Adam Lively: Writer – Literary Mentoring and Coaching
Online creative writing and fiction-writing mentoring, coaching and manuscript appraisal
Creativity and Craft
My creative writing mentoring, coaching and manuscript appraisal comes with thirty years of experience, in a wide variety of settings from residential courses and prisons to colleges and universities. In addition to being a published novelist myself, and former Granta “Best Young British Novelist”, for nine years I was Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the innovative and highly successful online MA Novel Writing at Middlesex University (UK).
My teaching is based on two basic principles: respect for the individual creativity of the student, whatever the genre or style, and rigour when it comes to craft, from the broad sweep of plotting and storytelling down to the smallest details of language.
“Adam’s guidance and insights into literary theory and storytelling techniques gave me the knowledge and tools to develop and write the novel I had envisioned for years. With Adam’s support, I honed my craft, which strengthened my self-confidence and my ambition to become a published author.”
Adrienne Roach, U.S.A
Mentoring
Mentoring provides an opportunity for critical but supportive feedback on an ongoing writing project. As mentor, I’m your “critical friend”, giving an experienced close reading of your developing manuscript (novel/collection of stories/memoir), and drawing attention to strengths, weaknesses and possible areas for development.
“Adam completed a full manuscript review for my novel and his help was invaluable. Both his careful line edit and detailed report were very sympathetic to my intentions for the work and, thanks to Adam’s input, I’m confident that my book will be a lot more polished when I begin sending it to publishers and agents.”
Jane Laugharne, Australia
Manuscript Appraisal
This option is for writers who have completed a draft of a novel or collection of stories or creative non-fiction book (e.g. life-writing/memoir), and who, rather than following the developmental path of mentorship, would like to get an editorial report on the whole manuscript.
“I’ve taken numerous courses on Creative Writing, but I’ve never met anyone like Adam: he knows how to share his knowledge without overwhelming less experienced writers, while at the same time guiding them.”
Maria Garcia Ferrer, Spain
Online Workshops and Courses
Online workshops and courses provide an opportunity for students to explore key aspects of fiction-writing craft, to get feedback on their writing from me and from fellow students, and to be part of a vibrant and supportive online community of writers.
“Adam helped me refine my literary skills and stay inspired throughout the completion of my first novel. A published author himself, he leads by example and offers an MA level of mentorship that boldly advances craft.”
Lila Z Rose, Canada
Adam Lively: Writer - Literary Mentoring and Coaching 