Writing Exercise--The Sense of Smell

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! 

Where Does This Path Lead?

The Road to Where?

What a perfect picture for a writing prompt. Look at it carefully for several minutes. Don't just glance at it. Take time to study the picture. Where is that road going to take you? Are you happy about walking on beyond what you can see? Or are you fearful of what lies in wait for you? 

Try to use lots of sensory details when you write something prompted by this gorgeous fall scene? Look at the sky, the leaves, the bare trees, the fence and the path itself. How does the air feel? Does it have a chill to it or is it a warm Indian Summer day? The picture lends itself to some great descriptions as you travel on to whatever is at the end. 

Are you alone or with one or more others? Will it be a memory from your past or something brand new? Is the story going to be happy, scary, or sad? 

Don't start writing too soon. Give yourself time to concentrate on the picture, to let it penetrate into your mind. Monday is a good day to try a writing exercise. Maybe it will inspire your writing for the remainder of this week.