Arisia 2020 Schedule

This year I'll be co-hosting two Meetups at Arisia. Meetups are small, intimate gatherings where participants sit together around a table (usually) and chat rather than sit in formal rows in a meeting room. Meetups give convention attendees a chance to get to know each other and to talk about things that are too specific for a larger group. (Oh, and did I mention they can be a lot of fun?)

Here's my final schedule. Hope to see you there.

Speculative Fiction Writers Cafe

Fri 5:30 PM Stone

Come meet up with other speculative fiction writers. Share ideas, read someone else's work, or just get together to talk about writing. This is a meetup event for writers of all backgrounds. Morven Westfield (moderator), Stephen R Wilk, Cadwell Turnbull.

Fans over 65 Meetup

Sat 4:00 PM Bulfinch

Have you been a fan all your life or did you recently get into fandom? Either way come get together with other fans over 65. Morven Westfield (moderator).

Arisia 2018 Schedule

Here's my final schedule for Arisia. Hope to see you there.

Writing Deities, Magic and the Occult
Fri 7:00 PM Alcott

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.  Cecilia Tan (moderator), Lisa Batya Feld, Keith Yatsuhashi, Alex Shvartsman, Morven Westfield.

It Came From the Past…
Sat 8:30 AM Douglas

Ghosts often appear in stories as signifiers of old crimes, guilt, and injustice that needs to be corrected. In this panel, we’ll face the accusing ghosts, the avenging ghosts, and the ghosts who remind us of things done wrong. Why does the ghost work so well as a visitor from the past? How can ghosts lead readers to a better understanding of injustice and history? What ghosts need to be summoned to remind readers of what has gone on before?  Morven Westfield (moderator), Darcie Little Badger, Elsa Sjunneson-Henry, Gordon Linzner, Morgan Crooks.

Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading
Sat 10:00 AM Adams

If you’ve never been to a Broad Universe RFR (Rapid-Fire Reading), give it a try. They’re a lot of fun, yet sometimes very sobering and thought-provoking as well. You might hear stories of horror, fantasy, or science fiction — or a delightful combination of all of the above.

The final list of readers includes Anna Erishkigal, Dianna Sanchez, Heather Albano, Julie C. Day, LJ Cohen, Randee Dawn, Roxanne Bland, Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert, Morven Westfield (me), Trisha Wooldridge, and Victoria Sandbrook. (Not all authors may be in attendance for the entire time slot.  Other members of Broad Universe not listed may be reading.)

Arisia 2018 Broad Universe RFR

I'll be reading at Arisia 2018 with other members of Broad Universe on Saturday, January 13, at 10:00 AM.

If you've never been to a Broad Universe RFR (Rapid-Fire Reading), give it a try. They're a lot of fun, yet sometimes very sobering and thought-provoking as well. You might hear stories of horror, fantasy, or science fiction -- or a delightful combination of all of the above.

The final list of readers includes Anna Erishkigal, Dianna Sanchez, Heather Albano, Julie C. Day, LJ Cohen, Randee Dawn, Roxanne Bland, Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert, Morven Westfield (me), Trisha Wooldridge, and Victoria Sandbrook. (Not all authors may be in attendance for the entire time slot.  Other members of Broad Universe not listed may be reading.)

Come discover your new favorite writer as we read short excerpts from our work. Each writer has just a few minutes to show you what she’s capable of!  We offer chocolate and the chance to win prizes.

Broad Universe is an international organization dedicated to promoting, encouraging, honoring, and celebrating women writers and editors in science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other speculative genres.

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Morven Westfield first became fascinated by the unseen in her childhood, delighting in superstitions and ghost stories. Her interests are reflected in her writing. Her supernatural-themed short stories have appeared in multiple anthologies, and she regularly contributes articles on folklore and the supernatural to The Witches Almanac. Morven lives in Central Massachusetts with her husband. Like many writers, she keeps a messy office and drinks way too much coffee.

