Nature Writing by Lorrie Orr

 

I would argue that every story written contains something of the natural world. It is within the setting of nature that we live our lives. Nature affects much of humankind's actions throughout millennia. The houses we build, the clothes we wear, the food we eat - all are a product of and a response to the created world - nature. 

Nature writing is a sub-genre of creative non-fiction that seems to be growing in popularity. It is not scientific writing, although elements of scientific observation are a useful tool. It is also not completely poetic and personal, rather it bridges these two types of writing to, as one writer puts it "take our world and make it sing." 

Including elements of nature in our writing allows readers to enter into the world we are laying out for them and make connections to our work, and to the world they live in. How many have gotten up to put on a sweater or make a cup of tea when reading The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder? I know that I have. 

John Muir, an early Nature writer, wrote that nature gives "a glimpse of the mind of God." In the natural world we see abundance, diversity, constancy, and hope - all aspects of God's character. The earth spins on its axis, the seasons change, and flowers bloom because of God's constancy, even in our broken world. He is faithful.

Biblical nature metaphors abound - from "the storehouses of the snow" in Job to God portrayed as an eagle that "hovers over its young" in Deuteronomy. In life, metaphors of rivers often indicate the passing of time, and we use tidal language of ebb and flow for life's seasons. 

Every writer, not just a Nature Writer, benefits from including elements of creation in her work. We can draw inspiration out of our surroundings to highlight emotional responses from our readers. A murder taking place on a dark and stormy night is perhaps trite; a murder taking place on a sun-filled afternoon in the garden provides striking contrast.

Writing about nature requires us to be observant and, as Mary Oliver says, to "pay attention." I find that in my personal journals I often begin writing by describing what's going on outside my window. There's a balance between overly flowery language and mere facts. It's good practice for me. 

A few of my favourite writers who use elements of nature writing include Mary Oliver, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Annie Dillard, Charlotte Bronte (Jane Eyre), Gladys Taber, Raynor Winn, and Celia Thaxter. 

Lorrie Orr writes from Vancouver Island where she and her husband love exploring the beautiful and astounding world God created.