After many years raising my sons and doing office work, I returned to school at 42 and pursued a Masters degree followed by a Ph.D. I have taught academic writing in several formats: online, in the classroom, blended courses, one-on-one tutoring, coaching, workshops, and presentations. I have also taught contemporary American and British literature.  My favourite teaching moment is when it doesn’t feel like teaching at all: There is a sense of creative collaboration between me and my student or client.

I have several publications, both academic and non-academic. I am currently working on a graphic memoir based on 13 journals.  I picked 13 tarot cards to guide me because I just couldn’t deal with looking at all of the journals  (there are dozens). It seemed a good way to choose.

From July 1, 2019 to June 20, 2020, I am on leave from my job as the Coordinator for the Centre for Academic Communication at the University of Victoria. I tutor, give workshops, edit the online journal for undergraduate research, The Arbutus Review, and publish a WordPress blog about graduate student writing called Graduate Student Writers’ Community.

I love to sew as well as read, write, and draw. I live in Victoria with my husband and two ragdoll cats.

I am on Instagram: maddyruthwalker