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 journey of discovery, discipline, and deep connection with the earth.
The live online nature writing courses I teach are are my most popular courses. If you’re new to the genre and want to get started, here are my top ten tips for cultivating your voice and craft as a nature writer.
1. Immerse Yourself in Nature
To write authentically about the natural world, you must experience it firsthand. Take long walks in the woods, sit quietly by rivers, or camp under the stars. Pay attention to the small details: the color of moss on a tree, the sound of wind in different seasons, or the patterns of animal tracks.
2. Keep a Nature Journal
Document your observations and reflections daily. A nature journal is both a creative playground and a research tool. Sketch a flower, jot down sensory details, or write a poem about the weather. Over time, this habit sharpens your ability to notice and describe. My students drawn upon their nature writing journals when composing essays.
3. Becoming a Nature Writer: Read Widely in the Genre
Becoming a nature writer means exploring the works of nature writers past and present. From Thoreau and Rachel Carson to contemporary authors like Ross Gay, who has been a guest speaker in my nature writing courses, to Robin Wall Kimmerer, with whom I have taken a walk in the woods, studying diverse styles will inspire and inform your own. Notice how they balance scientific accuracy with poetic beauty.
My book, Writing Wild: Women Poets, Ramblers, and Mavericks Who Shape How We See the Natural World, provides suggestions on where to start.
4. Learn the Science
Deepen your understanding of the ecosystems you write about. Take a course in botany, ornithology, or geology. Learn the names of plants, trees, and animals, and weave this knowledge into your writing to enrich your descriptions and credibility.
5. Develop Your Unique Voice
While it’s valuable to learn from others, your voice is your most important asset. Embrace your perspective, whether it’s scientific, poetic, humorous, or philosophical. Becoming a nature writer requires authenticity. Authenticity resonates with readers.
6. Practice Descriptive Precision
Great nature writing relies on vivid and precise language. Instead of saying “the bird flew,” describe its flight—did it soar, dart, or flutter? Precision paints a vivid picture and invites readers to see the world through your eyes. Consider every word, the syntax of your sentences, and the musicality of paragraphs.
7. Write with All Your Senses
Engage your readers by incorporating sensory details—sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes. Describe the scent of pine needles after rain or the sound of waves breaking on a rocky shore. These details transport readers into the heart of your experience. I always invite a sound recorder into my Level 1 Narrative Nature Writing courses to help people become better listeners.
8. Advocate for the Environment
Many nature writers also serve as advocates for conservation and sustainability. Use your words to inspire others to care for the planet. Whether through essays, op-eds, or books, your voice can amplify the call for change. I would argue that nature writing is the most important genre in literature now. Who is our next Rachel Carson or John Muir?
9. Join a Community
Becoming a nature writer can feel solitary, but you’re not alone. Join writing groups, attend workshops, or participate in environmental organizations. Sharing your work and learning from others builds your confidence and network. This is why my nature writing courses—live and online—are so popular and get results through positive accountability.
Learn more about my courses here Online Creative Nonfiction Writing Courses | Kathryn Aalto.
10. Becoming a Nature Writer: Be Patient with the Process
Becoming a nature writer takes time and persistence. Revisit your drafts, seek feedback, and allow your craft to evolve. Every walk in the woods, every journal entry, and every revision is a step closer to your goals.
Final Thoughts
Nature writing is an act of love and stewardship. Through your words, you have the power to connect readers with the beauty, wonder, and fragility of the natural world. Start where you are, write from your heart, and let the landscape guide your journey.