Show don’t tell is great advice for writers. But what does it mean? The difference between showing and telling is the difference between immersion and bullet points. Think about when you are learning a new skill. While some people can learn from reading a manual, most of us do better when we observe the task then try it out ourselves.
Take a moment to write the steps for a routine activity such as making a sandwich or washing your face.
Now, think about how you can show the same activity. Did your fingers get sticky from the peanut butter? Did your eyes sting from soap?
One way to immerse your reader in your writing is to use the five senses. Today’s post will focus on the sense of smell.
Show: Smell and Memory
Scientists know that smell evokes strong memories. Have you ever caught a whiff of something that activated a memory? When I smell fallen oak leaves, I immediately think of my childhood home. The fragrance Chanel No. 5 reminds me of Nana, and the scent of pine or peppermint sends my mind skipping through Christmases past.
By using smell-related words to show don’t tell, you can immerse your reader in the moment.
Show: Odor or Fragrance?
Let’s talk about the range of smells. What’s the difference between an odor and a fragrance? Odors are unpleasant and fragrances are enjoyable.
Have you ever encountered a smell so bad that you held your breath to avoid it? That was an odor. Odors are stinky, putrid, acrid, and disgusting. Use nasty smells in your writing to give a sense of evil, discomfort, or filth. Stale sweat, a decomposing carcass, or burnt flesh conjure unpleasant smells and will make your reader uncomfortable. They can hint at evil lurking just around the corner.
What do scented candles, perfume and laundry detergent have in common? They all are enhanced with smells designed to please the consumer. Some smells are so pleasant you can’t get enough of them. Think baby powder, fresh baked bread, and floral scented shampoo. Well, those are my favorites. Yours may be very different, and that’s the beauty of fragrance and aroma. Incorporating diverse and pleasant smells will help your reader get to know your characters.
Degrees of Smelliness
There are hundreds of specific words for odors, fragrances, and aromas. (Aromas are smells usually associated with food). There are dozens of words that describe the act of smelling, sniff, whiff, and inhale are just a few. Don’t be intimidated by the possibilities. A thesaurus can help you find just the right word as well as introduce you to new smelly words. Here are two sites to get you started. https://www.vocabulary.com/lists/155003 https://www.macmillandictionary.com/us/thesaurus-category/american/smelling-unpleasant
The show don’t tell technique transports your reader into your story. Try it!
