Psychologists writing for change
8 publications where you can pitch environmental-themed articles
As we navigate a climate crisis with unpredictable weather, natural disasters and the devastation that it wreaks on families and communities, its predicted rates of climate-related stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder will increase, too.
Psychologists and other health professionals are uniquely positioned to amplify the connection between mind and planet. Through environmental writing, psychologists can bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public, providing valuable insights and engaging narratives that motivate change.
One of the key strengths of psychologists is their ability to explore the emotional responses evoked by environmental issues. From eco-anxiety and eco-grief to feelings of powerlessness or hope, psychologists can delve into the complex array of emotions individuals experience in the face of environmental crises. By writing about these emotional landscapes, psychologists can not only validate these feelings but also offer coping strategies, resilience-building techniques, and mental health support tailored to the challenges presented by the changing environment.
There are lots of opportunities for writers with a psychology or health background to be published in this space.
In this blog post I’m sharing environmental-themed writing competitions and publications that accept environmental or nature themed feature articles AND I’ve included links to two brief online courses where you can learn to hone your nature writing skills.
Environmental-Themed Writing Competitions
There have been an increased number of nature and environment-themed writing competitions which provide opportunities to showcase your unique perspective on psychology and the environment. There are currently two open for submissions (as of 24/6/23).
RD Walshe Memorial Writing for the Environment Prize
The Sutherland Shire Environment Centre holds an annual, national Writing for the Environment prize in honor of its founder, Bob Walshe. With three age categories for the competition, you must be 26 years and under or over 60 years old to enter the prize.
Accepting fictional prose of no more than 800 words in length. The winning author receives $500.
Submissions close Friday 30th June, 2023.
Nature Writing Prize 2023
Submissions are open for The Nature Conservancy Australia’s Nature Writing Prize 2023 which aims to celebrate the art of nature writing and invites writers at all stages of their writing journey to participate.
This year’s theme is ‘writing of place.’ The prize seeks essays between 3,000 and 5,000 words. The winning author receives $7,500.
Competition closes Friday 28th July, 2023.
Environmental-themed online publications
Science Write Now
Science Write Now is a network of people and resources that support creative writing about science. Each edition is themed and they do a regular callout for submissions. They publish new or previously published poems, short stories, book reviews, or literary or personal essays. Original published works receive payment.
1Million Women
1 Million Women Founder Natalie Isaacs set out to build a global movement of women, and empower them to act on climate change through the way they live.
1 Million Women are currently seeking volunteer content writers to write and research specific topics.
It’s unpaid work but for a good cause and an opportunity to grow your writing portfolio in the sustainability space.
Environmental-themed print publications
Pip Magazine
Pip Magazine was started by Robyn Rosenfeldt in 2014 as a way to share practical and inspiring stories to help people integrate permaculture and sustainability into their lives. Pip Magazine welcomes freelance pitches on articles with a positive message that will ‘inspire people through examples or educate through practical ideas and tips.’
Peppermint Magazine
Peppermint Magazine is an Australian quarterly print magazine focussed on sustainability, ethical fashion, diversity, climate action, slow living, and more. They welcome freelance writer pitches that cover their main editorial categories, one of which is mindfulness and mental health.
Wonderground
Wonderground is a biannual print journal which covers nature, culture and care. They accept freelance submissions for essays, memoir and long-form interviews and are interested in stories that ‘come from the heart, and ideas that grow from experience and deep thought.’
Note: as of 24/6/23, they are not currently open to submission. I encourage you to check back regularly if you’d like to contribute to this publication.
Galah
Galah magazine is a wonderful rural magazine printed twice yearly which spotlights on rural communities and issues. If you’re a rural health professional then this might be an opportunity to share your experience. They welcome pitches and ideas that will help document regional Australia and who live here.
Nature-Writing short courses
Want to brush up on your nature-writing skills? These courses can help extend you out of your comfort zone and hone your writing skills.
Nature writing with Inga Simpson- Writing NSW (online)
I’ve completed this course so I may be biased but I loved diving into nature writing with Inga Simpson in this short, online course hosted by Writing NSW. It’s ideal for fiction and non-fiction writers at all levels who are passionate about the natural world.
Learn more here.
Nature writing with Sophie Cunningham - Kill Your Darlings (online)
Explore nature in your writing with non-fiction writer and novelist, Sophie Cunningham. You’ll explore techniques or getting to know a landscape, building narrative, research skills and ethics.
Learn more here.
Ready to pitch?
Psychologists are uniquely positioned in environmental writing, to leverage their expertise and help us understand the intricate connections between the human mind and the environment. For tips on pitching your article to a media publication, read this blog post.
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Need help with pitching or becoming a freelance mental health writer? Get in touch for my 1:1 coaching and mentoring packages for therapists who write (or want to!).