The Untitled Life: Every Story Has A Name. What’s Yours?

In this post we explore the untitled life and wonder if every story has a name. We also ask: ‘What’s yours?’

Has this ever happened to you?

You lie awake, staring at the ceiling, thinking of all the things you failed at?

• ‘I haven’t written the book I really want to write.’
• ‘I should never have left the love of my life go without a fight.’
• ‘I should’ve travelled more when I had the chance.’

It can go on and on.

While none of us can relive the past, we can reframe it. There is a way to tell the story of our lives – so that it makes sense.

The Untitled Life

Try this exercise:

Imagine you’re celebrating your upcoming birthday. Think back to the last year of your life. How would you pitch that year as the idea for a novel, a play, or even a song?

1. What was the theme?
2. Who are the main characters?
3. What exciting or challenging things happened to you?
4. What conflict did you face?
5. When did things go smoothly?
6. What was a highlight – and what was a low point?
7. How does the story end on your next birthday?

Now write out a half-page blurb of this ‘story’ and give it a title.

1. What kind of genre would it fit? (Remember: even horror stories sell, if well written).
2. If it was a song, what would the title be?
3. Who would perform this song?

Nothing we experience in life is wasted – it can always be used to help our writing. We can’t lobotomise the past – it’s part of who we are and who we’ll always be.

What we can do is liberate the past – in our writing, through our characters, our plots, and our themes.  You wouldn’t expect characters in a novel to sail through life without a single setback. That would be boring, right?

Why expect our own lives to be any different?

Top Tip: Find out more about our workbooks and online courses in our shop.

If you enjoyed this post, read:

1. 3 Secrets To Simplicity In Your Writing Process
2. The Surprising Truth Of Finding Your True Story in Sorrow
3. 4 Ways To Rediscover Joy As A Writer

Top Tip: Find out more about our workbooks and online courses in our shop.