British ELT pioneer revives ‘Keep Writing’ series for Arab learners

MUSCAT, APRIL 26

At the 29th Muscat International Book Fair, Richard Harrison, a veteran author and English Language Teaching (ELT) pioneer, returns with a refreshed version of his acclaimed New Keep Writing 1 and 2 series.

Represented by UAE-based Blackstone and Holywell, Richard promotes the books, continuing a legacy that began over three decades ago in the Sultanate of Oman.

“Writing remains one of the hardest skills to teach — and to learn,” Richard says. “But when approached step by step, even the most reluctant students can grow confident. That was my goal with Keep Writing and it still is.”

Originally conceived in the 1980s while Richard taught in Oman, Keep Writing was first published by Longman in 1989 and quickly became a bestseller across the Middle East. The course was designed to address the specific writing challenges faced by Arab learners, filling a gap in educational materials at the time.

Now, New Keep Writing has been reimagined by Richard’s own imprint, Canford Publishing. The books, printed in Oman by Mazoon Printing, feature local illustrations by Ali al Hinai; and Octagon Design and Services, strengthening Richard’s deep ties to the country. “As both a teacher and a publisher, I’ve always believed in the power of local references and culturally relevant themes in learning materials,” Richard says.

Richard Harrison is represented at the Muscat Book Fair by UAE-based Blackstone and Holywell

The series focuses on foundational writing skills like punctuation, sentence structure and paragraph development. Themes familiar to students in the Arab world — such as family, work, hobbies, shopping malls, transport and food — are used to make the course relatable. This structured, step-by-step approach has been a key reason for its success.

The books are particularly helpful for elementary and intermediate learners. “In the early stages, students need guidelines or ‘scaffolding’ to support their writing,” Richard explains. “The emphasis on accuracy — punctuation, capitalisation and spelling — helps students build confidence. The feedback I’ve received shows that this approach works.”

Khalid bin Mohammed al Abri, Assistant Director for Language Programmes at the University of Nizwa, states, “Richard’s books have greatly improved our students’ writing skills. His approach makes it easier for them to meet academic writing requirements.”

Richard’s commitment to Oman continues in this revised edition. Alongside the Omani-based illustrations, the books offer students a chance to engage with culturally relevant content. “Oman has been central to my professional life,” Richard reflects. “It’s where my writing journey began and where it continues.”

In a world increasingly dominated by digital learning tools, Richard remains a strong advocate for printed textbooks. “Despite the rise of digital formats, students and teachers are returning to print. Physical books offer a focused, tactile learning experience that digital resources often lack.’

Richard’s ‘New Keep Writing 1 and 2’ series is an essential resource for learners of English in the Arab world. With its structured approach and culturally relevant themes, it continues to empower students, helping them develop strong writing skills and build confidence in their communication.