How is Story Revision Like Fall Leaves and Women’s Hair Color?
Posted by lindamartinandersen on September 16, 2015
“How is Story Revision Like Fall Leaves and Women’s Hair Color?” by Linda Martin Andersen
Question: How is story revision like fall leaves and women’s hair color?”
Answer: They change.
That’s my riddle for today. Here’s what inspired it:
I love to write for children. I’m currently working on a picture book manuscript. Fellow writers critiqued my story and I revised and sent it back for another round of critiques. I recently told a friend, “I’m already thinking on my next changes. I added that my stories change as often as some women’s hair color.” I hope that brought a smile to her and to you too.
I used to work with a lady who dyed her hair frequently. If I had been asked to describe her, I’m not sure I would have known what color hair to name. Today, people may choose to color their hair blue or bright red. Why? For FUN!
Why do tourist go to see the leaves change colors? They’re beautiful. And it’s FUN!
Let’s make story revision FUN too!
I look forward to your comments. Riddles are welcome too. Thanks for stopping in. Come again soon and bring a friend. Please remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them. Thank you!
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A Writer's Playground 
Carol Baldwin said
hmmm… pretty good comparison if you ask me–as one who dyes her hair and revises A LOT!
lindamartinandersen said
Carol,
I’m glad you enjoyed the humor! Thanks for commenting. And I’ll never tell about the color changes.
Janis Silverman said
I like these analogies for revision. It’s like dust. It has to be done again and again, but the end product looks good. Because I have vision deficits, I listen to what I have written. It has to sound fluent, descriptive and interesting. Listening can be helpful to others, too.
Also, I take a vacation now and then from a manuscript. When I come back to it, I listen and pick up things that need reision. Fresh eyes; fresh ears.A “vacation” might be a few days or longer.
lindamartinandersen said
Oh Janis, let’s don’t talk about dust. No fun! Although, I agree the end product does look good.
A vacation from a manuscript is helpful, as is listening to it being read. Great tips. Thanks for passing them along! I appreciate hearing from you. Thank you for your loyalty! Keep up the great writing!
Joan Y. Edwards said
Dear Linda,
I used to dye my hair every 3 months. Now I leave it au-natural. However, I for one would like to put blue chalk in my hair. Maybe for the SCBWI-Carolinas Conference. Why not? It’ll wash out.
Have a fun day being your sweet self!
Joan
lindamartinandersen said
Blue chalk does sound fun! “Chalk it up” to one for revisions. Couldn’t resist the pun.;) Thanks for your comments and fun ways!
Kristina Stanley said
Yep, every month it’s time to change the hair colour. Gotta keep things interesting.
lindamartinandersen said
Kristina,
You’re fun! That’s why you like revising, I’d guess. Thanks for adding to this conversation.
Tracy Campbell said
Linda, what a fun post. Loved the riddle. And so glad you’re revising, revising, revising. I do the same things maybe a little to much. I can’t wait until your PB is published. I love watching the leaves change color. 🙂
lindamartinandersen said
Tracy,
Thanks for letting me know that you enjoyed my post. And yes, I do revise a lot. So much so, my fingers should be pumping iron. Corny yes, but couldn’t resist! I love your positive thinking–a published PB. I can’t wait either. Now to get one ready to send. 😉
I love Fall too!
Kathleen said
Love your riddle! What a great way to look at the revision process 🙂
lindamartinandersen said
I’m glad you enjoyed my riddle. Thanks for commenting. I love fall and most of the time I love revising. 🙂
Becky Shillington said
I’m one of those people who thinks revision is FUN too, Linda! Happy revising!!
lindamartinandersen said
Hi Becky,
Same to you! Happy revising all year long! Glad you know how to have fun with it too!