A SIMPLE, EASY, AND EFFECTIVE WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR SETTINGS

Okay, so the title is dramatic, but absolutely true. This one concept may forever change the way you describe your settings. I was about halfway through my last manuscript when I realized this important concept. (Are you ready for this mind-blowing revelation?) 

When you portray your setting, include one sentence describing what the location smells like!

I know, so embarrassingly simple. But here's the craziest part, it works. Once I figured this out, I went back through my novel and sprinkled smells, odors, aromas, etc. throughout the work. We as writers often jump through hoops describing the shapes, the colors, and the temperature ad nauseam. Often we neglect this wonderful chance to deepen our scene.

WHY DOES IT WORK?

The answer is simple. Adding a description of a smell is shorthand for a much broader experience. Here's an example. "The shed smelled of cut grass and gasoline." Your mind automatically fills in the gaps and assumes this is some sort of garden shed and probably has a lawnmower as well as other lawn manicure tools without ever expressly stating it. Just think back to when you've smelled the faintest trace of an aroma, maybe a perfume or a favorite meal, and it took you back to another time and place.

A closing thought. This is one thing that I wouldn't overdo. One sentence per scene, not more. Give the reader a whiff of the locale, and then move onto other descriptions.

Next time you're building that setting, use this easy trick to take the reader deeper into your world. 
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