Attention to sensory experience can…pack a triple whammy of writing-related pleasure. When we take the time to notice the sights, sounds, and smells that infuse our scene of writing, we deepen our own enjoyment of the writing process. (Yes, that vanilla-scented candle on your writing desk really can boost your mood while you’re writing.) When we write sentences packed with sensory detail, we deepen our own pleasure in the craft. (As soon as that vanilla-scented candle entered this paragraph, I felt a ping of authorial satisfaction.) And when we connect with our readers through vivid sense imagery, we deepen their delight, too. (Even if you hate the smell of vanilla, you can appreciate the care with which I have inserted that candle into this paragraph.)

HELEN SWORD