Testimonials
Richard Yaxley had our students completely captivated and engaged with his stories. His presentation gave students authentic insight into his creative process and genuine expert advice for writing stories and crafting compelling characters. We’d have him back in a heartbeat!
Brisbane South State Secondary College – August, 2023
Richard was well prepared and sought feedback about our specific needs for his presentation. His material was highly informative and supported with practical examples. As a presenter, Richard engaged the audience with his passionate manner and sense of humour. The writer’s workshop was the most beneficial as he provided practical one-on-one guidance for our students. It was a highly rewarding experience!
Suncoast Christian College – June 2023
Richard delivered an excellent narrative writing workshop to our senior students yesterday. He is a warm, relaxed and engaging speaker, so the girls responded enthusiastically to him, asking questions and making notes on his very helpful advice. Many of them said afterwards that the session had inspired them to begin writing their own narratives, or to revise those they had already begun, using Richard’s tips. According to one Year 12 student, “It really broke down how to construct a narrative and how to start writing a story from scratch.” I would definitely book Richard again.
St Rita’s College – July 2020
Richard’s presentation and workshop with our Year 9 extension students was excellent. By the end of the two-hour session, he had covered the most important aspects of narrative writing and helped students to find their story. Richard inspired our students, including our more hesitant writers, to embrace the power of literature. His presentation was engaging and tailored to both the topic and the needs of our learners. This is the second year he has presented at our College and we will continue to book Richard in the future.
St Thomas More College – August 2020
Richard Yaxley worked in two formats across two days with our students – lecture style teaching and small group writing workshops. His input has been very favourably received by students and staff alike. His great input is having direct, positive impact on the students’ current English learning unit. I would definitely recommend Richard!
Iona College – August 2019
Richard was a great speaker who engaged boys and parents. He had a perfect manner with the audience and they enjoyed the evening.
Brisbane Grammar School – April, 2017
We would definitely recommend Richard to other Schools and will be looking to book him again into the future.
Sheldon College, April 2016
Richard was excellent and worked to our brief superbly and his ability to interact with students was first rate. We would have no hesitation in booking him again.
St. Patrick’s College, March 2016
Teacher Notes
This Is My Song
Joyous And Moonbeam
Joyous and Moonbeam Teacher Notes
Drink The Air
Article Written After I Won The Queensland Premier’s Literary Award
A New Kind of Everything
Brotherly Love_Why I Wrote A New Kind of Everything
A Speech About A New Kind of Everything and Other Things Too
Q & As
Author Q and A Prime Minister’s Literary Awards
Richard Yaxley 
Hello, Richard. I have just taught with This Is My Song in two Core Curriculum 100 classes at ACU Brisbane, mostly online as it has turned out. There have been some magnificent responses to the creative task we set, linking with the themes of the unit and with the Catholic Social Teachings. Perhaps you would like to see some of them….on another tangent, I wonder what would be your view, from an “old” teacher, I taught English for many years before retiring this year, of allowing a double page from each part of the novel to be used with the students I have in the next Core course, starting June 15. The University has as you know purchased a copy for each First Year student but with campus semi-closed, access for pickup is not as easy as it was. Anyway, whatever you think. Thank again for such an engaging novel and the story of its genesis is a great one also. You would be welcome to come online with the class if you wished, we are Monday 9-12, Friday 9-11, 2 weeks, starting June 15 and I use Zoom. Best regards, Peter Webb, EdD, 0419742002 pmwebb567@gmail.com
Hi Peter, that’s great to hear – thanks for the feedback. I’d love to see some of the responses – I taught English for over 30 years so always interested in creative response to text. I don’t see any problem with using a few double page spreads – I doubt that would breach copyright – and yes, I’d be more than happy to join your class, maybe at a stage when they’ve got some questions? By all means drop me a line and we’ll see what we can organise. Thanks again, Richard