20 prompts in Non-Fiction

Nature writing prompts

Forests, coastlines, weather and wildlife, observed closely and written well.

All 20 Nature prompts

Showing 1 to 10

  1. Voices for Conservation

    Explore the concept of conservation through a series of interviews with different people who work in environmental fields, such as marine biologists, forest rangers, and climate scientists. Present their insights alongside your personal reflections on the importance of preserving nature.

  2. A Community After the Flood

    Investigate the impact of a recent natural event (like a hurricane, wildfire, or flood) on a specific community. Include personal stories of resilience and recovery, scientific explanations of the event, and discussions on how such disasters could be mitigated in the future.

  3. A Butterfly's Transformation

    Create a detailed non-fiction narrative about the life cycle of a butterfly, but intertwine it with thematic elements of transformation and growth in your own life.

  4. A Meeting in the Wild

    Describe your most memorable encounter with wildlife, focusing on sensory details and the feelings it evoked in you.

  5. A Day That Changed Everything

    Write a personal narrative about a day you spent in a natural setting that profoundly changed your perspective on life. Include descriptions of the environment, your initial thoughts, and the realization it led to.

  6. Awe Beneath the Trees

    Write a personal essay reflecting on a time when you experienced awe in nature. Describe the scene, your feelings, and how this encounter has influenced your perspective on life and the environment.

  7. Seasons of Change

    Write an essay on the emotional impact of seasons changing in your life and how it parallels changes in nature.

  8. The River's Pollution Problem

    Reflect on a local environmental issue in your community (such as river pollution, deforestation, or urban sprawl). Write an investigative piece exploring the causes, impacts, and possible solutions, including interviews or statements from affected parties and experts.

  9. A Letter to Future Earth

    Compose a letter to future generations describing the current state of Earth's environment. Include personal observations, feelings, and hopes for the future, urging action and awareness to preserve the planet’s natural beauty and resources.

  10. A Conservationist's Day

    Craft a narrative centered around a day in the life of a wildlife conservationist working in a national park or reserve. Explore both the triumphs and the challenges faced in their daily efforts to protect and preserve nature.

Good to know

Writing nature, answered.

How long should a nature piece be?

For a first draft, aim for an essay or article: 800 to 2,500 words. That's a draft you can finish in a sitting or two. If the idea keeps growing, let it: plenty of books started as a fifteen-minute sprint.

What do readers expect from essays?

A mind at work, one subject at a time. Most readers come looking for a distinctive voice; personal stakes; surprising connections; pieces that stand alone. Follow a question, not a thesis. The pleasure of an essay is watching someone think.

Which nature prompt should I start with?

Read down the list until one makes you want to argue, or remember something. That's the one. Can't choose? Press "Pick one at random" and write whatever comes up.

How do I make a nature prompt my own?

Change one thing the prompt takes for granted. Three ideas that suit nature: end with something the reader can do or think about today; state your main point in one sentence before you start; include a counterargument and answer it fairly.

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