Arisia 2016

Arisia, the first event of the convention year, is a volunteer-run convention that covers all aspects of science fiction and fantasy literature and media. Held at the Westin Boston Waterfront hotel, it's different from other science fiction conventions in at least two respects: panels and activities run nonstop throughout the night (yes, you can attend a panel or join an event at 2 a.m. if you're still awake) and it has as many lifestyle panels as literature/media/gaming panels.

I'll be attending, both as a fan and as a member of Broad Universe, an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, encouraging, honoring, and celebrating women writers and editors in science fiction, fantasy, horror and other speculative genres.

The New England Chapter is very active, blessed by short distances and a number of fantasy, science fiction, and horror conventions all within commuting distance. They organize a Broad Universe party table  in the Dealer's Room. (If you're in there, stop on by and say hello.)  

On Sunday, January 17, at 10:00 AM, various members will read from their published works or works in progress in the Adams conference room. (If it's been moved for some reason, look for Broad Universe Rapid-Fire Reading in the official program.) I'll be reading from "The Fortune Teller," a short story that was published in Snowbound: With Zombies in September.

Some of the Broad Universe members (from the New England chapter and elsewhere) who will be reading include:

Connie Wilkins
Elaine Isaak
Lisa Evans
Morven Westfield (me)
Randee Dawn
Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert
Trisha Wooldridge

Broad Universe Events at Arisia (in Boston, MA) this Coming Weekend

Broad Universe is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, encouraging, honoring, and celebrating women writers and editors in science fiction, fantasy, horror and other speculative genres.

The New England Chapter is very active, blessed by short distances and a number of fantasy, science fiction, and horror conventions all within commuting distance. One convention where the New England Chapter has a strong presence is Arisia.

Arisia, the first of the convention year, is a volunteer-run convention that covers all aspects of science fiction and fantasy literature and media. Held at the Westin Boston Waterfront hotel, it is different from other science fiction conventions in at least two respects: panels and activities run nonstop throughout the night (yes, you can attend a panel or join an event at 2 a.m. if you're still awake) and it has as many lifestyle panels as literature/media/gaming panels.

On Friday, January 17, the New England Chapter will host a party at 8 pm. All Arisia attendees are invited; you don't have to be a Broad Universe member or even a female!

On Saturday, January 18, at 1 pm, various members will read from their published works or works in progress at the Rapid-fire reading. Once again, all Arisia attendees are invited.

Some of the Broad Universe members (from the New England chapter and elsewhere) who will be reading include:

Ellen Larson
Terri Bruce
Phoebe Wray
Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert
Jennifer Allis Provost
Catherine Lundoff
Roberta Rogow
Trisha Wooldridge
KT Pinto
Gail Z. Martin
Rachel Kenley
Connie Wilkins

Other members who will be attending, some presenting on panels, include:

Elaine Isaak
Ellen Larson
Inanna Arthen
Jennifer Pelland
Justine Graykin
Morven Westfield

Arisia and Boskone: How New England Genre Writers Survive the Darkest Months

Though December has the shortest day of the year, January and February typically have the coldest weather.

Fortunately, those of us in New England who love science fiction, fantasy, horror, or just want to learn more about writing in those genres, have two Science Fiction conventions to keep us warm -- and sane.

I'll be attending both this year (weather willing).

Arisia (January 17-20, 2014)
Westin Waterfront
425 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210

Arisia is a volunteer-run convention that covers all aspects of science fiction and fantasy literature and media.

I'll be hanging out at the Broad Universe table, signing and selling books. Stop by and say hello.

Boskone 51 (February  14-16)
Westin Waterfront
425 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210

Boskone is a regional Science Fiction convention focusing on literature, art, music, and gaming. They're not just SF, though; there's a good amount of Fantasy and some horror representation in panels and author signings.

Once again, I won't be doing any readings, signings, or panels, but you can find me hanging out with members of Broad Universe.