In a post on the Killzone blog, Sue Coletta says that using the sense of smell in your writing can help you unlock your character’s emotional depths.
Biologically, smell has a more direct connection to the memory regions of the brain, and is therefore unique among the senses. “A scene becomes more impactful and memorable when we include smell,” Coletta says. Whether your character is in a forest, bowling alley, restaurant, or gym, various smells will trigger memories and affect their mood.
Coletta suggests this is one reason pumpkin spice flavoring is so popular. “What makes the flavor so widely relatable is the inclusion of spices like cinnamon, clove, ground ginger, and nutmeg that are more prevalent during the holidays,” she explains. “The aroma of pumpkin is associated with Thanksgiving and autumnal harvest — historically, a prosperous time of year.”
Does the smell of a certain dish take your protagonist back to their childhood or stir a significant memory? Are there scents that trigger emotion, like love, security, anger, or fear? As with any of your sensory details, include scents with purpose.
Coletta suggests you can use smells to:
- Enhance the setting
- Transport the reader back in time and/or place
- Pack a more emotional punch
- Set the scene
