Nature

I know there are few people out there that are surprised at the topic this week. This topic is why I am behind on my blog. I just completed a Nature Writers course. Originally I thought it was going to be about refining skills on writing about nature, but instead, it was studying and analyzing those who wrote about nature like Frost, Whitman, Olson, London and Thoreau. The course was challenging for me as each assignment was the same, to read a piece from one of these authors then analyze the intent the author had for writing the piece and explain the relationship between man and nature. The most valuable lesson learned was being able to see relationships between man and nature, what nature teaches us and how to respond to nature.

Writing about nature means learning how to listen to her first. What is it telling you? What is it warning you? How are you entwined within her?

For me, this is a game changer when it comes to putting nature scenes in my stories. It is a whole new level of writing. And by studying those greats who wrote before me enhances my writing for those who write after me.

Until next time, keep writing!