“Real names tell you the story of the things they belong to in my language, in the Old Entish as you might say. It is a lovely language, but it takes a very long time to say anything in it, because we do not say anything in it, unless it is worth taking a long time to say, and to listen to.” — J.R.R. Tolkien

Saturday 18th April 2026, 10am to 6pm BST

Language is vast and flexible, providing writers a broad platform on which to build their world. From creating new words to entire languages, the written word is an unbound medium to bring to life all you can imagine. It is how we share ideas and culture, explore themes, and journey to other places. And perhaps change minds. Join the BFS for a day of craft and celebration on Language in SFFH.

Introduction & Welcome (10am–10:10am)

Panel 1 (10:10am–11:10am): Building believability. Some say every story has been told; what makes it new is how you tell it. The right language immerses the reader, builds the lore, and makes the writer’s world authentic. The wrong language does the opposite, yanking the reader from the scene. From avoiding anachronisms to weaving artistic conlangs, join moderator Morag Hannah (MK Hardy) and panellists Alex Cochran, David Thomas Moore, and Catriona Silvey as they chat about how language builds believability. Find out more about our panel here.

Readings (11:15am–11:45am): WP Wiles (11:15am–11:30am), Rachel Grosvenor (11:30am–11:45am)

Break (11:45am–12:10pm)

Author Interview (12:15pm–1:15pm): BFS Chair Shona Kinsella and Gothic literature expert Dr Alex Carabine chat about the use of language in the horror tradition. Find out more about our chair and interviewee here.

Readings (1:20pm–1:35pm): JM Cyrus

Lunch (1:35pm–2:10pm)

Reading (2:15pm–2:30pm): M S Palmer

Panel 2 (2:30pm–3:30pm): What’s in a name?

That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Or would it? Names have meaning, and in many stories they also have power. Power to summon and power to wound. Names are more than just titles – and how we use them matters. Character and place names may have significance, but language goes deeper. The pronouns we use, the gods we invoke, the insults we hurl. Join moderator Eleanor Pender and panellists Eric Huang, Anna Stephens, and Rafael Torrubia for a discussion on the importance of names in SFFH writing. Find out more about our panellists here.

Reading (3:35pm–3:50pm): Mark Cantrell

Break (3:50pm–4pm)

Panel 3 (4pm–5pm): Origins & culture. Our language is a reflection of who we are – the history, beliefs and values we hold – and the culture we live in. The same is true for the worlds we write. But where do you draw inspiration? How do you construct a language that honours its origins while animating your story? Join moderator Marve Michael Anson and panellists Stephen Embleton, R.S.A. Garcia, Shay Kauwe, and Arkady Martine as they discuss the merging of culture and language on the page. Find out more about our panellists here.

Reading (5:05pm–5:20pm): Amelia Roberts

Find more information on our fabulous readers and where to buy their books by clicking here.

Open mic (5:20pm–6pm): A chance to chat with the BFS community or discuss your favourite parts of the day. Or, if you’re feeling brave, share your WIP and do a mini reading. Please ask your host if you need a breakout room.

Please note: You should receive a confirmation email when you buy your ticket, plus a second email with the Zoom link to join. If you don’t, please contact Pam via email: events@britishfantasysociety.org