Future Plausible Future Perfect
April 1-4, 2010
Doubletree Hotel
Seatac WA
Writer Guest of Honor: Vernor Vinge
Artist Guest of Honor: John Jude Palencar
Special Guest: Cory Doctorow
Next ConCom meeting:
Saturday, November 14 at 1:30pm
(NEW start time!)
Norwescon eNewsletter October 2009
Interview with Vernor Vinge
Local Writer Ken Scholes
Programming: Writers' Workshop
Single Pattern Contest
Fandance Film Festival
Exhibitor Applications Now Available
Hotel Corner
For more information, visit Memberships at norwescon.org.
You can register online or download the pre-registration form.
Why pre-register? Here are a few good reasons.
Saturdays:
September 12
October 10
November 14
December 12
January 9
February 20
March 13
Exec Team Meeting:
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
General ConCom Meeting:
NEW START TIME
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Post Meeting Social:
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
For more information visit Staff/Volunteers at norwescon.org
DoubleTree Hotel Seattle Airport
8740 Intl. Blvd.
SeaTac, Washington
Rate:
Book by March 10 to receive the convention rate of $114.00 per night.
Group/Convention Code:
Norwescon 33
Reservations:
1-800-222-TREE or reserve your room online.
For more information visit Hotel at norwescon.org.
Norwescon is run entirely by over 250 people who generously give their time each year in order to make the convention the best it can be for its members and participants.
Click here to send an email to the volunteer department today!
We look forward to having you on the team!
Staying up to date on what's happening with Norwescon has never been easier!
News at norwescon.org (RSS feed)
Forums at norwescon.org
Google Group
Facebook
Live Journal
Twitter
Flickr
Click here to download a PDF of the Norwescon 33 flyer.
Give it to a friend or post it at your favorite coffee shop, bookstore or gathering place!
Visit News at norwescon.org to view the Fannish Community Calendar
Coming up:
Spaced Out: The Final Frontier in Album Covers at EMP|SFM
Seattle, WA (through 1/03)
Steamcon
SeaTac, WA (10/23 - 25)
NW Media Arts Graham Joyce Workshop & Reading
(10/25 - 26) +
Jeff VanderMeer Workshop & Reading
(11/8 & 9)
To submit an event for the calendar, send it to pr@norwescon.org.
Advertising space is available in the Norwescon 33 Program Book.
Discounted rates are available for non-profit orgnaizations and clubs.
For more information including rates, visit Publications at norwescon.org.
The eNewsletter is an online publication that is made available to Norwescon members and friends of the convention. In other words, anyone can sign up to receive the eNewsletter!
If you have any questions about your membership status, please email the Member Services Department.
Join Our List
Norwescon 33 is proud to host Vernor Vinge as Writer Guest of Honor.
Dr. Vinge is the author of such works as "True Names" (1981), A Fire Upon the Deep (Hugo Award winner, 1992) A Deepness in the Sky (Hugo, Campbell, and Prometheus Awards winner, 2000), and "Fast Times at Fairmont High" (winner Hugo Award for Best Novella, 2002). His latest novel, Rainbows End, won the Hugo and Locus Awards in 2007.
While a professor of mathematical and computer sciences at San Diego State University (he retired in 2000 to pursue writing full-time), Dr. Vinge explored the idea that accelerating technological change would fairly quickly result in a world qualitatively different from today, and in some ways unknowable, in his essay "The Coming Technological Singularity." His work often deals with people exploring the boundary of this phase change.
Dr. Vinge took time this week to talk to Raymond McCauley about important philosophical questions, technology wish lists, and a glimpse of what's on his desk (including a peek at the draft for The Children of the Sky!) for the Norwescon eNewsletter.
(Editor's Note: All links added by the interviewer.)
Norwescon: Lots of folks know you as the originator of the term "technological singularity", and some people know about your early and eerily predictive take on networked culture and security in "True Names". What don't we know about where you were especially prophetic?
