Learn more:

• Pen to Paper: Artist’s Handwritten Letters
• The Handwritten Letter Society
• Write for Rights

📅 Time: Eight Saturdays, 2:00–4:00 PM GMT
📆 Dates: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5, 12, 19 2025
📍 Format: Live Online via Zoo

1. Kathryn Aalto’s creative writing courses suitable for beginners? Yes, all levels of writers can study with Kathryn. She has created a supportive environment where beginners can develop their skills while more experienced writers can refine their craft and explore new narrative techniques.

• LEVEL 1: Beginning courses for those new to narrative nonfiction who need to gain a foundational understanding.
• LEVELS  2-3: Intermediate courses that require Level 1 course, a similar foundational course in narrative nonfiction, or by application with a writing sample.
• LEVELS 3-4: Intermediate to advanced courses that build upon previous experience (finesse voice, structure, dilation, telescoping, dialogue, and other topics.

2. What kind of feedback can I expect in Kathryn Aalto’s courses? Kathryn provides detailed, personalized, and constructive feedback that focuses on improving technical writing skills while enhancing the emotional and thematic resonance of your work. Students receive handwritten feedback on all their writing via Kathryn’s reMarkable device. From the small (language, sentence, syntax) to the large (structure, theme, voice), suggestions are provided and guidance is given to help students learn and improve. People feel supported, encouraged, and challenged to grow and explore.

3. What types of assignments or exercises are typical? Kathryn’s courses include in-class reflective writing exercises and at-home writing between 2-4 pages for Level 1 and 4-10 pages for Levels 2-4. Students write in response to broad topics and as they progress, they are encouraged to write into their own areas of interest.

4. Who are my classmates? One of the most exciting developments in education is the way live, long-distance learning has evolved the idea of learning from a local to international learning space. Students from all over the world study with Kathryn including people living in every state in the USA, Canada, England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Pakistan, India, Kenya, Uganda, Mexico, Ecuador and more.

5. Can I pay my tuition in installments? Yes, invoices can be billed over 2-4 months. Contact gardens@kathrynaalto.com to suggest arrangements that work best for you.

6. If I take one course, can I expect to be a published writer? Taking a single writing course can be a valuable step toward becoming a published writer, but it’s important to manage expectations. A writing course and individual mentoring can certainly help you develop essential skills, refine your voice, and provide you with the tools needed to craft compelling narratives. However, becoming a published writer requires ongoing practice, persistence, and a willingness to revise and improve your work over time, independently and with others.

Publication is a process that involves more than just learning the craft—which can take years of writing, reading, collaborating, and more to arrive at having a signature writing style. It also includes understanding the publishing industry, submitting your work to the right places, and facing rejection before finding success. That said, many writers have taken significant strides toward publication by starting with a Level 1 course, which can serve as a strong foundation. Most students take between 2-4 courses with Kathryn in what can be likened to an MFA program laser-focused on narrative nonfiction. Ultimately, while Kathryn can’t guarantee that taking one course will lead directly to publication, she can assure you that it will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue your writing goals more effectively.

Narrative nonfiction is an art. While many people have had amazing life experiences and want to tell those stories, learning how to translate those experiences in art takes time to develop. Some people do indeed have innate talent and artistic sensibilities to tell stories; often it comes from years of reading and understanding narrative arc.  Most of Kathryn’s published or award-winning writers have taken multiple courses, participated in workshops, and have spent years honing their craft. In the same way that you can’t expect to perform at Carnegie Hall after a semester of piano lessons, the same applies to the art of narrative nonfiction.

💷 Tuition: £395 per term
Invest in your learning journey with a one-time payment.

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

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

1. Course Overview. The Course provides online instruction in letter writing techniques and narrative nonfiction via Zoom, beginning March 1, 2025.
2. Eligibility and Registration. Participants must be 18 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.

Are Kathryn Aalto’s creative writing courses suitable for beginners?

Yes. Kathryn’s courses are open to all levels. Beginners develop foundational skills, while experienced writers refine their craft and explore advanced techniques.

• Level 1: Introductory courses for those new to narrative nonfiction.
• Levels 2-3: Intermediate courses requiring Level 1 or equivalent experience.
• Levels 3-4: Advanced courses focusing on voice, structure, dialogue, and more, building on prior knowledge.

What kind of feedback can I expect?

Kathryn provides detailed, personalised feedback, focusing on both technical precision and thematic depth. Using her reMarkable device, she provides detailed handwritten insights on language, syntax, structure, theme, and voice. Students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow as writers.

What are typical writing assignments?

