Francy Lima, born in Morada Nova, CE and currently residing in Fortaleza, is a multifaceted writer who has found her passion in writing since the age of 6. However, it was only in 2017, when publishing a children’s book, that she decided to dive professionally into this universe. Among her works, she highlights “15 days to live”, a novel that marked a turning point by revealing her inclination towards narratives centered on female experiences and desires.
Her engagement with stories that resonate with the world of women is evident, bringing to life characters who face a range of challenges, loves, dramas and comedies, resonating deeply with the female audience. Francy is a woman who lives fully, graduated in Physical Education, speaker, businesswoman and defender of authenticity. In addition to writing, her passion for art, dance, film, music and travel shape her journey, as does the precious company of her children, pets and people who radiate good humor. Her fundamental belief is that every woman deserves to live her truth and be the master of her own life.
On the literary scene, Francy Lima is more than a novel author; she shares stories, poems and chronicles. Her literary day-to-day life and reflections are shared on social media, where she connects intimately with her readers. Her journey is marked by captivating versatility and the constant search for inspiration and connection with the feminine world.
You decided to dedicate yourself to writing professionally after publishing a children’s book in 2017. What motivated you to take this step and enter the world of professional writing?
I always wrote. Since I was 6 years old, I already loved this universe of stories, books and creating my own narratives. As I grew up and understood the meaning of being a writer, I longed to have my books published and read by many people. But a few decades ago, the facilities that the internet and technology offer today did not exist. Those who wrote depended solely on the approval and approval of a large publisher and it was almost impossible to reach them.
In 2017, after sending a file with several children’s stories to a publisher, I received the answer that I had been selected to be published, however, they charged me almost 10 thousand reais at the time and only after being sponsored by a friend for the publication of the my children’s book “Felicia, the pink pig” I realized that there were differences between publishers and service providers. Then I saw that there was a lot to learn about being a writer, about publishing and selling books. I also saw that there were changes in the literary and publishing world, that the internet was opening doors for writers, that it was possible to publish your own books and this motivated me to invest in my career as a writer, through research, study and practices on writing, publishing and literary marketing.
Her books and stories are mainly focused on female characters. What led you to choose this approach and what message do you want to convey to readers through your stories?
After publishing my book for children in 2017, I realized that dedicating myself to children was perhaps not what I most wanted. It was cool to write children’s stories, but I wanted to write other things, talk about other subjects. So I started to participate in several anthologies and published stories in all genres, from romance to horror, and it was in this process of writing for an adult audience that I began to understand my writing style and see what gave me the most pleasure in writing. I started to understand a little more about the literary career and saw that if I really wanted to be recognized as a writer, I wouldn’t be able to continue writing everything.
So in 2018, when I released my first novel “15 days to live”, featuring Morgana in the main role, I had already decided to write for an adult audience and use my writing to discuss prejudices, taboos and social issues. In 2019, the second novel “5 minutes” came with another woman in the main role and other themes and taboos being discussed throughout the story.
From then on I noticed that all my narratives, whether short stories or novels, were about women and their pain, problems, desires, fears and overcoming. So I decided to use this as my personal writing brand. I decided that my stories come to discuss necessary topics and motivate women to be protagonists in real life, assuming who they are and making their dreams come true.
You are the creator of Clube Literária+ and the LER Method. Can you tell us more about these initiatives and how they are impacting women’s lives?
Clube Literária+ and the LER Method were born out of my concerns. I have always been a creative, diverse person who loved learning everything, doing a little of everything and had countless and different skills and passions. I always heard that to be successful I should focus on one thing and specialize in it, that I should abandon art, hobbies and focus only on work until I am a very good professional in a specific area. And I even tried, but this success model never worked for me, I wanted the freedom to create, experiment and use my multiple skills in different projects. And I realized that I’m not the only one who feels uncomfortable with this social model and that I could combine everything I know and like to create a different business.
So I created Clube Literária+, which is an exclusive subscription book club for women that delivers much more than books. In the monthly boxes sent to subscribers, in addition to the book, we send various gifts that are not necessarily literary. Everything that has to do with the feminine universe can be sent (accessories, stationery items, decoration, cosmetics, mugs, t-shirts, etc.). In addition to the monthly boxes, the club proposes a series of other projects for “literary women (readers, writers and every woman who loves books) and activities such as courses, mentoring, book publishing, events and encouragement for each woman to be well body and soul and be the protagonist of your life.
