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Francesca's Words

Books, films, editorial consultancy for spirited souls and discerning minds

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  • Free Sensitivity/Authenticity Reading, August-October

    Hi everyone, I have spaces for sensitivity reading services, and I’m offering a limited number for free in exchange for testimonials throughout August, September and October. What is sensitivity reading? Also known as authenticity reading, it’s the process of reading a script and suggesting improvements or tweaks to improve the authenticity of the script. You…

    Francesca

    10 August, 2025
    Writing
    ADHD sensitivity reading, authenticity reading, chronic fatigue syndrome sensitivity reading, disability sensitivity reading, Francesca Astraea, free authenticity reading, free sensitivity reading, ME/CFS authenticity reading, sensitivity reading, Society of Authors
  • Interview with Monica from Spells and Tomes about Rotting Trees

    Hello, I was interviewed by the lovely Monica over at Spells and Tomes, as part of her Indie-R-Views series. If you fancy five minutes of chat about the inspiration behind the Bezzina’s Emporium world, Rotting Trees and the sequel (soooooon), check it out! If you’d like to read Rotting Trees, you can find the sampler…

    Francesca

    1 July, 2025
    Book News
    author interview, Bezzina’s Emporium of Magical Artefacts and Antiquities, Francesca Astraea, Francesca’s Words, indie author interview, Indie-R-Views blog, Smashwords ebook sale, Spells and Tomes, Spells and Tomes book blog
  • Kendra’s Adventures in Influencerland | A Short Film by Francesca Astraea

    Hello hello, Chuffed to share my directorial debut, Kendra’s Adventures in Influencerland. Kendra wants to host a livestream celebrating 5,000 followers. Kendra’s brother wants her to answer her phone. What could possibly go wrong? Credits: Written, directed and produced by Francesca Astraea. Starring: Alex, András, Bel, Eddie, Evie, Florence, Gavin, Janine, Lewis, Maisie, Rich, Sarah,…

    Francesca

    6 June, 2025
    Short Films & Audio Dramas
    Francesca Astraea, Francesca’s Words, Kendra’s Adventures in Influencerland, short film, short film about an eco-influencer, short film about an influencer, social media short film
  • New Guide to the No. 1 Readers’ Club on Patreon

    Hello readers, I’ve added a guide to my blog that runs through how the No. 1 Readers’ Club on Patreon works. It’s divided into billing/logistics and rewards. You can read the guide here (and if you read until the end you’ll find a link to get a free month of membership on me…). Enjoy and…

    Francesca

    13 April, 2025
    Francesca’s Actual Words, Patreon
    exclusive short stories, Francesca Astraea, Francesca’s Words, how does Patreon work, how Patreon works, how to run a Patreon page, letters, snail mail, the No. 1 Readers’ Club on Patreon, what is Patreon, why use Patreon
  • Half Price Ebook for Read an Ebook Week (until 8th March)

    Hello, As part of the Smashwords Read an Ebook week, you can get the Rotting Trees ebook at a 50% discount until 8th March, with the code EBW50. That’s less than $4! You can find Rotting Trees here, and browse the entire sale catalogue – hundreds of books! – here. As always, if you’re interested…

    Francesca

    5 March, 2025
    Book News
    Bezzina’s Emporium of Magical Artefacts and Antiquities, bookish, ebook discount, ebook sale, Francesca’s Words, read more books, Rotting Trees, Smashwords Read an Ebook Week, YA contemporary fantasy, YA contemporary fantasy fiction
  • New Short Story & ‘Rotting Trees’ is out!

    Hello lovely readers, Two good things in a week? It must mean January is finally over. Firstly, my newest short story, Embracing Tradition, is on Patreon for the No. 1 Readers’ Club now. It will be on my stories blog on 17th February, but with 50% off your first month’s membership throughout Feb, why wait…

    Francesca

    3 February, 2025
    Book News, Patreon News
    Books-on-Sea, Carpe Noctem Frome, flash fiction, Francesca’s Words, No. 1 Readers’ Club on Patreon, Patreon creator, Rotting Trees by Francesca Astraea, short story, witchy story, YA novel, young adult book, young adult book series, young adult novel
  • Signed Copies of ‘Rotting Trees’ in Carpe Noctem, Frome

    Hello everyone, I’m chuffed to announce that you can find signed copies of Rotting Trees in Carpe Noctem in Frome, Somerset. Carpe Noctem is a fabulous new small business specialising in all things magical – if you tend towards paganism or herbalism, it is an absolute treasure trove (it feels a little bit Bezzina’s Emporium…

    Francesca

    27 January, 2025
    Book News
    Bezzina’s Emporium of Magical Artefacts and Antiquities, Carpe Noctem Frome, indie author, pagan and witchcraft shop Somerset, Rotting Trees by Francesca Astraea, small business in Frome Somerset, small business UK, YA reads, young adult book, young adult book series, young adult contemporary fantasy, young adult novel
  • Signed copies of ‘Rotting Trees’ at Books-on-Sea

    Hello and happy solstice, You can now find limited numbers of signed Rotting Trees paperbacks in Books-on-Sea, which is the only indie bookshop in central Southend-on-Sea and, since you’re asking, one of the city’s best hidden gems. Also, Sophey Cartwright would love it. So next time you’re in Southend high street, pop along to Alexandra…

    Francesca

    21 December, 2024
    Book News
    Alexandra Street Southend-on-Sea, Books-on-Sea, Essex, Essex bookshop, indie bookshop, local independent bookshop, Rotting Trees by Francesca Astraea, second hand bookshop, Southend-on-Sea, young adult book, young adult book series
  • Sensitivity Reading & Manuscript Appraisal

    Hi hi, I’m officially (re)launching my manuscript appraisal and sensitivity reading for those of you who are querying literary agents and want a second pair of eyes on your query letters or materials, or those of you who are embarking on self publishing and want to do your due diligence in terms of sensitivity/authenticity reading.…

    Francesca

    1 December, 2024
    General
    ADHD sensitivity reading, authenticity reading UK, chronic fatigue syndrome authenticity reading, Francesca’s Words, manuscript appraisal, ME/CFS sensitivity reading, query letter appraisal, sensitivity reading chronic illness UK
  • New Short Story: ‘Spooky Season Shenanigans’

    Hello! You can find my most recent short story, a new Ines’ Adventures in Paganism story called Spooky Season Shenanigans, on my stories blog here. It’s set just after Halloween, when spooky season isn’t quite over yet… If you haven’t pre-ordered Rotting Trees yet, here are the links to do so. It’s now available via…

    Francesca

    23 November, 2024
    Writing
    Bezzina’s Emporium of Magical Artefacts and Antiquities, Francesca’s Words, Ines’ Adventures in Paganism, Rotting Trees, short story, YA novel
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Copyright Francesca Astraea 2018-2026.

To get in touch, email francescaswords [at] outlook [dot] com.

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No generative Artificial Intelligence (gen-AI) was used in the creation of any of my prose or visual or audible media. I expressly forbid any organisation, person or entity from using my work for generative AI training. I am part of the Society of Authors’ Human Authored scheme.

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