Writing for the Wild
Develop your creative voice, Advocate for your animal kin
Writing for the Wild is a 4-part online course with author, nature advocate and Project Coyote Ambassador Vanessa Chakour. With a blend of readings, writing prompts, discussion and outdoor activities between sessions, this immersive experience fosters healing through the creative process, and equips you with tools to craft compelling stories on behalf of our wild relatives. Delve into the myriad ways nature writing can deepen intimacy with local ecosystems and foster empathy for the wild — even your own wild nature.
In partnership with Project Coyote, this course offers a chance to support their mission. 50% of proceeds will go towards their efforts to protect North America's wild carnivores and promote compassionate coexistence through education, science, advocacy, and coalition building.
Seminar Dates
$495
4 sessions, every other Thursday starting January 9th. (special rate for returning students)
2-4pm EST
Max 8 participants
This intimate seminar is capped at 8 participants, fostering a close-knit environment where you can receive personalized feedback and share your work with fellow writers. We'll delve into the wildness within ourselves and our writing, exploring themes of nature, resilience, and the human condition. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to submit your work for potential publication on the Project Coyote blog or in the Wild Voices Collective newsletter.
Lecture Dates
$175
4 sessions, every Sunday starting January 19th
(special rate for returning students)
12-2pm EST
Up to 40 participants
This interactive lecture series will explore how nature inspires writers and how we can translate wild beauty and complexity onto the page. Unlike the seminar, this session won't include as many opportunities for individual feedback or shares but you'll gain valuable insights and practices to ignite (and sustain) your wild writing journey.
Course Structure
This 4-part online course with author, nature advocate and Project Coyote Artist Ambassador Vanessa Chakour will include a mixture of:
Readings:
Engaging excerpts from literature that explore the wonder of nature and human-wildlife relationships. We’ll look at scientific writing, poetry and prose and how their integration can challenge stereotypes, build empathy for wildlife, and inspire change.
Discussions:
Exploration of the chosen readings and their impact on our understanding of the inner and outer wilds. We’ll also discuss the creative process and craft of writing.
Writing Prompts:
Thought-provoking writing exercises designed to spark creativity, build intimacy with the natural world, and strengthen your writing.
Activities Between Sessions:
Writing exercises that include exploration of your local environment as a source of inspiration: How can your keen observation, sensory awareness and attention to detail inspire wonder and appreciation in others?
Each session will have access to Google Doc with notes, prompts and practices to engage in between sessions. The Google Doc for the smaller seminar session will be interactive while the lecture session will be reading only.
Read Vanessa’s essay: “Creating Corridors: How Storytelling Fosters Empathy for Wild Kin”
on Project Coyote’s Notes From The Field.
An important note:
Sharing creative work requires vulnerability, and it is important for that experience to feel safe and supported. We aim to foster spaces where students feel encouraged to bring their most honest selves to class and to the page. As a participant, we ask that you practice deep listening, compassion, and acceptance of everyone involved. Discrimination, harassment, or abuse on the basis of ability, age, appearance, economic class, gender identification, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other aspect of the participant's identity will not be tolerated, and will result in dismissal from class.