Title Before Plot?! I Must Be Nuts.

My first two NaNos, I had no inkling what I was writing about until the eleventh hour when I sat down in my Halloween costume, AlphaSmart in hand, and started writing.

This year, with November a mere 13 days away, I have a title and loosely formed plot for my NaNo-novel. This was the case last year, as well. But unlike 2010's pre-November plan, my title came first this time around.

Nobody Likes Brazil Nuts.

I made that declaration about a month ago while eating a can of Planter's Deluxe Mixed Nuts, and decided I really liked the ring of it—and the truth in it—though I had no idea what a story with that title might be about.

Somehow, having a title—any title—felt really reassuring; almost like a promise that if I sat with it for a little while, the rest would emerge.

And the plot did come, eventually: An irrepressibly joyful meter maid named Lolly is forced to reconsider her simplistic views on life when a routine ticketing goes awry.

To those Planners out there, what came first for you this year: the plot or the title? Post your novel title here to be eligible for the 2011 NaNoWriMo journal giveaway next Tuesday, October 25! (It's the perfect place to continue your 2011 NaNo-novel planning!)

While you're at it, submit your brilliant plot summary to the 30 Covers, 30 Days nominations thread for the chance to have a book cover designed around your story!

– Lindsey

Photo by Flickr user Satoro Kikuchi