Freelance Writer - Writes books, articles and blog posts.
Tiny Tots in Tiaras and Tuxedos
Book Launch - Fall 2025
About Francene Hill
Becoming a Writer
I’m a freelance writer in Silver Spring, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC. My writing journey began in January 2022, two and a half years after my retirement. I started writing my mother's (Kermit Hill) biography, aptly titled "Tiny Tots in Tiaras and Tuxedos." To fully commit myself in this creative project, I enrolled in a writing class, joined a writing group, attended writer’s workshops, and consumed every biography, memoir, writing, publishing, and Oprah book I could get my hands on.
My freelance article "A Fat Folder of Family Secrets: Mom’s Hidden Past" was published in Sisters from AARP in November 2023. The article reveals my mother's previously undiscovered service during WWII.
African American Family Stories & Poetry Event
An unexpected encounter at the March 2023 Olney Writers' Group meeting reconnected me with Linda Moore. During a discussion of "Tiny Tots in Tiaras and Tuxedos," she made a startling discovery: my mother was her Godmother, and our parents had attended the same high school in Little Rock, AR.!
This remarkable coincidence blossomed into collaboration, resulting in our joint presentation on African American Family Stories and Poetry in February 2025.
Our journey from chance meeting to creative partnership captured local attention, earning us a front page article by Audrey Partington in The Greater Olney Newspaper on February 5, 2025.
My Writing Journey
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my journey has been sharing snippets of my work in progress. At book readings and open mic events, audiences have been treated to vintage photographs accompanying chapters of "Tiny Tots in Tiaras and Tuxedos."
Francene Hill at The Moth StorySLAM
The thrill of performing at The Moth StorySLAM in Washington, DC, is an experience I will never forget. Watch Francene on stage at The Moth StorySLAM in Washington D.C. on July 10, 2023. Performing live from The Miracle Theater, Francene captivates the audience with a hilarious hang-gliding trip to Rio de Janeiro with her ex-boyfriend.
Other Passions
Now four years into my retirement, I'm enthusiastically pursuing my passions, whether it's hitting the golf course, dabbling in drawing and painting, or belting out tunes at karaoke nights. Finally, I'm a proud alumna of both Smith College and Penn State University.