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Write using Scent…

The Scent of Fall. Think about it, what do Autumn Scents evoke? In the South, we plant Pansies, we collect hydrangeas on the wane…drying. The Zinnias are making one last effort. Full Blown Roses may take center stage on the fall floral scents. Yet. And this is Important- Fall Scent is really the decay of leaves and moss or fungi breaking down, this creates the musky sugary scent of a leaf pile. Yes, Mums have a distinct spicy scent and as fruit ripens- well you know the scent of ripe fruit, right?

Scents are closely associated with Memories. For instance, I worked for the Fragrance Division of Oscar de la Renta- the Classic Oscar fragrance was born from his stroll through his mother’s garden in the Dominican Republic. He picked a bouquet and the scent was born. With floral scents of Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Rose and Gardenia- Oscar brilliantly added herbs- Basil, Lavender and Rosemary. There is also a hint of Coconut and Cloves. So! Why all of this talk of Scent? Well..

When we show off our photos or even videos, we appeal to sight, maybe sound- using only 2 of our 5 senses. There are 3 more senses we need to appeal to our audiences. Scent is one of them- if you show Fall Food- write about the scent as the Food is prepared. Let us know the aroma is irresistible. If you show Fall Gardens, please know that it’s not the scent of a Pumpkin or an Apple- you want to evoke in your audience. It’s the Warm Spices of a Pie, hot from an oven. Create a Memory using Scent. That’s the biggest lesson of Writing in this post. Yes, we enjoy the photos, yet it’s the combination of images and words which form the greatest attraction. Writing which uses the Unseen Senses of Photography and is one of the best ways to draw us in. What keeps us there? is Writing about it!

A cosy blanket? Help me ‘Feel’ the Texture. Tell me what I taste and smell when I read your post- Warm Bread? Oh my, yes! Caramel? Did you know Caramel is one of the Burnt Sugar Scents of Autumn- the distinct burning of the sugary scent of Fall Leaves. It’s a scientific fact- when leaves fall and turn brown, part of the process is releasing sugars to feed the plants and trees through the winter.

Try on the Scents of Fall as you write, create more than Beauty- Create a Memory. Just like Oscar created a Memory of Home in his mother’s flower garden.

Love y’all, Brenda

PS. Sorry it’s been a while since I’ve written a post! I’m about halfway through creating an online course- A Beginner’s Guide to Visual Marketing. Stay tuned.

Posted on by camellia's cottage · 2 Comments

A Writing Lesson using Doors…

A fun way to Write is to assign Human Characteristics to Inanimate Objects such as Doors.. It’s no secret that I love architectural elements. I take photographs of fences, railings, windows, shutters, windowboxes and more…especially Doors. Though this Writing Lesson may focus on doors, the technique applies to any inanimate object of your choice.

Take this first block of doors… that White Tool Shed, she’s a hard worker, down to earth with an unexpected flair for the dramatic with that blue door. The Hidden Door on a side street strikes me as a shy, private one- though hoping to be found, she secretly longs to stand out. That impressive Pediment in Constitution Hall, speaks of confident authority- yet one who probably wears sensible shoes. In contrast, there’s the humble thrifty landowner who probably caught paint on sale and didn’t give a whit about that showy color! Don’t you know that’s true!

In this block, there’s the introverted nature lover who obviously enjoys quiet and solitude. Bermed in, yet that blue Door is ready to welcome a friend or two. Now, the pretty Door with a Vine is a cheerful soul, a generous gardener who offers rustic dinner parties after holding a cooking class. Don’t you love her already? Oh my, that amazing Ornate Exterior has amassed a fortune, is also home to a fashionista. She’s a not-so-subtle standout with impeccable taste. The humble rustic door is concerned with protecting house and home- how do I know this? Well, it belonged to pioneer Kit Carson!

I had to include at least one window, a warm, open, happy personality, who allows us to see just the right amount of her humble home. as she breezes easily through her life.

Of course, the opening image is a Sanctuary Door- welcome, wise and strong. It’s as if She knows, at some point in our lives, we’re all going to need a discreet Listener. You know? I love them all- beautiful, unique as a fingerprint- serving their own purpose- big or small. Still. If I had to choose, it would be that white tool shed with the blue door. Why? I’ve decided that she’s actually a ‘Work in Progress’. Yes, I definitely relate to that! Which one would you choose? And, if you’d like to give it a try, assign human characteristics to an inanimate object like a Door.

Love y’all, Brenda

P.S. If you’d like to be on our mailing list for the free planning guides- drop me an email at brenda@brenda-wyatt.com