Fran Roberts
@franplusbooks.bsky.social
Marketer, bookseller, and sometimes publicist. Weaknesses: floral dresses, books, red velvet cake. Likes animals & coffee more than most people. Half obsessed with running.
Changed my handle to something a bit more "on brand".
September 21, 2026 at 9:23 AM
Changed my handle to something a bit more "on brand".
Wrote a short story for a competition ... would anyone be willing to read it and feedback? I want some unbiased eyes on it before I submit. It's 2,818 words so not long!
September 8, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Wrote a short story for a competition ... would anyone be willing to read it and feedback? I want some unbiased eyes on it before I submit. It's 2,818 words so not long!
Reposted by Fran Roberts
How to be a Writer:
Look into void
Become increasingly convinced that void is not only looking back at you, but that it hates your novel
Tea
Look into void
Become increasingly convinced that void is not only looking back at you, but that it hates your novel
Tea
September 8, 2026 at 7:34 AM
How to be a Writer:
Look into void
Become increasingly convinced that void is not only looking back at you, but that it hates your novel
Tea
Look into void
Become increasingly convinced that void is not only looking back at you, but that it hates your novel
Tea
With the news that Amazon is collecting and destroying old and rare books to train AI, it's more important than ever to support local bookshops. Your highstreet needs you! (And don't use AI please)
www.forbes.com/sites/maryro...
www.forbes.com/sites/maryro...
Are AI Companies Really Buying—And Destroying–Antique Books?
Millions of physical books are being scanned to train AI models. They’re then dumped in the trash.
www.forbes.com
August 19, 2026 at 9:42 AM
With the news that Amazon is collecting and destroying old and rare books to train AI, it's more important than ever to support local bookshops. Your highstreet needs you! (And don't use AI please)
www.forbes.com/sites/maryro...
www.forbes.com/sites/maryro...
Reposted by Fran Roberts
We are pleased to announce that our online shop is now shipping to EU countries.
All EU orders are 20 per cent off until 28 August with the code ‘EU20OFF’.
fitzcarraldoeditions.com?utm_source=b...
All EU orders are 20 per cent off until 28 August with the code ‘EU20OFF’.
fitzcarraldoeditions.com?utm_source=b...
August 19, 2026 at 9:26 AM
We are pleased to announce that our online shop is now shipping to EU countries.
All EU orders are 20 per cent off until 28 August with the code ‘EU20OFF’.
fitzcarraldoeditions.com?utm_source=b...
All EU orders are 20 per cent off until 28 August with the code ‘EU20OFF’.
fitzcarraldoeditions.com?utm_source=b...
It's important for you to be aware: my dress has pockets.
August 13, 2026 at 11:42 AM
It's important for you to be aware: my dress has pockets.
People of #Northampton! I am starting a writing group, meeting on the last Thursday of every month at the Sunnyside pub in Kingsthorpe. Please come along! #booksky #writersky
www.facebook.com/groups/21179...
www.facebook.com/groups/21179...
Facebook
www.facebook.com
August 10, 2026 at 9:34 AM
People of #Northampton! I am starting a writing group, meeting on the last Thursday of every month at the Sunnyside pub in Kingsthorpe. Please come along! #booksky #writersky
www.facebook.com/groups/21179...
www.facebook.com/groups/21179...
Reposted by Fran Roberts
cards this morning: are you struggling to accept how well you're doing? do you keep holding yourself to impossible standards? fuck that shit. make some time to be playful, silly, and remember your inner fire is the fire of all that is 🔥 #tarotsky
July 29, 2026 at 9:31 AM
cards this morning: are you struggling to accept how well you're doing? do you keep holding yourself to impossible standards? fuck that shit. make some time to be playful, silly, and remember your inner fire is the fire of all that is 🔥 #tarotsky
I really really REALLY want to read the Booker longlist, but I can't justify the money or time needed. Of the 13, which should I prioritise?
July 29, 2026 at 11:33 AM
I really really REALLY want to read the Booker longlist, but I can't justify the money or time needed. Of the 13, which should I prioritise?
Had the most delightful long weekend for my birthday. Friday was a long overdue hair appointment, and then drinks at mine with friends. Saturday was chill in front of the rugby, Sunday (my birthday) was wedding duties and a roast dinner from bestie. Monday (Mum's birthday) was a day in Hampshire ...
July 21, 2026 at 7:44 AM
Had the most delightful long weekend for my birthday. Friday was a long overdue hair appointment, and then drinks at mine with friends. Saturday was chill in front of the rugby, Sunday (my birthday) was wedding duties and a roast dinner from bestie. Monday (Mum's birthday) was a day in Hampshire ...
