My thesis in grad school was a collection of short stories and essays about the outdoors, and I used to be a columnist with a couple different papers. I've never attempted nor wanted to take the time yet to go on to the next level yet..
There's another HNI member here who wrote a great book I highly recommend; in fact, my endorsement of his book is on this website (complete with some mis-spelled words which aren't my fault...

) at
www.higginsoutdoors.com
Congratulations, Jeremiah!