We are delighted to announce the upcoming publication of Write Now!: Literacy Through Creative Writing Craft, an innovative resource designed to transform how creative writing is taught in primary schools. Co-authored by Dr Shelley Davidow and Dr Paul Williams, this inspiring guide combines their half-century of writing, publishing, editing and teaching experience to nurture the next generation of young writers.
About the Book
Write Now! presents a fresh approach to teaching literacy through creative writing, offering a carefully structured series of 20 progressive sessions that build writing capacity whilst fostering a love of language. Unlike traditional writing instruction materials, this book prioritises creativity and individual expression over standardised testing preparation.
The book provides:
- Sequential, engaging writing exercises designed for middle primary school students
- Proven 'freewriting' and 'writing white hot' techniques to unlock creativity
- Practical strategies for reading, sharing and editing work
- Research-based assessment rubrics for measuring progress
- Comprehensive guidance for publishing student work and organising book launches
Based on the authors' published research in the Australian Journal of Language and Literacy, Write Now! has been proven to improve young writers' abilities whilst maintaining their enthusiasm for writing.
Meet the Authors
Dr Shelley Davidow is an award-winning international author of over 50 books spanning multiple genres. Her recent works include The Girl with the Violin (HarperCollins, 2024) and Grounded (Amba Press, 2024). With twenty years of teaching experience from Kindergarten through to Year 12, she currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Her expertise in Restorative Practice and role as a HeartMath Coach brings additional depth to her understanding of young writers' needs.
Dr Paul Williams is an internationally published author whose works span crime fiction, young adult fantasy, memoir and academic writing. His first writing projects achieved sales of over 200,000 copies across African nations and his memoir Soldier Blue won Book of the Year in South Africa. As Associate Professor and Discipline Lead of Creative Industries at the University of the Sunshine Coast, he brings both creative and academic expertise to this project.
Why Write Now! Matters
In an educational landscape often dominated by standardised testing and curriculum checkboxes, Write Now! offers a refreshing alternative that:
- Builds genuine confidence in young writers
- Develops transferable writing skills for all subject areas
- Creates a supportive community of writers within the classroom
- Provides practical tools for educators to teach writing as an art form
This book is essential reading for:
- Primary school teachers
- Literacy coordinators
- Creative writing instructors
- Parents supporting young writers
- Education students and researchers
Research-Backed Approach
Write Now! builds on established research showing that teaching creative writing effectively improves overall literacy (Isbell et al, 2004; Mello, 2001; Eder, 2007). The authors' own research, published in 2022, demonstrates significant improvements in student writing capabilities through their innovative approach.
Stay tuned for more information about launch events and workshops where you can meet the authors and learn more about implementing these transformative writing techniques in your classroom.
Write Now! - because every young writer deserves the chance to find their voice and use their words well.