Deeply concerned about this report. How can people simply "opt out"? I do not believe that LGBT+ children, teenagers, or adults are an option, they are human. How about we practice some acceptance, understanding, empathy, and inclusion.
www.thebookseller.com/news/lgbtq-a...
www.thebookseller.com/news/lgbtq-a...
LGBTQ+ authors see rise in cancellations of school visits after 'complaints from parents'
Authors of books featuring same-sex families, gay characters and other LGBTQ+ themes have told The Bookseller they have had school speaking events cancelled, or pupils withdrawn, amid complaints from ...
www.thebookseller.com
July 16, 2026 at 9:53 AM
Deeply concerned about this report. How can people simply "opt out"? I do not believe that LGBT+ children, teenagers, or adults are an option, they are human. How about we practice some acceptance, understanding, empathy, and inclusion.
www.thebookseller.com/news/lgbtq-a...
www.thebookseller.com/news/lgbtq-a...
Put on perfume for the first time in a while (I've been going with just deodorant recently) and I smell delightful.
July 16, 2026 at 9:42 AM
Put on perfume for the first time in a while (I've been going with just deodorant recently) and I smell delightful.
My dad is graduating today. I'm so ridiculously proud of him, and honoured that he wants me there to celebrate.
July 16, 2026 at 9:29 AM
My dad is graduating today. I'm so ridiculously proud of him, and honoured that he wants me there to celebrate.
More wise words (I have this deck, btw, and it's stunning)
today's cards are 2 of my favourite designs (am I allowed favourite children? yes, yes I am). There's the potential to create something strong & nourishing and sustaining but to make the most of this new beginning you need to allow it the space and freedom to find its own feet - don't grasp too soon
July 16, 2026 at 9:26 AM
More wise words (I have this deck, btw, and it's stunning)
Needed to hear this today: feeling like I'm pushing a boulder up hill and would rather be on a beach.
July 14, 2026 at 1:10 PM
Needed to hear this today: feeling like I'm pushing a boulder up hill and would rather be on a beach.
Reposted by Fran Roberts
Unsolicited writing advice, no. 266:
Practice self-analysis. Making readers feel something relies on the writer's awareness of how they themselves feel, and why.
Practice self-analysis. Making readers feel something relies on the writer's awareness of how they themselves feel, and why.
July 14, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Unsolicited writing advice, no. 266:
Practice self-analysis. Making readers feel something relies on the writer's awareness of how they themselves feel, and why.
Practice self-analysis. Making readers feel something relies on the writer's awareness of how they themselves feel, and why.
Fear me, for I am witch. I have finished the shampoo and conditioner at the same time.
July 12, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Fear me, for I am witch. I have finished the shampoo and conditioner at the same time.
"His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy" ... it's summer already
July 9, 2026 at 1:44 PM
"His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy" ... it's summer already
It's my birthday a week on Sunday. I hate birthdays and generally don't like celebrating them, but as it's the last of my 30s I feel like I ought to mark it in some way. Any suggestions that are 1) cheap and 2) lowkey?
July 9, 2026 at 1:17 PM
It's my birthday a week on Sunday. I hate birthdays and generally don't like celebrating them, but as it's the last of my 30s I feel like I ought to mark it in some way. Any suggestions that are 1) cheap and 2) lowkey?
Anyone else's pet flopping around like an ailing Victorian woman?
July 9, 2026 at 12:52 PM
Anyone else's pet flopping around like an ailing Victorian woman?
I was wondering why I'm struggling so much in this heat. Then I remember: that last heatwave was spent in Shropshire on my Arvon retreat, so it didn't feel so bad. This one, I'm sat in my hot office in my hot house, with a piddling little fan on my face while Otis gets the benefit of the bigger fan.
July 9, 2026 at 12:51 PM
I was wondering why I'm struggling so much in this heat. Then I remember: that last heatwave was spent in Shropshire on my Arvon retreat, so it didn't feel so bad. This one, I'm sat in my hot office in my hot house, with a piddling little fan on my face while Otis gets the benefit of the bigger fan.
Next week, I will be spending a week in deepest, darkest Shropshire with @arvonfoundation.bsky.social, trying to make a dent in my novel. Please recommend me good books to take with me!
June 18, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Next week, I will be spending a week in deepest, darkest Shropshire with @arvonfoundation.bsky.social, trying to make a dent in my novel. Please recommend me good books to take with me!
Ever start reading a book and it captivates you in a way that hasn’t happened for a long time and you know, you just know, it’s going to haunt you? I think Kingfisher may be that book. @saraband-books.bsky.social
May 29, 2026 at 11:18 AM
Ever start reading a book and it captivates you in a way that hasn’t happened for a long time and you know, you just know, it’s going to haunt you? I think Kingfisher may be that book. @saraband-books.bsky.social