Summary

The web content discusses the "Hue Questionnaire," a writing prompt that explores an individual's connection to their favorite color, with a personal twist from the author.

Abstract

The "Hue Questionnaire" is introduced as a unique writing prompt that probes into the psychological reasons behind one's preference for a particular color. Originating from a questionnaire the author received a decade ago, it serves as an alternative to a standard author bio and has been incorporated into the author's novel. The prompt challenges writers to reflect on their favorite color, its significance in their lives, and its symbolic meanings. The author shares their own responses, favoring the color black for its versatility and cultural references, and encourages other writers to participate in this introspective exercise. The article also emphasizes the importance of not discarding any written piece, as it can be repurposed in various creative ways.

Opinions

The author's favorite color is black, chosen for its versatility and cultural significance in music and fashion.
Black is preferred over other colors like white, blue, or red, with the author dismissing common associations of black with negativity or melancholy.
The author values the color black for its association with influential figures and cultural icons, such as Johnny Cash and Darth Vader.
The article suggests that colors can have a deep personal connection and reflect one's identity, much like the dynamic between band members or writing partners.
The author playfully criticizes the stereotypical association of black with evil or darkness, especially in teenage subcultures and horror genres.
The "Hue Questionnaire" is presented as a fun and insightful exercise that can inspire even the most prompt-resistant writers.
The author uses humor and sarcasm in their responses, indicating a self-aware

Color Coded: The Hue Questionnaire Writing Prompt

A deep dive

The latest writing prompt sweeping the Mediumverse is the “This or That Challenge,” which had a Christmas-themed version and now has one for the new year as well. The Christmas prompt asked the question “Red or White,” which reminded me of a questionnaire sent to me by an Australian publisher about ten years ago; he used it in place of a simple author bio, and I am adapting it as a prompt of my own.

It’s called the “Hue Questionnaire,” and rather than simply asking what your favorite color is, it delves deeper into your troubled psyche to determine why you are drawn to that specific color. My answers tended to be on the sarcastic side, which I’m sure shocks everyone who knows me.

Hanging on to that questionnaire further supports my earlier article about authors never throwing away any piece of writing; not only am I using it here, I included a version of it in one of my novels. It’s a fun exercise, and perhaps one that will even draw in Eric Pierce and Simon Dillon, two of the most prompt-resistant writers you will find anywhere. Pierce McIntyre will probably start his response before I finish typing.

1. What is your favorite color? Why?

Black, because it matches my heart. Actually, it matches everything, and with my fashion sense, that’s a plus. Musically speaking, it’s just better; ask yourself: “Back in Black” or “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”? “Paint It Black” or “99 Red Balloons”? Pearl Jam’s Black, Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, and Metallica’s Black album. And of course, Johnny Cash was the Man in Black.

2. Do you wear this color? How often and when?

Yes, pretty much daily and everywhere. Typically, the shirts and cowboy boots are black…and blue jeans, which does not mean I’m partial to blue. I’m partial to jeans…it’s a Texas thing.

3. What does the color suggest to you?

Possibilities. Why is it that only a white canvas can be considered blank?

4. What does it not suggest to you?

Evil, melancholy, darkness, or any of the other reasons teenagers and horror writers like it. Darth Vader was a badass in black, while Luke Skywalker was a wimp in white.

5. How long has it been your favorite color?

It was always one of my favorites, but it rocketed to the top when I realized it made me look less fat.

6. When does it not work for you?

In the shower.

7. How does the color relate to you, or you to it? Are you this color or is this color you?

Colors don’t typically relate to me, and I don’t work, play, or relate well with anyone, including colors. I am not this color (though I wanted to be Kareem Abdul-Jabbar when I was a kid playing basketball, if that means anything) and this color would likely not want to be me. We co-exist peacefully mainly because we’re stuck together, like Lennon and McCartney, Keith and Mick, Morrissey and Marr … only with less drama.

Now that wasn’t hard, was it? Tell me the why of your favorite color Terry Barr, Alex Markham, Mark Holburn, Arpad Nagy, Nichola Scurry, Aimée Gramblin, Paul Walker, Penelope Mayfield, Celtic Chameleon, Lark Morrigan, Amy Sea, Mary DeVries, and anyone else willing to bare your colorful soul.

Here’s a colorful song to help you along:

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