelt invitation, but I don’t believe that I will be attending the festival this weekend. I’ve resolved to get a jump-start on my studies here. Can’t be too prepared, you know! Thank you anyway! Hakumei Kirameki ----- From: tentaimegami@tigi.edu.jp To: kiramekihakumei@tigi.edu.jp Subject: Re: Re: Greetings, New Student! Miss Hakumei, While I respect your diligence, may I suggest you not read those dusty, old books right away? There is more to a young person’s life than studying, so I ask that you attend the Summer Sun Celebration and, above all else, try to make some friends. ^_^ Sincerely, Megami Tentai ----- “Y- You’ve got to be kidding me!” Hakumei Kirameki’s mouth gaped as she stared at her computer screen. “She- She’s kidding, right Sui?” She turned toward her adopted sibling, Sui Long. The young boy had set up Hakumei’s old Famicom system up to the room’s television and had just begun playing a game of Dragon Quest. Sui Long turned toward his adoptive big sister. “Eh?” “She- She wants me to…make friends…” “So?” Sui turned back toward the TV’s screen where his character had begun epic combat with a Ghost. “What’s so bad about that?” “I didn’t come here to make friends! I came here to study! Isn’t that the whole point of school?” Sui rolled his eyes. “Let me get this straight… You worked your butt off to get into this big ol’ prestigious school and you’re not even going to set foot outside your own bedroom door?” “I’m not a hermit, Sui! I just…” “Yes?” “I…” “For God’s sake, Neesan! It won’t kill ya to go to a festival every one in a while!” Hakumei sighed. She wasn’t going to win this argument… “Very well… I’ll send a reply to Kishou…” ----- From: kiramekihakumei@tigi.edu.jp To: amaimonokishou@tigi.edu.jp Cc: tentaimegami@tigi.edu.jp Subject: Re: Re: Greetings, New Student! Miss Kishou I’ve given your offer some consideration and I’ve decided to attend the Summer Sun Celebration. I hope to see you there. Hakumei Kirameki P.S. – My younger brother, Sui Long, will be attending with me. I hope that won’t be an inconvenience. ----- “There. That should be good enough…” Hakumei yawned. She glanced around at all of the unpacked boxes in her room. “We should continue unpacking.” Sui ignored her, apparently too caught up in his game. “Fine… I’ll continue unpacking…” ----- Megami Tentai sat behind her enormous desk, sorting through a stack of files and paperwork. The Summer Sun Celebration was only a day away, but Tentai knew that she and her sister would be working through it, just like in years past. How ironic… That I tasked Miss Hakumei with shrugging off responsibility and attending the festival, when I can’t attend myself because of work… Her thoughts were interrupted by a beep coming from her desk phone. She pressed the intercom button. “Hello. Tentai here.” “Hello, Neesan.” A feminine voice answered. “Have you had a chance to look over the files I sent to you?” Tentai shuffled some papers on her desk. They were student files: academic records, disciplinary reports, personal information, and pictures. A stack of these folders sat off to one side, while six folders remained open on Tentai’s desk. “Yes, and I think I’ve made my choices.” “Excellent! When shall we begin the Placement Examination?” “Tomorrow, or the day after. When the festival has mostly concluded.” “’After the festival has concluded?’ That doesn’t seem like you. Are we trying a different approach to the Examinations?” “Not entirely… It’ll still be a surprise for the participants to be sure, but I’d like to add a last-minute entry.” The voice on the other end was silent for a moment, then responded, “Who did you have in mind?” “Hakumei Kirameki.” “The new transfer? Hold on, let us see if we can retrieve her file.” Some shuffling of papers could be heard in the background. “That won’t be necessary, Neechan. I have it right here.” “Very well. We wish them all the luck. We will await your signal.” Before Tentai could respond, the line went dead as the call was terminated from the other side. The Headmistress