Step into the quiet, insistent beauty of the natural world and learn to tell its stories—and your own—with clarity, intention, and literary craft. No hiking boots required, though a fondness for birdsong and moss is always welcome.

Narrative Nature Writing Level 1 is a live online course created for beginning and emerging writers who feel called to explore the shimmering intersection of personal story and place, memory and ecology. In a time when climate change is speeding up and our attention spans are slowing down, your voice matters. Truly. Your stories—rooted in wonder, witness, and lived experience—are not just welcome; they are necessary. As wild spaces shrink and the digital noise swells, nature writers serve as interpreters of beauty, guides of perception, and gentle advocates for the world we still call home.

Led by New York Times bestselling author, garden historian, landscape designer, and master teacher Kathryn Aalto, this immersive course offers more than technique—it offers transformation. Kathryn teaches you to look at the natural world with a writer’s gaze: to see more precisely, listen more deeply, and translate sensory experience into prose that feels both elegant and alive.

Offered every other Wednesday beginning April 1, 2026, you choose which time works best for you — a morning or evening time.

Week by week, you’ll be guided through the fundamentals of narrative nonfiction—how to find structure in lived experience, how to develop voice, character, setting, and theme with finesse. But even more importantly, you’ll be encouraged to slow down, reconnect with place, and find meaning in the intimate geographies of your own life: your garden, your daily walk, your watershed, your wild memories.

Through live lectures, close readings of masterworks, lively discussions, writing prompts, and intimate workshopping, you’ll cultivate your own unique voice while becoming part of a kind, supportive community of fellow writers. (Think book club meets creative retreat—with fewer biscuits but far more writing.)

Over the course of the program, you’ll write and revise at least four original essays rooted in the natural world, drawing insight from your everyday encounters. You’ll learn to balance the poetic with the factual, the personal with the universal—crafting stories that are not only beautiful but essential.

About Your Teacher: Kathryn Aalto

Kathryn Aalto is widely admired for her ability to weave literary insight, historical nuance, and environmental sensitivity into her very attentive teaching. With a background in English literature, garden history, and landscape design, she brings a rare interdisciplinary richness to the page. Her books include the New York Times bestseller The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh and Writing Wild: Women Poets, Ramblers, and Mavericks Who Shape How We See the Natural World.

As an educator, Kathryn is both encouraging and exacting, offering clear, structured, generous instruction. She teaches with great care for each student’s voice, gently guiding them to refine their craft while embracing their individuality. Her students regularly go on to publish, win awards, and—perhaps most importantly—develop sustainable, joyful writing practices.

“Kathryn teaches with a deep care for the individual student and is very clever about bringing out their voices and passions… She has an unparalleled knowledge of nature and landscape writing that she wears lightly without intimidating students.”
— James Rebanks, author of The Shepherd’s Life and English Pastoral

Why Nature Writing Matters

In an age of climate crisis, habitat loss, and the ever-present temptation to scroll endlessly, reconnecting with nature through writing is both urgent and restorative. Narrative nature writing isn’t just about describing landscapes—it’s about asking thoughtful questions, reflecting on human relationships to place, and engaging readers emotionally and intellectually.

Whether you’re writing about your backyard garden, a remembered coastline, or a forest in flux, this genre helps nurture empathy, insight, and connection. Through storytelling, beginning writers can do more than document the natural world—they can help others see it again, and perhaps even care for it differently.

What You’ll Learn

This course builds the foundation of narrative nature writing while helping you develop a sustainable, enjoyable writing practice. Each session fosters creativity, confidence, and craft.

By the end of the course, you will:

Develop Observational Skills

Learn to notice the natural world with accuracy and depth—its textures, seasons, scales, songs, and surprises.

Cultivate a Narrative Voice

Discover a personal voice that is reflective, grounded, and unmistakably your own.

Explore Literary Craft

Learn to apply the eight pillars of narrative nonfiction—scene, character, setting, tension, and more—within environmental storytelling.

Write and Revise Four Nature Essays

Shape original work with supportive feedback, developing essays that are evocative, clear, and structurally strong.

Practice Wellness Through Writing

Experience how writing in and about nature can support mental clarity, grounding, and creative renewal.

Build a Writing Practice

Establish habits for drafting, revising, and sustaining long-term creativity without burning out (or waiting for the muse to send a calendar invite).

Our Reading

We read a curated selection of nature writing, including essays from Writing Wild, the timeless classic The Outermost House, and additional standalone pieces chosen for their craft, depth, and inspiration.

• Format: Live online via Zoom
• Schedule: Meets every other Wednesday
• Times*: Morning class 8-10:30 AM GMT or 6-8:30 PM GMT
• Dates: May 6 · May 20  · June 3 · June 17 · July 1 · July 15 · July 29 · August 5
• *You will receive an email upon registration asking whether you prefer the AM or PM class. If you live in Australia or New Zealand, the morning class in GMT will be your evening class.

Tuition: £500 per term

Flexible Payment Plans
Contact kathryn@kathrynaalto.com to discuss options.

