BFS Online: Power in SFFH

“They had learned over the years that the top was not a happy or safe place to be. One rung down, that was the place for a sensible man. You advised the king, you had a lot of power, in a quiet kind of way, and you didn’t get murdered anything like as often.” — Sir Terry Pratchett

Saturday 25th July 2026, 10am to 6pm BST

Power is power, used to control, to influence, to change, for good or for ill. As writers, we use it as a narrative tool and a thematic lens, but in SFFH power isn’t just a construct. From magic and the supernatural to aliens and superhumans, power is literally at their fingertips. Join the BFS as we examine power in speculative fiction, its many forms, the imbalances and the consequences, and what it really means to have it.

Introduction & Welcome (10am–10:10am)

Panel 1 (10:10am–11:10am): Power creeps. Some are born with great power, while others have it thrust upon them. But what about those who don’t arrive in a blaze of glory? The slow starters and the slow burners? And what about that which seems innocuous but ends up as real danger or real harm? Join moderator Eleanor Pender and panellists Shreya Ila Anasuya, Philip A. Suggars, and Wole Talabi for a discussion on the on the evolution of power in SFFH. Find out more about our panel here.

Readings (11:15am–11:45am): Myrddin Young (11:15am–11:30am), Alex Cochran (11:30am–11:45am)

Break (11:45am–12:10pm)

Author Interview (12:15pm–1:15pm): BFS Chair Shona Kinsella and award-winning author Juliet McKenna chat about power dynamics, fantasy reimaginings and all things writing. Find out more about our chair and interviewee here.

Readings (1:20pm–1:35pm): Melanie Bell

Lunch (1:35pm–2:10pm)

Reading (2:15pm–2:30pm): Mel Reynard

Panel 2 (2:30pm–3:30pm): Power crushes. Hail the rebel cause! We’re all familiar with stories of protagonists set against seemingly insurmountable odds, but what sparks a revolution? Is this just Newton’s Third Law in action? When power goes too far, what does it take to stop it? Join moderator Adrian Fletcher and panellists Berna Hudson, Sid Jain, and Elle Machray for a discussion on writing rebellion. Find out more about our panellists here.

Reading (3:35pm–3:50pm): BrightFlame

Break (3:50pm–4pm)

Panel 3 (4pm–5pm): Power corrupts. We’ve all the heard the sayings “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” and “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”, but what really makes a character power mad? And does it ever go the other way? Do people with bad intentions see the light? Join moderator Lauren McMenemy and panellists Erin Brown, Ash Huang, and (TBC) as they discuss abuse of power in SFFH. Find out more about our panellists here.

Reading (5:05pm–5:20pm): Valeriya Salt

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