Varuna, the National Writers' House

WORKSHOP: Nature Writing with Sophie Cunningham

Join non-fiction writer, novelist and creative writing teacher Sophie Cunningham to explore what it means to write about nature, and how to do it well.

Workshops

Event Details

Category

Workshops

Event Starts

Oct 10, 2026 10:00

Event Ends

Oct 10, 2026 13:30

Venue

Varuna Reading Room

Location

141 Cascade St, Katoomba NSW, Australia

Nature Writing means different things to different people. The best Nature Writing overlaps with philosophy. It is an extension of culture. It emerges over time and demands a capacity for listening and being patient. It demands self- awareness.  And that is what makes it even more worth doing.

In this inclusive workshop Sophie asks what is meant by ‘Nature Writing’ before moving onto a consideration of:

  • the importance of close attention, bearing witness and cultivating a talent for observation

  • finding the narratives, stories and essays that emerge from something as minimal as a short walk.

  • the ethical dilemmas that come with nature writing.

  • the importance of embodiment.

  • research strategies and the power of the ‘I’ as a narrator.

  • journalling (digital or otherwise) and intention setting.

Suitable for emerging and aspiring writers. This workshop is an 18+ event.

For more information click here