Terms and Conditions

Review the details of enrolment below before registering.

1. Course Overview. The Course provides online instruction in narrative nonfiction with an emphasis in nature writing.
2. Eligibility and Registration. Participants must be 16 or older and provide accurate registration details.
3. Payment Terms. Full payment is required at registration. Payment plans, if arranged, must be honoured regardless of attendance.
4. Refund Policy. Refunds are available up to 14 days before the Course start date. No refunds will be issued after this period. Requests must be emailed to kathryn@kathrynaalto.com.
5. Course Access. Participants receive the syllabus upon registration.
6. Intellectual Property. All Course materials are the property of Kathryn Aalto and cannot be reproduced, distributed, downloaded, or filmed without written permission.
7. Conduct and Participation. Respectful and professional behaviour is expected.
8. Technical Requirements. Participants need to have a stable internet connection and compatible device.
9. Course Changes and Cancellation. The schedule, content, or speakers may be modified. If the Course is cancelled, a full refund will be issued.
10. Privacy Policy. Participant information will not be shared.

By registering, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. For assistance, contact kathryn@kathrynaalto.com.

1. Are Kathryn Aalto’s courses suitable for beginners?
Yes, all levels of writers. Beginners gain foundational skills in a supportive environment, while experienced writers refine their craft and explore advanced techniques.

• Level 1: Foundational courses for beginners in narrative nonfiction.
• Levels 2–3: Intermediate courses requiring Level 1, a similar course, or application with a writing sample.
• Levels 3–4: Advanced courses focusing on voice, structure, dialogue, and other nuanced techniques.

2. What kind of feedback can I expect?
Kathryn provides detailed, constructive feedback to improve both technical skills and thematic resonance. Students receive handwritten feedback via her reMarkable device, addressing everything from syntax and language to structure and voice. Her feedback supports, encourages, and challenges students to grow.

3. What assignments or exercises are typical?
Courses include in-class reflective exercises and at-home assignments.

• Level 1: 2–4 pages of sketches, experimental scenes, and essays every two weeks
• Levels 2–4: 4–10 pages every two weeks
  Assignments balance variety and independence, encouraging students to explore their own interests.

4. Can taking one course lead to publication?
A single course is a valuable step toward publication, providing essential skills, guidance, and confidence. However, becoming published requires persistence, revision, and industry knowledge. Most successful students take 2–4 courses, participate in workshops, and hone their craft over time, much like an MFA program in narrative nonfiction. While publication isn’t guaranteed, Kathryn’s courses equip you to pursue your goals effectively.

5. Who are my classmates?
Your classmates come from around the globe, creating a diverse and enriching learning community. Students hail from the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond, offering a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences.

6. Can I pay tuition in instalments?
Yes, tuition can be billed over 2–4 months. Contact kathryn@kathrynaalto.com to arrange a plan that works for you.

In Kathryn Aalto’s online writing courses, a warm and welcoming community blossoms—one rooted in curiosity, creativity, and care. Writers from all walks of life gather in these thoughtfully cultivated spaces, drawn together by a shared desire to explore language, landscape, and self. With grace and generosity, Kathryn fosters an atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, dialogue deepens, and each voice is honoured.

Her teaching is grounded in empathy and deep listening. She invites you to write bravely, to trust your instincts, and to discover the quiet power of your unique perspective. Through guided discussions, personalized feedback, and meaningful peer connection, she helps you build confidence not only in your craft, but in your place within a supportive and like-minded community.

In Kathryn’s courses, the classroom becomes more than a learning space—it becomes a sanctuary for growth, expression, and creative kinship. Here, every participant is both a learner and a guide, contributing to a shared journey rooted in respect, inspiration, and a profound love for the written word.

“My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education is a collaborative and transformative journey, one that empowers students to explore their creative potential, embrace their unique voices, and engage deeply with the world around them. I am committed to creating a learning environment that is inclusive, supportive, and intellectually stimulating, where students feel encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and challenge themselves.”

1. Fostering Creative Exploration

Creativity, in my view, behaves a bit like a curious fox: it shows up when the landscape feels open, safe, and full of intriguing trails. Give it room to roam, and suddenly it’s leaping over fences and discovering new worlds. My role as an educator is to hand students the compass, snacks, and map—then encourage them to wander boldly. Through lively lectures, spirited discussions, and assignments that stretch (but don’t snap) the imagination, I aim to spark curiosity and embolden writers to push beyond the well-worn paths of conventional thinking. I want students to experiment with language, subvert expectations, and make creative mischief in ways that feel personally meaningful and artistically daring.

2. Encouraging Critical Thinking and Reflection

I see literature and writing as both telescope and mirror: tools that help us examine the world with precision and examine ourselves with honesty. In my classes, I encourage students to read critically, question confidently, and reflect deeply. We unpack big ideas, tease apart tangled themes, and learn to articulate insights with clarity, courage, and a bit of flair. I emphasize the importance of seeking out multiple perspectives—especially the uncomfortable ones—and exploring the ethical terrain of storytelling. After all, thoughtful writing doesn’t just entertain; it illuminates what it means to be human.

