Writing With A Crayola - Color In Your Writing
You may not write with crayons, but do you put color into your writing? And what does the history of Crayola have to do with it?
Crayola now has 120 colors to choose from. It got me to thinking about how we add color to our writing. I’m going to explore that topic in the coming weeks here at Grow Your Writing Business.
Like the artist’s palette of colors, the writer’s palette has all the words in the world plus any new ones you care to invent yourself. Isn’t that amazing? All the words in the world. How many of those words do we actually use, I wonder.
New words are being added every day, probably at a faster pace than ever before. And words change too.
I was fascinated by the naming of Crayola colors and how words change as society changes.
- In 1958 “Prussian blue” was changed to “midnight blue.”
- In response to the Civil Rights Movement “Flesh” became “peach” in 1962.
- Indian red” was renamed “chestnut” in 1999 in case it was associated with the skin tones of Native Americans.
More recently added colors include Screamin’ Green, Wild Watermelon and Outrageous Orange which reflect a more upbeat modern lexicon.
Like the artist with his colors, the writer can swirl around the words, mix them and finish with a few deft brushstrokes.
How do you add color to your writing?
P.S.
Don’t forget to follow the discussion for a Grow Your Writing Business meetup via Skype and add your thoughts.
Catch me on the web - Yvonne Russell
www.growyourwritingbusiness.com
www.smallbizmentor.com
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What an intersting way to express this. You’re always so creative, Yvonne.
Mary Emma Allen’s last blog post..Tips For Getting Paid
Hi Yvonne. I miss being here. I love the new and refreshing look of your site.
It’s true, I was amazed by all the new colors when I bought my son a big box of Crayola for school. Words have its own way of evolving in time too. Many new words and concepts get invented like the word blogging for instance. I’m always interested to learn new words and concepts.
Rach (Heart of Rachel)’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday #20
Sometimes I color my writing, although not so much in “business”
But I think writing needs color and dreams. As a painter, the writer can create worlds in colors never seen, can bring to life creatures never imagined. A writer paints with words if you want - and I should know… I do both.
Mihaela Lica’s last blog post..You Need a Second Brain? Now!
Hi Mary Emma
Who doesn’t like playing with crayons and color once in a while? Thanks for your feedback.
Yvonne Russell’s last blog post..Writers Cafe - What Have You Been Up To? Share Your Marvellous Mini Milestones
Hi Rach
Great to see you here. I was surprised to see how crayolas and the names had evolved, much like words as you say.
Hi Mig
Beautifully phrased. How wonderful that you can paint with colors as well as words.