Keith Yatsuhashi, author of wonderfully fun urban fantasy with an anime twist Kojiki and sequel Kokoro, will be appearing at Arisia – New England’s largest and most diverse sci-fi & fantasy convention.

Arisia is taking place this weekend (Jan 12 – 15) in Boston and will be full to the brim with anime, SF&F, costuming, weapons (just for show… we think) and music tracks. There’s something for everyone!

Keith is well known for being lovely, so if you see him do go over and say hello! He’ll be more than happy to chat to you about all things geeky and even sign his novels, if you ask nicely.

Here’s Keith’s schedule. As always things are subject to change so do double check all appearances on the day.

FRIDAY

Writing Deities, Magic and the Occult

Alcott (3W)
19:00 – 20:15

Magic is a large part of what makes the fantasy genre distinctive. But how do you write, and describe, the ‘unseen?’ Our panel of occultists will explain how to draw upon mythology and religion to build a realistic magical system, the rules of magic, and ways a good magic system can enhance the mood of your story, facilitate the narrative, and provide a source of conflict.

Crafting Villains: The Appeal of the Dark Side

Bulfinch (3W)
22:00 – 23:00

It’s been said that every villain is the hero of zir own story. SciFi and Fantasy is populated with compelling assassins, thieves, witches, con artists and mean girls, who are as complex and compelling as the heroes they come up against. What makes villains and anti-heroes irresistible? Our panelists will share how to craft the perfect villain and explain why anti-heroes and villains are so important in their stories. Find out how much fun it can be to give in to the dark side!

SATURDAY

Anime’s Global Influence

Marina 4 (2E)
11:30 – 12:45

The ideas and aesthetics of anime have long since escaped the confines of Japan. Whether it’s on the internet, or in comics, cartoons, games, and fashion, the influence of this once niche hobby is everywhere. And with the Toonami generation now in it’s prime, it doesn’t look like this will stop anytime soon. Join our panelists as they discuss the ways anime culture has spread across the globe, into different mediums, and into our communities.

Writing Diverse Urban Fantasy

Marina 4 (2E)
16:00 – 17:15

Urban Fantasy is one of the hottest-selling genres, but how do you nail the diversity and vibrancy of an urban setting, and then extend it into your non-human characters and worldbuilding? Our panelists will discuss who are the people in your neighborhood, how to make the city itself a character, how to RESPECTFULLY weave other people’s cultures into your story, pitfalls to avoid, and how to extrapolate a realistic urban setting and characters to your un-real science fiction or fantasy story.

SUNDAY

Writing Faith Into Your Fiction

Adams (3W)
11:30 – 12:45

For the genre that spawned J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis, religiously inspired fiction is appallingly absent from modern sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. How can faith—or its absence—shape our characters? Does belief inspire, or inhibit, worldbuilding? How can you portray a faith that is not your own? Or appeal to readers without appearing preachy? Five authors with diverse religious backgrounds will discuss how to develop worlds, plots and characters whose struggles transcend the human spirit.

Writing Heart-Pounding Sci-Fantasy Thrillers

Douglas (3W)
13:00 – 2:15

Everyone loves action that doesn’t quit. Our panel of thriller writers will discuss how to create a compelling, fast paced narrative, including how to jump-start the action in the first 5-page. Learn how to weave in character backstory and dialogue so it doesn’t slow down your plot. How does thriller worldbuilding differ for the sci-fi and fantasy genres; including high stakes, misdirection, and “ticking bomb” to keep the reader invested until the last page.

MONDAY

Writing Geeky Characters

Alcott (3W)
11:30 – 12:45

Not every character has to be a high-powered executive or special forces assassin! Come learn how to write sexy, geeky heroes who solve their dilemmas through a blend of true grit and brains. Panelists will discuss how to write about tech/geek subjects without bogging the plot in the language of tech and geekdom, how to keep geeky characters ‘real’, how to write about mundane issues without being boring, and how to make the story interesting and cutting edge.

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