Kathryn Aalto - Teacher, Designer, Writer & Speaker

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Kathryn Aalto

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Kathryn Aalto

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When I was young and wondered what kind of writing

When I was young and wondered what kind of writing might best express my 'grand state of being,' I always thought: journalism.⁣But journalism lacked the rich literary finesse I needed. Then, I discovered the lyrical essay.The lyrical essay is a unique blend of personal reflection, vivid imagery, and poetic language, weaving together the artistry of prose with the emotional resonance of poetry.To craft a lyrical essay, one must navigate the delicate balance between self-expression and literary finesse.The heart of a lyrical essay lies in its emotional authenticity. I would say find a subject that stirs your passion. Then, delve into introspection, mining your memories and emotions to uncover raw material for your narrative.Unlike traditional essays, the lyrical essay thrives on the beauty of language. Embrace poetic devices such as metaphor, simile, and symbolism to infuse your prose with richness and depth. Let your words paint vivid pictures.Structure plays a crucial role in a lyrical essay. While there may not be a rigid chronological order, there should be a discernible flow. Experiment with nonlinear narratives, flashbacks, and fragmented structures to add an element of artful surprise.The personal "I" is a cornerstone of these essays, allowing the writer to inhabit the narrative and connect intimately with the reader. Share your vulnerabilities, joys, and uncertainties with honesty, inviting the audience into the nuanced landscape of your emotions.Consider the rhythm of your prose, the pacing of your revelations, and the overall emotional crescendo you wish to achieve.Lyrical essays beckon writers to explore the terrain of their emotions, transforming personal narratives into lyrical symphonies that resonate with readers.I hope this resonates with you as much as it always has for me.

For as long as I can remember, I have been interes

For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in the psychology of tenacity and performance -- in particular, for artists and athletes.⁣A meaningful piece of this puzzle recently came to light for me.In his podcast "How to Increase Willpower and Tenacity," Stanford University neurologist Andrew Huberman discusses the role of the brain's anterior mid-cingulate cortext.This is an important hub that generates willpower and tenacity.We writers often experience long, unrewarding periods of learning and polishing our craft.Willpower and tenacity are crucial qualities, shaping not only the creative process but also the overall success in the field. Willpower, often considered the mental strength to resist short-term temptations and stay focused on long-term goals, plays a significant role in a writer's ability to maintain discipline. It enables writers to overcome procrastination, navigate creative blocks, and adhere to writing schedules.Tenacity, on the other hand, refers to persistence and determination in the face of challenges or setbacks. This quality is vital for writers as they navigate the often unpredictable and competitive nature of the writing industry. Rejections, criticism, and the inherent difficulties of the creative process require writers to persevere and continue refining their craft.Understanding how the brain processes and regulates these qualities can provide artists and athletes alike with valuable insights into optimizing their mental resilience. The more we do the uncomfortable thing, the stronger our anterior mid-cingulate cortext becomes to allow us to do more hard tasks.There is much to learn and I am just an athletic artist leaning in a doorway inviting you to push through your own challenging portals.I have put links in my bio to @hubermanlab and an article about this part of our amazing brains....#motivation #willpower #writersofinstagram
#amwriting #teachersofinstagram
@hubermanlab

Elevate your gifting game with thoughtful experien

Elevate your gifting game with thoughtful experiences: the gift of creativity and learning. Kathryn Aalto gift vouchers make the perfect present for those who appreciate thoughtful experiences.I write personal notes and then seal them in beautiful silver envelopes. ⁣Winter-Spring 2024 courses are now live and include Level 1, 2, and 3 courses, including Narrative Nature Writing, The Art of Narrative Nonfiction, Memoir 2-3, and Writing Your Book Proposal.Snag the perfect gift effortlessly – just click, purchase, and spread the joy. The link is in my bio.

