It’s coming up on us so fast! This upcoming weekend is Matsuricon, one of my favorite Columbus anime and Japanese culture conventions. I was originally going to cosplay for it (I bought *all* of the supplies and materials needed to make it) but things didn’t quite work out timewise this summer. So I’ll be dressed as my usual self, albeit wearing some sort of anime tee shirt as I’ve collected so many.

Matsuricon takes place Thursday, August 28 – Sunday, August 31, 2025. It’ll be at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus, sharing space with the Greater Columbus Convention Center as well.

My panel, FANFIC INTO FICTION, is something I’ve run for a long time at conventions, where it’s to educate fanfic writers on the paths to break into publishing. Here’s the official panel description:

Publishers are snatching up popular fanfic works for real-life book deals, with novels featuring ships like Dramione and Reylo. Are you a fanfic writer who dreams of publication? How can you improve your fanfic skills to become a professional writer? If you’re looking for tips on how to break into the biz, this panel is for you. Hosted by published author and anime fanfic writer Kristina Elyse Butke.

I’ll be in room FRANKLIN AB on Sunday, August 31, from 12:30 – 1:15pm. If you’re curious as to all the other wonderful things going on at Matsuricon, check out the schedule here.

I love Matsuricon. I’ve always had a great time there. Unfortunately, I really can’t afford to attend this convention in full like I usually do. I’ll be heading to Matsuricon to get there right when it opens on Sunday morning, and then making a beeline to the great big hall where the Artist Alley, Vendors, and Guests are. There is an incredible guest list this year and there are like seven people I want to meet, but for the sake of affordability, I’ve narrowed it down to two: Keith Silverstein (known as Zhong li in Genshin Impact) and Clifford Chapin (known as Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia). I will be getting their autographs only, doing my panel, and popping right out. It’s a little bit disappointing, but I couldn’t find work over the summer and my first paycheck from teaching won’t hit until mid-September.

Nonetheless, I’m glad to be attending in some capacity, and I’m hoping to have a decent audience at this panel. According to Eventeny, fifteen people have “saved” it, so if all fifteen show up I’ll be gobsmacked.

I’ll also be giving away character art cards from Son of the Siren to attendees of the panel. So, please come for the fun of sharing fanfic joy and for some beautiful freebies! I hope to see you there Sunday!