Courses include reflective in-class exercises and at-home writing:

• Level 1: 2-4 page assignments.
• Levels 2-4: 4-8 page assignments.
  Students respond to broad prompts and gradually delve into their own areas of interest, blending variety with independence.

Who are my classmates?

Kathryn’s courses attract a diverse, international community of writers. Students come from across the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond, creating a vibrant, global learning environment that fosters unique perspectives and connections.

Kathryn Aalto fosters a warm, inclusive, and inspiring community in her live, online writing courses, where participants 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 emphasizes 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.

“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
Creativity thrives when students are free to explore ideas, experiment with language, and challenge conventional thinking. My role is to provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement for this journey. Through lectures, discussions, and assignments, I aim to spark curiosity and inspire students to engage with material in personally meaningful and daring ways.

2. Encouraging Critical Thinking
Writing and literature offer powerful tools for understanding the human experience. I foster critical engagement with texts and students’ own work, encouraging thoughtful reflection and the exploration of diverse perspectives. My goal is to help students deepen their analytical skills, articulate ideas clearly, and consider the ethical dimensions of their writing.

3. Building a Supportive Community
I am committed to creating a respectful and inclusive classroom where students feel valued and supported. Learning flourishes in a collaborative environment, so I encourage sharing work, offering constructive feedback, and engaging in meaningful dialogue. Influenced by the Harkness method, I emphasize active listening, collaboration, and the art of conversation.

4. Empowering Student Voices
My goal is to help students find and refine their unique voices. Whether crafting personal narratives or exploring creative nonfiction, I encourage authenticity and confidence while addressing technical skills and overcoming self-doubt. Every story is worth telling, and I guide students in discovering the best ways to tell theirs.

5. Lifelong Learning and Growth
Teaching is a reciprocal process. I am continually inspired by my students and committed to professional development through memberships like ASLE and AWP. By modeling intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning, I hope to instill a lifelong love of growth and creativity in my students.

Results
Education is a collaborative and dynamic process. I aim to empower students to become confident, innovative writers ready to engage with the world thoughtfully and meaningfully. Beyond the classroom, I encourage students to pursue awards, publications, and personal writing projects.

My students have won numerous accolades, including the 2022 £10,000 Nature Chronicles Prize, the 2022 Bradt New Travel Writer of the Year, and shortlistings for awards like the Fish Memoir Prize. Their work has been published in academic and popular outlets worldwide.

However, success is not only measured by awards or publications. Embracing the writing process as part of a contemplative life offers its own profound fulfillment—one that transcends external validation. Both paths hold unique and lasting rewards.

“Kathryn Aalto is a world-class teacher. I had 30 years’ experience as a journalist and copywriter, but I was a novice in narrative non fiction. Kathryn taught me how to write, guiding me on a journey of discovery, revealing the secrets of sensory writing, bringing filmic vividness to my descriptions of the world around me and uncovering the inner landscapes of the mind. I will be forever grateful for her inspirational teaching and the support of the remarkable writing communities she curates, from whom I have received invaluable encouragement and among whom I have made enduring friendships.”  —  Gary F., Rutland, England

“Kathryn possesses a rare talent to hold a learning space in such a way each participant is supported while doing the hard work of being vulnerable. She extends an invitation to share space together in a small circle across time and distance as writers gather from around the world in a digital classroom with warmth and grace.  As a new writer, I felt unsure and intimidated. Was I ready? Did I have anything interesting to say?  Kathryn dispelled my fears, welcomed me and never stopped encouraging me to stretch just a little further.  She weaves and layers lectures, writing prompts with workshopping along with insightful feedback (often with sketches!) for every session. Kathryn is attentive to the temperament of each class, pausing a little longer here, waving a brief hello to something over there. I rave about these classes! Not only for how each has helped me to learn the craft of writing but for how she has helped me discover my voice. Quite honestly, growing as a writer has profoundly affected my relationships. Deepening my relationship to self, to loved ones and the world I habit. What a joy!” — Beth Anne, New Jersey

“Margaret Atwood said ‘If you really want to write, and you’re struggling to get started, you’re afraid of something.’ Kathryn fixes those nagging fears by showing writers what we have that is already good, and what we can do better tomorrow. It’s win-win, and she remakes a traditional “class” into such an enjoyable, productive journey. I’ve also been lucky enough to experience the awe-inspiring surroundings and warm community that form the bedrock of the Rural Writing Institute. It’s not often that you can genuinely say that one long weekend shifted the way you look at the world, but the effects are still with me in my reading and writing years later.” — Caroline, Aberdeen, Scotland