In the grand tapestry of 'les excuses,' the refrai

In the grand tapestry of 'les excuses,' the refrain of not having enough time to write is a common one that weaves through the lives of many aspiring wordsmiths.From the demands of daily life to the pressures of work, responsibilities, and the endless distractions that modernity offers, time becomes an elusive commodity. "I'm too busy," they say, as the minutes slip away into the void.⁣Yet, in the midst of this hustle, the truth remains – time is a matter of priorities. Writing, like any pursuit, requires deliberate commitment. It is the art of stealing moments from the chaos, of choosing the blank page over the myriad diversions that vie for attention.In the end, it's not about having time; it's about making time. I know you know this, but -- how do you put this into practice? The excuses, though myriad, are merely veils that shroud the deeper challenge of carving out space for creativity amidst the clamour of life's demands.American humourist David Sedaris says in his Masterclass series: "You need to sit there without the internet and see what happens... I've met so many people who say, 'Well, I really want to write, but I work all day.' So did I. You work all day and then you come home and you write. If it means that much to you, you're going to find the time to do it. That is never an excuse to say that you don't have the time. There are a lot of people out there who are happy to give 10%, but I don't know their names ... because ... they ... don't have books."How have I worked? Always under serious 10 out of 10 pressure. When my kids were little, I religiously wrote from 5-7 AM before the school run. I worked all day, sometimes missing weekend events. Were the kids scarred? No one remembers.They only remember the dedication, hard work, and results.What do you need to change to pursue what you want?

"Surfing is almost a way to fly.' -- Jeff Hakman

"Surfing is almost a way to fly.'
-- Jeff HakmanThe narrative arcs of waves: tug of the moon, sculpted by wind and storms, these liquid green walls each a different story I read. Seeking elusive balance on the board -- find the wave, glance over shoulder, head up and paddle, knees pulled in, foot planted, then rise with outstretched arms on powerful surges -- I might find it and ride these dissolving storylines ashore. I let go and lose it, but the wave continues with forward momentum, a froth of bubbles until perhaps it finally tickles the ankles of a child making castles in the sand.
...#Surfing #beach #England #weekendvibes #sparkjoy

Hard Things⁣ in Life"If you are going to make

Hard Things⁣ in Life"If you are going to make an actual difference in your life, it is going to be hard, plain and simple. If you're looking for an easy route, get ready for a life of pain far greater than that of facing a difficulty head-on. And if you are looking for an excuse for saying you can't handle that difficulty, I'd ask you to stop kidding yourself and honour the truth of what you are undeniably capable of. Your attraction to ease is what keeps you stagnant, so why not practice ... what life guarantees to you: difficulty."Credit to @crumahoney who has been running everyday since June 13, 2018Once we accept things are hard -- not always, sometimes, intermittently -- a hurdle is crossed.A mindset for writers and anyone in need of gentle reminders.It feels uncomfortable doing hard things: they require us to halt the swirl of life and sculpt deliberate space in an already full life of jobs, childcare, caregiving, and more.I learned hard things as a kid. Rain or shine everyday for six years, I woke up before 6 AM to deliver newspapers.For decades, I have witnessed commitment, struggle, and reward when students enter into a new creative practice. A couple of students beat themselves up this week because life got the best of them. Their essays were difficult to juggle with the rest of life. I reassured them that dropping perfectionism is important and congratulated them for showing up.I draw and design, cook and knit, sew and photograph, but writing and speaking are my main forms of expression. It may appear that I flowed into them with ease, but there have years of doing hard things to get here.
Entering my writing world enhances your reflective and artistic life as you learn to put your ideas and experiences into narrative nonfiction. Techniques, perspective, and nurturing make the hard much much easier ... and fun.New 2024 courses coming soon.

Blue sky thinking and time zone changes...⁣In

Blue sky thinking and time zone changes...⁣In about November, the coming winter months can feel like looking down a dark tunnel or a barrel of a gun. I spent 15 years in the Pacific Northwest where at coordinates 47.8554° N and 121.9710° W, the markedly shorter days of sunlight made me feel like I had moved to the Arctic.
What an innocent.When I moved to Exeter in Devon, England -- 50.7260° N and 3.5275° W -- the search for winter light was exacerbated; these issues are important to we Californians who are bottle-fed liquid gold in the form of sunlight. Sunset at 4:08 PM on the Winter Solstice? Take a deep breath.If winter is a challenge for you, a little more self nurturing may be helpful. Walking on most days is one pillar in keeping buoyant. When days are shorter, I make extra sure to walk rain or shine.Long distances are particularly good as a strong meditative component kicks in at about 10 miles and a transformative mind, body, and spirit connection happens. I carry that feeling inside like a basket of little rainbows.How do you cultivate your own blue sky thinking?
..#walking #meditation #sparkjoy #mindfulness #Englishcountryside #movement #fitness #lostartofwalking. #righttotoam #mentalhealth #winter #timechange

I have been doing this a long time, yet it still h

I have been doing this a long time, yet it still happens. My desire to post new courses goes into overdrive. I dream as big as I ask of my own students.

'Maybe I can ask David Sedaris to be a guest?'

