NORWESCON
Progress Report Alpha
November 2009
Future Plausible • Future Perfect
NORWESCON Thirty-Three
Future Plausible • Future Perfect
April 1–4, 2010
Seatac, WA
Chairman Tracy Knoedler
Vice Chairman Jeanine Swanson
Publications Director Adrienne Loska
Editing Team Katrina Marier
Graphic Design Gayle MacArthur
You may have noticed that your PR Alpha is a little different. In order to conserve funds and go green, Norwescon has decided to mail out an abbreviated version of the regular PR Alpha and provide detailed information at our website. Visit the home page at norwescon.org to view this document as a PDF with live links.
Hello, all!
Time is flying by and Norwescon 33 is quickly approaching! It’s hard to believe that it’s already November – and that means it’s time for us to let you know how plans for the convention are progressing.
I hope you take a moment to read our progress report. You’ll see that our wonderful team of volunteers have been putting in countless hours trying to make Norwescon better and better. Each year we try to out-do the previous year by implementing fresh programming, new and exciting special events, and by welcoming new dealers in the Dealers Room and new artists in the Art Show. That’s just the beginning! We’ll have much more to report in our second progress report in February.
We want you to join us! Please take the time to make sure you have sent in your membership and made those hotel reservations. We don’t want you to be left out!
The countdown has begun! See you April 1st, 2010.
Tracy Knoedler
Chair, Norwescon 33
Writer Guest of Honor: Vernor Vinge
Hugo Award-Winning Writer
Special Guest: Cory Doctorow
Science Fiction Author, Activist, Journalist & Blogger
Artist Guest of Honor: John Jude Palencar
2008 Spectrum Grand Master Award Winner
Spotlight Publisher: Tor Books
Multiple award-winning publisher of science fiction, fantasy and horror
More information > norwescon.org/guests.htm
Full convention Pre-Registration Rates (4 days):
$50 until December 31, 2009
$55 until March 1, 2010
No charge for children 12 and under
More information > norwescon.org/memberships.htm
PRE-REGISTER ONLINE at norwescon.org
New wonders of panel info-technology are in development!
We are tearing down and rebuilding workshops, panel topics, and panelists. We have the technology and know how to panel info-technology make them better, stronger, faster. Over 400 hours of panels are in the works for your enjoyment this year. We will have over 70 hours of science-related panels and workshops focusing on space, biological, technical, and fringe science. Some of the other topics we will be testing will be art, writing, literature, comics, movie previews, costuming, horror, urban fantasy, fandom, media, fan fiction, gaming, young adult, and more. The programming staff is working diligently coming up with diabolical ideas to keep you hopping with plenty of things to do and check out. Here are some of our workshops:
Writers Workshop The Fairwood Writers & Norwescon 33 invite you to participate in the annual genre fiction writing workshop. Deadline for submissions is December 20, 2009.
Single Pattern Contest The pattern selected for this year’s contest is Simplicity pattern number 2972 – a shoulder bag! Regardless of your skill level (and even if you don’t sew!) you can create an entry.
11th Annual Fandance Film Festival 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 Programming testing department is always looking for panel suggestions. If you think you have what it takes, please send your suggestions to programming@norwescon.org. Please keep your eyes to the stars or at least the Norwescon web site for programming updates as the year moves on.
Rob Stewart
Programming Director
More information > norwescon.org/programming.htm
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 Writers Workshop
Northwest Harvest
EMP|SFM Experience Music Project Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame
More information > norwescon.org/outreach.htm
Did you know that Norwescon is a completely volunteer-run event? Without all the hard work that volunteers put in each year, there would be no Norwescon. Some people only volunteer at the convention, while others take a more active role throughout the year. If you would like to get involved, a good way to learn about available volunteer opportunities is to attend a ConCom meeting:
November 14, 2009 December 12, 2009 January 9, 2010 February 20, 2010 March 13, 2010 May 8, 2010 (post-con meeting)
Executive Team Meeting: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
General ConCom Meeting: 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Post Meeting Social: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Doubletree Hotel Seattle Airport
18740 Pacific Highway South
SeaTac, WA 98188
206-246-8600
If you can’t attend the meetings, please send email to volunteers@norwescon.org letting us know what you are interested in doing. Our volunteer department will work with you to find the perfect volunteer position for you.
Shawn Marier
Norwescon 33 Personnel Director
More information > norwescon.org/volunteer.htm
It’s back, so mark your calendars!
Thursday, April 1, 2010 - Grand Ballroom 2
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Ticket Price: TBD
More information as it becomes available.
Norwescon 33 once again makes its home at the Doubletree Hotel Seattle Airport conveniently located in SeaTac, Washington. Book early! Norwescon's room block is already 60% full!
DOUBLETREE HOTEL SEATTLE AIRPORT
18740 International Blvd
SeaTac, Washington
Tel: 1-206-246-8600
Fax: 1-206-431-868
CONVENTION ROOM RATE:
$114 (USD) for up to 4 people
Use code NORWESCON when booking your room.
Doubletree Toll Free Reservations:
1-800-222-TREE (8733)
You can also register online at norwescon.org/hotel
More information > norwescon.org/hotel.htm
Finish up your creations, polish up your wares ...
Applications are now being accepted for the Art Show, Artist’s Alley, the Dealer’s Room and Lobby & Club Tables.
Art Show The Norwescon Art Show staff are thrilled to present John Jude Palencar as Norwescon 33’s Artist Guest of Honor. Along with many great artists that we have had in the past, we are excitedly looking for new faces to bring to the show. The deadline to register your artwork is 12:00 a.m. on March 29, 2010.
Artist Alley Artist Alley welcomes a wide range of artists who are willing to share their skills and knowledge with other con-goers.
