Welcome back to the Wednesday Write in. Are you ready to work on your descriptions? This month we are concentrating on describing religions objects. I know normally we avoid religion and politics, but the point of this is not just a description of an object itself, but the description of an object that has significance beyond itself. Now this can be for an existing religion or one you made up entirely, as in a fantasy world.
(Or if you just can’t bring yourself to write about a religion for whatever reason, just make sure that there is a deep significance to the item you are describing beyond the object as that more than religion is the point). This sort of exercise takes you from just the description and into world building. (and even though this is more of a fantasy/ sci fi term for some of you, even if you base your story in the here and now everyday world, there is still some world building you need to do as not everyone has the same view of the world.)
So, today’s object: Oil or incense
You can do both or just pick one. I put both so you have a choice to play with. I also wanted to bring a sense of smell into it. And truthfully you can also do a lack of incense in your religion as well if you want to change the scent of the space. But think about the oil and incense. Where does it come from, what is the scent and the significance. Does the scent indicate a certain rite or ritual.
After all, long ago cinnamon was burned as a funerary offering. While you don’t have to use that, let it spark your mind. What does the scent or lack of scent of incense signify in this space you have created. Is the oil a specific type or oil? Is it hard to come by or very expensive? is it banned and this faith is using it in defiance of the law? Is this a specific rite or ritual?
Use these items to set the scene and think about how it is set in a broader context.
And as always, Happy Writing.
Ten til Midnight 