Vinge: So far I'm pretty happy with the track record of Rainbows End, though the transition from "this is crazy" to "this is blasé" is happening painfully fast for that novel.
Norwescon: Do you have any spectacular misses that you want to share?
Vinge: :-) There are some extremely embarrassing miscues in my story, "The Accomplice", which is reprinted in The Collected Stories of Vernor Vinge. It's a good example of a common feature of science fiction: the mixture of wildly wrong speculations with occasional bull's-eyes.
Norwescon: When can we expect Rainbows End the movie? Or a graphic novel adaptation of "True Names"? How do you feel about your work being adapted in other mediums?
Vinge: No plans for such are on the horizon :-) Such adaptations can be wondrous things (better than the original), but commercial, legal, artistic issues make them rarr events... (continued at norwescon.org)
New from Tor this week is Canticle by Ken Scholes, the sequel to Lamentation and book two of five in The Psalms of Isaak series.
"The sequel to Scholes's stellar debut, 2008's Lamentation, ingeniously fuses epic fantasy and postapocalyptic science fiction. Magicked assassins kill numerous leaders from across the Named Lands and send the region into economic and political turmoil. Amid the chaos, Jin Li Tam gives birth to General Rudolfo's son, sickly Jakob. As Rudolfo sets out in search of a cure, young Marsh Queen Winters ascends the throne of her people only to realize her past has been an elaborate lie; former Androfrancine Pope Petronus risks his life to bring some semblance of peace to the realm; and Nebios ben Hebda uncovers bombshell revelations regarding the Order's 'metal men' and the history of the Old World. Abounding in prophecy, myth and mystery, this grand-scale saga is a towering storytelling tour de force." - Publishers Weekly Starred Reveiew
Originally from Washington state, Ken now makes his home in St. Helens, Oregon with his wife, Jen West Scholes, and his newborn twin daughters, Elizabeth and Rachel. When asked if we would be seeing Ken again at Norwescon, he said, "I wouldn't miss it! Spending most of my life in the Puget Sound area, Norwescon is truly my hometown con. It's one of the first cons I attended when I was trying to break in as a writer and I intend to keep it on my calendar. It's become a homecoming that I look forward to each year."
Ken has kicked off a west coast signing tour this week with many dates in the Northwest. Stop in and say hello and, of course, look for him at Norwescon in April!
10/15 Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma WA
10/22 St. Helens Bookshop, St. Helens OR
10/26 University Bookstore, Seattle WA
10/27 Powell's Books - Cedar Hills Crossing, Beaverton OR
11/12 Waucoma Bookstore, Hood River OR
For more information about Ken Scholes visit his website.
Norwescon features over 500 hours of panel programming presented by more than 200 panelists, covering such diverse subjects as science fiction, fantasy, science, costuming, art, writing, genre media, as well as a myriad of other topics of interest to fans.
The Fairwood Writers and Norwescon 33 invite you to participate in the annual genre fiction writing workshop at Norwescon to be held on April 1-4, 2010.
The deadline for electronic submissions of short stories and novel excerpts in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres is December 20, 2009.
Click here for complete rules and guidelines.
This year's Single Pattern Contest features Simplicity pattern #2972 - a shoulder bag! Whether you sew or not, like to costume, dress in garb or just enjoy attending the convention, everyone needs a good shoulder bag. Use it for your purchases in the dealer's room, to hold your collection of swag or to carry all the things you need while attending panels!
Click here for complete rules and guidelines.
Forget about the tuxedo, the parachute, and the collagen injections - this is a film festival you can have fun at!
Announcing the Eleventh Annual Fandance Film festival, hosted at Norwescon 33! Eleven years of madness, eleven years of filmmaking, eleven years of seeing all the latest and the greatest and the funniest and the weirdest and the most bleeding, squealing, giant smashing roboting edge entertainment still available without extensive tipping (mind you, we're not saying "no"...). The Festival is a celebration of low- and no-budget cinema, brought to wondrous lurching life by amateur filmmakers from all around the Pacific Northwest.
