Picture a British storyteller who spins gothic tales as enchanting as a foggy Scottish isle—meet Fran Dorricott! Based in Derby, England, this author and bookseller crafts suspenseful, inclusive stories that blend eerie atmospheres with rich mythology. Whether writing psychological thrillers as Fran Dorricott or dark fantasy as Francesca May, her vivid imagination captivates readers across genres.
From her debut novel After the Eclipse to the chilling The Lighthouse, Dorricott’s work explores human psyche and haunting settings. Her ability to weave real-life inspirations, like solar eclipses and Scottish folklore, into gripping narratives has earned her a dedicated following. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this versatile wordsmith!
The Making of Fran Dorricott
Growing up in the heart of England, Fran Dorricott was a child with an overactive imagination, devouring fantasy books and concocting potions in her garden. Her love for storytelling blossomed in Derbyshire’s rolling fields, where she spent weekends exploring with her father. This idyllic backdrop shaped her affinity for vivid settings. After earning a degree in American Literature with Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia and an MA in Creative Writing from City University London, she honed her craft. By day, she fuels her book-buying addiction as a bookseller at Waterstones in Derby, drawing inspiration from quirky customer requests.
Fran Dorricott’s Unforgettable Stories
Dorricott’s novels are a masterclass in gothic suspense and inclusive storytelling. Her debut, After the Eclipse (2019), is a psychological thriller inspired by the 2015 solar eclipse. It follows journalist Cassie Warren, haunted by her sister’s abduction during a past eclipse, as she unravels a chilling mystery in Bishop’s Green. Critics praised its layered mystery and queer representation, marking Dorricott as a fresh voice in crime fiction.
In The Lighthouse (2022), Dorricott transports readers to a remote Scottish island where six friends reunite at a refurbished lighthouse with a dark history. The novel’s claustrophobic atmosphere and twisty plot earned accolades for its evocative setting, drawn from her research into Scottish mythology. Under her pen name Francesca May, she explores dark fantasy in Wild and Wicked Things (2022), a gothic tale of magic and queer love set on a mysterious island. Her versatility shines as she switches genres, keeping each story fresh with morally complex characters and atmospheric prose.
Dorricott’s writing process is as dynamic as her stories. She draws inspiration from music playlists, Pinterest boards, and long walks with her three giant dogs. Her commitment to inclusive narratives, especially Sapphic relationships, resonates with readers seeking diverse voices in gothic and fantasy genres.
Why Fran Dorricott Matters
Fran Dorricott’s impact lies in her ability to blend suspense with emotional depth, creating stories that linger like a fog over the moors. Her inclusive narratives amplify queer voices, offering representation in genres where diversity is often scarce. By drawing on real-world phenomena and meticulous research, she grounds her tales in authenticity, making them relatable yet thrilling. Her work as Francesca May expands her reach, enchanting fantasy fans with dark, magical worlds.
As a bookseller, Dorricott champions literature, fostering a love for reading in her community. Despite battling long-COVID, her resilience shines through in her prolific output, including her fourth novel, The Loch (2023). Her stories invite readers to confront the shadows within and without, cementing her as a rising star in gothic fiction.
- Lives in Derby, England, with her partner, three dogs, and two cats.
- Key works: After the Eclipse, The Lighthouse, Wild and Wicked Things (as Francesca May).
- Fun fact: She accidentally kills every houseplant she touches!
About Fran Dorricott
Snag The Lighthouse or Wild and Wicked Things and dive into Fran Dorricott’s spellbinding gothic worlds! Whether you crave a thriller or a magical escape, her stories will keep you up past midnight.