This narrative nonfiction course is designed for emerging nature writers and memoirists who want to continue to push the boundaries of their craft, refine their voice, and bring greater intention and artistry to essays and works-in-progress.  Whether you’re shaping a long-form essay or drafting the manuscript for a nature memoir, this summer-into-September online writing course offers the structure and inspiration to help you advance and provide professional and literary fulfilment. With expert instruction, individualised editorial support, and a dynamic, supportive writing community, you’ll have the space and mentorship to make meaningful, lasting progress this summer. Writers will be guided in developing their projects with greater clarity, depth, and narrative precision—while gaining the confidence to write boldly and revise with purpose.

The course is also for people who want the fulfilment that comes with lifelong learning whether publication is the aim or not.

Taught by New York Times bestselling author and master teacher Kathryn Aalto, Narrative Nature Writing and Memoir Level 2 is well-suited for writers who have taken Level 1 narrative nonfiction courses classes—with Kathryn or equivalents elsewhere—and are eager to go further in their development as artists whether the aim for publication or strictly personal fulfilment. The lectures are designed to introduce greater complexity, offering next-level writing techniques and insights into the publishing process that help writers not only refine their work but also navigate the next stages of their writing careers.

The course meets every other Sunday evening from June 15 to September 21 for eight live sessions. Each class runs from 7:00 to 9:30 PM BST and blends advanced craft lectures with dynamic peer critique and targeted feedback. Writers benefit from structured assignments including readings and writing assignments, milestone check-ins, superb guest speakers, and personalised guidance to maintain creative momentum.

The course also welcomes poets who are crossing into narrative nonfiction and vice versa, offering a supportive space to adapt poetic strengths—such as lyricism, image, and rhythm—into long-form storytelling. Participants will refine advanced techniques including layered narrative structures, thematic development, and voice. You’ll continue moving beyond summary and exposition to craft highly refined, fully realised scenes, while practicing the art of showing, not telling to bring greater emotional depth, immediacy, and knowledge to the page.

We will deepen our focus on narrative arcs and structure, navigating our own presence in the narrative, and writing people and places with nuance and resonance. These lessons are grounded in ethical storytelling—navigating issues of consent, truth, and representation with care and precision. We will read superb long-form essays and one book.

Through rigorous peer feedback and revision-focused discussion, writers will sharpen their editorial eye and cultivate confidence in shaping and submitting their work. By the end of the course, each participant will have completed or made significant headway on their narrative nonfiction project, equipped with a stronger sense of voice, structure, and audience—and with practical tools to revise, pitch, and publish their work.

More than anything, the literary community you have come to know will continue to offer you support over the summer in a timely way.

Guest Speakers

Julian Hoffman is one of our most thoughtful writers on the natural world. Along with his new book, Lifelines: Searching for Home in the Mountains of Greece, he is the author of two previous titles: Irreplaceable: The Fight to Save our Wild Places (Highly Commended Finalist for the Wainwright Prize for Writing on Global Conservation 2020 and Royal Geographical Society ‘Book of the Year’ 2020) and The Small Heart of Things (Winner of both the 2012 AWP Award for Creative Nonfiction and the National Outdoor Book Award for Natural History Literature). Although he was born in the UK and grew up in Canada, Julian has lived for the past quarter of a century beside the Prespa lakes in the mountains of northern Greece.

Click links below to learn more:

• Julian Hoffman website
• Irreplaceable: The Fight to Save Our Wild Places
• The Small Heart of Things

Dr. Will Smith returns to Kathryn’s class provide students with valuable insights into the publishing world. He has been a judge for the Costa Book Awards and the Nature Chronicles Essay Prize. Will and his partner Polly Atkin are owners of the iconic 128 year-old Sam Read Books in Grasmere, England. In September 2023, he was one of ten UK booksellers named in a shop floor roll of honour by the Booksellers Association. Will has a PhD in Canadian Literature.

Click link below to learn more:

• Sam Read Booksellers

• Format: Live online via Zoom
• Schedule: Sundays, every other week
• Dates: June 15 · June 29 · July 13 · July 27 · August 10 · August 24 · September 1 · September 7
• Time: 7:00–9:30 PM BST

💷 Tuition: £550

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

📜 Terms and Conditions: Review the details of enrolment below before registering.

1. Course Overview. This writing course provides online instruction live via Zoom.
2. Eligibility and Registration. Participants must be 18 years 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 7 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: Write 2–4 pages weekly.
• Levels 2–4: Write 4–10+ pages weekly.
  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 best for you.

