Nature writing with Stephen Moss

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Nature writing with Stephen Moss

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

May 17, 2014 · 10am - May 18, 2014 · 5pm GMT+1

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

From hedgehogs to hammerheads, natural history has never been more popular with readers. Ecologically-aware audiences are as interested in the wildlife in their own gardens as they are in the more exotic fauna of distant continents. Join original Springwatch producer, author and leading naturalist Stephen Moss and learn how to translate your passion for the natural world into immersive, evocative writing for publication.

This hands-on masterclass includes inspirational field trips to two London nature reserves, as well as classroom tuition in techniques to bring the natural world to life through your words, practical writing exercises and individual feedback from the tutor to help you hone your personal style. You'll also learn how to pitch nature stories to newspapers and magazines – although the course is equally well suited to fiction writers, those working for conservation groups, or anyone else with a desire to communicate the wonders of the natural world to the widest possible audience.

Course description

This is rare opportunity to benefit from the experience of acclaimed natural history author, Guardian columnist and TV producer (Springwatch, Big Cat Diary) Stephen Moss. As well as classroom-based tuition, the masterclass includes two field trips, to Camley Street and Hampstead Heath

Through written exercises and individual feedback, the course will teach attendees how to turn their personal experiences and observations into vivid, descriptive prose which readers will love. The weekend also includes an examination of some classic examples of the nature writing genre past and present. Attendees will also discuss their own favourite examples of nature writing in any medium. Key topics on the course include:

  • Understanding the genre of nature-writing, and its literary, historical and environmental contexts
  • Overview of current styles, formats and approaches
  • A critical examination of a range of examples of nature writing, past and present
  • How to turn your experiences into prose
  • How to 'show' the reader instead of 'telling' them
  • Mini field trips to gather material for written exercises
  • Problems and pitfalls, and how to avoid them
  • Potential outlets for nature writing; and how to approach commissioners.

This course is for you if…

This weekend is suitable for journalists, authors, bloggers and anyone working for an environmental or conservation-focused organisation who wants to write about the natural world with greater authority, ability and personality. It's also an enjoyable and illuminating experience for any amateur naturalist who would like to spend a weekend indulging a personal passion for natural history.

Tutor profile

Stephen Moss is one of Britain's leading nature writers, broadcasters and wildlife television producers. The original producer of BAFTA award-winning series Springwatch, he is the author of many books and articles on British birds and wildlife, presents BBC Radio 4 series on wildlife and writes the monthly Birdwatch column for the Guardian.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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