The integral part of this is, of course, the movies. We need 'em! The shorter, the better (ten minutes maximum length - no minimum length) and any genre is fine (but if you're smart, you'll realize that this is a sci-fi/fantasy type convention) but the judges reserve the right to be way grossed out by what they see. Click here for submission rules and guidelines.
The Norwescon art show staff is thrilled to present John Jude Palencar as Norwescon 33's Artist Guest of Honor. His award winning work will be the highlighted feature of this year's art show. Along with our many great artists that we have had in the past, we are excitedly looking for new faces to bring to the show. Click here for more information including policies, a registration form and more.
Above - Cover to Eldest by Christopher Paolini, artwork by John Jude Palencar
Each year Norwescon provides access to some of the finest fandom related merchants who carry a vast array of collectibles, books, games, and other merchandise of interest to our membership. Applications are due on December 1, 2009. Click here for more information including an applicatio contract and hours of operation.
Fan tables provide Norwescon members the opportunity to meet other fans and introduce them to your science, science fiction, costuming or fannish group, convention, convention bid, or writing organization. Norwescon offers Fan and Club Table to these types of organizations and groups. Tables are located in the hotel convention lobby and at other designated areas throughout the hotel. Click here for more information including rules and guidelines.
Don't forget to book your room for the convention! Norwescon's room block at the Doubletree is already more than 60% full. The guest room rate for NWC 33 is $114. You can find out more information & and book your reservation through the hotel page on our website, by clicking here.
Also, for those interested in large suites, they can be booked through Norwescon starting on November 1 on a first come, first serve basis by sending an e-mail with your request to hotels@norwescon.org. This is the same procedure used in past years. Check out the hotel page on the website for more details!
September 09:
Click here to visit the Norwescon eNewsletter Archive.
Future Plausible/Future Perfect
April 1-4, 2010
DoubleTree Hotel SeaTac, WA
Writer GoH: Vernor Vinge
Artist GoH: John Jude Palencar
Special Guest: Cory Doctorow
Next ConCom meeting: September 12, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.
www.norwescon.org
Guests of Honor
Outreach
Volunteers needed!
Executive Team
$45 UNTIL SEPT 15
For more information, visit norwescon.org and click on Memberships.
You can register online or download the pre-registration form.
Why pre-register? Here are a few good reasons.
Saturdays:
September 12
October 10
November 14
December 12
January 9
February 20
March 13
Exec Team Meeting:
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
General ConCom Meeting:
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Post Meeting Social:
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
For more information visit Staff/Volunteers at norwescon.org
DoubleTree Hotel Seattle Airport
8740 Intl. Blvd.
SeaTac, Washington
Rate:
Book by March 10 to receive the convention rate of $114.00 per night.
Group/Convention Code:
Norwescon 33
Reservations:
1-800-222-TREE or register online
For more information visit Hotel at norwescon.org.
Staying up to date on what's happening with Norwescon has never been easier!
News at norwescon.org (RSS feed)
Forums at norwescon.org
Google Group
Facebook
Live Journal
Twitter
Flickr
Click here to download a PDF of the Norwescon 33 flyer.
Give it to a friend or post it at your favorite coffee shop, bookstore or gathering place.
Visit News at norwescon.org to view the Fannish Community Calendar
Coming up:
Norwecon ConCom Meeting
(9/12)
NW Media Arts Workshop & Salon: John Crowley
(9/20 & 21)
Rainfurrest Zombie Attack
(9/18 - 9/20)
Foolscap 11
Redmond, WA
(9/25 - 9/27)
Museum Day at EMP|SFM
Get Spaced Out!
(9/26)
To submit an event for the calendar, send it to pr@norwescon.org.
Join Our List
Hello everyone!
