Featured Online Generative Writing Workshop

WRITING WITH THE PATTERNS OF NATURE: Finding Inspiration in the Rhythms and Wonders of the Earth with Kimberly Lee

START DATE: April 7, 2025

END DATE: May, 2025

DURATION: 4 weeks

LOCATION: Wet Ink Interactive Classroom

FEEDBACK: Helpful Instructor Feedback and Encouraging Peer Workshop

COURSE DESCRIPTION: If we surrendered to earth’s intelligence we could rise up rooted, like trees. —Rainer Maria Rilke

Just a glance outside our window lets us witness how nature is a master storyteller, weaving intricate patterns and rhythms that shape our world. This workshop invites writers to deepen their creative process by drawing inspiration from the earth and its beauty. Using the sophisticated artistry found in nature—such as the cycles of the seasons, the flow of rivers, and the spirals of seashells—we’ll explore how these natural rhythms can shape our projects. Through reflective exercises and activities, mindful observation, readings, and imaginative assignments, we’ll see how the natural world can inspire poetry, prose, and personal reflection, offering fresh approaches to imagery, metaphor, and structure. Participants will have the opportunity to create, share, and comment in a supportive online setting designed to enrich their writing and uplift their unique voices. Lao Tzu said, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” Let’s move forward with our writing using the gentle pace and instruction of the earth and its wisdom!

Who is this for?
This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to infuse their writing with the beauty, complexity, and wisdom of the natural world. No prior writing experience is required—just an openness to explore and engage with your surroundings.

Objectives and takeaways:

Explore creative prompts that align with nature’s shapes, patterns, and cycles.
Engage with writing exercises inspired by the environment.
Develop tools to integrate natural metaphors and imagery into your work.
Engage in group discussion and feedback on nature-based writing.

I've enjoyed this class so much and am so sad that it's ending. The themes, the diversity of the materials, the creative processes, and the prompts have all engaged really me. I haven't written like this for years and it's just been great fun. — Danyelle O.

Thank you most deeply for this course. [T]his one has had a profound effect on me. You have a gift for finding and presenting information and thought-provoking materials that engage on a deep level. — Kaden S.

Kimberly has a very warm and delightful presence. Her creative writing workshop was filled with varied exercises. — Sinéad M.

Kimberly presented a variety of creative and original prompts, and I was motivated by her enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment of writing. Her manner was very encouraging and her responses reflected her knowledge of the process. — Carolyn J.

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Week One: Elements
We’ll begin by exploring the symbolism, moods, memories, and details tied to the traditional elements—earth, wind, air, fire. Participants will craft vivid, inspired pieces that evoke strong imagery and emotion.

Assignment: An optional exploratory prompt and a creative writing assignment (500-750 words) on the week's theme.

Week Two: Rhythms
Next, we’ll focus on the connection between the cycles of nature and our own creativity. Participants will tap into the seasons as the basis for their writing, grounding their work in the gentle power of the earth’s rhythms.

Assignment: An optional exploratory prompt and a creative writing assignment (500-750 words) on the week’s theme.

Week Three: Archetypes
This week, we’ll turn to the symbolic archetypes found in nature as sources of inspiration for storytelling. We’ll learn to view landscapes, bodies of water, and other aspects of the natural environment as sources for fresh metaphors that can be infused into our writing, elevating it with wisdom from the earth.

Assignment: An optional exploratory prompt and a creative writing assignment (500-750 words) on the week’s theme.

Week Four: Patterns
We’ll close with an exploration of the intricate patterns found in nature, including symmetry, spirals, spots, stripes, and the like. We’ll enjoy engaging prompts that reflect on and draw inspiration from earth’s beautiful artistry.

Assignment: An optional exploratory prompt and a creative writing assignment (500-750 words) on the week’s theme.

Materials needed: All readings and multi-media resources will be provided via links and PDF documents. Participants will only need the curiosity and willingness to explore moments in time in a new way, along with their preferred writing instruments or devices.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Kimberly Lee, JD, is a versatile writer, educator, and creativity coach with a passion for nurturing the imaginative spirit and helping others reveal their own inner wisdom. She left the practice of law some years ago to focus on motherhood, community work, and creative pursuits. A graduate of Stanford University and UC Davis School of Law, she is an Amherst Writers & Artists facilitator and serves on its board of directors. She is also trained by The Center for Journal Therapy, The Center for Intentional Creativity, Guided Autobiography, The Path Meditation, and SoulCollage. ® A teaching artist with several writing centers, Kimberly has led workshops at numerous retreats and conferences. Recent collaborations include the Omega Institute, UCLA Arts and Healing Initiative, Creative Mornings, and The Expressive Therapies Summit. A former editor at Literary Mama, Kimberly has also served on the staffs of Carve and F(r)iction magazines. Her stories and essays have appeared in numerous publications and anthologies, including LA Parent, Toyon, Words and Whispers, Minerva Rising, The Ekphrastic Review, on the Better Sleep app, and elsewhere. Her debut novel will be published in 2025. Kimberly lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.

COST: $175, which includes an interactive class via the Wet Ink platform for peer interaction.

BUY NOW: Writing with the Patterns of Nature , with Kimberly Lee (4 weeks, starting 4/7/2025) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

For Class Session Starting 4/7/2025

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Notes: Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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