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The Writer’s Secret Weapon: A Trusted Writing Mentor
Writing is often romanticised as a solitary pursuit—one writer, one desk, and the quiet hum of inspiration. Yet, the truth is that even the most accomplished writers benefit from guidance, accountability, and meaningful conversations about their work. A writing mentor...
Memoir Writing Course: From Diarist to Letter-Writer to Author
For some, a memoir writing course is the beginning. For others, it starts earlier. For me, it began with sensations. The feel of a pen in hand. The sight of my handwriting unspooling in black ink across a blank white page. The crisp sound of a turning new pages in a...
Living Narratively: Ways Online Writing Courses Shape Lives
A life well-lived is a story well-told. To write with depth is to live with intention—to move through the world as both participant and observer, attuned to the rhythms of conversation, the quiet language of landscapes, and the undercurrents of emotion that define...
Nature Writing Courses: Nature Poetry and Ecopoetics
Nature has always been one of my greatest sources of inspiration. It serves as a mirror to the human condition and a window into the sublime. That’s why I was thrilled to introduce to my Autumn 2024 nature writing courses, An Introduction to Nature Poetry and...
How To Find Your Voice as a Writer
Finding your voice as a writer is a journey as intricate as the landscapes we walk through. It’s a personal process, one that asks for patience, self-reflection, and courage. Voice isn’t just the way you write; it’s the distilled essence of who you are, shining...
Nature Writing in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities
Nature writing, a genre rooted in deep observation and connection with the natural world, has long served as a bridge between humanity and the environment. In today’s digital age, however, the way we engage with nature—and write about it—has evolved dramatically....
Writing and Walking: From Path to Page
Writers are often portrayed as stationary creatures—seated at desks, hunched over notebooks, or tapping away at keyboards. But writing doesn’t always happen at a desk. In fact, I know from personal experienced that some of the best writing starts when we step away...
Ten Common Writing Mistakes
First, let's be honest: even seasoned writers make mistakes. It is a misconception that our first drafts are flawless. In fact, we know that writing is messy and requires dozens of drafts to make it all look easy. We know which common writing mistakes to avoid in...
Becoming a Nature Writer: Top Ten Tips
Becoming a nature writer requires an observant mind. Nature writing is an evocative genre that bridges the human experience with the natural world. Whether you’re drawn to lyrical prose, keen observation, or environmental advocacy, becoming a nature writer is a...
My Top Five Books of Creative Nonfiction
There really cannot be a "definitive list of best narrative nonfiction" but if I could suggest five great books for aspiring writers and incoming students, these would be my choices based on storytelling, depth, and perspective: 1. Dead Wake by Erik Larson masterfully...
Writing Mentors: Inspiring through Example
A writing mentor can be a game-changer in a writer’s journey, offering guidance, insight, and encouragement that fuels growth and confidence. Writing mentors provide expert advice and personalized feedback, helping writers develop skills that might otherwise take...
Online Creative Writing Course: 10 FAQs
1. Q: Are your online creative writing courses suitable for beginners? A: Yes, from aspiring to published writers, I work across the spectrum of mastery in narrative nonfiction. LEVEL 1: Beginning courses like The Art of Narrative Nonfiction for those new to narrative...
The Lessons of Public Speaking
Do you remember the first time you stood in front of an audience, your heart racing, palms sweating, and butterflies fluttering in your stomach? Public speaking, often feared and avoided, is a skill that holds the power to transform lives in ways we might not...
The Role of Writers in Environmental Advocacy
In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, nature writers hold a unique and powerful tool: the ability to shape narratives, inspire change, and connect people to the natural world. Words have the power to shift perspectives, stir emotions, and rally...
Nature Writing Courses: Harness the Power of Storytelling
In a world inundated with digital noise and constant distractions, immersing oneself in nature's timeless narratives is deeply refreshing. From garden meditations to climate change, myriad stories are waiting to be discovered and shared. If you're drawn to unraveling...
Winter Writing Tips: Giving It a Rest
"You are not only responsible for what you do, but also for what you do not do." -- Shi Heng Li In the perpetual hustle of the modern world, where productivity is revered and time is considered a precious commodity, rest may seem counterintuitive. After all, how can...
How to Create the Perfect Writing Space
As writers, we understand the profound impact our surroundings can have on our creative process. How to create the perfect writing space is an important concern. A well-crafted writing space is not merely a desk and a chair; it's a sanctuary that nurtures...
The Stages of Writing: A Roadmap to Narrative Nonfiction
As a writer and teacher, it is essential to explain the stages of writing to my students. Too often, students want to sit down at a computer and begin tapping away at the next Pulitzer Prize in Nonfiction. Writing is a journey, a creative process that requires...
Learn Better Writing Habits
In the realm of writing, discipline serves as the compass that guides us through the labyrinth of creativity, enabling us to transform our ideas into tangible words. As a writer, I understand that the journey to success is paved with the diligent practice of...
Health Tips for Writers: Finding the Write Life Balance
As writers, we often prioritize our craft over everything else in our lives. However, it's crucial to remember that our bodies and minds need care and attention to produce quality work. Good health is essential for maintaining a writing practice, and today, we'll...
Five Benefits of a Nature Writing Course
As we enjoy the beauty of spring, it's hard not to be drawn to the wonders of nature. From the chirping of birds to the vibrant colours of blooming flowers, there's something special about being outside and immersing oneself in the natural world. And what better way...
From Words to Masterpieces: Online Writing Courses
Are you looking to take your writing to the next level? Do you want to learn from an experienced author, teacher, and literary guide? Then you are invited to join Kathryn Aalto's vibrant online writing courses where the art and craft of writing happens in a supportive...
Learn How to Write a Memoir
Many of us yearn to put our life stories into narrative. Why do we feel such an urge and what are the reasons people want to learn how to write memoir? Memoir writing is a transformative and deeply meaningful endeavor that holds tremendous importance in our world. It...
Six Advantages of an Online Writing Class
Six Advantages of an Online Writing Class Online writing classes can provide aspiring authors with deeply engaged teaching, inspiring learning materials, and an uplifting writing community, among other benefits. If you’re considering online writing courses, keep the...