Writing about Nature

Let’s face it. That title does not spark you to jump in. If you are a children’s non-fiction writer of educational work, and are used for reference books for subject reports, that’s one thing.

I find writing about the natural world tricky. Especially when it’s a work of fiction and addresses issues and conflicts in the natural world. For instance, should the animals speak? Do they communicate with humans? Some of the past children’s books which give animals speaking parts about their life in their environment, Watership Down, Secret of NiMH, and Wind in the Willows, are years old.

The wetlands and marsh habitat, now nearly 90% gone in California, is ruled by legislation, labels, landfill and fortunately, ardent, hard working adult protectors.  Marsh inhabitants are getting ready to speak out.