Kindle Storyteller Award Finalist 2023 / Kindle International Bestseller
About Francesca Catlow
How it all began...
For many writers, their story starts with a long held dream of becoming a writer. One where they've been nurturing novels since birth and squirrelling them away in draws hoping those acorns would grow into bestsellers.
That's not my story.
I had always wanted to be a performer, not a writer. The pandemic changed me.
During the pandemic I was at home looking after my husband who has seizures, a two-year-old and a newborn baby. As you know, everyone was trapped indoors, unable to live even a shadow of their normality. I coped with this by writing my first novel on my phone at four a.m. while breastfeeding my daughter.
But that all changed back in 2020. I changed. Now I'm obsessed with writing!
I free my mind and open doors to new realms and characters. This is why I write escapism romance rooted in reality. It's like I'm all the characters in my book, and each time I write I'm lost in them, just as you are when you read them.
My first novels are set in Corfu
Corfu is location that is deeply connected to my family. In the clear waters that tickle the beach of Agios Stefanos NW, both my children took their very first dips into the sea. Memories I'll never forget.
Even the worst parts of a beach holiday were appealing during lockdown. Back then, even the idea of sand ground into the roots of my hair was appealing!
Some readers dislike that my first books are set with the background of lockdowns and COVID, but to me, it was an important documentation of painful realities, and a reflection of the intense start to my own journey as a writer.
The Kindle Story Award 2023
In 2023 Greek Secret came out for the first time. It was shortlisted for the Kindle Storyteller Award becasue it was enjoyed by so many readers globally!
I had a wonderful time at the awards, but sadly winning was not part of my destiny. Instead, a wonderrful editor at Lake Union read Greek Secret becasue of the award, and in 2024 I signed a three book deal with them, including the newly edited re-launch of Greek Secret!
And now?
In 2024 I made the move (slowly and causiouly) over to France, where I'm enjoying watching my children pretend to be adventures in our garden while being chased by our two cats, Ash and Marshmallow, and our puppy, Adonis.
No, I'm not a fluent French speaker (yet), but who doesn't love to challenge themselves?
The future...?
I’ve always been rebellious, living my life unconventionally, so my author journey didn't start with me at age four announcing I *had* to write a book one day, but I'm so glad I did!
My head is filled with stories of real people (they are to me anyway) and the strugggles we face and the love we feel for each other. I hope you'll keep up to date with me and we can hold hands as we embark on all these crazy journies together!
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Francesca xxx