About Author – Frances R. Schmidt

About the Authors

Fran has a passion for people and an enthusiasm for their personal histories. In this first novel, FRED: Buffalo Building of Dreams, she uses her storytelling skills to help FRED impart the compelling tales of the tenants and their families who called him their home for over more than a century. It is an imaginative and well-researched slice of history as told by a humble apartment building. FRED’s intimate observations reveal to him (and to us) what it means to be human.

With possible demolition looming, Fran’s goal was to tell the building’s tales before it was too late. Her promise to FRED has been achieved and it has been an extraordinary experience that changed her life forever. She has learned the importance of historical accuracy and the truths it can reveal.

The novel was honored to be selected for a first chapter professional reading on the Novel Writing Festival website (August 2020).

Fran is a retired director of a Buffalo, New York college career counseling center. Stemming from that experience, Fran has authored two well-received job search books, Getting Hired, Handbook for College Graduates and Getting Hired in any Job Market, and several related articles. Once again helping people to tell their stories.

Fran was the past Founder and Coordinator of an all volunteer Back on Track Career Peer Mentoring Program for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of WNY from 2000-2017.

Fran Schmidt resides in the Western New York region.

SERVICE TO D'YOUVILLE AWARD 2025

Fran Schmidt dedicated 18 years to D’Youville Career Center, guiding countless students and alumni in navigating their career paths. She co-created the Alumni Networking Program on campus. A lifelong learner and author, Schmidt earned multiple degrees as an adult student and has written both career guides and novels. Her dedication to mentoring and service has left a lasting impact on D’Youville University.

James A. Costa is a retired West Seneca, N.Y. English teacher and the author of several novels, including “A Portal in Time’ and “Murder on Mulberry Street.”

The unique co-authorship resulted from a serendipitous meeting between two authors of different genres. “Forever Violet” is a collaboration honoring the life and legacy of 97 year old Lillie R. Sharon’s first writing project titled “Violet.” Unfortunately, she passed away in 2022, leaving the bare bones of her novel intact.

The authors believe Lillie’s spirit brought them together to complete the novel regarding Violet’s transformative life an ultimate destiny. It is their fervent hope they have stayed true to her intent and given some measure of justice to her vision.