Tag: Smell

The smell of salt water, ocean breezes, dried-out kelp strewn across the sand… What are your character’s maritime memories or associations? A waterbound escape? A grueling job? Flashbacks to a happy childhood vacation?

Step inside this photo and take a deep breath. Breathe in all the smells surrounding you–the salt water, the smoke from the distant barbecue. Capture a portrait of a late summer evening using your sense of scent.

Today it’s up to you. Click on one of the following photos and use that as your prompt today. Already done that one? Try it again and see what you come up with!

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Chardonnay, root beer, lemon soda, or water… what are you drinking right now? Exercise your sense of smell by turning off your tastebuds for a few sips and trying one or both of these prompts:

• Using only your sense of smell, and without telling what you’re drinking, see if you can write a description that would make anyone instantly know what’s in your glass.
• Does the smell tell you anything about where the individual ingredients came from? Does it take you to a lush vineyard or a refreshing spring? What about a noisy factory or a flavor lab? Spend five minutes freewriting about this, starting with smell and then going wherever your imagination leads.

What’s cooking in your character’s kitchen right now?