Fantasycon is Even More Inclusive Thanks to the Generosity of Members

We’re entering the home straight: Fantasycon looms in the near-future! To get us ready, we asked previous attendees to tell us about their first time, or any abiding memories from cons of yore. For Helen Thwaite, this year’s con is special: she was given one of the coveted sponsored places thanks to member supporters.

The first time I heard about FantasyCon, I was really excited about finding a SFF-specific conference in the UK – but as a disabled author on benefits I couldn’t imagine myself going. However, I saw that I could apply for a sponsored place. I decided to take a punt and send an application in, not having any expectation either way.

When the offer of a place arrived in my inbox, I had to read it twice to realise that’s what it was! I was absolutely delighted! There was an hour between getting the offer and me accepting, as I had to check that my son could look after my pets while I was away, but then I went onto the BFS Discord and shouted about it from the rooftops!

Once I’d accepted the place, I had to fill in the participation form. I’d done panels before at BristolCon, so I was happy to be included. Very included – I’m on four panels and moderating another two! I’m so very excited. And a little nervous.

But mostly excited. The BFS is full of people who love speculative fiction and who welcomed this weird, little author like I was part of the family. I cannot wait to meet them in the flesh!

I think my takeaway from the experience is to not self-reject. I could have ignored the opportunity and just accepted that I couldn’t go, but I’m so, so happy that I didn’t.

Grab your ticket to Fantasycon here, or check out the programme.