Our strongest memories don’t always come from what we see or hear. They come from what we smell. In this immersive workshop, we will explore how scent can unlock vivid images, emotions, and narratives on the page. In partnership with CLST Perfumes, an indie perfume house based in Nashville, participants will experience a curated selection of evocative scents, each one a potential spark for creative writing. Through guided prompts and discussion, we will use fragrance as a bridge to the sensory, the emotional, and the unexpected. No previous perfume knowledge (or writing experience) required—just bring your curiosity and your nose.
• In-Class Writing Lift: Medium
• Homework: None
• Workshopping Drafts: None
Cara Lynn Albert is a writer from Florida. Her debut book, Worshipping the Sun, is forthcoming in 2027 from Santa Fe Writers Project. She holds an MFA degree in creative writing from the University of Colorado Boulder, and her work has been published in TriQuarterly, The Florida Review, New Ohio Review, Bat City Review, and elsewhere. Cara currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
"Cara's class was interesting and informative on books and viewpoints which I was not previously aware of -- which will help me with my novel!"
"A very fun and well-curated class. Cara clearly put a lot of thought into it! It was a very enjoyable experience and the conversation throughout was fun and inspiring."
"I'm really thankful to Cara for using mentor texts highlighting diverse voices. It was a relief and refreshing to hear from different authors as opposed to having mentor examples that were all one-noted."
