The Erica Glessing Show #749 Feat. Francine Brevetti "How to Write Like Breathing"

In this episode, host Erica Glessing welcomes writer, writing coach, and journalist Francine Brevetti. The two share a common love for writing and an Italian heritage, making for a lively and engaging conversation.

Francine, who was born and raised in San Francisco, shares her journey of living in cities like Los Angeles, Manhattan, and Hong Kong before returning to San Francisco 25 years ago. Now residing in Nob Hill with Chinatown at her back door, she has immersed herself in Cantonese, inspired by the community around her.

The conversation soon shifts to their mutual love for language and storytelling. Francine speaks passionately about her Italian roots and how she connects with her family in Italy every Saturday via Skype. She also discusses her book about the Italian colony in San Francisco, which has received strong reviews. She offers to send Erica a copy, which delights the host.

Erica asks Francine about aspiring writers—those who feel they have a book inside them but struggle to put it on paper. She reflects on her own experience of knowing she would one day write a book, drawing inspiration from the author of A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L’Engle, who published her first book at 45.

Francine provides insights into the realities of writing, emphasizing that while many people claim they want to write a book, very few actually start, and even fewer finish. She stresses that writing requires genuine passion, commitment, and humility. "Your friends won’t finish the book for you," she points out. As a writing coach, she helps people navigate writer’s block through relaxation techniques like doodling, mind mapping, and playfully engaging the creative side of the brain.

Erica shares her own perspective on writer’s block—or rather, her lack of experience with it. As someone with a journalism background, she attributes her ability to write freely to years of working under daily deadlines. Erica and Francine agree that having structured writing habits fosters a steady creative flow.

The discussion then turns to Francine’s book about the historic Fior d’Italia restaurant in San Francisco, which was founded in 1886. She shares how her grandfather was once a part-owner and waiter there over a century ago, weaving in stories of the Italian immigrant experience, including the hardships Italians faced during World War II. The two women reflect on the struggles of past generations and how those experiences shaped the Italian-American community.

As the conversation nears its conclusion, Francine offers advice to young writers, encouraging them to follow their curiosity. She believes that passion and curiosity are the most vital tools for any writer. "Writing should start with what excites you and lead you to new places that inspire and surprise you," she advises.

Erica expresses admiration for Francine’s work, particularly in helping entrepreneurs and business professionals write books about their industries. Francine shares an inspiring story about a former janitor who transformed his father’s cleaning business into a high-tech company with thousands of employees, proving that powerful stories exist everywhere.

Wrapping up the episode, Erica invites Francine to share how listeners can connect with her. Francine provides her website, FrancineBrevetti.com, and her email, [e-mail], signing off with a playful reminder that Brevetti rhymes with spaghetti.

With an episode full of wisdom, passion, and storytelling, listeners are sure to come away inspired to embrace their own writing journeys.