'I noticed a particular trend in my students. How can I address this interest or issue?'

'Students often stay with me a year. Which courses need to be expanded for Levels 1, 2, and 3?'

And so forth.

Many of you have written gentle enquiries about 2024 courses, but it's just me under a pile of essays and books, pencil between my teeth, brewing and sipping pots of tea, creating the best narrative nonfiction courses in the world! 😄

Allow me a few more days before I can announce them all.

And feel free to sign up for my newsletter too where discounts are often offered there.

And tell me, what kind of writing skills would you like to learn from me in 2024?

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#writing #writingcommunity #learnings #onlinecourses

Quick fade into autumn while my mind, body, and sp

Quick fade into autumn while my mind, body, and spirit adjust to the pace of life in Devon. I still carry in me the nonstop pulse of Manhattan: the fingertips of skyscrapers tickling the underbelly of clouds, the tumbling of the subway, and the electric buzz of humanity. 'People Getting Ready To Do Things,' the urban yin to my rural yang, always expanding the spectrum of visual, literary, and performing arts, revising cultural norms and ideas, offering migrants hope. Walking miles a day, I tried to absorb its offerings, making friends on The High Line, in museums, parks, street corners, shops ... and subway. (Hi @sangha.yoga.nyc.) Cannot wait to return.
...#walking #nyc_highlights #NewYork #parksareforpeople #plantsmakepeoplehappy #greatcities #publicspace #urban #citylife

In the graceful alliance of nature and creativity,

In the graceful alliance of nature and creativity, tending land becomes a wondrous voyage, yielding abundant rewards. As we nurture the earth, we find solace not only for our planet's health but also for the nourishment of our souls. The verdant embrace of my own garden continually assists me in surmounting creative obstacles, time and time again...

I was reminded of these rewards in a conversation while visiting Austin, Texas. I found this image, taken as I was tending the winter garden on my Washington farm a few autumns ago.

How my mind and body and spirit soared while being deeply rooted. What creates that vitality?

🍃Deep within our souls lies an inherent bond with nature, nurturing it sparks our creative wellspring. Amidst life's monotony, greenery ignites our senses, rekindling dormant imaginations.

🍃Nature's embrace liberates us from time's haste. Its gentle rhythms compel us to slow down, cherish each moment, and savour this profound journey.

🍃Through devoted care, our botanical companions bestow immense fulfilment. The joy and abundance derived from nurturing become a testament to our efforts.

🍃In a world of uncertain tides, creating a personal haven grants tangible ownership. Amidst the delicate dance of life, solace awaits, a sanctuary unequivocally ours.

How does returning to nature nurture your creativity?

#writing #writingcommunity #writersofinsta #womenwriters #naturewriting #naturewritingbywomen #gardening

I do love travelling, but about midway anywhere, I

I do love travelling, but about midway anywhere, I want to curl up into a snail's shell or light an oill lamp in a quiet cabin and just be still for a day. ⁣
Thousands of miles travelled, and so much on. Teaching and speaking with nitrous injection, you could say.Last night, I arrived in Austin, Texas, and dashed to my son's home here to give a talk on publishing for Janisse Ray's writing course. My son was watching the plane fly across the West to help me with this crazy schedule.Which leads me to say,.I am announcing my winter course schedule on November 1st. My courses are where you will not feel lost in a crowd but receive detailed feedback on your writing and become a part of a vibrant community.If you want special updates and notifications, please feel free to sign up for my newsletter on my website.

Thank you to the Desert Botanical Garden for invit

Thank you to the Desert Botanical Garden for inviting me to be a part of their Between the Spines author series this past week.I immensely enjoyed myself in Phoenix, Arizona. This is one of the best botanical gardens in the United States and a gem in Phoenix. I saw couples and families and small groups of friends sauntering amongst plants native to the Sonoran Desert in the cool evenings and warm days. I felt like I had landed on Mars at first as the cacti and other plants give it a Dr. Seuss feel.Thank you to all those who came out to the half-day nature writing workshop as well. It was a joy meeting you...#publicspeaking #teacher #desert #gardens
@dbgphx @timberpress