sighed as she looked out over the pictures of the six chosen students: The Transfer Student, the Student Council President, the Party Planner, the Apple Vendor, the Gang Member, and the Veterinarian. She thought to herself, it works in RPGs… Besides, they seem a lot like how we were… ----- “Hey! Hakumei! You got an email!” Sui Long bounced up and down in the chair at Hakumei’s desk. Hakumei grumbled and rolled in her bed. Today was the day of the festival that she was being forced to attend. She had made a point to herself to sleep in as long as she could. Her brother wasn’t helping matters. “Don’t you have your own computer?” She pulled the covers up over her head. “Yeah, but no one emails me… I just got the standard welcomes and stuff that you did. But this one’s different. It’s from Kishou.” He cleared his throat. “Dear Miss Hakumei. I’m simply deli-“ “SUI!” Hakumei shot up out of her bed and grabbed Sui, pulling him away from the computer. “That’s a private message!” She adjusted her pajama shirt and pulled the chair back to her desk. “I’ll read it myself.” ----- From: amaimonokishou@tigi.edu.jp To: kiramekihakumei@tigi.edu.jp Subject: Summer Sun Celebration Dear Miss Hakumei I’m simply delighted that you will be able to attend after all! I can’t wait to finally meet you face-to-face! Don’t worry about bringing your younger brother. Family members are more than welcome at the Summer Sun Celebration. As a matter of fact, my younger sister, Amaimono Fain, will be attending as well. Maybe they’ll hit it off! That would be so cute! Maybe it will get her mind off of the fact that she hasn’t gotten her Kawaii Megarushiko yet… Oh my! I’ve begun prattling on, haven’t I? Well, I shant waste any more of your time. We’ll talk more when we meet, I’m sure! Chaio! ~Kishou~ ----- “She sounds nice,” Sui remarked. His head lay on Hakumei’s desk, under her arm, where he had a perfect view of the computer screen. “I like how she does the little tilde thing with her name.” Hakumei sighed and pushed Sui’s head off of her desk. “Let’s get this over with…” Here's a simple key: Hakumei Kirameki is Twilight Sparkle (The new Transfer student) Sui Long is Spike (her adopted brother) Megami Tentai is Celestia (The Headmistress) "Kishou" is Rarity (Student Council President) Amaimono Fain is Sweetie Belle (Amaimono is also Rarity's last name, but she mostly only goes by her first name) Ruratsuki Kozaiku is The Great and Powerful Trixie (Rarity included her in her email because they're both memebers of the Student Council.) The Kawaii Megurushiko is a Cutie Mark. In this fic, it shows up on people (*le gasp!*) who show an affinity for magic. As an aside, Ignore the email that mentions Kasui (That was in the alpha version of the story and won't be in this one) So...questions? Comments?
Hmmmm. Anthro I don't like so much, and I know nothing about Japanese stuff, so I guess I'm not all that interested. Not that it's bad, mind you. Just doesn't pertain to my interests all that much...
Oh. Well, goes to show how much I know about it. xD But yeah, in that case I don't really like anthro or humanized. Humanized is better though. Anthro...kinda creepy. IDK Now I'm kinda being a jerk though. It's good besides the fact that it's humanized!
You're not being a jerk. I understand that I'm deviating pretty far from the source material, and some people are turned off by that. It's cool, really.
Hey Legion, guess what? I was a furry before I was a brony. :derpe: Anthropomorphism is what I usually do. However, in the definition of the word, the ponies from the show are anthropomorphic at a different level, since they are animals who display human characteristics. (Like talking and technology usage.) Though, I don't like humanoid anthro-morphed ponies because it begins to lose sense and startles the character basis of the ponies. However, anthro series that are already humanoid, like Sonic the Hedgehog. That's pretty cool, at least to me. Oops, sorry Quill. I saw it, and then my mind just ran on. Way off topic.
