Frances Metzman

The Musical Innertube – Volume 2, Number 158 – Fran Metzman
John Timpane & Don Rooney. Oct 1, 2024

‘Fran Metzman writes about the Cha-Cha Babes, “boomer” women who haved found freedom later in life. They find that freedom can be fun, but can also lead to dangerous situations…’

Listen here: https://www.musicalinnertube.com/the-musical-innertube-volume-2-number-158-fran-metzman/

Going Deep with Bestselling Author Fran Metzman
San Francisco Post Staff/Alex Bell. July 11, 2024

‘The Cha Cha Babes Dance with the Devil,’ Frances Metzman’s latest book, has quickly earned a reputation as a must-read due to its compelling storyline and intriguing characters. This fascinating psychological thriller became a bestseller upon its release, no doubt because Metzman is a gifted storyteller who creates a world that keeps readers engaged to the very end and beyond.

In this novel, Metzman tackles the topic of human trafficking, placing her baby boomer protagonists, Celia and Marcy, into the heart of the action after they are kidnapped and forced to work for traffickers as madams. However, these dynamic women fight back, escape, and set out to free others still held by the traffickers. Without giving away the ending, this is a thrilling ride no one should miss. 

‘The Cha Cha Babes Dance with the Devil’ has captured readers’ hearts and imaginations. Your protagonists have found their calling as sleuths later in life, which is one of the exciting aspects of your book. What inspired you to want to have this be part of your story?

This is a stand-alone sequel to the novel, ‘The Cha Cha Babes of Pelican Way.’ In this novel, ‘The Cha Cha Babes Dance with the Devil.’ Celia and Marcy are caring and loyal friends. They would do anything for each other. The troublemaker Marcy does not edit her thoughts and tends to land the women in dire situations.

Are you working on a new book? Please tell us a little bit about it.

Yes. It is still in its earliest draft. Celia, Marcy, and Deb are back in their cozy, gated village in Florida. They are irreligious but find a group of people who are intelligent, accepting, diverse, charitable, and welcoming to all who wish to be part of the community. It allows members to address the group with whatever inspires them or is on their mind — except for anything hateful. But scorching secrets begin to blaze and the three women, once again, are drawn into murder and mayhem…

Read More: https://sanfranciscopost.com/going-deep-with-bestselling-author-fran-metzman/

Frances Metzman on ‘The Cha Cha Babes Dance with the Devil’
Los Angeles Wire Staff/Lisa Patrick. July 2, 2024

What was it like for you as an author and a human when you were doing your research on Human Trafficking for this book?

I often turned away for periods of time, but it haunted me. The prisoners are transported all over the world by plane, trucks, trains, and shipping containers. The containers are especially savage since humans are packed in with little air, light, food, and sanitary conditions. It is a horror story.

You are also a much-loved and respected writing teacher. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Learn the elements of fictional techniques. It is complex but will help make your work seamless. Writing from the heart is wonderful, but without a foundation, you may run amok. Techniques give a foundation and offer brakes for control. It curbs rambling and leads your reader into the world you created. You want them to relate to the characters, and feel compelled to read on.

Both of your books have been bestsellers, which is a huge accomplishment. What do you think is the most important aspect of crafting a story that so effectively catches reader’s minds, hearts, and imaginations?
First, I know the characters thoroughly, strive for a good arc, a terrific premise, and have a profound need to write. Striving for where I want characters to go is a journey. Persistence when bogged down. Critiques by qualified people are vital. I’ve been in writer’s groups, attended workshops, and asked many questions. I watch people’s actions and listen to conversations…

Read More: https://lawire.com/frances-metzman-on-the-cha-cha-babes-dance-with-the-devil/

Author Fran Metzman of “The Cha Cha Babes”
By NaVell J. Lee April 18, 2024

The BUZZ had a sit down with author Fran Metzman, who wrote the Amazon bestseller, “The Cha-Cha Babes.” While we did discuss the latest installment, “The Cha-Cha Babes: Dance with the Devil,” we discussed the serious topic of human trafficking.

This topic does not get the attention it needs to, and we talked about what we can do as a whole to help prevent sex trafficking.

This is one of our more serious topics at THE BUZZ, and we implore you to listen to what we have to say on this important subject. We also hope you take what you hear and pay attention to potential warning signs if you ever notice this happening in your area…

Listen Now:
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-the-buzz-buzzworthy-radio-80595331/episode/author-fran-metzman-of-the-cha-cha-168757165/

Frances Metzman talks about her book ‘The Cha Cha Babes Dance with the Devil’
By Markos Papadatos. January 31, 2024

What inspired you to write this book? Why did you decide to take on the topic of human trafficking in this story? (What is it about this issue that affects you so deeply?)

