Maryann: In terms of the reluctant writer (My older one is one of those...)

Some things you may have tried already, but if not:

1. Have her dictate something to you and you can write it. Just get her really used to the process. The writing itself will come with time when she's ready. The most important thing is the thought process anyways.
2. Have her draw a picture before starting to write and then have her describe the picture and why she drew it. Then see if she'll write what she just told you.
3. Tell her over and over and over again that it's okay if she doesn't yet spell the words right. The most important thing is expressing what's in her head. She may not listen till the 1000th time, however.
4. Let her type her story on the computer, where she can see the red underlines to find the words she doesn't know how to spell.
5. If she likes the mail, she might be interested in a pen pal and less worried about the spelling if she's just writing a letter to another kid.