MY ACCOUNT

MY ACCOUNT

Nature & Travel Writing Level 3-4 (Starts Feb 16)
Nature & Travel Writing Level 3-4 (Starts Feb 16)

ABOUT

“Great art picks up where nature ends.” – Marc Chagall

Narrative Nature and Travel Writing (Level 3-4) is designed for intermediate to advanced nature and travel writers to further enhance their skills. This advanced nature writing course builds on Level 2–3 Narrative Nature and Travel Writing, offering a dynamic curriculum to enrich and deepen each writer’s distinctive and diverse projects. Students will receive in-depth feedback, participate in engaging discussions and exercises, and draw inspiration from acclaimed nature writers.

Guest Speakers

We are joined by two distinguished guest speakers: American author, essayist, and poet Diane Ackerman and British author and poet Rob Cowen.

  

Featured in Kathryn Aalto’s book Writing Wild: Women Poets, Ramblers, and Mavericks Who Shape How We See the Natural World, Ackerman is a renowned author, poet, and naturalist known for blending science and the humanities with ecological consciousness and curiosity about the natural world. Her acclaimed works include A Natural History of the Senses, The Zookeeper’s Wife (adapted into a film), and The Human Age, earning her accolades such as the John Burroughs Nature Award, Orion Book Award, and PEN New England’s Henry David Thoreau Prize. She has had three New York Times bestsellers and was a finalist for both the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Critics Award for One Hundred Names for Love. Ackerman is also a Fellow of the New York Institute for the Humanities. She is a Fellow of the New York Institute for the Humanities. Learn more at her website Home – Author Diane Ackerman.

Diane Ackerman speaks on Sunday, March 16.

“I find that writing each book becomes a mystery trip, one filled with mental, emotional (and sometimes physical) adventures. The world revealing itself, human nature revealing itself, is seductive and startling, and that’s always been fascinating enough to send words down my spine. But writing a book is only part of the creative process; the circle completes when it settles in a reader’s heart. I hope you’ll join me on my travels.” — Diane Ackerman

Rob Cowen, acclaimed as one of the UK’s most original voices on nature, place, and people, is an award-winning author whose work bridges prose, poetry, and journalism. His debut book, Skimming Stones, received the Society of Authors’ Roger Deakin Award, while his celebrated Common Ground (2015) was shortlisted for the Portico, Richard Jefferies Society, and Wainwright Prizes, and named one of the nation’s favorite nature books in a BBC poll. His poetry collection, The Heeding (2021), became the year’s best-selling poetry debut. His forthcoming book, The North Road (2025), will release in April. A former journalist for leading publications like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Independent, Rob has also created radio programs for the BBC. He lives in North Yorkshire. Learn more here Rob Cowen – Writer.

Rob Cowen speaks on Sunday, May 11.

 

DATES

The course meets bi-weekly from February to May, combining lectures, discussions, and writing workshops. Students will participate in in-class reflective exercises and complete at-home assignments, culminating in a portfolio of advanced nature and travel writing that showcases their unique voices.

Schedule:

📅 Time: 7:00–9:30 PM GMT every other Sunday
📆 Dates: Feb 16; Mar 2, 16, 30; Apr 13, 27; May 11, 25, June 8
📍 Format: Live Online via Zoom

TUITION

💷 Tuition: Early-bird £595 per term before January 15, 2025.
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 on January 18, 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

 

FAQs

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 installments?
Yes, tuition can be billed over 2–4 months. Contact gardens@kathrynaalto.com to arrange a plan that works for you.

COMMUNITY

Kathryn Aalto fosters a warm, inclusive, and inspiring community in her 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.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

“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

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.

TESTIMONIALS

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 

“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 is an inspiring writer and gifted teacher of narrative non-fiction. She creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in the virtual classroom, even as she encourages writers to pursue their craft with rigour and tenacity. The classes pivot from instructor-led teaching to student-centred learning, with a dynamic range of activities, including lectures, discussions of craft/technique in assigned readings, writing prompts, workshops, Q&A sessions with published authors, industry insights and more. Aspiring writers receive detailed and actionable feedback, whether to build on existing skills or experiment with fresh approaches to craft. Beyond the classroom, Katy is happy to answer any questions, suggest further readings and encourage writers to publish.” — Wendy, Maidenhead, 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, Maine