A few years ago, When I saw some data on sex trafficking it inspired me to look further since I knew little to nothing about it. Then I wrote an article about sex trafficking captives. It haunted me for a long time.

I asked people I knew and many I didn’t know if they realized the USA was among the big importers of sex slaves – young women and children. Nearly 100 percent responded in the negative.

What little information they had gave them the belief it only happened in foreign, poor countries. To add to this dehumanizing, underbelly of criminality, there is human trafficking that profits off the backs of males, females, and all ages who are enslaved for labor – factories, farms, maids, sweat shops restaurants and the list goes on. Before writing “The Cha Cha Babes Dance with the Devil,” I had already written a book about baby boomer women who lived in a Florida retirement community entitled, “The Cha Cha Babes of Pelican Way.”

In that novel, the women accidentally walk into a murder mystery that endangered their lives. They develop from naïve women who loved to do the cha cha to clever sleuths…

Read More: https://www.digitaljournal.com/life/frances-metzman-talks-about-her-book-the-cha-cha-babes-dance-with-the-devil/article

A Sit-Down with Author Fran Metzman  
October 20, 2022

The renowned ‘city of brotherly love,’ Philadelphia, is well known for many things.  Once upon a time, over two hundred and thirty years ago, it proudly stood as the capital of the United States; it is also where the famous Liberty Bell – the iconic symbol of America’s independence from King George’s British Empire in 1776 – can be espied; in sports, the mighty Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers teams make this metropolis their humble abode (not to mention the place where this journalist’s fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, established its headquarters); and, adding to this impressive list of fun facts, Ms. Frances Metzman, author of a couple of best selling novels (‘The Hungry Heart Stories’ and ‘The Cha-Cha Babes of Pelican Way’), as well as co-author, along with Joy E. Stocke, of a gripping work entitled, ‘Ugly Cookies,’ calls this storied location her home. 

What is most impressive about this amazing writer…

Read More: https://ravermag.com/a-sit-down-with-author-fran-metzman/

Murder is the Topic of the Day for Bestselling Author Frances Metzman
By Jennifer Ross. June 21, 2020

f you are looking for a summer read that will have you lost in an epic thrill filled world then Frances Metzman’s bestselling novel The Cha Cha Babes of Pelican Way is for you. For some people going to any lengths for their friends and family is second nature, and this is very much the case for Celia Ewing, the sixty-five-year-old protagonist of this rather luscious read. In this case that means actually moving a body, and solving a murder, all to keep her friends out of the slammer. This book grabs readers from beginning to end, and we were thrilled that Metzman took a few minutes to have a heart to heart with us about her work, what’s coming next, and well, yes murder!

Was there something in particular that inspired you to write “The Cha-Cha Babes of Pelican Way”? Also, this is a second printing, why did you decide to revisit this story again?

As a writer I’m somewhat obsessed. There were some minor issues in the first printing that I thought needed trimming. And I wanted to do away with any words that didn’t forward the story. It plays into my kookiness….

Read More: https://www.theamericanreporter.com/murder-is-the-topic-of-the-day-for-bestselling-author-frances-metzman/

A Cha-Cha Babes of Pelican Way Interview & Giveaway
Sunday, January 13, 2019

I’m happy to welcome Frances Metzman to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Frances is the author of The Cha-Cha Babes of Pelican Way which was released last year.

Kathy: The Cha-Cha Babes of Pelican Way is set in a Florida retirement community. Would you like to live in such a community?

FM: I don’t think so. They have many advantages such as socialization, community, help if needed, entertainment brought to the community in the way of lectures, book clubs, stage shows, concerts and education of health issues. I prefer independence and working in my own way. I’m in a lot most of the day working and go out later. I’d be an outsider, I think.


Kathy: I enjoy reading mysteries with protagonists of a certain age. Why do you think Senior Sleuths are popular? Or do you think that they’re not popular?

FM: There is an audience for senior sleuths, I believe, and it’s growing. Maybe younger protagonists are still more popular though. But the Baby Boomer population is quite large and many are going into retirement communities and can relate to Cha-Cha Babes…

Read More: https://cozyupwithkathy.blogspot.com/2019/01/a-cha-cha-babes-of-pelican-way.html

Don’t let arthritis keep you from cha-chaing through life! by Frances Metzman
July 26 2018

What we need to do is develop a healthy attitude toward this aging process. Chances are a female age 50 will in all probability be dating or partnered with a man 3 to 10 years older on average. Our bodies all start changing beginning in our 40s and the changes just keep on coming. We may exercise – which helps, eat healthfully – also helps. It’s helpful to participate in some athletic regimen; workouts, jogging or minimal athleticism such as bocce or pickle ball. It’s not only good for your body and mind but adds socialization as well. But we can’t nor should we worry about the progression of time.

