Fran Hooker

• BA in English and Creative Writing, University of Arizona
• MA in English and American Literature, Washington University in St. Louis

Ms. Hooker first joined the Washington University community more than 25 years ago as a writer and editor in the Office of Public Affairs and as Curriculum Coordinator for the Communications and Journalism program in University College. She began her writing center affiliation while earning her MA in English. She has also served as Coordinator of the Writing Center at Webster University and, most recently, as Manager of Academic Success and Tutoring at St. Louis Community College. Ms. Hooker has taught a variety of courses at the university, including Writing 1, a course on Tolkien, and The Literary West. Since 2009, she has taught Technical Writing in the McKelvey School of Engineering. She is delighted to return to the center that first sparked her passion for working with writers.

What brought you to The Writing Center?
Early in my graduate student days, I was curious and found my way to the Writing Center. What I saw there sparked my imagination, and it’s been writing centers for me ever since.

What do you like most about working with writers at The Writing Center?
Every student and every paper is different, and I learn something new from every session. Plus, no grading!

What do you find most challenging about writing?
The blank page/screen.

What advice do you have for writers?
Two thoughts: 1. Writing is never done; it’s just due. At some point, you have to just let it go, even if it’s not “perfect.”   2. ALL writing is messy – we often just don’t realize it because we tend to see other peoples’ finished, polished work. So, be kind to yourself. Let your first drafts be messy!