For all things fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction
For all things fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction
5 April, 2025
10:00 am BST
Every world is a complex network of systems, from the smallest organisms to the creatures that govern it and the rules that govern them. So, what does it take to build one from nothing? Idyllic paradise or dystopian nightmare, what makes or breaks a fictional world? Join us as we chat to SFFH worldbuilding experts to answer these questions.
Introduction & Welcome (10–10:10am)
Panel 1 (10:10–11:10am): Magic Systems. We see different types of magic in our fictional worlds, but which is best? Hard or soft? Should there be rules to magic? How do you go about defining the parameters of a supernatural process? Join moderator Sian O’Hara and panellists Annabel Campbell, Amy de la Force, and Katalina Watt as they discuss the ins and outs of structuring magical systems and how to convey them to readers. Find out more about our panel here.
Readings (11:15–11:45am): Susan Maxwell (11:15–11:25am), Reitha Pattison (11:30–11:40am)
Break (11:45–12:10pm)
Author Interview (12:15–1:15pm): BFS Secretary David Green interviews Sunday Times and USA Today best-selling author Sarah Rees Brennan. Find out more about David and Sarah here.
Reading (1:20–1:30pm): Stephen Oram
Lunch (1:30–2pm)
Reading (2:15–2:25pm): Amal Singh
Panel 2 (2:30–3:30pm): Faith & Religion. With an estimated 10,000 distinct religions worldwide and a whole host of mythologies to choose from, how do we create the beliefs that influence our setting? One, none, or many gods? Is there freedom of faith? And how do we address the difference between faith and religion? Join moderator PS Livingstone and panellists Zamil Akhtar, Gareth Hanrahan, and Peter McLean for their insight on building a belief system in fictional worlds. Find out more about our panel here.
Reading (3:35–3:45pm): Elizabeth Broadbent
Break (3:45–4pm)
Panel 3 (4–5pm): Politics & Social Conventions. Anywhere you have people you have politics and society, so what system to choose? Monarchy or feudal? Republic or dictatorship? How does the governing system impact the story? The characters? Join moderator Lauren McMenemy and panellists Yvonne Battle-Felton, Justin Lee Anderson, and Tiffany Morris as they discuss the rules and rule-makers. Find out more about our panel here.
Reading (5:05–5:15pm): M V Melcer
Open mic (5:20–6pm): A get-together at the end of the day and an opportunity to catch up with all your writing community pals.
Find more information on our fabulous readers and where to buy their books by clicking here.
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: onlineevents@britishfantasysociety.org
You need a computer or device (phone/tablet) capable of using Zoom and an internet connection.
You will need a Zoom account to participate, but an account is free to create and use. Just go here to make one.
All our online events have closed captioning, enabling those with hearing difficulties to follow everything.
No. Everyone is welcome to attend our online events, although BFS members do get free entry. There are lots of great reasons to join, so we hope you'll consider it. You can join here.
Yes, we do. You can find our policy here.
Yes, the event will be recorded and will be available for ticket holders to view at a later date.
You should receive a confirmation from the BFS and then a second email from the website with the joining link. If you don't, please email onlineevents@britishfantasysociety.org as soon as possible.