Today we’d like to introduce you to Francesca Lia Block.
Francesca Lia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I published my first book, WEETZIE BAT, in 1989. It’s a magical realist punk fairy tale about a young woman and her gay best friend growing up in L.A. in the early 1980s. Since then, I’ve published six other books about Weetzie in the DANGEROUS ANGELS series and Weetzie has become a cult favorite.
I’ve also published dozens more novels, memoirs, short story collections, books of poetry and essays, and I’ve written some screenplays including an adaptation of WEETZIE BAT. My most recent book, THE THORN NECKLACE: HEALING THROUGH WRITING AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS, is a memoir and craft book for writers and artists of all kinds. My work has been translated into many languages and it has received numerous awards, including the Margaret A. Edwards Life Time Achievement Award. I have also been teaching for twelve years. Currently, I teach at UCLA Extension, Antioch University, Los Angeles and for Writing Workshops L.A. as well as privately and I was nominated as Professor of the Year at the University of Redlands where I taught in the creative writing department as a visiting professor. I live with my family in Culver City.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve had a lot of struggles, including partial blindness in one eye due to a detached retina, the death of my parents from cancer and almost losing my home, among many other things. I’ve made it through by persevering and finding support from family, friends, and fans. I’m so grateful for all the love and help I’ve received and I try to give back by helping others, which includes nurturing and challenging my students at every turn. Another challenge I’ve faced is trying to get the Weetzie Bat movie made. It’s been thirty years and it hasn’t happened yet, in spite of interest from many amazing people, but I haven’t given up.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As a teacher, I think I’m known for deep kindness and empathy, as well as for pushing my students to meet their potential. As a writer, I try to write entertaining stories that explore timely humanitarian themes, mostly about the healing power of love and art.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Giving and receiving love. Being able to live comfortably with money left over to help others. Freedom of creative expression and reaching an audience.
Pricing:
- Manuscript Consultation/Coaching $150 an hour with 5 hour minimum
- Private Writing Workshops $500 for 10 weeks
Contact Info:
- Website: www.francescaliablock.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francescaliablock/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/francescaliablock/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/francescablock
Image Credit:
First author photo Nicolas Sage Photography
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