Meet Francesca Mormanni

We were lucky to catch up with Francesca Mormanni recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Francesca, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?

I built self-discipline early on because I grew up in the classical music world. I started piano at age three, then added flute and harp by nine—each of which I pursued seriously. From a young age, I had to develop the focus and internal drive to practice for hours—not because anyone told me to, but because I genuinely wanted to improve as an artist. There’s no way to fake your ability to play an instrument; you either put in the time or you don’t.

Studying at Juilliard intensified this discipline. Amid a rigorous performance schedule, I had to be intentional about carving out focused time for practice and refinement. This mindset has carried over into everything else I do, whether it’s sitting down to write a screenplay, sticking to an exercise routine, or staying consistent with daily habits outside of the arts.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of storytelling, sound, and performance, which has influenced my multidisciplinary career as a screenwriter, novelist, musician, actress, and producer.

I’m the author of the novels Double Crossed and Mind the Gap, and I’ve developed original screenplays across genres: mainly sci-fi, thriller, dark comedy, and drama. I also collaborate with clients to turn ideas into full-length feature scripts or TV pilots, and occasionally mentor writers who are refining their screenplays and pitch materials.

As a musician, I studied Flute and Harp performance at The Juilliard School. I’ve performed with ensembles such as The Juilliard Orchestra and the New York String Orchestra, with appearances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. On the contemporary side, I’ve written songs for Warner Chappell Music, creating instrumental samples and beats for Grammy-winning pop artists.

What excites me the most is taking an idea from concept to execution, then bringing it to life alongside other creatives who share the same drive for excellence.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Self-discipline, adaptability, and versatility across mediums have been the most important factors in my creative journey.

Self-discipline was foundational, especially as a classical musician. Spending hours alone in a practice room, playing the same passage repeatedly to refine technique, taught me how to stay focused and internally motivated.

Adaptability has also been key. In a live concert, things can go wrong—a missed cue, a cracked note—and you have to keep going. That ability to stay grounded under pressure has helped me in acting, improvisation, and especially in pitching film or TV projects, where you sometimes have to offer quick narrative solutions in real time.

Finally, working across multiple genres and mediums has given me a broader understanding of what makes a story effective. Each format (novel, screenplay, music composition, etc.) has its own structure, and having experience in several has sharpened my storytelling instincts.

For those early in their journey, I recommend setting aside regular time blocks to work on your craft. Even a few hours a week can build serious momentum. If discipline is a challenge, consider partnering with someone you trust to exchange feedback. To improve adaptability, take an improv class or commit to tight deadlines—anything that encourages you to think quickly and creatively under pressure.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did was expose me to a wide range of activities and let me explore freely. I grew up playing instruments, trying different sports, studying languages and math, building Legos, writing stories—you name it! There was never pressure to specialize early on, which gave me the space to discover what I truly loved.

When I eventually chose to focus on music and writing, my parents supported that decision without micromanaging it. Unlike many of the helicopter-style parents I encountered at Juilliard, my parents never pressured me. They offered encouragement and reminders to practice, but trusted me to take the lead. That independence helped me develop a lasting passion for what I do.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Maria Riboli Photography (typewriter and photos in pink shirt)

Scott Dentinger Headshots (acting headshot)

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