The Fragrant Cauldron: Using Unique Scents in Writing—Part III

Part III of The Fragrant Cauldron: Using Unique Scents in Writing continues with scents from J-R. The next installment should wrap up this series, and I truly hope you have enjoyed it and it has inspired you and your writing! As always, it's important to use sensory details in our writing. Scent, for most people, is linked to memory, so it's sure to conjure up something in your reader. The provided list of scents should also help you when you're stuck, and I've even heard of some writers using one particular scent to inspire an entire piece of writing! Perhaps a poem will come from your memory of jellybeans, or a short story might revolve around your grandmother's rose perfume.

Let me know if you can think of any other scents, and have fun!



J

Jelly/Jam
Jasmine
Juniper
Juice
Jellybeans
JELL-O
Jack-O-Lantern (burning)

K

Ketchup
Kiwi
Keylime Pie


L

Lavender
Lotion
Lavatory
Lead
Leaves
Lemon
Lime
Laundry
Lilacs
Licorice
Lysol
Leather
Lemonade
Lily
Linens

M

Marshmallow
Marmalade
Milk (sour)
Mushrooms
Musk
Mildew
Macintosh Apple
Mint
Melon
Maple (syrup)
Muffins
Mustard
Mittens (wool, old, wet)
Mothballs
Mango
Margarita
Mocha
Mountain (air)
Mistletoe
Mulberry
Meat

N

Nuts
Nutmeg
Noodles (buttered)
Narcissus
Noel (Christmastime)
New Car
Nectarine

O

Orange
Onions
Oil
Olives
Oatmeal
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ocean
Orange Sherbet
Orchid
Oriental (incense, spice)
Outdoors

P

Perfume
Pickles
Peach
Pomegranate
Pear
Pumpkin
Peppermint
Pine
Paprika
Pepper (black)
Pina Colada
Patchouli
Pizza
Pineapple
Pretzels
Pencil
Peanut Butter
Pancakes
Pipe Smoke
Popcorn
Papaya
Peanuts (roasted)
Peppers (chili, red, green)
Potpourri
Potato Chips
Pecans
Plums

Q

Quail
Quiche
Queso
Quesadilla
Quince

R

Roses
Rosemary
Raspberry
Roast
Rags (dirty)
Ribs
Rubber
Rum
Raisins
Rain
Root Beer
Raspberry Lemonade
Rainforest

Don't forget to check out my other blog: The Steps to Getting Published (co-authored with writer Emrald Sethna) if you're interested in publishing tips, writing prompts, and publishing opportunities!

Here's the link: http://thestepstogettingpublished.blogspot.com