The LER Method came to unite my four greatest passions, which are Literature, leisure, a healthy lifestyle and a profitable routine. In the method, I use my best skills as a reader, writer, physical education professional and serial entrepreneur to help women read more and better, in addition to showing them how to have a lighter routine prioritizing rest and fun. In the healthy living part, I show the benefits of physical exercise, good nutrition, sleep, water and positivity for physical and mental well-being and finally I bring my knowledge as an entrepreneur to motivate women to also live off their passions, creating creative businesses based on what they love most and using the power of the internet to grow.
“Letters to Nobody” appears to be a deeply emotional story. The protagonist, Eudora, writes letters revealing dark secrets from her past. How did you approach the process of creating these cards and exploring Eudora’s secrets?
“Letters to Nobody” is really a very visceral book. Unlike my previous novels, the book does not feature any humorous scenes or funny characters, it is a dramatic narrative based on a woman who discovers that she has little time left to live and who, in the despair of this discovery, decides to return to an old apartment and confront her husband. past that holds deep, revolting and cruel secrets.
With me, the titles of the books appear before the story. Then one fine day I woke up with the title of the book in my head and started building possibilities from it. I remembered an idea for a story that I had been saving for almost 2 years and I thought it might fit. From then on I started imagining scenes and other facts.
Eudora came to denounce various situations that women have been forced to live through over the centuries and mainly to discuss issues that are still controversial today. The letters are strategic in telling this woman’s story and do not follow a chronological order. I think the book can be read backwards, from the middle to the end and it will still be possible to understand the story. It was the only book that did not require a melodica and was written in 25 days.
What has the experience been like promoting literary events, such as CONEXÃO LITERÁRIA, and what is the importance of connecting female readers and writers?
Like most artists, I was always very introspective on a daily basis, but I felt very comfortable on stage. Even as a child I liked to participate in events at school, church, etc. and I liked to speak to audiences. The thing about participating and promoting events has been present throughout my life. So when I thought about a business model I wanted events to be part of it.
Online or in-person events are part of Clube Literária+. In addition to the Literary Connection that takes place simultaneously in several places in Brazil carried out by the club’s ambassadors and has this more intimate proposal for a few people, we also have the Literária+ Day, which lasts at least 5 hours with lectures, workshops, experiences, etc. and in 2024 we want to hold Protagonize, a national congress to unite literary women from all over Brazil in a 3-day event. Other actions such as podcasts, courses, lives, classes and challenges are also being planned.
These events have immense power to connect people, to generate interactions, experiences, networks, partnerships and friendships. The fact that we embrace writers, readers and literary women in general in our events and actions creates strong bonds and connects the public that writes and produces books to the public that reads and comments on what has been written. This is a differentiator and a strength of Clube Literária+.
How do you balance your passion for writing with your training in Physical Education and other side projects?
It’s difficult for me to do just one thing. Reducing myself to a single task or skill depresses me and makes me fragile. I like being multiple and exploring all my sides and abilities. Today I do not work as a physical education professional in gyms or the like, but I use the knowledge I have in the area to create characters and approaches within my books, I also use it within Clube Literária+ and LER Method, in addition to producing content, courses and challenges of well-being, which are ways to help women take better care of their health. For 2024 I have some projects that will focus a little more on the health area and I hope to continue embracing my various passions and helping women exercise self-love and self-care.
Do you realize the impact of your work on the literary community, especially in relation to women?
Yes, I understand a lot. Women feel comfortable in an exclusively female space and greatly emphasize the importance of a project that values literature written by women, that encourages female protagonism and that gives a voice and voice to women who like books.
The content on writing, publishing, marketing and literary entrepreneurship has helped several women to see reading and writing as a possibility for career, business and expression. And the entire approach aimed at valuing women, motivating them to be authentic, free and happy, creates an environment of joy, freedom, strength and acceptance.
What are your goals and aspirations as a writer for the future, and how do you see your role in female representation in literature?
The goal is for Clube Literária+ to grow significantly. It is a very young project and I know it can expand and reach more women. I want to add partnerships, sponsorships and investments that can add up and help it go further.
I intend to put into action all the proposals that are part of the Club, some that are not yet a reality such as Revista Literária+, the podcast Literária+, the production and publication of books both to be sent in boxes and to meet the demand of writers who wish to have your books on the market, in addition to having our members area with various courses and mentoring and seeing our events growing, attracting more and more literary women. I want to be present in all Brazilian states and perhaps abroad.
I want to see women taking their places in literature and in life, being free, happy and prosperous without having to give up who they are and transforming their passions, knowledge and skills into profitable businesses. Furthermore, I want to write several books and impact the lives of many women with my stories, talks and content.
Follow Francy Lima onInstagram
*WithRegina Soares