Francesca Cronan is a luminary in writing and editing, bringing over two decades of experience to her craft. From her foundational days at Occidental College, where she honed her skills in English and Comparative Literary Studies, to founding Write Sisters LLC, Francesca has navigated the evolving realm of content creation with a blend of creativity and precision.
This interview dives deep into her journey, revealing the inspirations, challenges, and profound satisfactions of her literary career. We explore not just her
Francesca Cronan and her professional trajectory but also her personal philosophies that guide her day-to-day life, both as a successful business owner and a committed family person.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?
As a child, my favorite activity was getting lost in a book. I’ve always been drawn to the written word and its transformative power. I enjoy helping others articulate their thoughts as effectively and engagingly as possible to their intended audiences.
Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?
Starting my own business was a defining moment. It’s been very satisfying working with a variety of clients and becoming adaptable to different situations. Occasionally, clients invite me in-house; while flattering, I’m cautious not to walk away from what I’ve built so far.
How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure overall well-being?
I love the flexibility of working from my home office. My daily routine starts with taking the kids to school, followed by a brief workout, and then diving into my projects. Lunch is usually with my husband, who also works from home, and the afternoon is for family time. I’m proud of how I’ve structured my life to balance family time and career focus.
What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
Personally, I am proud to be a mother to two amazing children. Professionally, I’m grateful that my clients value my work highly, especially when budgets are tight—they still choose to retain my services.
Who is the entrepreneur or business leader that inspires you the most? Why?
Sadie Lincoln, founder of Barre3, is a major inspiration. Her approach to exercise—emphasizing strength, endurance, and mindfulness over aesthetics—has created a welcoming brand that inspires people to focus on health and longevity.
What advice would you give your younger self?
It’s okay to take pride in your accomplishments. Discussing your strengths isn’t boasting—it’s crucial for building trust and inspiring confidence in your ability to assist clients in achieving their goals.
What is your approach to starting a new project?
I relish the initial connection with a client. Understanding their needs and goals and figuring out how I can best serve them is thrilling. Establishing a clear timeline, setting communication expectations, and ensuring alignment are key steps to set up a project for success.
How do you define success?
Success, to me, is making an impact, however small, on someone’s life. I love it when clients smile after reviewing content I’ve provided, and even a simple “Thank you” feels like a win. Providing stability for my loved ones and being a reliable source of advice also define success for me.
Can you recall a significant challenge or failure you faced and how you overcame it?
After college, I aimed to become a professor but was rejected from the graduate programs I applied to. This setback made me reassess and focus on the aspects of writing I loved most, leading me to realize that the competitive atmosphere of academia wasn’t the right fit for me. This experience taught me resilience and helped me pivot to where I am today.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies?
I keep up with the latest content marketing trends and technological advances, especially as AI evolves. Attending events and engaging with communities like the Freelancer’s Union helps me stay updated and relevant in my field.
Tell us about a skill you taught yourself and how you went about learning it.
When a client needed modules set up in Articulate 360, I taught myself how to use it. I’m quick to learn and willing to invest time to understand and utilize new tools that align with my clients’ needs.
What are the keys to effective decision-making in your career?
Effective decision-making involves considering multiple options, gathering all necessary information, and being willing to revisit and adjust decisions as required. This flexibility has been crucial in navigating the complexities of my career.
What do you believe are the most crucial qualities or skills a leader should possess?
A good leader recognizes and nurtures the unique talents of their team. They must communicate clearly and provide valuable feedback. I strive to understand and utilize the strengths of everyone I work with, which has been integral to my success.
How do you handle complaints, criticism, and feedback?
I view feedback as an opportunity to better understand the client’s goals and adjust my approach if necessary. Open dialogue about expectations and outcomes helps refine the project and strengthen client relationships.
Do you have any upcoming projects or personal goals that we can help promote?
I'm in the process of building a food blog, which is an exciting new venture for me. I look forward to sharing more about this project as it develops.
Are there any charitable organizations or community service-oriented activities that you are involved in?
In the summer of 2010, my husband and I went on an incredible trip to Borneo led by Orangutan Foundation International. Ever since then, I've been committed to their conservation efforts to preserve rainforests and protect them from palm oil plantations.
Please tell us an inspirational story about a time you helped change someone’s life or someone helped change yours.
A college professor recognized my writing talent and pushed me to refine my skills. His encouragement wasn’t just academic; it was transformative, steering me toward a rewarding career in writing.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My day begins with taking the kids to school, followed by a workout, then diving into projects. I lunch with my husband and spend afternoons with my family. This structured yet flexible schedule helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What is the toughest decision you've had to make recently? What was the outcome?
Recently, a client challenged my standard billing structure. It was tough, but I stood my ground and maintained our professional relationship, which affirmed the value of my work and continued our partnership.
What was the worst job you ever had, and what did you learn from it?
Working in retail was particularly challenging. It taught me the value of diligence and empathy, especially in customer interactions, which I've carried into my own business practices.
What people in your life or career have had the greatest impact on you? How?
The team at LegalRev has been significant in my professional life. Working with them has allowed me to help develop a brand's voice and has taught me the importance of adapting and evolving with a client.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
My strategy is prioritizing quality. In a competitive industry, maintaining high standards sets me apart and demonstrates my commitment to excellence to my clients.
How do you build and maintain strong professional relationships?
I invest time in meaningful interactions, often through in-person or video calls, and maintain regular check-ins via email or Slack to ensure responsiveness and open communication.
What continuing education or training are you currently involved with?
I keep up with current events and trends through high-quality news articles, not just for content but also to stay current on stylistic trends in writing and reporting.
What methods or techniques do you employ to set achievable goals and track progress?
I maintain a detailed to-do list and a calendar for deadlines. Physically checking off completed tasks from my written list provides a clear sense of progress and accomplishment.
Looking Forward
Francesca Cronan and her journey shows the power of words and the enduring importance of human connection in content creation. Her dedication to her craft and her approach to work-life balance provide valuable insights for anyone navigating the complex intersections of career and personal life.
As she continues to shape her narrative and influence the industry, Francesca remains an inspiration for aspiring writers and entrepreneurs alike, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can indeed craft their own world.
By Chris Bates
