Services

I have been a teacher of professional writing and editing for over 20 years, in areas including poetry writing, short fiction writing, novel writing, myths and symbols, and editing. I have been a writer of poetry and fiction for even longer and have edited everything from PhD theses to poetry and novel manuscripts.

I have also worked as a mentor and manuscript assessor for private clients and for writing organisations. This strong background in writing and editing and the teaching of writing means I am in a great position to help beginning and emerging writers in a variety of ways, as listed below.

My teaching philosophy is based on my experiences learning various ‘languages’ to a high level: mathematics, music, martial arts, and writing. My teaching method emphasises the learning of ‘basics’, after which one learns how to apply the basics, the rules, in analysis and creation, to the point of knowing when to break the rules.

I am available for consultation about manuscripts (collections and full-length works) in the following areas:

  1. Poetry
  2. Science Fiction
  3. Fantasy

Contact me if you want more details

I have run many workshops in poetry, fiction and biographical writing over the years. Workshops I would love to conduct for interested writing groups and writing organisations include:

  1. From Preparation to Publication
  2. The Poetry Dream
  3. Light Up Your Words: Poetry for Beginners
  4. Myths for Writers

Contact me if you want more details

I am currently in the process of developing online courses based on my workshops and the subjects I taught at Box hill Institute for many years.

If you want to be informed when an online course becomes available, please sign up to my blog and/or my newsletter using the links on my ‘Contact Me’ page.

If you would like to know more about my other services, please feel free get in touch,

Contact me if you want more details

“

I’ve known Earl for almost ten years and, in that time, I’ve had the pleasure to study under and work alongside him. Earl’s concise yet illuminating assessments on my various writing projects have helped to elevate my craft and I’ve seen the same effect on audiences with his excellent presentation and teaching skills in festival panels, writing workshops and one-to-one mentorships. Earl is a great conversationalist, easy to get along with, and a joy to work with.

Joel Martin, Writer and Director of Speculate Festival
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Earl is a teacher with an exemplary depth of knowledge who encourages his students to aim for and reach their potential.

Graham AdairTeacher at Box Hill Institute & former client
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Earl is a hard working and dedicated teacher/poet who encourages his students to achieve high standards in his classes.

Catherine Jefferies20 year Australian Navy Veteran with a passion for Health & Safety
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For over 20 years, Earl Livings has been my writing mentor. Through novel and short story drafts, great lapses of confidence and personal obstacles, he has been steady and true and kept me to the path when it seemed it was lost. His knowledge is wide, his methods engaging and useful, but it is particularly his passion for words that has kept me aligned. From his feedback, I have broken down pieces and built them back up to create work beyond what I thought I was capable. I am eternally grateful to have had Earl’s mentorship and the support he’s offered to invest in my own talents and aspirations and would recommend him to anyone wishing to do the same.

Sam Benton, librarian and writer