Fran Orenstein, Ed.D. is the founder of Sunwriter, a multi-faceted writing project. This award-winning poet and writer wrote her first poem at age eight, submitted a short story to a magazine at twelve, continued to write professionally and academically, and is the published author of fiction novels for children, ‘tweens, teens, and adults, and poetry. She gives workshops and hands-on presentations for adults and children on diverse writing subjects, including developing characters, writing for children, publishing, and free verse poetry. Dr. Orenstein has won awards for her poetry and short stories, from the Florida Poetry Society and The American Association of University Women. She has been a member of a number of national and local organizations, including Sisters in Crime, National League of American Pen Women, The Florida and Arizona Poets’ Society, The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, writing newsletters for several of these groups.
Fran Orenstein grew up in New York's Brooklyn and the Bronx with a childhood filled with culture and outstanding educational opportunities. She raised three fine children and is the proud Granny of 4 grandchildren. She believes that volunteerism is an important part of living a well-rounded life.
Dr. Orenstein was a teacher; magazine editor/writer; counselor; managed women's and children's programs including child care, violence prevention, gender equity, and disabilites; and was an officer with NJ AmeriCorps. She presented workshops and papers at national and international conferences, wrote and managed grants, created, edited, and wrote numerous newsletters for government and community organizations, and wrote political speeches and promotional materials. She has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, and a doctorate degree in Child and Youth Studies. Retired from the stresses of the workplace, she writes...novels, and award-winning short stories and poetry, and gives presentations and workshops on writing prose and poetry.