Writing Naturally
Writing about the natural world is compelling for many reasons: it deepens our connections to the places and communities we live in, reminds us of our dependence on nature, and expands in unexpected ways our connection to ourselves. Focusing on the elements that make for compelling writing—awareness of the narrator, and of the reader; creation of a strong idea embedded in an even stronger story; and attention to craft—this class will work to help writers of all levels become more skilled, stronger, and more confident storytellers. We will talk about the way that writing about nature is changing to become more inclusive and acknowledge the uncertain times we live in. Our work will include craft talks, breakout groups, readings of our own writing, and reading examples of outstanding essays both past and contemporary. With the presence of a strong and supportive writing community, writers will be encouraged to re-commit to their writing, freshen their practice, start on a new project, or finish an existing project. Although we’ll focus primarily on creative nonfiction, writers of fiction and poets are welcome. Along the way we’ll talk about birds and plants and the outdoors, as well as our hopes for a healthier, saner world.
Chip Blake is an independent writer, editor, book coach, writing instructor, ghostwriter, and publishing and strategic planning consultant. From 1992 until 2003 he was the managing editor of Orion, a nonprofit magazine that focuses on nature and environment. In 2003 he became the editor-in-chief of Milkweed Editions, a nonprofit book publisher. In 2005 he returned to Orion, where he served as editor-in-chief until 2020. He is also a lifelong birdwatcher and has led birding trips throughout the U.S., Europe, and Central America. His book, The Birds of the Berkshire County, will be published later this year by Cornell University Press and the Nuttall Ornithological Club.
