As a writer, I’m happiest when plotting the who, when, what, where, and why of a story; dreaming up multi-layered characters; stumbling into the snap, crackle, and pop of conflict; and falling into endless realms of emotion.
If I’m a good student of the craft, I might produce a decent story, enticing readers to hang on until the last page. Still, I must confess—I’m greedy. I want more. When the book is closed, I want my story to be memorable.
What we feel, we remember. Sensory-filled scenes engage memory processing. Neuroscience confirms that stronger neural connections are created in the brain when the senses are engaged, making it easier to recall details of experiences and the emotions associated with them. This phenomenon explains why a familiar scent—like wood smoke and mothballs on the old sweater you forgot you had—transports you back to childhood, or why the taste of a favorite food, like Grandma’s blueberry-lemon pie, brings back raucous memories of family gatherings.
To enhance the sensory quality of my storytelling, I have a daily sensory-memory writing practice. I focus on the six sensory elements: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—alongside the sixth sense of intuition. I record memories in my trusty journal with my easy-flowing, fine-tip pen. This practice helps me appreciate and remember my own life while creating sensory brain maps that I hope enhance my writing.
Here's how it works:
-
Color Exploration: Recall a color from the previous day. Jot down a phrase describing that color. Avoid saying simply “pink”. What shade of pink? Pinched-finger pink or punk-rock pink, maybe pork pink? Experiment with original ways to describe color. Notice how color affects mood.
“Magnificent kelp forests of citrine and hunter green stretch up, reaching for the sun of the surface waters, long roots rocking in the rhythm of the tide.”
The Aquamarine Surfboard
-
Sight Observation: Recall a scene from the previous day. Focus on a person or object. Recall facial expressions, physical characteristics, shapes, textures, and patterns. How did the scene affect mood?
“A wavering face emerges in the surface of the water, reflected as if from a mirror, blurred, shadowed in dark and light.”
Amethyst, The Shallows
-
Sound Mapping: Close your eyes, remember sounds from yesterday. Harmony, chaos or something else? What feelings surface?
“Around midnight, the hilltop shakes with the shrill relentless scream of a tsunami warning, signaling the return of the goliath tide to the cove.”
The Aquamarine Surfboard
-
Smell Journey: Scents are powerful triggers of memory. Recall a smell from the day before. What was going on around you? What was the emotional impact? Did the smell transport you back to the past? (Our olfactory sense triggers nostalgia.)
“Condi hurries down the ladder from the loft, landing in the living room and tiptoeing into the kitchen, awash with salty ocean air and the smell of freshly baked lavender-honey muffins—the smell of love.”
The Aquamarine Surfboard
-
Taste Reflection: Relish the memory of a remembered taste. Savor the flavor— salty, sweet, tangy, bitter, etc. What was the texture? How did flavor affect mood?
“After being sick for months, she technically shouldn’t be driving yet, though she knows she’s fine. After her morning cup of three herbs energy tea with a shot of cayenne, she’s invigorated and infused with strength.”
Amethyst, The Shallows
-
Touch Exploration: Recall a touch. Remember texture—smooth, rough, soft, fuzzy, prickly. What did you feel?
“Condi rushes out to the terrace, unwinding the blanket and holding it like a sail. Swirling rain slashes her face and yanks her hair as she runs down the zigzag stairs.”
Amethyst, The Shallows
Sense and feel. Invite readers into a unique, one-of-a-kind world, created by your unique, one-of-a kind perspective. A well-crafted, sensory-laden story is remembered.
Kellye Abernathy is the author of The Aquamarine Surfboard (Atmosphere Press, 2022) and Amethyst, The Shallows (Atmosphere Press, 2024).
