Do you remember that smell?

 

I’ve been working on a new story partially set on a farm/ranch reminiscent of where I grew up in South Dakota, and just as I was debating with myself on how to properly describe a particular setting, we had overnight rain and snow. 

I was suddenly reminded me of storms on our farm and how a slough located between the main pasture and our farmyard would smell just after moisture fell.  I was surprised how the thought of that distinctive pungent odor came rushing back to me – and how quickly it gave me a couple of ideas to use in the descriptive parts of my new story.

 

The slough on our farm

 

When you’re writing consider what feelings and emotions a smell evokes, especially if you are using it as a literary device. Smell can both conjure associations with particular events or about general thoughts or emotions. 

Is the smell startling or jarring? Soothing or comforting? Earthy or natural? Chemical or antiseptic?

 

Smell is often strongly associated with memories.  And while, as a writer, this may only be useful to you personally – I think it’s still a good way to help advance your story.  At the very least, jot down the remembrance in your notes or in your journal because you never know when it might come in handy. 

 

 And…happy writing.