For the last few weeks we’ve been highlighting the various things the British Fantasy Society does for its members, and to celebrate British speculative fiction as a whole, as well as giving thanks to the wonderful volunteers who keep everything running.
So I thought, why not ask the members about the same thing: how DO you make the most of your BFS membership? Below is a selection of the chatter from our members-only Discord.
Give your own thoughts by leaving a comment at the end of this article, or jump back into Discord to get involved. Are you a member but not yet in the BFS Discord server? Contact us to request your invite.
-Lauren McMenemy, BFS Marketing
Comments are presented as they were in Discord/Facebook. Where an individual contributor came back with more, those comments have been summarised as one.
Go to events. At least the online ones, if in person is complicated (as for me). But the online events have so much benefit! From educational to discussion-al, there’s always something to gain! At the very least, lunch breaks give a chance to chat with fellow fantasy fans! Also, programmes such as the mentorship programme have massive benefits. Oh yes! And the blogs and membership profiles are an excellent way to gain visibility!
-Luna Profir
The online events are very good for writers, reviewers and also readers. Fantasycon is also a lot of fun and well worth dipping your toe into to meet people you may only know online.
-Matthew Cavanagh, aka Womble
Join the Discord (if you have space for another social media app). It lets you keep up to date with everything the BFS is doing but, just as importantly, you can hear about what our members are doing and, of course, socialise with them!
-David Green
Join in, whether that’s at events, on the Discord, or volunteering. You’ll meet amazing people and learn loads about writing. Plus, you’re helping a build positive experiences within the SFFH community. And we all want that!
-PS Livingstone
Definitely agree with joining in! Even if it’s just lurking in the background of the online events or on the Discord server – come and see that we’re really not all that initimidating, promise! Also keep an eye out for social meet ups and events in your local region – these are a great way to meet a few fellow BFS people without it being too overwhelming. And then definitely aim to come along to Fantasycon – it’s a fabulous event and is brilliant for feeling immersed in the community. In fact, there’s loads of things the BFS does these days, so pick something that piques your interest and jump in. Everyone’s here to help if you have any questions.
I tend to focus on things around being part of the community as that has been by far the biggest benefit to me. I don’t really have published work I’m trying to draw attention to, so I don’t automatically think of things like the blog posts, online library, reviews, book club from that angle. But these are just some of the other amazing things the BFS is doing, and they’re actually really useful as a reader and fan as well – you get to know about authors and other fans, as well as sharing the love about amazing books. After all, you can never have too many books, right? (Yep, that’s right, anyone who says otherwise is entitled to their own opinion, even if it’s wrong.)
-Siân O’Hara
I find that there’s always an opportunity to take part in the BFS community by volunteering such as on panels, helping the website, and events. I’ve been on the judging panel for a BFS award and now volunteer as a reader.
-Corinne Pollard
The ability for everyone who wants to to get involved.
-Alexandra Beaumont
I actually really liked reading the member profiles as a break from work. It’s interesting to hear from people who are writing in a similar or adjacent space to ideas I have in my WIP. And as Sian says they’re useful for book hunting.
-Sam Hodges
Cheesy as this may sound, I love the community. It’s just so nice to constantly see people celebrate and build each other up on here.
-Veronika Groke
(Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash)
Join the Discord. Get involved in events, the library, and read the blog! So full of useful information. Follow the YouTube channel for panel replays and book readings – and submit your own.
-Helen Rose Thwaite
Lots of people have said ‘go to events and join the Discord’, both of which I heartily agree with. But my main, one weird trick, pro-tip is simply to volunteer to help with stuff as soon as you can. Whether it’s redcloaking at Fantasycon, helping with regional events, or whatever (there are many, many ways to volunteer), it’s been the best way for me to start feeling like part of the community.
-Oliver Arditi
Throw yourself into things—at your own pace.
-Rosemarie Cawkwell
For me, I get the most out of my membership by lurking and reading everyone else’s experiences and realising what I’m experiencing isn’t that weird or unusual. Be that on other members’ social media, the discord and the events. It’s nice just to know I’m not alone, even if I’m not super active. It’s nice there isn’t any pressure to join in beyond my comfort level.
-Donna Morgan
I credit the BFS with being one of the primary reasons why I turned from being a dabbler to a (somewhat) serious writer. I think the BFS creates a lot of opportunities to be around writers, listen to other writers and think about writing. So, I think that having access to the community through whatever method (in print, in person and online) is the main benefit.
-Matthew Palmer
