British Author. overthinks everything (including this)

Solène Fray

Not me, but aspirational vibe

The Studio

Located in a small welsh village

My creative studio, Olewydd, is based in a small Welsh village. Malheureusement, it’s less Parisian garett, more Victorian mid-terrace spare bedroom. A surprising amount of craziness takes place here in this three-street-wide village, inspiring a number of different plots in my books. It’s located less than 60 minutes outside of Cardiff (the capital of Wales) and has easy access to the mountains, the city, and the seaside. This allows me to frolic in the countryside, explore castles, and shop at all the major fashion stores, sometimes all in the same day.

Solène

Writer & Creative Director

The brains and the creative force behind all things Olewydd (or so I like to think), I’ve always been the kind of person who sees too much, asks too many questions, and wonders what people aren’t saying. Writing has always been a way to make sense of that—sometimes by telling the truth, and sometimes by lying about it with intent. I think the best fiction does both. I’ve been writing stories since I was a child, but it’s only recently that I’ve given myself permission to take it seriously. I want my books to feel like a rainy Sunday: a warm drink, a blanket, and a bit of gossip you can’t stop thinking about. Like comfort with teeth. On the days that I’m not working my butt off in the studio or writing about bad ass characters, I’m probably drinking strong tea, reading in the bath, or giving side-eye to a suspiciously quiet cat. Or swearing up a storm in the kitchen. They’re all equally common.

This is me
(a few years ago).

Nyx & Salem

Directors of chaos

Nyx is like a crazed fashion stylist meets Edward Scissorhands—taking her claws to my clothing rail at every opportunity. When she’s not hanging from my blazers like an avant-garde accessory, she’s usually curled up in her bed, snoozing . There isn’t really a calm and awake in between. She’s been compared to Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon—and brings just as much mischief. She’s the most opinionated on the day-to-day operations, especially when they impact on her preferred time to eat (which is always). Nyx is the real boss of this studio.

Salem looks like he could beat up your dog without breaking a sweat, he’s a tall, muscled-up boy cat with the face of a panther … and the heart of a cowardly lion. Nyx’s brother can usually be found on the highest surface he can reach, attempting to swing on the ceiling light. But he’s also a cuddle monster and a total mama’s boy.

This is neither Nyx nor Salem
this is my old cat, Emerson

Life as an author.

It all begins with an idea that won’t leave you alone. Something that plays on your mind and into your dreams. Or maybe it’s a character that won’t shut up speaks to you. Whatever it is, the way you tell your stories can make all the difference to the quality of your sleep. That’s how my stories begin—just one idea or character that won’t let go, turning into a novel I can’t wait to share with you.

Official Bio & Headshots

Official Short Bio

Solène Fray writes contemporary British fiction for the supernaturally inclined, blending wit, mystery, and a touch of the extraordinary. Inspired by the wild landscapes of Wales, her stories are rich with charm, complex characters, and unexpected twists. When not writing, she’s usually reading, experimenting (sometimes successfully) in the kitchen, or wandering the countryside in search of old gods and new ideas.

Official Long Bio

Solène Fray writes contemporary British fiction for the supernaturally inclined, blending wit, mystery, and a touch of the extraordinary. Inspired by the wild landscapes of Wales, her stories are rich with charm, complex characters, and unexpected twists.

Born in the UK but shaped by life in several countries, Solène writes with British spelling and a slightly confused accent. Now she lives in the Welsh valleys with too many books and two black cats who are absolutely up to something. She finds inspiration in mist-covered hills, crumbling castles, local gossip, and the peculiarities of rural life—some of which find their way into her books if she’s not paying attention.

When she’s not writing, Solène’s most likely reading in a patch of sun, experimenting (with varying results) in the kitchen, or exploring places where magic might have happened. Her creative studio, Olewydd, is home to her fiction and a growing collection of resources for fellow writers.

  • My bestie gave me two kittens for Christmas a few years ago—she has a key to my house so I didn’t get a choice. Now, Nyx and Salem are my faithful companions (and also home destroyers in their spare time). I wouldn’t know what to do without them.

  • Which a lot of people find hilarious because I’m often barefoot, even in public. I love shoes, I’m just not much of a fan of wearing them, no matter the season.

  • I love interior design, the way you can express yourself through your home inspires me. Nothing makes me happier than beautiful images of gorgeous homes—I’ve lost hours to Pinterest, dreaming up ideas for my own home.

  • Solène isn’t my real name—I chose it because I’m a francophile, and because sometimes a fresh start deserves a new name.

Approved photos

You’re free to use these photos digitally with mine and the photographer’s permission as long as you include a photographer’s credit (where applicable) and send us a link at admin@solenefray.com to where they’re being used.