Using the Senses: Smell

We've been talking about creating a sensual writing environment, and today we're concentrating on the sense of smell. Are you aware of the smells around you?

You know I share the office with cat litter and a guinea pig, so I'm a hypocrite for even writing on this topic! But smells do affect me, especially homey smells like cinnamon, apples and vanilla. I appreciate fresh air whether the scent of freshly cut grass wafts in or not. What about the subtle smells--the faint paint odor and the distinctive smell of carpet--do they subconsciously affect my writing?

My daily cups of coffee wreath the office in a rich, decadent smell. Erica, who writes the terrific On the Write Path blog, relies on her beloved Earl Grey tea to write. When she mentioned it, I went ahead and picked up a tin. The spicy aroma teases my senses.

Have you ever played around with aromatherapy? Several years ago, I became intrigued with blending my own oils, and I still have many of them. Peppermint, cloves, rose, rosemary, lemongrass, lavender, anise--each gives off a unique smell and sparks a feeling within. The freshness of peppermint lightens me, brightens me. The husky deepness of cloves makes me yearn for candlelight.

Currently, my favorite odor in the office is the smell of a fresh-lit match followed by the melting of a scented candle. The guinea pig bedding is my least favorite. I may dust off the essential oils to override it. I know there's an essential oil burner in the closet somewhere!

It's fun to play around with smells when you're writing. Linger in a candle store and think about the feelings each candle evokes. Try an exotic votive for a frugal thrill. Purposely light a candle to match the mood of the scene you're working on. When you're finished, analyze if it helped your writing or not.

Join me on Wednesday when we'll discuss the sense of sound.

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