I have a few different public identities, which this website embraces. Read more about my background and work in these areas.
On this site I publish new writing and research, but it also functions as an archive, providing easy access to articles published over the last 20 years, sometimes with annotations in cases where my views have changed since.
Books
My latest novel
Snow on the Danube
A historical adventure evoking Budapest during and between two great wars, recounted in the voice of a fussy hypochondriac who becomes an unlikely and compromised hero when the Fascists take over. An unlikely comedy, a document of filial love and a compelling portrait of the horrors of war
FGI publishing
I have also published my own books and other people’s under the imprint of FGI Publishing.
I have sold 40,000 copies of my books over the span of my self-publishing career (to June 2024). The vast bulk of these have been study guides I’ve written on classic novels such as The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and Jane Eyre.
Recent work
My recent output has involved helping my students and communities learn to be creative researchers:
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Only Connect: Creative Writing Comes Alive at the British Library
Only Connect: Creative Writing at the British Library was a vibrant and inspiring event that brought together twenty creative minds to explore the power of writing. Led by MA Creative Writing and Education students from Goldsmiths, participants engaged in a carousel of interactive workshops, each designed to spark creativity and deepen connections with the British Library’s collection. From crafting dialogues with historical figures to exploring the sensory world of smells and sounds, the event encouraged new ways of seeing, hearing, and feeling stories. Attendees left feeling inspired, with many calling for more in-depth sessions. Want to be part of the next one? Stay tuned for future creative writing events at www.francisgilbert.co.uk!
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Creative writers and marketing: some thoughts and observations
Marketing isn’t just about selling books—it’s about finding the right readers, refining your creative process, and sharing your work with confidence. In this blog, we explore marketing in the publishing industry through the lens of the writer as a healer, teacher, researcher, and reflective practitioner.
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Digital storytelling, translation and publishing
In an era of rapid digital transformation, storytelling, translation, and publishing are evolving in unprecedented ways. This article delves into the power of digital storytelling as a tool for inclusivity and multilingual expression while critically examining the role of AI in publishing and its potential biases. Drawing on Federico Ivanier’s novel, Never Tell Anyone Your Name (Ediciones Santillana, Montevideo, 2023), the piece explores the complexities of online identity and security, linking them to the responsibilities of writers as reflective practitioners. Emphasizing the importance of research, compassion, and self-care in writing, the article highlights how storytelling can be a means of healing and deep engagement with the world. Whether you’re an author, educator, or translator, this article provides valuable insights into navigating the modern literary landscape with awareness and integrity.
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Using publishing tools to create thriving creative writing communities and cultures
Publishing isn’t just about books—it’s about shaping identity, community, and activism. This blog explores how the MA Creative Writing and Education at Goldsmiths uses publishing as a pedagogical tool, from internal dialogues between the Writer, Publisher, and Healer within us, to global projects like GlobalGRACE and Creative Voices, which use storytelling, theatre, and art to amplify marginalised voices. Discover how publishing extends beyond the page to empower writers, challenge dominant narratives, and foster creative communities. Read more about how publishing can be a process of transformation, resistance, and education.
Resources for teachers, educators and more
As a teacher and now as a teacher-educator and Head of the MA Creative Writing and Education at Goldsmiths, I have devised many recent resources for teachers, to help them teach the subject of English and creative writing. I also write fiction and reviews of books I like.
Where else to find me
My YouTube channel contains videos I’ve made for my students over the years. I’ve also run a number of topic- and book-specific educational blogs and websites as resources for students and teachers. Since 2015, I have focused upon publishing academic articles, many of which can be found on my Goldsmiths’ webpage. The contact page has my email and social media links.