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Milford 2025

13th - 20th September at
Gladstone's Library, Hawarden, North Wales

Milford Report by Vera Brook

(The Milford report is always written by a Milford first-timer)

Let me cut to the punchline: If you can attend the Milford Speculative Fiction Writers’ Workshop, do it. I had a terrific experience, learned a ton about the writing craft, met wonderful writers working in a range of speculative subgenres—and I already look forward to returning next year.

Milford SF Writers’ Workshop (or Conference) is the longest-running SF writers’ event in the UK, and for a good reason. Held for the last few years in the beautiful and peaceful Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden in North Wales, it brings together a group of about fifteen writers of speculative fiction from the UK and around the world for a week. Every writer submits up to 10,000 words of fiction (short fiction or novel excerpts) a few weeks prior to the workshop, and we all read each other’s submissions and exchange in-depth critiques. The critique sessions are in the afternoons, with mornings reserved for writing, and evenings are usually spent socializing and talking shop over wine and hot chocolate.

So here are six reasons why I found my first Milford experience both enjoyable and tremendously useful to my development as a speculative fiction writer:

1) Milford SF got me writing again after a year-long slump!

I moved from the US to Scotland last year for work, and the stress of the move followed by the endless excitement of living in Edinburgh completely wrecked my writing focus and routine. I would handwrite some notes on a story in my notebook, or open a file and add a paragraph to another story draft. But while the list of my works-in-progress was growing longer, I wasn’t finishing anything.

Milford SF gave me the deadline and the motivation to finish a story that I really care about—my first complete draft of anything in over a year.

2) An in-depth critique of my writing by a dozen published writers.

When you have a draft of a short story or novel excerpt that you care about and want to get in the best possible shape for submission and publication, there is nothing better than having a dozen of your fellow writers read it carefully and offer honest, constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.

The Milford critique method gives each reader 3 minutes to offer their feedback, followed by 3 minutes for the author of the piece to respond, while no one else interrupts. Because each reader brings their own unique knowledge and experience to the piece, taken together, the critiques tend to be very comprehensive and insightful, often pointing out subtle omissions or suggesting exciting possibilities that the author hasn’t considered.

I sent in two short stories for critique this year—one about chronic pain and a creature that shouldn’t exist (about 4000 words), and one about invasive plants and climate change (5000 words)—and the critiques blew me away.

3) The most delightfully nerdy discussion and celebration of writing craft!

Seriously. I love the craft of fiction writing, and I enjoyed every minute of the structured critique sessions and the more spontaneous social chats at meals and in the evenings at Milford SF. Every story or novel excerpt under critique was different, so different craft elements were the focus. It also helped that I already had the concepts and the working knowledge of all these elements, and experience applying them in my own writing. But across the week of the workshop, we covered every aspect of creating effective speculative fiction: genre, character, setting, plot, conflict, theme, tone, style, dialogue, and pacing.

We discussed genre and subgenre expectations and tropes, and when to lean into them and when to subvert them. We debated the best ways to introduce the main characters and how to manage multiple point-of-views (POVs). We contemplated the optimal amount of world-building, the importance of internal logic of the fictional world, and how to best convey this information without slowing down the story or overwhelming the reader. We pondered the best pacing and length for each story, how to ramp up conflict and tension leading up to the climax and resolution, and how to handle multiple story lines and connect them into a cohesive whole. In our critiques, we offered factual corrections and creative suggestions drawing on our personal lives, professional training, and hobbies, be it first-hand knowledge of chronic pain, experience traveling around the world, or the knowledge of ornithology, neuroscience, or mathematics.

In short, all the tools and tricks to construct a vivid and compelling story that will suck the reader in, propel them through, and spit them out changed for the better in some way. It was great! I learned a ton, and the nerd in me was very happy.

4) Community! Encouragement! Inspiration!

In my experience, Milford SF is a very social and inspiring experience. The critique sessions are a friendly affair and the overarching goal is to help each other become better writers. People are incredibly generous with the time and care they spend on the reads and re-reads of the critique pieces and more than happy to offer advice from their lived-in experiences, professional training, hobbies, travels, and more. All in the spirit of encouragement and shared learning.

Apart from the daily critique sessions, the Milford SF group also socializes during the meals and after dinner, and that includes those attending the critique week and those retreating to write. Put together a group of storytellers, and the stories never end. Anything from memories of past Milford SF events, to frank discussions of publishing, to tales of extraordinary travels, wildlife encounters, and food, among other topics. This year, one highlight was a short historical comedy play written and directed by one writer from our cohort and brilliantly performed by three others. Great fun!  

