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.