The project that I've been working on for the past few days sadly fell though. I think... However, this leaves me time to concentrate on my other works, namely, "A World Without Butterflies." I'm really enjoying writing this, and it's my third fic that deals entirely with the Mane 6, specifically Fluttershy (who I love writing). The premise of the fic is thus: The Mane 5 come to the Equestria that we know and love to kidnap Fluttershy in an effort to restore the Elements of Harmony. Ok, that's a terrible description, so here's some backstory and such: What if the episode Dragonshy had ended differently? What if Fluttershy hadn't been able to talk the dragon down? What if, instead, the dragon had simply killed Fluttershy? This story is heavily inspired by A World Without Rainbows (in which Rainbow Dash never pulled off the Sonic Rainboom). I wanted to write something grimdark that didn't deal with zombies and the like. The story would mostly follow Fluttershy (our Fluttershy) as she tried to escape from the Grimdark Five (it's a terrible name, I know), but I would also look at it from the point of view of her friends who are trying to get her back, and even the Grimdark Five (who are more Knight Templar than outright evil). Here's the opening chapter: Spoiler: Chapter 1 A World Without Butterflies Chapter 1 Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity stood outside Fluttershy’s cottage. It looked even more foreboding in the dark of night than it did in the daytime. For a while, each pony simply stared at the house, not daring to make a sound out of some irrational fear of waking the spirit of its former resident. Suddenly Rarity spoke up, causing some of the others to start. Her voice was barely louder than a whisper. “Are you sure this will work, Twilight?” Twilight’s eye twitched in irritation. She whispered through gritted teeth, “Of course it will work! I read the spell over and over, practically memorizing it, and I’ve obtained all of the ingredients. At least two of each. This. Will. Work!” “Do we haveta do it a night, sugarcube?” Applejack asked, glancing at the sky. “Ah’m just askin’ cuz-” “SHH!” Twilight’s voice rose to a stage whisper. “When I use the spell, very little time will have passed, and we can be certain that Fluttershy’ll be home at this time!” “It’s gonna be so weird to see her again…” Pinkie remarked. “Do you think she’ll know us?” Twilight rolled her eyes and sighed. Part of her was regretting bringing her friends along for this task. “She’ll recognize us as her friends. Whether she knows us has yet to be seen. Got it?” Pinkie simply nodded, likely having not really understood Twilight’s meaning. Dash didn’t even bother whispering. “Can we just get this over with?” “Yes!” Twilight practically shouted as she placed all of the items needed for her spell on the ground. She huffed as a reddish glow surrounded each of the objects: a vase, a small vial of sunflower oil, a ruby, and a blue feather. She then glared at her friends. “Now this is really important. Don’t bother me while I perform the ritual.” Everypony was completely silent as Twilight’s horn grew brighter and brighter. They were well aware of what she was capable of when pressed. As the wind picked up around them all, Twilight tried to focus her eyes on the leylines, just as she had practiced time and time again. I wish we had the Princess’ scrying crystal. That would make things so much easier… Suddenly, the wind started to whip around her, nearly knocking her off balance. Rats! Gotta focus Twilight! This is for the good of all Equestria! Then, just out the corner of her eye, she saw it. A hair-thin crack appeared, revealing another world. A world very much like theirs, but so much more different. Twilight concentrated on expanding the crack, little by little, and before her eyes the crack widened, but not without a little strain. Tiny fractures began surrounding it, like breaking glass. When it had widened to her satisfaction, she closed her eyes. Alright… Here we go… A faint, reddish glow surrounded her and each of her allies as she prepared a teleportation spell. She sighed as the glow became brighter and brighter until a sound, not that much unlike a Sonic Rainboom shattered the relative silence that the ponies not long ago feared breaking. Then, all at once, the wind died down and Twilight collapsed. The