But best of all, I am leaving Milford SF with new writer friends and critique partners. There is something very special about joining a group that has been active for decades, with hundreds of writers across time and space, all dedicated to the art and craft of speculative fiction. I look forward to cheering them on in their writing & publishing journey and running into them at SFF conventions. And of course, meeting around the same conference table at the Gladstone’s Library next year for another Milford SF Writers’ Critique Week..

Vera, Terry, Pauline and Jacey	Vera and Amy

5) You get to meet Milford Mandrake, the mysterious mascot of Milford SF.

And that’s all I’m going to say about him, to keep the mystery unspoilt.  

6) Chocolate. Several boxes of it, and more added each day as the old boxes emptied.

Apparently, it’s a tradition at the critique sessions, and I fully support it. My favorite was the coffee chocolate from the Black Magic box.

So there you have it—the main reasons why I really enjoyed Milford SF Writers’ Critique Week and look forward to returning in 2026.

With my sincere thanks to Jacey, Jim, Mike, Mark, and the rest of the Milford SF Committee for organizing and to all my fellow writers for sharing their writing with me and reading & critiquing my own.   

-o0o-

Milford sayings - taken out of context, just because we can.

• I’d have thought that the Surgeons’ Museum would be closed due to cuts.
• So could we write Romeo and Juliet with orcas?
• I’m not averse to a bit of ball-kicking.
• You’ve got some random bards that leave without arriving.
• I was confused about almost everything.
• I have a whole rant about potatoes.
• I’ve written, ‘Ooh I like this scene,’ but I haven’t put which scene I meant.
• I have a really complicated relationship with the multiverse.
• It’s a reversal of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ His wife is happy without him.
• Call it, ‘Buy a Better Boyfriend,’
• It’s obviously a more complicated story than I thought it was.
• I’d like to think there’s more to Barbara than a fluffy pink cardigan and bedsocks.
• I avoid horror because I either laugh or I get bored.
• I’m just waiting to get to the giant clam part.
• Oh my God! The official Jammy Dodger purse.
• Moose… dragons… they’re all purple and they’re all the same.
• I’m up for weird challenges.
• Bring me the head of Jim Anderson.
• He’s more Santa than Rasputin.
• If a wasp is big enough to put a saddle on, it’s probably too big.
• Has anyone written an SF book about someone wearing shorts?
• People without money shouldn’t buy books.
• I am really appreciative that someone in this book knows how to stack a dishwasher.
• You're doing things to Italian that haven't been done since the Vandals sacked Rome
• An invasion not just on the human scale but also on the vegetable scale.
• Yeah. Skye. Her only purpose was to be a bitch.
• Chocolate shuffleboard.
• Love the Sparkly Disco Bear. More disco bear.
• It's like the Thursday Murder Club does monsters.
• Regarding Brokopondomeer. You're lucky you got the shortened version of the title.
• After the battle and after they'd ridden for 5 hours, they would ride each other.
• She went off into the sunset and he was left behind, playing with his lute .
• Have a very Hydra christmas.
• If the alien tentacle porn is consensual, then let them get on with it.
• I wasn't quite getting the fishiness.
• Yes, unfortunately you're getting a hammer across the head, but that's who I am.
• What's the impetus here? A bit more evil please.

New Milford Committee elected at the AGM, September 2024

Jim Anderson - Chair
Jacey Bedford - Secretary / website
Phil Nanson / Kari Sperring - Treasurer
Tiffani Angus - Social media
Chris McCartney
Liz Williams
Mark Bilsborough
Mike Lewis
Vera Brook

We raised a glass to Dave Gullen, previous Milford committee member and chair who left this world in August 2025. RIP, Dave. We miss you.

-o0o-

Milford 2024

13th - 20th September at
Gladstone's Library, Hawarden, North Wales

Milford cohort September 2024:
Chris McCartney, Anthony Francis, Molly Bronstein, Merin McDonnell, SJ Groenewegen, Fiona Moore, Neon Yang, Jim Anderson, Naomi Eselojor, Jacey Bedford, Mike Lewis, Terry Jackman, Adriana Kantcheva, Mark Bilsborough, Pauline Dungate.

