Bad Hair and Writers

I've talked about my Hair from Hell here before. The other day, instead of making an extra stop to pick up some gel and/or mousse, I opted to grab something from the store I was in. I was in a hurry - what's new? - and I was out of everything that comes close to controlling the stuff that sprouts from my head.

I should've known better.

But I was derailed. The little can boasted a great name and claimed to work miracles. It was in the area with premium brands. So I thought I'd give it a shot.

O.M.G.

The next morning I toweled try. Squirted some of the noo-goo into my hand. Rubbed it into my hair. Grabbed the brush. Flipped on the dryer.

Now I called this stuff noo-goo. I should have called it Nue-Glue. I've never had such a mess in my life. Well, yeah I have, but I'm not talking about those now. So this became The Mess.

In that short amount of time, the product was already drying in my hair. The brush didn't want to go through it, and I kept having to stop to pull it out. The brush, not my hair. Although at that point, my hair was a viable option. I gave up with the brush and used my fingers instead. The result - even when my hair was completely dry - was a sticky, heavy glob of brown covering my head.

Maybe this product works on some hair. But it doesn't work on mine. Needless to say, I made an extra trip to the store that carries the brand I use and purchased both gel and mousse. Then I came home and re-washed my hair.

I consider this a warning. I only thought I had Hair from Hell. Now I know what Hair from Hell REALLY looks like.

Since this is Writing Monday, how does this relate? I can think of a couple of ways.

One, don't be afraid to try something new. If you're coming up empty, do a mental switch and give it a go. You'll find out right away if your new direction will work for you or not.

Two, when you reread what you've written and it sounds sticky-gooey instead of pizzazz-popping, wash it out. Hit the delete key and insert the jazzy words you intended to be there in the first place.

I'm outta here for a few hours.

But first I have to fix my hair.

Comments

Arlee Bird said…
Well, at least you've got hair. I could never use this analogy.
LOL arlee bird!! Great analogy, Carol!
Laura Eno said…
Sounds like a gooey mess, but great analogy!
I really like your comparisons. There are so many products out there and they make them all sound like miracle workers that it’s hard to resist trying something different. I often have less than satisfactory results but I keep trying anyway. It’s true, it’s exactly like my style of writing!
Carol Kilgore said…
Thanks. Even if you don't have hair, Arlee, maybe you'll remember the analogy when you're editing.
Mason Canyon said…
I've heard of dedicated writers before but to go through all of that just to make a point about writing, you are beyond dedicated. :) I know you didn't just do it because you were running late, that doesn't help to us folks. All jokes aside, very good tips on writing and good analogy.
Maryannwrites said…
LOL, great save at the end to tie this to writing. I can't imagine having that kind of mess with my hair.
Carol Kilgore said…
Mason - You caught me! I started on the story and wondered what in the world it had to do with writing. And I wasn't so much running any later than I normally do, but I absolutely did not want to make yet another stop. There are days I feel like a bus driver.

Maryann - I could've taken a self-photo, but you wouldn't have been able to feel it. Nasty.
Ann Elle Altman said…
I've never heard writing compared with hair gel before but I love your metaphor and the point.

ann
I'm afraid Arlee Bird and I share the same folically challenged issues. Still, it's nice to hear hair stories. One can dream.

Best Wishes Galen Kindley
Imagineering Fiction Blog
Carol Kilgore said…
Ann - Whatever works. Like hair gel.

Galen - There are times I'm tempted to grab a razor. Except I fear what my head might look like. I'm thinking it's pretty bumpy. Might be worse than bad hair.
Me too! I've got bad hair, too!

And I also had a hard time for 2 days with my current WIP. I did just as you suggested and experimented with an idea. It worked out really well. :)

Elizabeth
I've dumped plenty of new products over time, and deleted 15,000 words when I was just 30,000 words into the current wip. We have to admit when we've made a mistake, I guess...
Carol Kilgore said…
Elizabeth - I'm so happy to hear your experimental idea worked! And so sorry to hear you have bad hair :( I wouldn't wish bad hair on anyone.

Patricia - Sometimes those products don't measure up. I've never dumped half of a project, but I have dumped close to a third. It's scary.
I'm sorry, but there isn't much worse than bad hair unless it's a reject from.... Hopefully you can get your locks back in shape soon.
Unknown said…
EXCELLENT post and great job tying it to writing! For anyone who's had a bad hair day (haven't we all?) this had me in stitches!
Elspeth Futcher said…
I feel your pain. There are days I'm grateful hats were invented. It just goes to show that trying something new can be good - or it can just make a mess. Sometimes uncharted territory is uncharted for a reason - those old maps didn't label certain parts 'there be dragons here' for nothing!
Angela said…
That`s the good thing about getting older, you have gone through most of these trial and error mistakes and by now you know pretty well what you should leave to others (Schnaps, with me). Good post!
Finally I followed your rules to deserve the award! Thanks again.
Carol Kilgore said…
Teresa - I think bad hair is worse than rejections. It's always there.

Crystal - Thanks!

Elspeth - Aren't hats wonderful! But then, there's Hat Hair. . . .

Angela - I'm heading to your blog right now :)
Helen Ginger said…
When it comes to hair products, I would add, if it doesn't work for you, immediately dump the product. Often, I've tried something, it didn't work, and I tuck it away under the sink. A year later, I'm looking for something to use, pull it out, and discover why I hated it, but not why I kept it around. (Probably the miser in me.)

Loved the way you linked this to writing!

Helen
Straight From Hel
Carol Kilgore said…
Uh . . . have you been looking under my bathroom sink? I guess I'm miserly, too.
Aubrie said…
Just stopping in to say I'm following your blog!
Carol Kilgore said…
Hi Aubrie! I hope you'll enjoy it here.
Laura Eno said…
Carol - You have an award waiting for you over on my blog. :)
Carol Kilgore said…
Thanks, Laura. I'm checking it out.
Anonymous said…
Hehehe.. Sorry to laugh at your pain but it's just so darned funny. Good analogy too, by the way. Completely works.:)
Carol Kilgore said…
I've got the good stuff now!

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