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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 uses 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
• A practical toolkit for evocative description
• Greater familiarity with the ethical issues of environmental writing, including: anthropomorphism, eco-centrism, and writing the whole history of a place
• Techniques for linking story and character to place, and writing persuasively
• Increased confidence and capacity to describe the natural world

Participant Requirements

We’ve designed this online course to meet your learning needs. You can work through the lesson material, ask questions, and engage with fellow writers throughout the course. Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. Please read our FAQ before enrolling.

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. We recommend allocating an hour a day to the course while it is running. By setting aside this time, you will get the most out of the course, and be able to engage with other participants and the tutor.

You do not need to log into the course at a specific time of day and there are no live meetings. On the day this course starts by 10am, you will receive an email with an invitation link to join the online classroom.

• Participants will work through several lessons, which will open sequentially over the first few days of the course (see course dates in the blue box above).
• You can complete the lesson material in your own time.
• This course includes short writing assignments and the opportunity to give and receive peer feedback. Some assignments will receive tutor feedback if completed by the deadlines provided.

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

Check out our full range of in-person writing courses in Sydney, our online writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your writing journey. Find out about our grants and prizes, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.