-o0o-

Milford Report by S.J. Groenewegen

Milford has been on my radar for some time, not that I can remember exactly when I first heard of it. Maybe I saw it mentioned by one or two of the SF authors whose work I read while I was a kid. I wanted to write from a young age and loved reading about how my favourite authors got started in their writing careers. Over the years, I wrote short fiction and essays, and tried a few novels – with the mixed success of a typical author.

When I was at Worldcon 2014 in London, I must have spoken to someone involved in running Milford. Shortly after, I checked out the website and I marked it as something to keep an eye on. For a bunch of reasons, it wasn’t until last year that I applied to attend a Milford critique week. Much to my delight and surprise, I was accepted almost straight away. I paid my deposit and cleared my calendar for a week in September 2024.

Then came a long wait.

During that time, I worked on a new on-spec novel and finished the first draft at the end of June 2024. I figured the Milford treatment would be helpful to prepare it for submitting to agents and publishers. In July, I started my second draft and was happy enough with the first couple of chapters to send it to my Milford critique group. This was coupled with my usual trepidation of showing a new piece of my writing to anyone.

At this year’s Worldcon in Glasgow I met several people involved with Milford. They included Jacey Bedford, who invited me along to a lunch with Milford folk at the convention. While I knew a few of them already through going to conventions, it was lovely to listen to everyone talking about past experiences and looking forward to the new venue – Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden, Wales.

My trepidation started to shift to anticipation.

As September drew closer, my email in-box filled with short stories and extracts of novels. The range of stories sent for critique were a terrific reminder that the genre in which we write is incredibly rich and varied. The talent on display from everyone just extraordinary and inspiring.

Following Jacey’s advice to the group, I set myself a timetable to read a couple each day, which I honoured. Mostly. By the time I made the long journey south from Scotland, I had read everyone’s submissions at least once and scribbled a few notes down on each. I didn’t have the time to feel anxious about how my own work would be received.

We also got emails telling us about the venue, the timetables for the week, and easy-to-follow instructions about the Milford critique method. We were encouraged to introduce ourselves. Everyone acted in a collegiate and friendly fashion, which carried through the whole week and beyond.

Everyone met in-person for the first time during Friday’s evening meal at Gladstone’s Library. We were joined by two Milford members undertaking a writing retreat and not joining us in the critique sessions. Jim Anderson and Jacey both welcomed everyone, and made sure that all us newbies had a basic idea of what to expect. Most of us continued our introductory chat in the lounge, and for me at least, it felt quickly like we were becoming friends.

There were five critique sessions in total, all taking place in the afternoons. Various types of chocolate were cast on the table in preparation. There’s a tradition of harsh critiques being accompanied by chocolate (or similar), but this time the chocolate was to share. The critiques were thorough and incisive, but all were constructive.

All of the works critiqued in the first session were by people who have been to Milford before. Not only that, the first people called upon to deliver their critique were also not newbies. This is such a thoughtful way of organising things, as well as effective. It gave us newbies a chance to see the Milford method in action. It’s one thing to read about it, but for me at least it’s another to see it play out. I was impressed in particular by how it discourages groupthink as well as respect. We are here to support each other, and to make our work the best it can be.

But, it’s not all work. Milford is great for solitary writers to meet socially. We met up at meal times, not all at Gladstone’s library, and in the evenings. A few went for walks together, and Milford keeps a day free for people who want to go exploring somewhere nearby to the retreat. This time a group of us went to Chester to walk the walls and check out some shopping.

So, if you’re thinking about Milford but aren’t sure yet if it’s for you, do give it a go. I’m really pleased I did and am planning my next one.

-o0o-

Milford Sayings, taken out of context... just because we can.

New Milford Committee elected at the AGM, September 2024

Jim Anderson - Chair
Jacey Bedford - Secretary / website
Phil Nanson / Kari Sperring - Treasurer
Tiffani Angus - Social media
Dave Gullen
Chris McCartney
Liz Williams
Mark Bilsborough
Mike Lewis

-o0o-

Milford 2023
16th - 23rd September, at Trigonos, Nantlle, North Wales

L-R: Jacey Bedford, Janet Forbes, Ida Keogh, Siobhan McVeigh, Marielle Verdijk, Akotowaa ofori, Jim Anderson, Neon Yang, Liz Williams, Tiffani Angus, Chris McCartney, Sue Oke, Powder Thompson, Pauline Dungate.