other ponies rushed to her aid and as Applejack and Pinkie helped her back to her hooves, Rarity whispered, “Did it work? Everything looks exactly th-” As if on cue, a light flicked on in Fluttershy’s cottage. Everypony all at once froze in place, watching the nearest window. Their silence was palpable. Twilight managed a weak smirk. The spell had indeed worked as planned. Then, a window on the other side of the cottage squeaked as it opened and a tiny voice called out, “Hello? Is anypony there? H-Hello?” Applejack’s eyes opened in amazement. In her surprise, she didn’t even make an effort to conceal her voice. “Great gallopin’ ghosts! It’s actually Fluttershy!” “SHH!” Fluttershy’s voice called out to the darkness, “Hello? Is that you, Applejack? What are you doing out so late?” Applejack tensed up and almost bolted before Twilight whispered in her ear, “Don’t screw this up. Remember why we’re here.” AJ nodded, but said nothing. Twilight replied by giving the earth pony a light push. “She knows that you’re here, at least. Go talk to her.” “But-“ “Go! Just talk to her like you would’ve before.” Applejack composed herself and then called out to Fluttershy, “Uh, howdy sugarcube.” The ponies all heard Fluttershy gasp. “Oh, it is you Applejack!” The window creaked shut and some trotting could be heard in the cottage before the front door opened, revealing a nightgown-clad Fluttershy. “Isn’t it late for you to be out?” She then spied the rest of her friends, who just seemed to be simply staring at her. “Oh! You’re all here!” She shrank back slightly. “Is there…um, did you all plan something that I forgot? If so, then I’m sorry. I must’ve been busy…” Twilight responded, “Oh, no. Not at all. It just so happened-“ “FLUTTERSHY!” Pinkie suddenly dove onto the yellow Pegasus and hugged her tightly. “It’s really you! We all missed you so mu-“ “PINKIE!” The pink earth pony was suddenly surrounded by a reddish glow as he limbs were untangled from Fluttershy and she was magically levitated a short distance away. Twilight chuckled and continued, “Aheh… What she means is, we thought we heard some sort of…um, creature…maybe a dragon or something, over here and we wanted to make sure you were alright.” Fluttershy’s eyes widened in horror. How did she not know that there was a dragon around the vicinity of her cottage? “Oh dear! Is it still here?! Where is it?!” Her eyes darted from left to right, trying to find the alleged dragon so she could determine the next course of action, namely which direction to dash off to. Twilight suddenly felt incredibly guilty for lying to her friend, especially about saying that the creature was a dragon, of all things. She bit her lip slightly. However, she knew that her mistake actually helped her in a way: It gave her the chance to get closer to Fluttershy. She stepped forward and tried to put on a reassuring voice. “We didn’t see anything, Fluttershy. It’s okay…” Her horn glowed slightly as she prepared a spell. Fluttershy was visibly relieved. “Whew. You don’t know how glad that makes me-“ “Sleep.” With that word, Twilight touched her horn to Fluttershy’s head, causing the latter to immediately pass out. She then turned to Rainbow Dash. “Help Rarity carry her. We don’t have much time.” Dash saluted and gingerly picked up the Pegasus’s front, while a blue glow enveloped the back half. Then, Twilight and the rest made their way back to the dust circle that marked their arrival. Twilight sighed as she brought out the elements for the ritual. Applejack then spoke up again. “Are you sure we’re doin’ the right thing?” The lavender unicorn gave the earth pony a hard glance. “Yes. We’ve done a lot of questionable things in the past, but of this I’m certain: We are absolutely doing the right thing. Even this Fluttershy would agree with us.” “I hope so…” With those words, the spell was started and within moments, the five ponies, plus one, were transported back to their home world. Fun fact: I got the idea for this fic from a game on another forum called, "Our Avatars are Posting On A Forum Thread". Another player and I were both Twilight Sparkle. His was cute, and mine was glaring at the viewer, so I decided to play her as if she was from a grimdark universe.
I know. I haven't stopped entirely. I'm going to finish out the chapter that I'm working on, then set it off to the side for a short time.
