We've done exercises with two of the sesnses (hearing and taste) in the past few weeks. Today, let's concentrate on the sense of smell. Our nose tells us a great deal about our surroundings, doesn't it? Right now, we're in a wonderful time of year to tickle our noses.
But, we all know there are smells we delight in and those that make us want to hold our nose to block them out. Adding sensory details like this when we write helps the reader to relate, to be able to feel like they are with you rather than standing afar and reading your words.
For the exercise, go through the list below and write a sentence or two, or even a paragraph highlighting and describing the smell. Don't only say The cookies smelled good. or The sewer smelled bad. Be a little more creative.
- a real Christmas tree
- fresh laundry
- something baking in the oven
- smoke
- candle
- gasoline
- coffee
- a rose
- a peach
- tar
- Vicks Vapo-rub
- a loaded trash can
- baby lotion
- a wet dog
- a cigar
- meat roasting
Just this morning, I was reading through a critique one of my online writing group members did on a personal essay of mine. She suggested adding more sensory details and pointed out specific places where I might use them. I should have noticed those places when I did my revisions and editing, but they slipped right by me. By doing an exercise like above, it makes us more conscious of the need for sensory details.
I smell coffee brewing so I'm off to inhale that delightful, tantalizing smell!
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