Welcome, folks! Thank you for stopping by my website, FrancescaME.

I write the Betterment blog. These are weekly, short writings with suggestions and encouragement for a better and happier life.

If you want a chuckle, check out the Funny Lady Life Podcast, where Dottie St. James and her husband, Larry, share their exciting lives in short (3-5 minutes) comedy episodes. Dottie sold Avon for 27 years and was in need of a change. Now she writes an advice column in the local paper, and Larry teaches at a community college. They have comical adventures. Check out an episode.

You can also find the music of Sugar Lime Twist, an original rock band from Northeast Pennsylvania, featuring me on vocals.

~~~~~~~  A little About Me ~~~~~~~

I am a student of life, curious and thirsty for knowledge about how to become the best version of ourselves. After years of processing a lot of helpful information from therapists, books, and other valid sources, it’s time I shared what I’ve learned. I’ve also been improving my writing skills, even earned an M.A. in Communication Arts.

Music has always been a part of who I am, and I’ve been singing since I could remember. My neighbor told me he would hear me singing as a toddler walking up the street. I wrote my first song, “Somewhere In the World,” at age seven for my mother, laid up in the hospital.

Growing up, I didn’t keep a diary or journal; I wrote songs and poems. I’d take my brother’s Weimaraner dog, Misty, and my cat, Carlyle, (who I found in the woods as a tiny kitten and followed me like a dog ) into the woods with a paper and pen or a tape recorder, and I’d compose songs. As a teenager, the woods near my house were my sanctuary. I’d sit on a rock, create songs reflecting my life at the time, and return home feeling better. It felt like magic happened to me because those words and melodies helped ease the pain. As a result, I’ve written many songs. I also played the trumpet and dabbled with the piano and guitar.

As far as writing, I was a storyteller first. When I was eight years old, I created a bedtime story, Eight Bunnies and Three Beagles, for my younger sister (probably to get her to sleep since we slept in the same bed.) Many years later, I told my daughter that same bedtime story and created many more for her, some turned into books.

I composed my first novel  The Necklace while at college (two hours away from my home.)  Putting pen to paper helped me through the angst of my life. That’s when my pseudonym, Jussme, was born. I wanted to be free to be me—just me—Jussme.

I’ve completed two novels, working on number three (unpublished right now – working on changing that 🙂 )

Magic in the Snow:  a YA suspense novel set in Cape May, NJ. Here is a sample.

At What Price: a suspense novel set in Pittston, PA. Here is a sample.

I’ve also written several children’s books, short stories, a screenplay, a television sitcom, a television drama, and a book for grieving a loss. If I get an idea (and I get a lot of them,) I write it down in my chunky notebook to stop starting things and not finishing them! LOL I have to rein in my creativity. So, I have a bunch of great book ideas waiting to be written.

I created the Betterment blog to share what has helped me create a happy life. If I could turn my life around, anyone can, but we have to put in the time and effort. We are all worthy of an incredible, happy life and deserve respect, kindness, and love.

I believe anything can be cured or fixed with knowledge, support, and love.

So, thank you for stopping here. I appreciate the read or listen!

Peace and love,

Francesca

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Note: FrancescaME is not a mental health professional with a degree in mental health. The information on this website is based on self-improvement practices FrancescaME has created and developed using her decades of personal experience, knowledge, and education.