I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. My name is Tracy Knoedler and I am the Chair of Norwescon 33. I took last year off to travel and spend time with family, but I'm so happy to be back as your current Chairman for Norwescon!
Norwescon 33 is scheduled for April 1 - 4, 2010 at the DoubleTree Hotel in SeaTac, Washington. I hope that you take the time to register now and, trust me, it's never too early to make that hotel reservation as we typically fill our room block early!
I am very pleased to announce Norwescon 33's stellar lineup of guests: our Writer Guest of Honor is Vernor Vinge, our Artist Guest of Honor is John Jude Palencar and our Special Guest is Cory Doctorow! As always, these guests will be joined by hundreds of professionals from the science, science fiction and fantasy community in order to provide you with the most intriguing and entertaining panels to attend!
Our Executive Team has been working hard this summer and we are ready to hit the ground running at the first ConCom meeting which is this Saturday, September 12. Join us at the meeting and find out how you can volunteer. Our volunteers are the best in all of fandom and I have no doubt that all of their hard work will make Norwescon 33 the best convention yet!
Remember that you can visit norwescon.org throughout the year for the latest Norwescon 33 news and happenings.
See you at the convention!
Tracy Knoedler
Chair, Norwescon 33
Writer Guest of Honor:
Vernor Vinge
Science fiction author Vernor Vinge has won Hugo awards for his novels A Fire Upon the Deep (1992), A Deepness in the Sky (1996) and Rainbows End (2006). A published story writer since the 1960s, Vinge is known in the sci-fi world as the author most closely associated with the theme of "technological singularity." Read more...
Artist Guest of Honor:
John Jude Palencar
Artist and illustrator, John Jude Palencar, is known throughout the world for his distinctive, ethereal style and unique conceptualization. For more than 20 years he has received honors for his contributions to the field of illustration including Gold and Silver Medals from the Society of Illustrators, two Gold Book Awards from Spectrum, and Best Hardcover and two Best Paperback Awards from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists for three consecutive years. Read more...
Special Guest:
Cory Doctorow
Cory Doctorow is a science fiction novelist, blogger and technology activist. He is the co-editor of the popular weblog Boing Boing, and a contributor to Wired, Popular Science, Make, the New York Times, and many other newspapers, magazines and websites. His latest novel, New York Times Bestseller Little Brother, was published in May 2008, and his latest short story collection is Overclocked: Stories of the Future Present. His next novel is Makers, due from Tor Books in October, 2009. Read more...
For more information visit norwescon.org.
Over the years, Norwescon has developed relationships with many charitable and educational organizations. This year, Norwescon 33 will continue in that tradition by proudly partnering with these estimable members of the Northwest community:
Clarion West is an intensive six-week workshop for writers preparing for professional careers in science fiction and fantasy, held annually in Seattle, Washington, USA. Clarion West will be the beneficiary of the Norwescon 33 charity auction. Read more...
The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (SFM) is the world's first museum devoted to the thought-provoking ideas and experiences of science fiction. Norwescon 33 is a corporate sponsor of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Film Festival. When you become a member of Norwescon, you will be eligible for a $5 discount on your EMP|SFM membership! Read more...
Northwest Harvest and their nearly 300 partner food banks across the state of Washington provide nutritious food to all who are in need. Your donation of non-perishable food items to Norwescon 33 will help Northwest Harvest to fight hunger in Washington State. Read more...
For more information visit Outreach at norwescon.org.
Do you know that Norwescon is run entirely by volunteers? Over 250 people generously give their time each year in order to make Norwescon the best it can be for its members and participants.
Some people assume that when you volunteer you are giving away all of your time at the convention. Not true! We only ask for as much time as you would like to give and you get to choose which department you volunteer for. Plus, there are many volunteer positions available for those who would like to only volunteer during the months preceding the con.
Here's how you can get started:
We hope to hear from you soon!