3. Building a Supportive Learning Community

A flourishing classroom is less like a lecture hall and more like a vibrant micro-ecosystem: collaborative, respectful, and humming with exchange. I work intentionally to create a space where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. We share work, give generous and constructive feedback, and engage in conversations that matter. Heavily influenced by the Harkness method—fine-tuned at Phillips Exeter Academy, where all three of my children graduated—I structure my classes around the art of conversation: active listening, thoughtful dialogue, and genuine collaboration. I also recognise that students learn differently, and I aim to adapt my teaching to meet a wide range of needs, voices, and learning styles.

4. Empowering Student Voices

One of my central goals as a teacher is to help writers locate, strengthen, and celebrate their own voice—the one that is unmistakably, unapologetically theirs. Whether a student is rediscovering creativity after years of academic writing or stepping into narrative nonfiction from another genre entirely, I encourage them to write with authenticity and conviction. Every student has a story deserving of the spotlight; my job is to help them polish the lens. This means developing technical craft, yes—but also dissolving the self-doubt, inhibitions, and inner critics that tend to lurk around creative work.

5. Lifelong Learning and Growth

Teaching, for me, is a beautifully reciprocal exchange: I learn as much from my students as they learn from me. Their insights, bravery, and curiosity continue to expand my own thinking. My commitment to professional growth—through ongoing engagement with ASLE (Association for the Study of Literature and Environment) and AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs)—keeps me connected to current conversations in literature, writing, and pedagogy. By modelling curiosity, openness, and joy in lifelong learning, I hope to inspire my students to keep growing long after the course ends, both as writers and as thoughtful humans.

Results

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education is a dynamic, collaborative, human-centered process. By nurturing creativity, fostering critical thinking, and building strong communities, I aim to empower students to become confident, reflective, innovative writers—people who engage with the world in ways that are both imaginative and meaningful.

Once students sharpen their narrative nonfiction skills, I encourage them to step into the literary world with boldness: apply for awards, submit to publications, and keep nourishing their private writing lives through journals and ongoing practice. This proactive support helps emerging writers find external validation for their insight and craft—should they seek it.

My students have achieved remarkable successes: winning the £10,000 Nature Chronicles Prize in 2022, earning long-listings for the 2024 prize, claiming the 2022 Bradt New Travel Writer of the Year award, and appearing on shortlists for prizes such as the Fish Memoir Prize. Their work has been published by university and general presses, book trusts, national magazines, and literary journals.

But accolades are only one chapter in the story of a writer’s life. There is equally profound value in embracing writing as part of a contemplative, curious, reflective way of being. That quieter fulfilment cannot be measured, ranked, or awarded—and it is every bit as meaningful.

“I learnt so much from taking Kathryn’s Memoir and Life Writing course. Although I had published a lot of academic work, I was struggling making the transition to writing in a more personal vein and lacking in confidence. I found in Kathryn a superbly knowledgeable and lucid teacher. Through the lectures and class discussion, I learnt how to implement narrative nonfiction techniques and, in just a few weeks, saw my writing become much more engaging and evocative. I also benefited from being part of a supportive and friendly learning community, and building relationships that I expect to last far beyond the duration of the course. Finally, I really appreciated Kathryn’s warmth and positivity, both in the virtual classroom and in her individual feedback. She was an attentive and sympathetic reader of my work, giving clear guidance for improvement while simultaneously building my confidence. The course enabled me to see new possibilities in my writing and I am keen to work with Kathryn again as I continue to develop.” — David, Leeds, England

“After six months of working with Kathryn–which is a bit like entering the space of a handwritten letter, what with her sharp aesthetic sense, far-ranging intelligence, wit, and curiosity–I’ve made tangible progress on an unwieldy, long-form project I was struggling to articulate. I came to her Memoir and Life Writing class for accountability, and came away having experienced the kind of support, writing insight, and real feeling of friendship that can be difficult to find in a workshop environment. Kathryn fostered a warm, charming atmosphere in class (a real feat online), allowing for life-long connections to develop among our group of writers. She cares about the arc of her student’s writing lives–a form of attention that encourages artistic growth and positive risk-taking. She not only brought her years of writing and publishing experience to class and to our bi-monthly writing assignments (her personal feedback, often handwritten, is invaluable), she also brought her unique perspective. Writer-gardener-historians are, I think, particularly adept at imagining the possibilities for a piece, no matter your subject. Kathryn pushed me to dig deeper, moving my writing in new directions. No matter where one is in their writing life, working with Kathryn will be an experience of profound joy, insight, and artistic deepening.“ — Veronica, Portland, Oregon

“Kathryn’s magic created a haven for aspiring writers and poets. Guest speakers inspired powerful conversations about structure, content, subject, and most importantly, the joy of writing. Spending two hours with other writers from around the globe filled my creative well and sustained my writing practice. And Kathryn’s critical feedback, gentle but pointed, definitely shaped me into a more observant and insightful writer. The best part is the community remains through the connections she has forged.” — Laura, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA