Chapter 1: The Impact of Olfactory Descriptions

Recently, while diving into Julie Orringer’s novel, “The Flight Portfolio,” I was struck by her vivid use of scent in her descriptions. They had the remarkable ability to engage my senses fully. For instance, consider how she describes a boat:

“The aroma was invigorating, a distinct blend of salt, wet wood, and sailcloth.”

Or how she portrays a man:

“His scent was a mix of sandalwood and mint.”

Even the grim environment of a prison is captured with:

“…the stench of urine, decayed cabbage, and a rotting rat clung to Danny's skin, his hair, and the fibers of his suit; Varian inhaled that odor like a form of atonement.”

And in a public restroom, she writes:

“He spent the night at the Brigade des Rafles, and by dawn, he splashed water on his face in a restroom reeking of ammonia and dead mouse.”

When depicting New York City in the early 1940s, she encapsulates the chaos and vibrancy:

“A tumultuous roar reminiscent of the Niagara, a dazzling array of windows soaring into the sky; the stench of refuse, the aroma of roasting nuts, the pungent scent of tar, the sweet smell of gasoline, burning leaves from the park, and the popcorn wafting from the cinema doors; this was what he insisted on calling home…”

These evocative scents prompted me to reflect on how I, as a writer, can harness the power of smell to enrich my descriptions. I aim to captivate my readers not just with visual and auditory elements, but also with olfactory experiences.

The Nose's Connection to Emotion

A human being can identify over 1 TRILLION different scents and, intriguingly, our sensitivity to certain smells can surpass that of dogs. While we may not have a trillion words to describe these odors, the vastness of our olfactory capabilities invites writers to utilize the descriptive terms we do possess.

Often, smell is regarded as the overlooked sense, partly due to the difficulty in articulating aromas and the prevalence of unpleasant odors. Think of sour milk or rotten meat.

Conversely, some scents bring immediate joy. For example, the delicate fragrance of a newborn's neck is unforgettable. (Interestingly, infants can recognize their mother’s scent by their second day of life.) Then there's the charming “puppy breath” or the universally adored “new car smell.”

What makes the sense of smell so compelling is its direct pathway to the emotional and memory-processing regions of the brain, bypassing the thalamus, which mediates other senses.

The Emotional Ties of Scent

I once entered a store in Disneyworld and, upon catching a whiff of a particular tobacco fragrance, I was instantly transported back to my grandfather’s lap. I could vividly visualize and feel that moment once more, even though he had passed away years ago, thanks to that distinct aroma of his pipe tobacco.

There was another instance when a familiar aftershave scent in a crowded place halted me; it stirred up a deep longing, reminding me of someone significant from my past.

While browsing for lotion, a saleslady opened a tube and proclaimed it one of their bestsellers. One whiff brought tears to my eyes; it was the same fragrance my mother wore during her final days, and she had just passed away a week prior. The emotional weight of that scent was overwhelming.

“Scents can evoke memories more vividly than images ever could.” — Anne Tyler

You likely have your own recollections related to scent. Recognizing the profound influence smell has, we should leverage it to engage our readers.

Unique Body Odor and Attraction

Each person possesses a unique scent, akin to an aromatic fingerprint. Indeed, "the scent of a woman" (to quote Al Pacino) or "the scent of a man" could be pivotal in physical attraction. Some researchers speculate that our attraction to a potential mate's scent serves a biological purpose, safeguarding our genetic diversity. Individuals too genetically similar often have unappealing scents to one another, a subconscious alert.

“I emitted some civetlike female stink, a distinct perfume of sexual wanting, that he had followed to find me here in the dark.” — Janet Fitch, White Oleander

Looking ahead, it is believed that businesses may incorporate scent into their branding strategies. (Imagine the irresistible aroma of Cinnabon.)

Crime victims may soon be able to identify their attackers by scent alone.

Emotions, too, may have their unique fragrances, with distinct odors corresponding to feelings of anxiety, stress, or joy. Research is now suggesting that scents might even be contagious; for instance, if you see a friend laughing and smile back, you could also be inhaling the scent of their happiness, which in turn boosts your own mood.

“Fear has a smell — as love does.” — Margaret Atwood

As writers, consider whether your characters have distinctive scents. Thank you, Louise Penny, for giving Inspector Gamache his signature Rosewater and Sandalwood fragrance. Do your settings emanate any scents? Can you incorporate a whiff, a whiff, a stench, or a delightful aroma? If you aim to evoke emotions in your readers, harness the power of scent.

When we think of pleasant smells, roses, lilacs, and lavender come to mind. But there are also the odors of sea spray, fresh-cut grass, and even the earthy scent of cow manure at harvest time. The spectrum of aromas is vast—from cinnamon to curry, blood to berries, ashes to woodsmoke. A trillion scents await writers, ready to be woven into descriptions to elicit powerful emotional responses.

Chapter 2: Practical Tips for Incorporating Smell

In this video, titled "Octopath Traveler - Alfyn Concoct Guide / All Chapter #1 Concoctions," the creator showcases how to effectively utilize scents in gameplay, providing insights that can be applied to writing as well.

Another video, "Sassy Girl Aroma | Haul #10 - Resort Lobby Preorder | Initial Impressions | September 2022," offers initial impressions on various fragrances, which can inspire writers to think creatively about scent in their narratives.