What fun to interview your teenage celebrity crush

What fun to interview your teenage celebrity crush!I must have watched the film "Pretty in Pink" a dozen times when I was younger. (Who didn't want to be a Molly Ringwald character?)But being in conversation yesterday with actor and New York Times bestselling writer Andrew McCarthy about his latest book, WALKING WITH SAM: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain, was, as you will see in proceeding pictures, such an animated and immersive time.Look at our hands!My students asked deep and probing questions about process, technique, ethics, and much more. Thank you all.Walking with Sam is a travel book about a father and son journeying together yet separately, and emerging from that challenge and quest changed, having experienced a coming-of-age and a rite of passage in ways that only the Camino de Santiago magically does.It will be an evening to remember. Thank you again, @andrewtmccarthy.Writing wisdom from Andrew...On Personal Travel Writing: "It's always about the traveller, not the destination."On the Difference Between Travel and Tourist Writing: "Tell me a story, don't sell me a destination."On Dialogue: "I love the way that dialogue looks on the page and the negative space you see. It's visceral."On The Personal vs. Public Nature of a Travel Writing: "I walked side-by-side with my son for 500 miles, and yet it was a very private experience."On Knowing the Narrative Arc Before Travelling: "I knew the book would be operating on three different braids: the physical journey, the father-son experience, and the legacy of the Camino. I was constantly trying to weave those together, and hopefully, one would hand off to another."On Writing Metaphorically: "I'm not thinking in metaphors (when I write). I'm thinking details, details, details and feelings, feelings, feelings, and piecing them altogether later."

Yesterday one of my mentees, a published rising st

Yesterday one of my mentees, a published rising star, asked me, "How can I become more literate?" ⁣
I've spent a great deal of my life immersed in the world of literature and storytelling, and it has given me a profound appreciation for what it means to be literate. To me, literacy is not just about the ability to read words on a page; it's about the capacity to engage with the rich tapestry of human thought, emotion, and experience that is woven into the written word.Being literate means having the key to unlock the doors of imagination and empathy. It allows us to explore distant lands, travel through time, and inhabit the minds of characters who are both like us and unlike us. It's a passport to other worlds and a mirror to our own, offering us the chance to reflect on the human condition and our place within it.But literacy is not just a solitary endeavour; it's a bridge that connects us to others. When we read and share stories, we enter into a conversation with authors and fellow readers, transcending time and space. We learn from the wisdom of the past, engage with the present, and imagine the possibilities of the future.Literacy is not limited to books alone. It encompasses the ability to interpret and critically assess the information that bombards us daily, whether it's in the form of news articles, social media posts, or scientific papers. In a world saturated with information, literacy leads to critical thinking and that is our compass, helping us navigate the sea of data with discernment and clarity.So, to be literate is to be a lifelong learner, an explorer of ideas, and a participant in the great conversation of humanity. It is a gift and a responsibility, a source of joy and a path to understanding. It is, in essence, a journey that never ends, one that continually enriches our lives and deepens our connection to the world and each other.

Every day solo-walking Devon's 125-mile Coast to C

Every day solo-walking Devon's 125-mile Coast to Coast satisfied my lifelong sweet tooth for The Wind in the Willows.Country lanes lined with trees full of summer's green vitality. Silence for miles, not even a whisper of a car. Stone bridges over brooks. The sweet nectar of birdsong. Twice, I laughed out loud when passing by magnificent willows with wind blowing through them. This was, after all, a walk to remember and reframe my sixteen years as an expat in Devon.It felt like the wind was a reminder that change is about order, disorder, and reorder -- not clinging onto the past. My children, especially my youngest, Stellan, who, at age three when we moved here, asked such questions as, "Was I born here?" reminded me not to feel down about the past, not to worry about the future, and to live in the moment like a child might.This walk was completely in the now.Adopting that perspective did not require learning an ancient Chinese philosophy, but listening to my children and, in return, sharing my favourite children's book, The Wind in the Willows, with them. These are not just storybook settings but the real landscapes of their childhoods with far from childish life lessons. 💚
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.#walking #englishcountryside #sparkjoy #nature #walk #hiking #landscape #fitness #summer #adventure #trees #naturelovers #lanes #walkingmeditation #kidslit

