In Your Face

Have you ever wondered what something tastes like?

Most of us know about common everyday foods. And we've all heard the old line about unknown or exotic meat - tastes like chicken.

But what about something you don't know?

Using the senses of taste and smell to boost the reader's experience is one way to bring your writing to life. I put them together because almost any strong smell can be tasted in the back of your throat. A nice red wine is wonderful. Burning rubber, not so much.

But what about those things we've never tasted?

If it's a food, a character can read ingredients from a menu or recipe. Or a character can say or think something like, "It's really sweet and topped with a raisin sauce," or whatever.

But what if it's not a food?

Maybe Cognac and you don't drink. A liquid medicine. Or your character accidentally sprays furniture polish in her face. The possibilities are endless.

Read. You'll probably find your answer online.

Ask. Someone will know.

Experiment. Spray the polish on your finger and take a deep whiff. You should be able to describe it well enough for your readers.

After all . . . we are writers.