Midweek Writing Prompt: Scent memory (10/8/14)
In my classrooms and workshops, I strive to create safe, welcoming writing communities where individuals feel free to explore ideas, stories, and concepts without judgment. After all, we need those spaces to get started. The judgment – of editors, professors, critical friends – will come later. But in the beginning, we need that soft, friendly embrace where anything is possible and everyone loves you. Let’s go there together.
When my schedule allows, I will post writing prompts for you to play with. I encourage you to write something and to share those initial efforts in the comment section, or even your response to the prompt – tell us what happened when you sat down to write. After all, some of these prompts will lead you down a path toward publication – I’ve seen that happen often enough to be confident in that statement.
Give it a try! 🙂
Writing Prompt: Scent memory
This prompt involves action. Go find a park, a field, a forest, a trail, a path, and spend an hour there. No phone, no music, no other person or pet with you. Just you, the scent of nature, your thoughts, pen and notebook (go old school for this one). Inhale deeply, observe closely, and allow your mind to wander. Focus on the smells of the place – decaying leaves, fresh cut grass, moist earth, fragrant pines or flowers, manure. What do those scents remind you of? Do any feel particularly familiar? If so, why? Where have you encountered that scent before?
Start writing. See what happens. You may be pleasantly surprised. 🙂
Amanda Morris, Ph.D. 