-o0o-

Milford Report 2023 by Janet Forbes

In the too-many months since Milford (sorry Jacey!), this assignment has been the phantom lurking on my to-do list. How should I explain a writing week, about a group of writers, to another group of writers, in writing? With that in mind, let me tell you my Milford experience.

I first discovered Milford online and had very little context for it - no personal recommendations, just a Reddit thread that said it was “something like Clarion but in the UK”. Alumni like Neil Gaimen and George R.R. Martin popped up. I was, of course, terrified. But it’s good to do things that terrify you, so I ignored the crushing brain goblins and applied anyway.

After initially being shocked I had even been accepted for the week (What have I done? I wondered), the “introduce yourself” email came. Oh dear lord, how do I introduce myself? Have I forgotten who I am? What even is my name?

Well, it seemed that everyone else was in the same boat, and totally charming about it. Instead of glossy, professional bios and cold, hard bragging, everyone introduced themselves in a very human way - even the rather big names with very large stacks of books behind them.

And I suppose that really set the tone for the whole Milford week: whether you had a PhD in writing, decades of experience in the publishing industry, or you would just starting out and finding your voice (see for reference: me), everyone was thoroughly welcome, everyone was respectful and constructive in their feedback, and everyone was kind.

Coming from overseas, the next issue was how on Earth was I going to get to the middle of sodding nowhere? From shared train rides and taxis, to the very kind offer of a lift from Birmingham in a car (thanks again for an awesome journey, Pauline!), I needn’t have worried. We all made it in one piece and, like in the stories, we made friends on the way.

From there, there were plenty of people to answer questions - and boy, did I have a lot of them. I had a room in the rabbit hutches, where I found the toilet roll holder doubled as a magnificent spider-mashing lance. And I was inducted by old hands in the ways of Milford Cake Hour. There was always someone sharing out wine or snacks or wacky anecdotes. There was the air of old friends and collaboration.

If you've been to Milford before you'll be familiar with the core practice:  mornings are free, afternoons I spent in the critique Circle, giving 3 minutes of feedback apiece on an author's work. This was all new to me, and I was so happy to see how kind and respectful each author was, and how varied and insightful most of the criticism. The group was diverse in background and experience, and that really helped bring different perspectives to the feedback, which made it incredibly useful.

If you’re considering Milford, and you’re worried you won’t be welcome - then stop that thought in its tracks. I’ve never been among such friendly, welcoming writers before. And if you’re wondering if it’s worth it, then just do it. Apply. It’s an unparalleled experience.

-o0o-

Milford 2023 Sayings, taken out of context... just because we can.

• I think about getting bodies out of places all the time, don't you?
• I lived in a trailer when I was a child.
  So did I, but I still have standards.
• It wasn't quite what I was aiming for, but I like it.
• I don't think you take a pick to a rock fall unless you want a bigger rock fall.
• I'm happy if they kill each other. Go for it!
• When I wrote the founders I thought, 'Oh, God, I've written founders.'
• Unless, of course, it's a fairy tale, in which case knickers don't matter.
• ...hog-whimperingly drunk...
• I was trying to write a novel and ended up writing world-building software by accident.
• I have an early-warning duckie because that's what you need in your life.
• You don't look like a man who needs a mandrake.
• If you see inanimate objects as people, then a tape measure is very flirtatious.
• And then the beer gods show up...
• I have a friend who fired her spirit guides because they were not performing to her expectations.
• When I was a child I was pissed on by a tiger at Bristol Zoo.
• ...and I would shout, 'Penis duty.'
• My friend's grandma took out a cobra with a throwing axe.
• Take a drink every time Jim mentions Columbo.
• Some sentences are so beautiful I want to frame them.
• You focus on gold, I'll take the dead children.
• I was a crash test dummy for someone once.
• My friend's handwriting is so bad that you could take it to a pharmacy and get it made up.
• The undergraduate in me that studied formal logic appreciates that remark.
• The guiding aesthetic principle here is - more is more.
• Beatrice talks to donkeys.
• It's like taking drugs without taking drugs.
• It's the weirdest place I've ever been to - and the bar is high.
• This fucking plot! All I have to do is execute it, but I'd rather execute myself.
• It was the whale that did me in.
• I'll stop thinking about codpieces if you mention Queen Victoria.
• Would you like my spiders?
• Dinosaur porn is a thing.
• Jesus's foreskin is the rings of Saturn.
• If you turn 21 and you're still at the house, your mother will eat you.
• I'd almost forgotten you could write.

-o0o-