It can be a challenge to accurately convey the awe and wonder of nature, whether you’re writing about the weather, the landscape, a herd of wild horses, or a single flower. At Writer’s Relief, we know the words you choose when writing about nature must create a vivid image of something your reader cannot see and can only imagine. Whether you’re writing a short story, novel, memoir, or poem, use these 5 tips to make the many wonderful elements of nature seem close to home for your readers.
Tips For Successfully Writing About Nature
Use all of your senses. You may be inclined to rely solely on the sense of sight when writing about nature, but don’t neglect the other senses: sound, smell, taste, and touch. Write about the coolness of the mist, the sound of a rushing river, the scent of pine, the taste of smoke in the air. Engaging all the senses will help immerse your audience into the scene.
Consider our relationship with nature. People of all traditions and cultures cultivate a relationship with nature. Some will focus on industrialization, while others choose to incorporate nature into their spiritual beliefs. How humans interact with nature impacts the world around us. When writing about interactions with the environment, focus on the character’s (or your) individual experience with nature. Focus on a specific event, or a type of tree, animal, or plant that is unique to your setting.
Include human-made objects and structures. You might think that writing about nature means only describing natural, organic elements. But, for better or worse, humans have made their mark on nature, and human-made structures have long been intertwined with the environment. Homes with ivy covering them, abandoned buildings that have been reclaimed, rusted vehicles neglected in yards, cell phone towers reaching into the sky in open fields, and other objects are inseparable to nature.
Incorporate distance and scale. How might a tiny, new mushroom compare to the towering grass surrounding it? What can a hawk high up in the treetops see on the forest floor? There are countless scales of measurement to consider in nature, from mountain highs to ocean depths, from micro to macro. Comparing the scale of the organics you find in nature can offer new and exciting perspectives for your reader.
Tighten your focus. Try this writing exercise: Choose one small thing to focus on, like a spider, a color, or a bird’s nest. Examine your subject from all angles and describe it in detail. This practice of focusing on a single item in nature will sharpen your descriptive skills.
Whether nature is just one part of your story, book, or poem, or is the driving force behind the plot or theme, it’s important to create the best possible image for your readers. And when you’re finished writing, editing, and polishing your project, it should be second nature to submit it for possible publication! The research experts at Writer’s Relief can help you home in on the best markets for your work and boost your odds of getting an acceptance. Learn more about our services, and submit your writing today!
Question: What element of nature do you find most inspiring?