Personal Instruction for Young Writers

I’m a parent and bestselling author who has more than a decade of experience working with young writers. Whether your child loves to write stories and poems or is a kid who struggles to get words on the page, I can help!

Creative Writers

I work with individual students as well as groups of young writers. Interested in a workshop for your child or teen and a group of her friends? I’ve led workshops that have lasted an afternoon, a weekend, or over the course of several months. I also lead ongoing groups that meet regularly. Contact me for more information (and when you do, tell me about your young writer/s).

Reluctant Writers

Does your child or teen put off writing assignments until the last minute? Freeze up at the sight of a blank page? I work with students to demystify the writing process and help them develop strategies for drafting and revising. Contact me for more information (and when you do, let me know a little bit about your young writer).

Online Workshops for Groups

I work with classes and smaller groups of students in workshop settings that continue over time, sometimes over the summer or for as long as a semester. The workshops involve feedback and live interactive online discussions. If you are interested in learning more or have a proposal, please reach out.

Writing Your Best College Essay

Summer is a great time for rising seniors to craft their personal statement and supplemental essays as they begin the college application process. Frances Dowell is an experienced writer and writing instructor who can guide students through the process. For more information about how she can help, go to Writing Your Personal Statement.

For more about Frances’s thoughts on college essays, please see My General Philosophy When It Comes to Writing a Personal Statement for Your College Application.

How to Build a Story Cover

‘Fresh, interesting, and unique.’

–Kirkus Reviews

From bestselling author Frances O’Roark Dowell comes a fresh and accessible guide to storytelling that breaks down the sometimes-daunting writing process into straightforward, doable steps! Booklist calls How to Build a Story “inspirational for budding authors.” Ready, set, write!