Slow Writing: A Nature-Writing Course

Our lives are so busy that we are often left feeling hurried, exhausted, and disconnected. Yet we are surrounded, every day, by natural wonders that offer to refresh us and remind us of the wider world we are part of—if not the higher purposes of our lives.

In this “previously recorded” class we will use writing as an excuse to slow down, recharge, and bring our lives back into alignment with nature, and into balance within ourselves. Along the way we will discuss writing craft and what it means to become better, stronger, more confident writers. Chip and your classmates will give feedback and encouragement on your writing, and our goal will be that each participant comes away from the class with a finished piece of writing—as well as new insights about yourself and your own life.

Led by the long-time editor of Orion Magazine, the class is made up of short lectures, large and small group discussions, writing prompts and exercises, and discussion of examples of exemplary writing. We will also have guest speakers, including Kathleen Dean Moore, David James Duncan, and Kim Stafford, who will drop in and visit with us. This class (the fifth in a series of popular writing classes that Chip has led at Rowe) is meant for writers of all levels. All that’s required is a willingness to listen to your senses, to your fellow participants, and to your own hopes, fears, and dreams.