Francesca Cronan and her story is about a passion for storytelling and the will to adapt and thrive as a writer in the modern world. Founder of Write Sisters LLC, Cronan combines creativity with technical expertise to deliver high-quality writing and editing services. In this interview, she shares her insights into the inspirations, challenges, and philosophies that shape her professional journey and personal life.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?
As a child, my favorite thing to do was get lost in a book. I’ve always been drawn to the written word and the transformative power of language. I enjoy helping others articulate and communicate their thoughts as effectively and engagingly as possible to their intended audiences.
Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?
The decision to start my own business was a defining moment. It’s been very satisfying to work with a variety of clients and have to become adaptable to different situations. Every so often, I will have clients reach out to me and invite me to come in-house. While I’m always flattered by such offers (and I may be open to these opportunities in the future), I’m reluctant to risk walking 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. I adhere to a consistent daily routine starting with taking the kids to school, doing a brief workout, and diving into my projects for the day. I typically eat lunch with my husband (who also works from home), and the afternoon is reserved for spending time with my family and eating dinner together. I’m proud of how I’ve structured my life to spend quality time with my family as much as possible while also giving myself the space to focus on my career and unwinding with a good book.
What advice would you give your younger self?
It’s okay to take pride in what you do. Talking about your strengths is not bragging—it’s an important way to cultivate trust and inspire confidence in your ability to help clients achieve their goals.
What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
I am proud to be a mother to two amazing children. Professionally, I am proud that my clients truly value my work as evidenced by the fact that whenever there are rounds of cuts or when marketing dollars are scarce, they keep my services.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies?
I’m invested in keeping up with the latest content marketing trends and best practices, especially as AI continues to evolve and reshape the industry. My job as a freelance writer compels me to stay on top of the latest marketing and content trends to ensure my clients receive the best quality products. I also attend events put on by the Freelancer’s Union and other groups.
Can you recall a significant challenge or failure you faced and how you overcame it?
When I graduated from college, I had my heart set on attending graduate school to become a professor of Comparative Literature or English. However, I was not accepted into any of the programs I applied to that year, which was a humbling experience. I then pivoted to focus on the aspects of writing that I truly enjoyed, and I have since realized that the extremely competitive atmosphere of grad school would not have been a good fit for me. Looking back, I do not regret missing out on the graduate school experience.
What is your approach to starting a new project?
I always enjoy the initial connection with the client. I love getting to know their needs and goals and getting a sense of how I can best serve them. Establishing a timeline, setting communication expectations, and making sure we are on the same page are great ways to set the project up for success.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months? What was the outcome? Would you do anything differently today?
I had a client recently who had a change in staff and started getting a bit argumentative over my standard billing structure. I tend to not be confrontational, so it was hard for me to decide to push back and not immediately give in. Ultimately, I’m glad I held my ground as the client came around and has continued to send business my way since.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
While I wouldn’t call it the “worst” job, I found that working in retail was challenging and draining in several ways. I worked at an apparel store, and I spent the majority of my time folding clothing into neat and precise piles. It was hard to complete a tower of folded clothes and turn to see customers digging through the pile to find their size, then having to start from the beginning. However, this experience has made me much more mindful and empathetic whenever I shop at a retail store. I know how much physical work and focus goes into presenting the merchandise, and I try to be appreciative of the employees’ efforts.
Tell us about a skill you taught yourself. How did you go about learning?
When a client wanted to set up self-directed modules through Articulate 360, I had no previous experience with that tool. I spent time teaching myself how to use the features, and I ended up getting a lot out of the experience. I am a pretty quick learner, and I’m willing to put in the time and effort to understand and use a new tool or program that best aligns with the needs and goals of the client.
What people in your life or career have had the greatest impact on you? How?
Working as an independent contractor can seem lonely at times, but I really enjoy the opportunities this role provides as I’m able to work with such a broad range of different clients and businesses. Over the years, I’ve built up a solid rapport with the team at LegalRev, and I’ve really enjoyed helping the company transition from Upsource to LegalRev and develop the brand’s voice and tone as it evolves.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I’ve always had a strong work ethic. When I was younger, I would always complete my homework before I did anything “fun,” as it was only after I had finished my “to-do” list that I could truly lean into relaxation. I’m also a warm and welcoming person; my goal is to put clients at ease and let them know that I will deliver the results they’re looking for. Collaboration and open communication with my clients allows me to feel successful in the work I do.
What is the one book that you recommend everyone should read and why?
There are so many to choose from, but I will say that *Where the Crawdads Sing* by Delia Owens was the last book I read that stuck with me. Her ability to capture the beauty of the natural world was so engaging and vivid, and the storyline was inspiring and, although full of challenges, ultimately hopeful.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
My strategy is to provide quality. In an industry where it is tempting to cut corners, I stand apart because I have a standard of quality that I maintain. Ultimately, my clients quickly realize the value of continuing to invest in high-quality writing.
How do you build and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues and mentors?
I take time to build meaningful relationships with collaborators and clients through in-person or video calls whenever convenient. During a project, I check in with clients via email and Slack, making sure that I’m available and responsive to their questions.
What methods or techniques do you employ to help set achievable goals and track progress?
I still prefer keeping a written to-do list of projects; physically crossing an item off the list is deeply satisfying. I also maintain a very detailed calendar of all of my upcoming deadlines to stay on track and organized for every project.
Final Thoughts
Francesca Cronan and her journey in the world of writing and editing is marked by her passion, resilience, and dedication. Her ability to balance professional and personal life, coupled with her commitment to delivering high-quality content, sets her apart in the industry. As she continues to explore new opportunities and expand her influence, Cronan remains an inspiring figure for aspiring writers and entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with hard work and a genuine love for one’s craft, success is achievable.
