UoG Creative Writing Festival inspires student to publish debut fantasy novel

A University of Gloucestershire student has published their debut fantasy book after being inspired to pursue their writing while hosting a panel at the University’s Creative Writing Festival.

Rebecca Thompson, who is studying MA Communications, PR and Media, has written and independently published The Lake That Eats Art, which has been released today. 

The novel is a dark fantasy that explores obsession, love and perception. It follows a woman whose husband becomes consumed by a mysterious presence in a lake, driving himself to illness, while she is left to question his sanity and her own. The story blends psychological tension with a haunting, atmospheric narrative.

Rebecca gained the confidence to pursue a publishing path outside the traditional route after hosting the ‘Purpose and Community: Why We Write and Who We Write For’ panel at the University’s inaugural Creative Writing Festival in November 2025.

The Creative Writing Festival brought together writers, students and members of the public at the University’s Creative Campus, for a series of panels and workshops that explored creative writing and different approaches to publishing. This included the option of pursuing the independent route, which Rebecca chose for her debut fantasy novel.

Rebecca writes alongside her postgraduate studies and her industry work, both of which have helped to develop her storytelling skills. Her writing draws on personal experiences, shaping them into powerful, thought-provoking narratives.

Rebecca said: “Hosting a panel at the University’s Creative Writing Festival was a real turning point for me. Being surrounded by so many different writers and perspectives made me realise there isn’t just one path into publishing, and that was an incredibly ‘freeing’.

“Writing The Lake That Eats Art has been a deeply personal journey, and the festival helped me see that those personal stories can connect with others in meaningful and powerful ways.”

Creative Writing Festival Organiser, Dr Senja Andrejevic, said: “It’s deeply gratifying to see our Creative Writing Festival having such a tangible impact on students’ creative futures.

“Rebecca’s transformation from panellist to published author is exactly what we hoped the festival would spark – inspiration and determination to pursue one’s own creative path. We’re proud to have been part of that turning point.”

The Lake That Eats Art is available to purchase on Amazon