Meet Francesca | Writer/Writing Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Francesca and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Francesca, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I now work more and play more! It takes its toll but at this point in my life I don’t want to miss out on anything.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been writing and publishing fiction, non-fiction, and poetry for decades and some of my books (there are over thirty in all) are considered cult classics. A lot of my work is set in L.A. where I’ve lived for most of my life. Los Angeles is one of my main muses!

I also teach creative writing privately and at Antioch University, UCLA Extension, Otis, and for Pocket MFA. I’ll soon be releasing on Substack a writing course based on my “12 Questions” that have helped hundred of writers in all genres and of all levels. And I co-edit a journal, LIT ANGELS, also available on Substack, where we publish the work of established and up and coming writers and artists.

I’m most excited about my latest novel HOUSE OF HEARTS that will soon be out in paperback and that we’re developing into a feature film. I also just regained the rights to DANGEROUS ANGELS: THE WEETZIE BAT BOOKS and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Here’s what I’ve learned about supporting myself as an artist over the years: never give up, give back, and look for the support you need. And also: life is hard but we don’t have to do it alone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A matcha and books from Village Well in Culver City, Ecstatic dance with Dance Tribe and the Los Angeles Dance Collective, hiking in Baldwin Hills and walking around the Hollywood Reservoir, vegan food at Sage in Silver Lake, drinks at Melody Bar and Friday night dancing to 80s and 90s music at Underground/Grand Star Jazz in Chinatown, The Getty Villa, a weekend trip to Joshua Tree and the Salton Sea where HOUSE OF HEARTS takes place.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My children Jasmine and Sam who inspire me to work (and play) harder everyday. Eric A. Zimmerman for the photos and more!

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Image Credits
Eric A Zimmerman