Picture a British storyteller who conjures gothic mansions and forbidden magic with a flick of her pen—meet Francesca May! This bestselling fantasy author, also known as Fran Dorricott, burst onto the scene with her spellbinding debut, Wild and Wicked Things, a sapphic historical fantasy that blends Jazz Age glamour with dark witchcraft. By day, she’s a passionate bookseller at Waterstones, curating literary havens for readers. By night, she crafts tales of queer love and haunting mysteries, all while accidentally waging war on her houseplants.
Francesca’s unique lens as both author and bookseller infuses her work with a deep love for stories and the communities they create. Her novels aren’t just escapes—they’re invitations to explore identity, belonging, and the transformative power of magic.
The Making of Francesca May
Born in the heart of England, Francesca grew up surrounded by fantasy books, brewing imaginary potions in her garden. This early love for storytelling shaped her path, leading her to study American Literature in college, where F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby left a lasting mark. Her career began not with writing but with bookselling, a role she cherishes for its ability to connect readers with stories that feel like home. It was at Waterstones that she honed her understanding of literature’s emotional impact, a skill that would later define her novels.
Francesca’s writing journey kicked off in earnest during NaNoWriMo, where she tackled her first novel-length project as a teen. Years of persistence and a Twitter prompt asking, “What book do you wish you’d written?” sparked her debut, proving that sometimes, a single question can ignite a literary fire.
Francesca May’s Unforgettable Stories
Francesca’s debut, Wild and Wicked Things (2022), is a gothic fantasy set on the magical Crow Island in the 1920s. The novel follows Annie Mason, who navigates illicit magic and forbidden romance amid whispers of witchcraft. Critics like Alexis Henderson called it “haunting, immersive, and seething with dark magic,” praising its lush prose and queer narrative. The book hit No. 2 on the Sunday Times bestseller list and earned a shortlist spot for the Fingerprint Awards’ Genre Busting Novel of 2023.
Her next fantasy novel, This Vicious Hunger, continues her signature blend of gothic intrigue and queer love, diving into darker magical lore. As Fran Dorricott, she also pens psychological thrillers like After the Eclipse and The Final Child, showcasing her versatility with gripping, character-driven suspense. Francesca’s style weaves vivid settings, complex women, and themes of belonging, drawing inspiration from classics like The Great Gatsby and authors like Sarah Waters and Gillian Flynn.
Her upcoming 2023 release with Orbit, described as Stepford Wives meets The Witches of Eastwick, promises a pastel-goth witchy vibe in a Cornish town. This playful yet spooky tale underscores Francesca’s knack for blending aesthetics with emotional depth, making her worlds both enchanting and relatable.
Why Francesca May Matters
Francesca May’s impact lies in her ability to craft inclusive, atmospheric stories that resonate with readers seeking representation and escape. Her queer gothic narratives challenge traditional fantasy tropes, offering fresh perspectives on love and identity. As a bookseller, she champions bookshops as safe spaces, a belief that echoes in her writing’s emphasis on found family and community.
Her work has inspired a growing fanbase, with readers drawn to her lyrical prose and bold exploration of magic’s costs. By balancing her dual careers, Francesca proves that stories can bridge gaps, foster empathy, and create lasting connections, cementing her as a vital voice in modern fantasy.
- Born: Middle of England
- Key Works: Wild and Wicked Things (2022), This Vicious Hunger, After the Eclipse (as Fran Dorricott)
- Awards: Shortlisted for Fingerprint Awards 2023 (Genre Busting Novel)
- Fun Fact: She’s notorious for accidentally killing her houseplants!
Ready to fall under Francesca’s spell? Snag Wild and Wicked Things and dive into her gothic, witchy world of queer love and dark magic!