Publish a Student Book Writing Workshop
About the Workshop
The Publish a Student Book Writing Workshop is a hands-on literacy and publishing workshop for students in grades 6–12 where participants create and develop strong story frameworks during the workshop that serve as the foundation for future books.
At the conclusion of each workshop, at least one student is selected to have their story developed into a fully published book on Amazon through Franklin the Helper® Children’s Books, LLC at no cost to the student or their family thanks to generous sponsors.
Led by Published Authors and Youth Empowerment Leaders
The Publish a Student Book Workshop is led by published author Franklin Edwards and his mother, educational advocate Demetré Bivins.
Franklin Edwards is the author of 22 books and the founder of Franklin the Helper® Children’s Books, LLC, established in April 2021. As a published author, youth inspiration, workshop facilitator, and creative visionary, Franklin helps students develop their ideas into published works while encouraging them to recognize the value of their creativity, voice, and potential. Through the workshop experience, he serves as a meaningful student connection point, helping young people see themselves as future authors, creators, and leaders.
Demetré Bivins is a published author, educational advocate, and founder of Students Combating Bullying Connection, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on youth empowerment and social-emotional growth. After leaving corporate America, she partnered with Franklin to help expand opportunities for young people through publishing, literacy, and entrepreneurship. As the program architect, publishing strategist, operations and partnership leader, and educational implementation specialist behind the workshop initiative, Demetré helps guide the structure, growth, and community impact of the experience.
Together, they have created a unique authorship and entrepreneurship experience that introduces students to creativity, publishing, presentation, and real-world opportunities. Students do not simply participate in a workshop. They are encouraged to see themselves as creators, future leaders, and young entrepreneurs whose ideas can make an impact beyond the classroom.
Workshop Details
A Rare Student Opportunity
This workshop gives students the opportunity to see their ideas treated as valuable beyond the classroom.
Students are not simply completing an assignment. They are developing original story concepts while participating in a real-world authorship and entrepreneurship experience. Through the workshop, students are introduced to authorship, presentation, creativity, and entrepreneurship while learning that their ideas and voices have value.
At the conclusion of the workshop, at least one student is selected to have their story framework developed into a fully published book made available on Amazon through Franklin the Helper® Children’s Books, LLC.
Selected Future Authors receive full publishing support at no cost to the student or their family.
What Students Experience
During the workshop, students participate in an engaging, hands-on experience designed to help them develop and organize their ideas into strong story frameworks.
Students will:
- Develop original story concepts and creative ideas
- Learn how to structure and organize a story framework
- Participate in guided authorship and presentation sessions
- Explore how creative ideas can become real published books
- Strengthen creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills
- Be introduced to creativity, publishing, and entrepreneurship opportunities
- Gain exposure to the real-world publishing process
- Present and share their ideas in a supportive environment
Bringing the Workshop to Your Students
The Publish a Student Book Writing Workshop is designed for:
- Middle schools
- High schools
- Summer programs
- Youth organizations
- Churches
- Literacy initiatives
- Leadership and enrichment programs
Workshop Details
- Workshop Length: Approximately 3 hours
- Participant Size: Designed for small-group engagement with approximately 10–20 students per workshop
- Location: Workshops are conducted on the school or organization’s campus
- Grade Levels: Designed for students in grades 6–12
- Cost to Schools and Families: Workshops are made possible through sponsor and community partner support.
Workshops are made possible through the support of community sponsors and partners who believe students deserve access to creativity, publishing, entrepreneurship, and real-world opportunities regardless of financial barriers.
Schools, organizations, churches, and youth programs interested in bringing the Publish a Student Book Writing Workshop to their students are encouraged to connect with Franklin the Helper® Children’s Books, LLC by tapping the button below.
Selected Future Authors
Allisson Mejia 8th Grade Student | Todd Middle School, Dallas ISD | Workshop Sponsored by Microsoft
Allisson’s story, Today You Can, Tomorrow Can Wait, was selected for publication based on the strength of its overall framework and clarity of message. She is currently in the process of being published on Amazon.
Her work stood out for its structure, purpose, and ability to connect with readers.
This workshop was sponsored by Microsoft, and following her selection, Allison was featured on Channel 11, highlighting her accomplishment as a student author.
Her journey reflects what is possible when students are given the opportunity to develop their voice and bring their ideas to life.
Jayden Hall 8th Grade Student | Royce West Leadership Academy, Dallas ISD | Workshop sponsored by The Legacy Group, McDonald's
Jayden’s story, told through the perspective of a student navigating social anxiety, self-doubt, and the complexities of relationships, was selected for publication based on its emotional depth and authenticity.
His work stood out for its honest portrayal of internal conflict—capturing what it feels like to struggle with confidence, connection, and the fear of rejection. Through moments of overthinking, hesitation, and vulnerability, Jayden brings readers into the mind of a character trying to find his place while learning how to step outside of his comfort zone.
The story also explores the tension of friendship and comparison, as the main character wrestles with feelings of jealousy and uncertainty while trying to grow socially. This layered perspective added depth to his narrative and made it highly relatable to students facing similar challenges.
Jayden’s selection reflects the purpose of the workshop: giving students the opportunity to turn real thoughts and emotions into meaningful storytelling. His work demonstrates the power of writing as a tool for self-expression, growth, and understanding.
Zi'Kirya Hall 10th Grade Student | Frederick D. Haynes, III Global Academy, Dallas ISD | Workshop supported by New York Life
Zi’Kirya’s story, centered around a high school basketball player navigating challenges through perseverance and faith, was selected for publication based on the strength of its message and emotional impact.
Her work stood out for its ability to highlight resilience, discipline, and the role of faith in overcoming adversity—both on and off the court. Through her storytelling, she captured the reality of facing obstacles while continuing to push forward with purpose.
Zi’Kirya’s selection reflects the heart of the workshop: helping students transform real-life struggles into meaningful stories that inspire others. Her journey demonstrates what can happen when students are given the space to express themselves, build confidence, and develop their voice through writing.
Logan Foster 10th Grade Student | Frederick D. Haynes, III Global Academy, Dallas ISD | Workshop supported by New York Life
Logan’s story, centered on grief and the journey of moving forward after losing someone you love, was selected for publication based on its emotional strength and depth of perspective.
His work stood out for its honest portrayal of what it means to continue living while carrying loss. Rather than focusing only on the moment of grief, Logan explores the ongoing process of navigating everyday life without someone who once played a significant role.
Through his storytelling, he captures the weight of memory, the struggle to adjust, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going even when nothing feels the same. His ability to express both pain and perseverance added a level of maturity and authenticity that resonated deeply.
Logan’s selection reflects the purpose of the workshop: helping students turn real emotions into meaningful stories that connect with others. His journey demonstrates how writing can be a powerful way to process, reflect, and grow through life’s most difficult experiences.
Our Published Authors:
Author Eduardo Espinosa
Eduardo Espinosa
6th Grade Student | De Zavala Middle School, Irving ISD | Workshop sponsored by Microsoft
Eduardo’s book, Charge City, was selected for publication for its clear structure, originality, and engaging storyline. His work demonstrates a strong ability to develop an idea into a cohesive and compelling book.
Author Aubrey Bellah
Aubrey Bellah
6th Grade Student | De Zavala Middle School, Irving ISD | Workshop sponsored by Microsoft
Aubrey’s book, The Kingdom of Periodic Elements Crisis, was selected for publication based on the strength of its story framework and creative concept. Her work reflects strong structure, imagination, and the ability to bring complex ideas to life through storytelling.