When you know, you know. #walkingmeditation

When you know, you know. #walkingmeditation

Today, I am delighted to share with you the beginn

Today, I am delighted to share with you the beginning of lyrical essay by the talented New Jersey-based writer Kate Drago, a current student in my Travel and Place Writing course.Her work, aptly titled "Beyond the Sea," has swept me away to the shores of imagination.⁣In this beautiful essay, Kate intertwines natural and family history to create a luminescent lyrical essay. These excerpts are just the beginning. It builds into a beautiful revelation at the end."Three hundred million years ago, we came from the sea, and every September, I return to it."The crowds have vanished, taking with them all the boisterous excitement of July and August. Stragglers pack up their weather-beaten, cedar-shingled summer homes and reverse their cars out of crushed shell driveways towards the Garden State Parkway, swept back into the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, as if by a wave."We arrive in Long Beach just as the barrier island has begun to drift into a drowsy haze, posed quietly in the space just between the waking world and restful sleep. Salt-eroded signage hangs askew from the doors of closed restaurants, their “See You Next Summer” graphics teetering in the humid sea breeze. Peeling from the weathered wood of vacant lifeguard stands, chipped yellow paint signals the close of the season. The sweet, briny air carries nothing, save for the occasional laugh of a passing gull and the familiar scent of salt and seaweed, tangled together like a knot of fishing nets. The world is hushed."For the sleepy seaside villages of the island, September is a time to revel in the quiet. For me, it’s a time to savor a second chance at summer. While many are beginning to embrace autumn, I relish in the remnants of my favorite season in a state of humble inertia. The days are still balmy, and I spend my time moving drowsily, if at all. I linger in the slow heat of sun-drenched afternoons, sweat beading on the nape of my tanned neck. Splayed over my eyes like funeral stones, the barely-read pages of a novel press against my face while I nap on the sand..."Con't in comments...

I am hiring!⁣I am seeking two assistants to he

I am hiring!⁣I am seeking two assistants to help with several teaching-related projects. Preference given to those who would enjoy tuition-free courses in exchange. This is remote work.Please send me a DM or email to kathryn@kathrynaalto.com for more information.For the right person, it is not too late to join two of my courses that just started: Travel and Place Writing OR Narrative Nature Writing. Memoir 2 is full.

On the edge of an estuary and sea, an old fishing

On the edge of an estuary and sea, an old fishing village tenuously holds onto its maritime history amidst an overlove from outsiders. Walking under bunting and along pretty potted gardens, I am carried to another era with the scent of fish and chips in the fresh air and sight of rowers in wooden boats on the water.The Appledore Book Festival is underway here with an enticing array of walks, workshops, and readings. I'm drinking it while enjoying the salty sea.Yesterday, I wasn't a landlover but instead happily brined by bodyboarding all afternoon in tumultuous waves at Westward Ho! (Yes, a town with an exclamation mark.) It was a good test of my evolving relationship with waves. I wore my new wetsuit for the first time. The water was choppy, and lifeguards jumped in their boat to sort where we had gone. (Just far down the beach.) I believe I have gone to The Dark Side is where I have gone: I caught so many waves that I may prefer bodyboarding to surfing. At least for now ...
...#appledorebookfestival #amwriting #surfing #sea #England #devon #explore #bookstagram #traveler

The journey continues. ⁣Yesterday was another

The journey continues. ⁣Yesterday was another day in North Devon waves with surf instructor Rhys.Getting there, the lanes where I live are still pretty and green, but it ended there. The sea was not nearly so pleasant. The wind, wave frequency, cross waves, and my sore shoulders from a lifting and sprinting session the day before, conspired to make it more challenging than a rested, blue sky day with predictability.Every time we came back together in the surf, there was a knowledgeable recap with variations on the theme of "Hands, feet, eyes, arms," which he combined with a re-enactment of me in the last wave.Sometimes, I was holding the side of the board instead of placing my hands flat on the board. Sometimes, I didn't look up at the colourful beach huts when I should have. Sometimes, my front foot was not centered, resulting in wobbles.I have had better days. I could have felt dejected as I spat my salty hair out of my mouth. But these days, I recast everything through a writerly or novelistic lens. Clichéd yes, but it is all a journey down a finite road. Narrative arcs, character challenges, plot twists (unseen bends in the road), parallel narratives, and settings are all part of it.There is a slight complication! My origin story.When I was ten, I nearly drowned in the Pacific Ocean."Don't turn your back on the ocean," my mom did tell me.I turned my back on the ocean.I was hit hard by a breaking wave. I was just little then. I didn't have time to take a breath or dunk under. I opened my eyes in the smashup, and it didn't matter that I was a good swimmer (or even set a backstroke record with my swimming team when I was 13). I inhaled salt water and felt like I was in a washing machine on a super-cycle. I felt like I would die.Wary of the power of the ocean, I stayed away until recently.But a couple of random meetings with surfers, including @louismusters, made me think differently and entirely reconsider it all. What an opportunity!My journey in this water-scape is unclear. I don't know where the road turns or, more aptly, the currents flow.That's exciting.
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@surfmobilityandfitness @surfsaunton

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