It is not uncommon for students to struggle with academic writing when making the jump from high school to university. Luckily, students at St. Thomas University have a new resource available to help them.
Along with STU’s Writing Centre and peer tutoring sessions, professional editor and writing coach Allana Walker is now offering one-on-one sessions for students.
This is her first semester offering coaching to students, a service she hopes to continue.
“Not only do I love writing, but I love helping others become better writers,” said Walker.
Sessions are open for booking on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and cost $30 to $50 depending on the session length.
While the coaching is marketed for students at STU as well as neighbouring post-secondary institutions in Fredericton, Walker is also open to helping those not in academics.
On top of academic papers, people are able to bring their creative fiction and non-fiction projects to her. Walker welcomes work in any stage of progress, whether it be a finished draft or an outline.
“If you’re like, ‘Allana, listen, I don’t even know where to start with this,’ I say, ‘Okay, let’s sit down. Let’s look at what the expectations are, what kind of sources you need and let’s create an outline’ because that’s half the battle,” said Walker.
When not doing her coaching sessions, Walker is a professional editor for Callaway Press where her work ranges from children’s fiction to young adult fantasy and adult non-fiction memoirs. She also runs a Substack blog called Daughter of the King, where she expresses the love of creative writing she’s had since childhood.
Walker’s coaching is structured to be personal and collaborative as she tries to get to know the person at the beginning of their session.
“I don’t just want to edit your paper,” she said. “I want to teach you how to write it.”
Walker’s reasoning for her collaborative approach goes back to when she was a student. When completing her bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in creative writing, she felt that this resource would have helped her.
“What I have learned is that you need someone to help you understand,” said Walker.
When asked what she would say to students, she urged that they take their papers seriously because of the unexpected value and learning that can come from them.
“Just keep writing. Keep learning. Whatever you do, don’t give up,” said Walker.
