"Nature can be a source of solace, inspiration, and renewal," says instructor Katharine Harer. "Just walking down a path surrounded by trees with the smell of the earth under my feet changes the way I feel instantly; one minute, I’m stressed, and the next I’m noticing intricate wildflowers and the bright songs of birds. I’m breathing deeply again.”
In this Saturday class, we’ll give ourselves over to our senses. We’ll start in The Writing Salon's classroom on Balboa Street, where we’ll look at examples of writing about the natural world. We’ll read pieces by diverse writers, including Mary Oliver, Pablo Neruda and Gretel Ehrlich, and we’ll talk about what works and why in their work. Katharine will identify some of the techniques writers use as they encounter the world outside, including close observation, attention to sensory details and moments of reflection.
Then we’ll walk the few blocks to Golden Gate Park and spend time outdoors, under the sky, writing about what we observe, what we think and what we feel. Katharine says, "It can be inspiring and humbling to remove ourselves for a time from our inside lives—our desks, devices, phones and cars—and see what the larger, more eternal world can offer us.” Sharing our writing with one another is optional, and no previous writing experience is necessary to enjoy this class. Note: bring some warm clothing to wear while we write outdoors.
*There will be a lunch break for at least 45 minutes during this Saturday class.
About The Writing Salon's In-Person Classes
Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about the class. If you have any questions about in-person learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.
Katharine Harer loves teaching creative writing. She has worked with hundreds, maybe thousands, of students in her over thirty-year career as a community college writing teacher at Skyline College and as a private workshop instructor. Katharine has published seven collections of poetry, the most recent, Deconfliction, in 2020, and a full-length volume of poems, Jazz & Other Hot Subjects, in 2016. Her poetry and nonfiction have been published widely in literary journals, newspapers, magazines, and anthologies. Her travel essay Delle Donne appeared in Best Women’s Travel Writing 2016 and a personal essay, Blue Flags & Painted Crosses, is forthcoming from Sonora Review in Tucson.
- Saturday, April 27, 10:00am-4:00pm
I think Katharine is a great teacher. She gives everyone respectful, individual attention. She lets everyone have their own opinion and encourages us to listen to each other with the same empathy.
I loved Katharine's teaching style. She pulled out creativity from everyone and offered simple techniques that immediately enhanced the pieces each person was working on.