COLOR MY WORLD

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Word-Count: 753
Category: Writing

TITLE: COLOR MY WORLD
Author: Arleen M. Kaptur

If the world had no color, would you still want to live in it? You wake up in the morning to shades of black, grey and white. That is the full spectrum of
tints, tones, and hues. Nothing else just variations on these three colors.

Your home would be decorated in these shades and if you stepped outside, there it would be again. A color range that only had three choices plus any
derivatives. Dull, monotonous, and very unappealing.

But our world is made up of color. Lots of colors to choose from. You arrange your home around your favorites, and your garden just blooms with flowers
that take your breath away. Wherever you look or travel, or happen to be, you are surrounded by shades of color that inspire, enlighten and make life
worthwhile. Then, as writers, why don't we use colorful descriptions, conversations, and characters? Pick up a newspaper and you know basically how
each story will start, the questions an interviewer will ask, and in some circumstances, how it will all turn out. Some stories resemble others so closely that if you are reading one of these colorless renderings your mind is probably ten pages ahead of your eyes. Sometimes you wonder where all the
glitter and shine has gone in some of today's literature.

When you try to research any subject, there is a very good chance that half the articles or books you pick up will describe your topic in about the same
way, even using the same words. When this happens, your mind takes notice and realizes that one of these writers either didn't really delve deep enough into the material or he/she just decided that all the other writers knew what they were talking about so it was
all right to copy it, change it a wee bit, and sign their name to it. Ahem! how long do you think this deception would last?

Today the world is better educated, more in touch with the world than ever before, and are very well read in whatever interests them. Today's writers, therefore, have to be a hop and a skip in front of their audience and present their material in a way
that is fresh, new, and will excite or motivate the reader. This is especially true if you write for younger people and children. Using your imagination and your skills to render stories, articles, and novels (fiction and non-fiction) that will be "fresh and new" is your key to success. Don't copy what has been done and especially not in the same words. This is unforgivable and all your pens should be removed from your desk immediately!

In all fairness, some content will resemble what others may have thought or put to paper, but this should be
happenstance and not intentional. Your mind is beautiful in its own way, your thoughts are an indication of who you are, and so should your writing let others know what you believe in, and how you interpret the world around you. If a reader wants a Hemingway story-line, then most assuredly, they will
seek out Mr. Hemingway. But if they want to know more about anything, discover a new slant to an issue, or investigate new courses, then color their world with your insight, talent, and interpretations. Duplicating
someone else's work is not a form of flattery, in essence, it is an insult to your own writing capabilities.

There are a lot of colors to choose from in our world, and as far as writing is concerned, the supply of shades and tints is limitless. The only ceiling is the one we put up when we tap into someone else's methods and
musings. Definitely reading the masters and learning from authors who are experts in their fields is one step to good writing, but the challenge is to turn what you have learned into a whole new world. Give your readers the gift of color, and you will have a willing audience for anything you write. Paint in shades of black and white and your
words will fall on deaf ears. Shakespeare can never be duplicated, but he can be the central point to a new realization or depiction. If you use someone else's words and thoughts then you will forever stand in the
shadows. As a writer, there is enough sunshine for everyone to stake claim to a place of their own. The color of your world is what readers are looking for.
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June