Chairman Tracy Knoedler and Vice Chairman Jeanine Swanson announced their selections for the Norwescon 33 Executive Team:
Treasurer - Eric Weber
Secretary - Pearl Lawson
Business Director - Mike Orosz
Convention Services Director - Charlie Knoedler
Membership Services Director - Catrina Foulger
Personnel Director - Shawn Marier
Programming Director - Rob Stewart
Publications Director - Adrienne Loska
Special Events Director - Peggy Stewart
Get to know your Norwescon 33 Executive Team by reading their bios!
Future Plausible Future Perfect
April 1 - 4, 2010
DoubleTree Hotel
SeaTac, WA
Writer Guest of Honor: Vernor Vinge
Artist Guest of Honor: John Jude Palencar
Special Guest: Cory Doctorow
Spotlight Publisher: Tor Books
Next ConCom meeting:
Saturday, November 14 at 1:30pm
(NEW start time!)
Norwescon 33 PR Alpha
Upcoming Deadlines
$50 UNTIL DEC 31
For more information, visit Memberships at norwescon.org.
You can register online or download the pre-registration form.
Why pre-register? Here are a few good reasons.
Saturdays:
September 12
October 10
November 14
December 12
January 9
February 20
March 13
Exec Team Meeting:
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
General ConCom Meeting:
NEW START TIME
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Post Meeting Social: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
For more information visit Staff/Volunteers at norwescon.org
DoubleTree Hotel Seattle Airport
8740 Intl. Blvd.
SeaTac, Washington
Rate:
Book by March 10 to receive the convention rate of $114.00 per night.
Group/Convention Code:
Norwescon 33
Reservations:
1-800-222-TREE or reserve your room online.
For more information visit Hotel at norwescon.org.
Norwescon is run entirely by over 250 people who generously give their time each year in order to make the convention the best it can be for its members and participants.
Click here to send an email to the volunteer department today!
We look forward to having you on the team!
Staying up to date on what's happening with Norwescon has never been easier!
News at norwescon.org (RSS feed)
Forums at norwescon.org
Google Group
Facebook
Live Journal
Twitter
Flickr
Click here to download a PDF of the Norwescon 33 flyer.
Give it to a friend or post it at your favorite coffee shop, bookstore or gathering place!
Advertising space is available in the Norwescon 33 Program Book.
Discounted rates are available for non-profit orgnaizations and clubs.
For more information including rates, visit Publications at norwescon.org.
The eNewsletter is an online publication that is made available to Norwescon members and friends of the convention. In other words, anyone can sign up to receive the eNewsletter!
If you have any questions about your membership status, please email the Member Services Department.
Join Our List
The Norwescon 33 PR Alpha is the first of two progress reports which we provide our members as a benefit of their membership. It contains updates on programming, special events, the hotel, membership rates and much more.
If you attended the convention last year or are currently pre-registered for Norwescon 33, you will be receiving a copy of the PR Alpha in the mail within a few days. The PR Alpha is also available online at norwescon.org and contains links within the PDF to assist you in finding the information you are interested on the website.
Click through for updates featured in the PR Alpha including:
We would love to hear your ideas! If you have any questions, suggestions or comments please visit the Contacts page and email a member of the ConCom team, or write to info at Norwescon dot org and we'll be sure to route your email to the correct department.
Enjoy and watch for the PR Beta in February 2010!
You may notice that the progress reports are a bit condensed this year. We are making an effort to Go Green by reducing the size of the document that is mailed and providing members and friends of the convention detailed information at norwescon.org. This also allows us to redirect funds back into the convention budget, giving us more resources as we strive to make Norwescon 33 the best convention yet!
Vendor applications are due December 1, 2009. Complete information including an application and contract are available in the Exhibitor section at norwescon.org.
The deadline for submissions is December 20, 2009. Submission guidelines are available in the Programming section at norwescon.org.
Click here to visit the Norwescon eNewsletter Archive.