We have five senses…but it’s recently come to my attention that the novels I read (and write), smell truly pervades the setting. Think about your own favorite place. Now when you picture it, doesn’t your mind flock to its scent? It must. It definitely does. 

This then got me thinking about the study and science of smell, which has led me down a very interesting road of research. And I never imagined being this engaged in the process, but I love reading about the history and science of smell. Articles, books, studies. All of it.

One of the books I am reading refers to smell as the “Cinderella of the Senses.” Kind of tossed aside because she is quite complex to measure and study, but man, is she important to our experience here on Earth. Anyway, I won’t bore you with all of my findings. That’s what my husband is for! My favorite smell is pine needles. Our favorites are attached to memories and repeated pleasurable experiences. Pine needles mean winter and trees, and well, I love them both. Our brains are the ones in charge of the olfactory experiences. The nose is simply the vehicle. It’s the brain equipment that analyzes the molecules. Oh! There I go! 

UPDATES: click on this link to PREORDER a well curated collection of stories about New Jersey. Support small presses. Holiday shop early.

My piece in Stay Salty is called “Skee-Ball.”

https://read-furiously.square.site/product/preorder-stay-salty-life-in-the-garden-state/54
Italian Bones in the Snow: Release Date remains 2/22/22; my cover is being designed as we speak. EEEEEK!!!

One more Cherry Tree, my flash fiction piece featured on Stoney DeGeyter’s blog: https://stoneydegeyter.com/blog/

Exit 82 Theatre and I have launched a teen literary showcase called Voices. Teenagers have an opportunity to be published and heard! More information and photos next month! 

https://www.exit82theatre.com

Have a lovely October. And smell the smells. Use your olfactory receptors which connect to your olfactory bulb, which send the data to your limbic system…..right, Kev? 😉 


*Cinderella reference: Smellosophy by A.S. Barwich 2020

love,
Elaina