BFS Online: The Creative Fix: Social Justice Through Writing

“There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world. An idea whose time has come.” —Anonymous

Saturday 10th January 2026, 10am to 6pm GMT

What kind of power to words truly have? The answer is nuanced and complex; in short, a lot. Writing can be powerful, even if its broader effects aren’t apparent yet. The right words and a dedicated group of people can change the world – it’s the only thing that ever has. Join the BFS for a day of events focused on writing and social justice.

Introduction & Welcome (10am–10:10am)

Panel 1 (10:10am–11:10am): Mirror Worlds. Fiction has always held up a mirror to reality, but how do you build a secondary world that accurately reflects what you want it to? When you create a new world, you decide what’s normal. Join moderator Lorraine Wilson and panellists Alexandra Beaumont, Georgia Cook, and Ian Green as they discuss how their beliefs and experiences craft the mirror worlds they write. Find out more about our panel here.

Readings (11:15am–11:45am): Carl Bayley (11:15am–11:30am), Anna Tizard (11:30am–11:45am)

Break (11:45am–12:10pm)

Author Interview (12:15pm–1:15pm): BFS Chair Shona Kinsella and international bestselling author Philip Reeve (Mortal Engines) chat about writing, illustrating and musical comedy. Find out more about our chair and interviewee here.

Readings (1:20pm–1:35pm): Stephen Frame

Lunch (1:35pm–2:10pm)

Reading (2:15pm–2:30pm): Ayida Shonibar

Panel 2 (2:30pm–3:30pm): Solarpunk & the Counter-Narrative. Solarpunk is the space where the speculative meets real-world activism from a hopeful perspective, and its utopian tones imagine a better world. But how do you imagine a fairer society when our seems so prejudiced? Are the solutions to our global challenges in the pages of our books? Join moderator Yen Ooi and panellists Renan Bernardo, BrightFlame, Wren James, and Francesco Verso as they discuss the creative and optimistic world of solarpunk. Find out more about our panellists here.

Reading (3:35pm–3:50pm): Yvonne Battle-Felton

Break (3:50pm–4pm)

Panel 3 (4pm–5pm): Writing as Activism. Examining social justice isn’t new for many writers, but what impact does this have? How can SFFH support activist ideals? What is needed for writers to motivate communities and highlight the intersectionality between people across the world? Join moderator Stewart Hotston and panellists Joseph Elliott-Coleman, Malka Older, and Stephen Oram for a discussion on writing as activism. Find out more about our panellists here.

Reading (5:05pm–5:20pm): Somto Ihezue

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