In Residence
Once upon a time…
For thirty years the Peter Cowan Writers Centre has hosted numerous writers-in-residence. In 2025 we have offered two residencies, one to a writer, Sharon Leahy, and one to an editor, Liam Selby.
Our residents are here for members to ask questions, gain advice about writing, or glean insights into the industry. Both our residents are active within Perth’s writing scene and offer groups and workshops contributing to the writing life of PCWC.
Liam Selby
Editor-In-Residence
Liam Selby is a Perth-based freelance editor and author mentor with certifications in editing, proofreading, and publishing. Since beginning his editing career in 2017, Liam has developed expertise across a range of formats, including structural editing, copy editing, and proofreading for educational textbooks, reports, impact assessments, and management plans. Although his early work spanned various fields, Liam always had fiction editing in mind and worked on fiction projects alongside his other commitments.
Now, with a focus firmly on fiction, Liam brings his passion for speculative genres to his work, helping authors refine their craft. As a writer himself, he understands the nuances and importance of addressing issues in plot, character development, and story structure, guiding authors toward achieving their creative goals. Liam is currently the president of Editors WA, a branch of the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) and recently achieved Accreditation through IPEd.
For help, advice, or for assistance with working on your manuscript or short story contact Liam at:
E: loksediting@gmail.com
Website: www.lokselby.com
Instagram: @loks_editing
Liam offers a fee for service and is available to members and non-members. Further details and costs can be found on his website.
Sharon Leahy
Writer-In-Residence
Sharon Leahy is a writer based in Perth, Western Australia. Her experimental work explores mythical, feminine, historical and metaphysical themes through new and inventive forms of writing. She utilises a multi-disciplinary practice of blending visual art and the written word, and is currently working on a collage novel. Sharon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing.
Sharon’s manuscript development is supported through the kind assistance of the PCWC Skills Development Fellowship. This fellowship is available to committee members who have served three or more years on committee and have made a significant contribution to PCWC.
PCWC Members: If you would like to speak with Sharon about your work, ask any questions about writing, or would like to chat with Sharon about the writing industry, she can be contacted via petercowanwriterscentre@outlook.com Sharon is often at the house during our groups and events and that’s a good way to get to know her. This service is offered to PCWC members only.
One of Sharon’s artworks.
“The model in this study, for a larger art work, was taken from the photograph ‘Surrealist Background’ (Jan 1936), by photographer André Durst (1907 - 1949). Although I used a single model, by putting her in different places, she seems like different people. In erasing her original composition and creating her a new one a different conversation can be had around cultural signs and significations which is what my work explores.”