Writing Naturally: A Six Part Course on Expressing Your Experience of Nature

Whether you are looking to deepen your own appreciation for nature, or to inspire readers to a new way of thinking, this class will leave you better prepared for nature writing’s challenges and opportunities.

Nature writing plays a vital role in shaping new models of how we might live on this planet. It reminds us of the wonders that surround us—and the dangers as well. Writing about nature also puts us in touch with our personal hopes, dreams, desires, and fears. It can serve to remind us of what we most want out of our lives.

But writing well about nature—whether we’re doing it professionally or personally— requires more than a curiosity about the natural world and commitment to speak on its behalf. It demands that we master the craft of writing—how we use language to best express information, ideas, and inspiration. This six-week online class is designed to help writers of all stripes—creative writers and journalists, newcomers and old hands—develop skills, tools, and access to creative energy that will make them better and more successful writers. Participants will receive direct feedback on their writing from other participants, and from the instructor as well.

Although this is an online class, we will have some outside exercises to help us along. The class will also feature a number of guest speakers, who will speak about their experience as writers, activists, and nature-lovers.