The Nose Knows

One of the things I have to work hardest at is writing description. I love writing dialogue and could probably write a 400 page manuscript of nothing but that. However, a good novel demands a certain amount of description along with other elements.

The best kind of description is that which appeals to the senses. Saying, "The kitchen smelled nice." isn’t the same as saying, "The kitchen smelled like cinnamon and vanilla."

I did a lot of research a few years ago for my novel Say Yes (recently published in Large Print Edition) because the heroine was a perfumer. I find the sense of smell personally intriguing because it’s the most primitive of our senses.

Here are a few interesting facts about your nose and breathing too.

1. A sneeze can travel up to 100 mph.

2. The nose cleans, humidifies, and warms over 500 cubic feet of air every day.

3. It’s impossible to sneeze and keep your eyes open at the same time.

4. Humans breathe 7 quarts of air every minute.

5. The average human takes between 12 - 18 breaths per minute.

6. Your right lung takes in more air than your left.

7. Your nose can detect the odor of artificial musk in such low concentrations as one part musk to 32 billion part s of air.

8. Your nose continues to grow throughout your life.

9. Humans have seven primary odors that help them determine objects. Those odors are: Camphoric - mothballs; Musky - perfume; Roses - floral; Peppermint - mint chewing gum; Etheral - dry cleaning fluid; Pungent - vinegar; and Putrid - rotten eggs.

10. People who can't smell have a condition called Anosmia.

Takeaway Truth

Is a rose by any other name just as sweet? Scientifically speaking, yes.