Tuesday's Writer's Tip The Senses - Smell #MFRWAuthor #BWLPublishing #Scent

Often neglected, the sense of smell always brings memories to mind both pleasant and unpleasant. Think of the many times, you've smelled something and a memory pops into your head. When you're writing, the smell of something can be used in two ways.

The first way is to show a character's reaction to the scent of something. Does it evoke memories in this person bringing them to act in some way? I once used the sc3ent of baking cookies to bring my heroine to a conclusion about her reactions to a person. The scent of flowers can bring memories. My heroes and heroines often work in hospitals. What better way to evoke a mood than to use these senses.

Another way is to have your reader remember something in their life and build a sympathy and understanding of your character. The cookie aroma has often brought remarks from readers. about how they had a short memory of their reaction. You've drawn them into the story.

There are some wonderful words to describe scents. I'll list a few and see how you react. The cloying scent of her perfume.  The rancid scent of spoiled food. So when you're writing, be sure to bring the senses into play and use them to add depth to your characters, settings and the plot.  Think about the smells of the forest, the ones of a nursery and anywhere you've laced your characters to add depth to your story.

Tuesday's Inspirations - Looking At The Senses -- Smell

How often do we neglect to put the sense of smell into our stories. Sure you might say she smelled like flowers. Numerous scents filled the air. What one must remember as a writer that the aroma of things often triggers memories in people. Smell can be used in so many ways.

To define character - The smell of alcohol on his breath was strong enough if someone lit a match he'd be a fire-breather.

Soft scent of lilac arose from the trunk as she pulled out the ancient wedding dress.

Tommy ran into the house. The aroma of chocolate and sugar made him grin. "Mom, you're making cookies.

Not only people but places. Think of the dank aromas of a swamp, the mustiness of an old house, the freshness of the air after rain. The smells of the forest, trees,leaves on the ground.

What about the sweet smell of a baby with the powder and lotion.

Writing is more than what you see and hear. Use senses that trigger your memories, good or bad and see what happens when you put these in a story and a reader relates and brings their own memories into the story.