by Alina Chase
- (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
We
readers always seem to know what characters are wearing, but how
often do we know what they smell like? Scent is so neglected,
especially as it relates to humans, you’d think it was taboo.
Scents
(or aromas or stenches) are always present. They evoke memories like
no other sense can. Faint or strong, pleasant or not, smells
associated with experiences make powerful and lasting impressions.
Does
Jordan’s apartment smell like cookies, disinfectant or dirty socks?
Does the park smell like your grandmother’s roses, sunbaked earth
or ripening dog poop?
And
don’t you know without checking for evidence in the trash can that
your co-worker ate a fast food burger and fries for lunch--if not
from the salty, greasy smell hovering in the office, then from her
breath? (Perhaps not, if her noontime dose of musky perfume knocks
you out first.)
Begin
paying attention to all aromas you encounter, and especially to the
memories and emotions they evoke. And keep in mind how life
experiences shape our gut responses. The sweet scent of gardenias
reminds one of romance, another of funerals. The earthy smell of
horses may be nostalgic or nauseating. Cologne may be enticing or
asphyxiating. Might scent not be more than an interesting detail, but
also a subtle source of attraction or conflict?
So
before your next writing session, take a deep breath. Imagine how
easily you can create more vivid and memorable experiences for your
readers by infusing scenes with what things and places--and
characters--smell like.
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