From "Naughty Seductions" to "Married Seductions": Finding the Perfect Title

Years ago, I had an idea to write an anthology of short stories featuring married couples. I had it all planned out and even began writing four of the five stories. I had a working title: Naughty Seductions. I brainstormed covers with my cover artist and shared excerpts with my beta readers. But I had a problem. I couldn't focus. I was writing too slowly and didn't have the patience to wait until all five books were completed.

So, I scrapped the anthology idea and decided to publish them as individual short stories. I finished and published Naughty Seductions: The Naughty Student and Naughty Seductions: The Naughty Husband. Then I fell out of love with the "Naughty" title, lost interest in the concept (though not the stories themselves), and let The Naughty Stripper and The Naughty Clubber unfinished. To be honest, the title didn't fit what I considered to be my brand.

A few months back, the idea of the marriage anthology returned. I remembered the unfinished stories and had a thought: what if I finished the last two, retitled them, and published them with three existing stories as a means to draw attention to those series? Ideally, it would draw in new readers and give existing readers two new stories from me to read.

I researched my idea and decided to run with it. I created a cover that I liked and began working on the two unfinished stories. The problem this time? I'm going through a subtle rebrand. As an author, I'm shifting from erotic/spicy romances to women's fiction with HEA endings, strong on characterization with the romance being secondary. Now I was once again questioning my title. To me, the word Naughty screams erotic, if not erotica, which I don't write. It still didn't fit my brand--old and new. Back to the drawing board.

You know how important a title is—it’s the first impression, the promise to the reader. And for this collection, getting it just right was important. I didn't want erotic romance readers feeling mislead. While I like "Naughty Seductions," and its playful hint of spice, I worried it might not reach all readers who are looking for deep, committed relationships with plenty of heat that doesn't cross the line into erotica. I wanted a title and book cover that promised passion, yes, but also a certain depth and maturity that comes with established love.

After much thought and many, many ideas, I finally landed on the title that perfectly embodies everything this collection has to offer:

Introducing MARRIED SEDUCTIONS!

This title just clicks. "Married" immediately tells you these are stories about couples who have already said "I do," exploring the complexities and enduring passion within their vows. And "Seductions"? That's the promise of delicious heat, undeniable chemistry, and those intimate moments that keep the sparks flying, perfectly signaling the "spicy, not erotic" tone I was aiming for.

Beneath the title, you'll see my tagline: FIVE MARRIAGES. ENDLESS HEAT. It’s short, punchy, and tells you exactly what’s inside: five distinct journeys, each overflowing with sustained passion. It’s a direct invitation to dive into tales where love is a journey, and the desire only grows stronger with time.

Now I want to hear from you!

• What do you think of the title and cover?

• Does the idea of an anthology specifically about married couples interest you?

• What kind of "unruly" passion or unexpected twists do you love to see in stories about established relationships?

Let me know in the comments below! Stay tuned for more sneak peeks and the official release date!

In the meantime, check out my bookstore. Every title is currently 50% off for Cyber Monday.

www.zenawynn.com/shop