Francesca's Thoughts

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Bezzina’s Emporium of Magical Artefacts and Antiquities

13/08/2026

Pulling Tarot Cards for My Characters | Rotting Trees, Book 1 in the Bezzina’s Emporium Trilogy

So over on Patreon I’m hosting a book club to discuss Rotting Trees. It’s been huge fun revisiting the novel and coming up with conversation points and while I was thinking about the novel’s themes, vibes and many unanswered questions, I got wondering about which cards in the Major Arcana best represent the characters in… Continue reading

Bezzina’s Emporium of Magical Artefacts and Antiquities, Books, The No. 1 Readers' Club

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18/11/2025

Rotting Trees Buyer’s Guide

Occasionally I am asked what sort of books I write. I usually say ‘urban fantasy’ or ‘magical and a bit strange.’ Mostly I try to change the subject, because it feels like being asked my bra size. It’s not a secret but I’d rather talk about the weather. I am aware this is not helpful… Continue reading

Bezzina’s Emporium of Magical Artefacts and Antiquities

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30/04/2024

Things Googled for Rotting Trees

I had completely forgotten I keep a vague, meandering list of weird shit I look up for every manuscript. I just dug out the Rotting Trees list and I’m pleased that I have absolutely no memory of why I needed to look up Ed Sheeran. * Technically I used my uni credentials for evil and… Continue reading

Bezzina’s Emporium of Magical Artefacts and Antiquities

Ecosia, Patreon, Rotting Trees by Francesca Astraea, Southend-on-Sea
31/10/2023

Introducing ROTTING TREES, a ‘Bezzina’s Emporium of Magical Artefacts and Antiquities’ novel, with FAQ

Once upon a time, I nicknamed a manuscript ‘cursenovel.’ More recently I finished it, named it Rotting Trees and, when no one I’d approached wanted to sell it, decided to publish it myself. Then I wrote this post. I do have some graphics planned to share to my social media as part of the never… Continue reading

Bezzina’s Emporium of Magical Artefacts and Antiquities

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Let’s close the door on the rest of the internet.

Francesca Astraea here.

When I began this blog in 2009, I was a teenager. That’s why you’ll find some posts have been hidden behind a paywall. I was an incredibly different, less eloquent person when I was a teen, so if you want to read the thoughts of that teenager, you can join the No. 1 Readers’ Club for access.

What will you find here now?

This blog continues to evolve with me. My favourite topics are books and reading, travel adventures, the extensive works of up and coming rock band My Chemical Romance and the occasional update about my life and work as an author and scriptwriter. I’m also interested in digital minimalism, how we can solve environmental issues and why it’s probably a better idea to make a cup of tea than it is to shout at people you disagree with.

Speaking of tea… Make a cup and settle in.

Leave a comment on posts to continue the conversation and tell me your favourite MCR song! Oh, and while you’re here: this is a no-gen-AI household. You may not put any of my posts through an LLM. If you’re going to email me or write a comment, do it yourself.

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Bezzina’s Emporium of Magical Artefacts and Antiquities

Pulling Tarot Cards for My Characters | Rotting Trees, Book 1 in the Bezzina’s Emporium Trilogy

Rotting Trees Buyer’s Guide

Things Googled for Rotting Trees

Introducing ROTTING TREES, a ‘Bezzina’s Emporium of Magical Artefacts and Antiquities’ novel, with FAQ