Kathryn Aalto fosters a warm, inclusive, and inspiring community in her online writing courses, where students from diverse backgrounds come together to explore their creativity. Her courses are designed to encourage collaboration, thoughtful dialogue, and mutual support, cultivating a space where students feel safe to express themselves and share their work.

Kathryn’s teaching style emphasises empathy and attentiveness, helping students build confidence in their writing while honouring their unique voices. Through guided discussions, personalised feedback, and opportunities for peer interaction, she cultivates a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The community Kathryn creates is one of encouragement, growth, and a shared passion for the written word, where each participant is both a learner and a contributor to the collective experience.

Listen to Kathryn discuss writing in the following interviews:

•  National Public Radio’s “The Write Question” from Montana Public Radio here.
• “Cultivating Place: Conversations on Natural History and the Human Impulse to Garden” here.
• “All Things Considered” on National Public Radio with Ari Shapiro here.
• “A Savoured Life” podcast on nature writing with Sumayya Usmani here.

“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.” — Kathryn Aalto

Philosophy

1. Fostering Creative Exploration

I believe that creativity flourishes when students are given the freedom to explore ideas, experiment with language, and push the boundaries of conventional thinking. My role as an educator is to provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement that allow students to embark on this journey of exploration. I strive to create lectures, discussions, and assignments that inspire curiosity and invite students to engage with material in ways that are personally meaningful and artistically daring.

2. Encouraging Critical Thinking and Reflection

I view literature and writing as powerful tools for understanding the human experience, and I encourage my students to engage critically with texts and their own work. By fostering an environment of thoughtful discussion and reflection, I aim to help students develop their analytical skills, deepen their understanding of complex themes, and articulate their ideas with clarity and conviction. I emphasise the importance of considering diverse perspectives and encourage students to question assumptions and explore the ethical dimensions of their writing.

3. Building a Supportive Learning Community

I am deeply committed to cultivating a classroom environment where all students feel respected, valued, and heard. I believe that learning is most effective when it occurs in a community where individuals support and learn from one another. To this end, I prioritise creating a space where students can share their work, offer constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful dialogue. I also recognise the importance of addressing each student’s unique needs and learning styles, and I strive to be responsive and adaptable in my teaching approach.

Strongly influenced by the Harkness method founded at the Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire where my three children graduated, I actively cultivate a learning space that emphasises the art of conversation with active listening, collaboration, and respect.

4. Empowering Student Voices

One of my primary goals as an educator is to empower emerging writers to find and refine their own voices. I encourage them to write with authenticity and confidence, whether they are crafting a new personal narrative as a long-time academic or exploring creative nonfiction from another genre. I believe that every student has a story worth telling, and I aim to help them discover the best ways to tell it. This involves not only developing their technical skills but also helping them overcome any inhibitions or self-doubt that may hinder their creative expression.

5. Lifelong Learning and Growth

I view teaching as a reciprocal process of learning and growth. Just as I seek to inspire my students, I am continually inspired by their insights, creativity, and courage. I am committed to my own professional development as a member of ASLE (Association for the Study of Literature and Environment) and AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs), which helps me stay engaged with current trends and debates in literature, writing, and pedagogy. By modelling a passion for learning and a commitment to intellectual curiosity, I hope to instil in my students a lifelong love of learning and a desire to continue honing their craft long after they leave my classroom.

Measures of Success

My teaching philosophy is centered on the idea that education is a dynamic and collaborative process. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and community, I aim to empower my students to become confident, thoughtful, and innovative writers who are prepared to differently engage with the world in reflective and meaningful ways.

After acquiring key skills in narrative nonfiction, I encourage people to apply for awards, submit to publications, and continue keeping personal writing journals. My pro-active stance helps emerging writers find validation of their insights and writing skills outside our nurturing communities.

My students have won numerous awards including the 2022 £10,000 Nature Chronicles Prize with two long-listed for the same 2024 prize. A student won the 2022 Bradt New Travel Writer of the Year and many have been short-listed for literary awards including the Fish Memoir Prize. My students have been published by general and university presses, book trusts, popular magazines, and literary journals.

However, publication and awards are only one measure of success. Learning to embrace the writing process as just one part of leading a contemplative life cannot be measured nor externally validated. There is different and great fulfilment in both.

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

“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