My First Fantasycon: Author Edition 

A month on from Chester, Marve Michael Anson reflects on her first Fantasycon – especially as an author with a book release looming!

When I first heard about the British Fantasy Society convention, the image in my mind was… red cloaks meeting at the Big Ben under a full moon chiming songs of old. In reality, there wasn’t much singing at FanatsyCon – ha! 

Cozy and Friendly- these were the words most commonly used to describe Fantasycon in my little survey before taking the plunge to attend, and it’s not very often that events live up to their reputation but safe to say that this one did! 

As a published indie author, with my trad debut publishing in 2025, I considered whether or not a place on the programme schedule was achievable, but the team was so receptive and welcomed anyone who wanted to pitch themselves to do so. This meant that by September, I was confirmed to be attending my very first Fantasycon and I would be on panels! You know that feeling of anxiety that is indistinguishable from excitement? Yeah that was me the entire time. At least until after my first panel. 

I attend most events with my husband who is an artist and does all my character art, mostly because he’s very good at reminding me why I shouldn’t be nervous and that I’ve got this! A reminder I need very often. Escaping the train delays, we arrived at Chester on the first day of the con around midday and checked into the beautiful Queen hotel which felt like the set of an old English movie. 

First panel with Kit Whitfield, Robin CM Duncan and Ian Green- A reading!

I read an excerpt (you can read it here) from the debut fantasy novel which is out next year with Penguin Michael Joseph. While I’ve read this excerpt to virtual audiences in the past, this was the largest live audience I’d ever had. Luckily, I had such engaging and lovely authors next to me, that I managed to laugh away the nerves. The best part of my entire experience at the con was that nearly every unfamiliar face had a welcoming smile. So if I looked out to the audience, I didn’t need to know anyone, there always seemed to be someone with a welcoming smile which honestly made all the difference. 

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Second panel with Sian O’Hara (m), Ian Green, Kevin Elliott, and Robin CM Duncan – Room 101 Worst Tropes

This was fun! A game show format graciously hosted by Sian and while Room 101 was an absolutely new concept to me, I had the best time. Authors are more competitive than you’d think and we passionately debated all the tropes that deserved to basically go into the monopoly version of jail. Hate to say that someone who shall not be named (Ian) tried to get Enemies to lovers in that room- could you imagine?

Interlude

In between panels, I explored the dealer’s room which was like walking through a portal. It had some of the most incredible art on display. If you’re anything like me, you’d lose track of time just making the rounds. 

The panels, workshops and exhibitions are fun and half the reason you’re there and the other half is getting to spend time with colleagues and friends! Where there’s chat there’s food- that’s my rule anyway. And over the weekend, I had the best time chatting in restaurants creepts, the hotel bar, and so many lovely spots in Chester town. 

Third panel with Calah Singleton, M H Ayinde (m), and Fatima Taqvi-  Future Prize Panel 

The Future Worlds Award is an annual prize, open to everything from space operas and dystopias to books set in magical worlds and more, supported by author Ben Aaronovitch and actor Adjoa Andoh and is currently open for 2025 entries. I was shortlisted for this prize in 2023 and it absolutely changed my life. It’s open to all writers of colour and provides community support, access to industry professionals and lifelong friends. Highly recommend 10/10! 

Interlude

The thing about being an author on the programme is remembering to be engaged in the programme as well. For me that meant rushing off to different panels, trying to take in as much as I could and the line up of panels was so well crafted, you could walk into any room and have an amazing and insightful conversation with authors, agents and editors alike. 

Fourth Panel with Laura Bennett, Annabel Campbell, Robin CM Duncan (m) and Stephen Aryan- Nothing compares to you – finding comp titles

Finding comp titles is the bane of our collective existence and this panel was an opportunity to share our struggles, tips and tricks and hear from an experienced agent on what works and how to navigate the ‘My book is unique but also like this other book’ ordeal. 

Fifth Panel with CL Hellisen, Helen Glynn Jones, Stephen Aryan and Peter Newman- Submission Stories 

My fifth and final panel was about submission stories. This was the one that got a bit scary. Being on submission is no doubt the scariest and most anxiety filled experience in an author’s life. This conversation was so needed to hear from other authors on how to handle the pressure, nerves and how to keep writing when your book baby is out in the big scary world. 

I loved every moment of FanatasyCon, from running through the maze-like building to find event rooms, to chatting with friends new and old, and most especially being surrounded by some of the most creative and friendly people in our industry. I would do it all over again. See you next year!