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Join this online nature writing course with Inga Simpson.

This online nature writing course is ideal for fiction and non-fiction writers at all levels with a passion for the natural world. You’ll focus on techniques for bringing landscapes, flora and fauna to life for your audience, including: evocative description, effective use of emotion, and the importance of story. You’ll also consider issues such as anthropomorphism, culture versus nature, and the challenges faced when writing with an environmental message.

Is this online course right for you? Read our FAQ >

Throughout the course, author Inga Simpson will use a combination of instruction, inspiring examples of nature writing and practical writing exercises, with plenty of opportunity for group discussion. You’ll come away with a stronger understanding of nature writing – past and contemporary, Australian and international – and a practical toolkit for sharing your love of nature on the page.

When we tug at a single thing in nature, we find it attached to the rest of the world. – John Muir

Expected Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Gain a stronger sense of nature writing, its directions, and its leading exponents.
• Gain a practical toolkit for evocative description.
• Develop a greater familiarity with the ethical issues of environmental writing, including: anthropomorphism, eco-centrism, and writing the whole history of a place.
• Learn techniques for linking story and character to place, and writing persuasively.
• Gain increased confidence and capacity to describe the natural world.

Participant Requirements

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program.

You do not need to log into the course at a specific time and there are no live meetings. You will receive an email with an invitation link to join the online classroom a week before the course starts.

Please expect to spend a minimum of six hours on the course, noting that the amount of time needed to read, respond to discussions, write, revise and critique will vary from person to person.

• You can complete the lesson material in your own time.
• There will be assignments which have deadlines. To be guaranteed tutor feedback, you will need to complete the assignments by the deadline.

Please read our FAQ> before enrolling. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Reviews

‘I loved the content, the writing exercises and the critiques. It was one of the best courses I have done. The online format is fantastic and it has certainly inspired me to write more.’ – Liz

‘The writing exercises were very valuable as was the feedback from both fellow students and the tutor. I also enjoyed the self-paced style of the course and having deadlines to ensure you stayed on track. Additionally, the opportunity to do this course online was great as I live in regional NSW.’ – Lynette

More from Writing NSW

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