Picture a Pittsburgh-born storyteller who spins vibrant fantasy worlds from a life of travel, dance, and resilience—meet Francesca Flores! A linguist and wanderer, she crafts young adult novels that pulse with multicultural magic, giving voice to teens rising from hardship. Her journey from homelessness to published author is as gripping as the tales she tells.
The Making of Francesca Flores
Born to a Colombian father and a white American mother in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Francesca Flores grew up straddling two worlds: a private school on scholarship and a neighborhood where Latino connections were scarce. Her love for fantasy sparked early, devouring every book she could find and writing tales of dragon-taming princesses by first grade. Despite facing poverty and homelessness, writing became her sanctuary, a place to control entire universes. After earning a degree in International Relations and Linguistics in San Francisco, she worked as a corporate travel manager, penning her debut novel, Diamond City, during breaks. Her multicultural background and travels to Japan, Morocco, and Europe shaped her vivid, inclusive storytelling.
Francesca Flores’s Unforgettable Stories
Francesca Flores’s novels blend dark fantasy with social justice, featuring Latina heroines who defy their circumstances. Her debut, Diamond City (2020), follows Aina Solís, an 18-year-old assassin navigating a gritty, industrial city to uncover a conspiracy. Its sequel, Shadow City (2021), deepens Aina’s saga with heists and magic diamonds. In The Witch and the Vampire (2023), a sapphic Rapunzel retelling, a witch and a vampire brave a cursed forest, weaving romance and elemental magic. Flores’s style shines through intricate world-building, cinematic action, and morally complex characters. Her Latin American heritage infuses her work with subtle political and social themes, creating fantasy worlds that feel both fresh and deeply personal.
Her stories resonate with young readers, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, by showcasing strength forged in adversity. Whether it’s Aina’s fight against corruption or the tender bonds in The Witch and the Vampire, Flores crafts narratives that empower teens to embrace their resilience. Her love for ballet, jazz, trapeze, and contortion also seeps into her work, lending a dynamic, physical energy to her characters’ journeys.
Why Francesca Flores Matters
Francesca Flores’s impact lies in her ability to amplify underrepresented voices in young adult fantasy. Her Latina protagonists offer mirrors for readers who rarely see themselves in epic tales, while her focus on survival and pride inspires those navigating poverty or hardship. By blending her global experiences with Latin American history, she creates worlds that feel expansive yet relatable. Her rise from a challenging youth to a celebrated author proves that stories can be a lifeline, making her a beacon for aspiring writers from tough backgrounds.
- Born: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Diamond City (2020), Shadow City (2021), The Witch and the Vampire (2023)
- Fun Fact: She’s a trapeze and contortion enthusiast!
Ready to explore magical cities and cursed forests? Snag Diamond City or The Witch and the Vampire and dive into Francesca Flores’s thrilling fantasy worlds!