The Ledge Falls area in Baxter State Park inspired a scene in my current WIP, Out of the Wilderness. The constant rushing of the river has smoothed the surface of the ledge. In my story, an attempt to cross the river as a heavy rainstorm rolls in leads to disaster.
A force too powerful to be subdued, the many and varied aspects of nature can be used to create intense conflict within a story. Raging rivers, hurricanes, wild animals and forest fires are only a few of the choices available to a writer. Overcoming the difficulties created by the external conflict of Nature gone wild often changes a character internally. And that is the goal of the writer. To show change, for better or for worse, in a character.
What experience, good or bad, have you had with Nature?