It’s more than a full-time job trying to be Barbie and totally unnecessary. I say flaunt those bodies not resembling the body-beautiful image. Just having the attitude that you love your own body and exude confidence in yourself people will more than likely focus on the positive and secure person you are. Give them positive body language. Go with what you have and strut your stuff. 

I knew a woman who was riddled with arthritis. In her 40’s she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. For years she hung her head, kept her hands in her pockets and isolated herself. Then one day in her 50’s she snapped off the TV and had an awakening. Why should she care that her knuckles had gnarled and she’d begun to shuffle. She had her mind that functioned beautifully but isolating herself had flung her into a an endless black hole of depression.

What did she do? First was a regimen of exercise at a gym where she met other people who had various illnesses. They told her they were using exercise to stick a finger in the dam and many were successful at staving off progression. Next..

Read More: https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/books/frances-metzman-the-cha-cha-babes-of-pelican-way-1155279.html

Sex, serial murder, betrayal topics at Mt. Airy venue
Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Prolific Center City writer Frances Metzman will read from and sign copies of her latest book, “The Cha Cha Babes of Pelican Way,” at Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane in West Mt. Airy, on Thursday, July 19, 7 p.m. The novel deals with sex, serial murder, embezzlement, betrayal, etc. We interviewed Metzman last week:

Why did you write about people in crisis?

“I write about people in crisis because the reality is we all have them. No one goes through life without conflict. It’s how we handle those situations and come to rise above them that intrigues me. I marvel at how people survive with dignity after suffering the worst traumas. We must try to land on our feet, or we can’t get on with life. Sometimes I feel that writing helps me set the world – at least my world – right.”

•How difficult is it to make a living as an author?

“It is very difficult to make a living as an author. The author is usually at the bottom of the feeding frenzy. Sometimes we are so glad to have some recognition that we don’t negotiate properly or at all. There are big bites from a writer’s income along the way to publishing. Writing has to be a labor of love.”

•How did the idea for “Cha Cha Babes” come to you?

“The idea of ‘The Cha-Cha Babes of Pelican Way’ came with my social work instinct in wanting to know why people behave as they do. I do come from an era that was somewhat repressive for women. If you wanted marriage, you had to behave in a certain way. With time I realized I couldn’t care less about reputation or how people viewed me …

Read More: https://www.chestnuthilllocal.com/stories/sex-serial-murder-betrayal-topics-at-mt-airy-venue,11510

Author Spotlight no.89 – Fran Metzman
May 30, 2012

Complementing my daily blog interviews, today’s Author Spotlight, the eighty-ninth, is of short story author Fran Metzman.

And now from the author herself – I asked her what inspires her, what she likes to read, how food influences her writing and what advice could she give aspiring authors…

I’m inspired to write because I want to make sense of the chaos I find in the world. What makes people behave the way they do? I have always been fascinated with the motivation behind behavior — especially with actions that go to the edge. Writing, for me, is also a way to heal old wounds — sometimes present ones. Most often I do it with fiction which helps me distance myself if I’m extracting a tad from real events or from a trauma I’ve experienced. I can take a nugget of reality and fictionalize it. Some of these tidbits from the real world can instigate an entire story and it can come from someone else’s experiences as well. To be a fiction writer one has to listen carefully to the undercurrents of what people say. It is just as important to observe the behavior as well as listening to the words. It is hard for a person to be objective about one’s own inner world. I happen to think that is how most writers invent stories even if they say they are totally disconnected from the story…

Read More: https://morgenbailey.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/author-spotlight-no-89-fran-metzman/

An Interview with Mark Lyons

Fran Metzman: When and why did you start writing?

Mark Lyons: I was fifty-two when I began to write. It all started in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks where I was camping with my wife and two kids. As I watched my son Jess, then fourteen and full of his lanky self and Kool Aid-colored orange hair, scamper over the rocks then hunker down by the fire with A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, I thought about my fourteenth year—the year our Southern California suburban family fell off its foundation and my mother made her first of many trips to mental institutions. All I could remember of that year was loss, rage, escape plans, being alone in the world. Nothing else? So while hiking Algonquin peak with the kids I began a catalog of my fourteenth year, and reclaimed events and friends and safe places I went to that had long been lost. I wrote those memories on a napkin, and when I returned home began to write it all down. Eventually I turned to fiction, where I could explore other people’s voices and lives, and where it was imperative to make up things.

FM: Can you talk about the title of your collection of short stories published by the Wild River Books, Brief Eulogies at Roadside Shrines?

ML: Many years ago, while traveling in New Mexico, I discovered Descansos—Spanish for resting places—those shrines built along roads and highways where someone has died. I always felt unsettled by those shrines as I zoomed by them in my car, knowing there were stories of loss and sadness buried beneath them. But occasionally I would stop by a shrine…

Read More: http://www.svjlit.com/interviews/an-interview-with-mark-lyons-by-fran-metzman