Dealer’s Room Each year Norwescon provides access to some of the finest fandom-related merchants carrying a vast array of collectibles, books, games, and other merchandise of interest to our membership. Applications, contracts and payment are due by December 1, 2009.
Lobby Tables Norwescon offers lobby tables to members as an opportunity to meet other fans and introduce them to their science, science fiction, costuming, fannish group, convention, convention bid, or writing organization.
More information > norwescon.org/exhibitors.htm
The Philip K. Dick Award and Special Citation are presented annually for distinguished science fiction published in paperback original form in the United States at a ceremony and dessert reception which is held each year aat Norwescon. The nominated works will be announced in January.
The Philip K. Dick Awards
Friday, April 2, 2010
7:00 p. m. in Grand ballroom 2
More information > norwescon.org/pkdick.htm
Forums at Norwescon • News at Norwescon (RSS feed)
Norwescon Google Group • Facebook • Flickr • Live Journal • Twitter
You can also signup to receive the monthly Norwescon eNewsletter.
More information > norwescon.org
Masquerade, Match Game, Midnight Movies and More ...
We of Special Events have lots of exciting events planned for Norwescon 33. We will be updating the website frequently right up to the con. If you have any questions or ideas, or wish to volunteer for any of our Special Events, please send an e-mail to specialevents@norwescon.org. Here is a look at what we have going so far.
Dances Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We are very pleased to announce that the theme for Friday night’s Stardance is ”Beyond Thunderdome.”
Lazer Tag 2010 Lazer tag is moving to the Evergreen rooms! More room and no more airport interference with the equipment. New hours: 7 - 11 p.m.
Gaming Game Masters needed - whether they master card games (collectible or not), board games, miniature games or role-playing games. Run one session or plan a tournament event! Gaming is also eager to hear from any LARPS that are interested in running at Norwescon 33.
The Fannish Fetish Fashion Show Planning for the FFFS is in full swing with several designers already lined up. Watch norwescon.org for updates about designers and contests. Designers and models needed!
Match Game Kevin Standlee is bringing his fabulous Match Game back to Norwescon 33.
501st Photo Charity Event The 501st is back again to do their charity photo shoot Saturday afternoon. This year the money will be donated to Clarion West.
Masquerade It is time to start working on those costume ideas and get started creating. You’ll find application forms at norwescon.org.
Poker Tournament, Scavenger Hunt, Queer Eye and Midnight Movies They are all back, so be sure to check out the website for more updates as they develop.
Sunday Fannish Flea Market Last, but not least, is our newest event: the Sunday Fannish Flea Market. It is a flea market for Norwescon attendees to sell stuff that is science fiction and fantasy in nature that they no longer need or want. More details on this, and sign-up forms, will be available sometime in November.
Peggy Stewart
Special Events Director
More information > norwescon.org/specialevents.htm
A Few Chosen Words About (and not at all easy to find the right ones!) by Anne McCaffrey
With certain trepidation and a sense of daunt, I approach the task fo writing suitable remarks for this Convention Book on the subject of Betty Ballantine!
To get in the right mood, I put on my Flanders & Swann recording. I felt that appropriate. You see, Elizabeth Norah Jones started out as a good Anglo-Brit, getting herself born in Fyzabad, Innnnja.
You must admit she went out of her way to start her life off as bazaarly <sic> as possible. To compound such an original and prestigious beginning, her family sent her (as Anglo-British families did in those days) to finish her education at the Jersey (I'm talking about the Channel Island Jersey, not the soi-distant Garden State in which Ms. Ballantine has had the good sense not to live - I did once so I can only applaud her resolution not to.)
I do believe, and this is telling tales out of school of course (because I'd hate to tell <and that's really talking out of turn> you just what nth reunion she'd be attending at the Jersey Ladies College these days), that some of her antics nearly finished that educational institution.
The one I now tell - because it is relevant, I feel, to what she was going to do with the rest of her life - is the time that she and her classmates rigged up various pieces of equipment in the classroom with black thread.
By simple manipulation, these inanimate objects moved.
Since the perfectly behaved young ladies observed the effect on their teacher, maintaining the polite look which finishing schools inculate into their graduates, the woman did not know what was occurring and was certain she was going round the bend. Can you imagine Elizabeth Nora Jones having anything to do with something so clearly smacking of sorcery and the supernatural?
No, of course, you can't. Because the Betty Ballantine we all know, respect, revere and honour wouldn't descend to such pranks, now would she?
However, I do think that such finishment as the Jersey Ladies College provided has probably come to her aid in many instances since. I don't say she's rigged anything at this Convention, but why do you think I don't dare attend?
She never did tell me where she met the man she married, nor what she saw in him, except that he would grow eyebrows like a wayward elf and allow her to develop the talents her finishing school had so brightly burnished.
How she got into books, publishing, editing, the soothing and placating of authors lacking in self-confidence, spelling, grammar, syntax and ideas, is also glossed over with what I feel to be suspicious haste.
She did, however, pick up a Penguin. If you don't understand the reference, that's too bad. It's a very British one which I can indulge in because I've also picked up a Penguin (milk chocolate biscuit bar to you lot.) She also put all the Penguins she picked onto the shelves in the eeyrie inhabited by Ballantines in Bearsfille. In fact, every single book she and Ian have ever published are shelved in that house. Amazing! I've been there and to see that many books and know that your hostess not only read them all, but was instrumental in their publication, is daunting.
In 1940 she also published a son, Richard. (He isn't on the shelves.) I've met him - he's a very nice edition. So I can absolutely assure those in doubt that you can be a mother and have a career. But only if you are very organized, dedicated, willing to work extraordinary hours and race the two blocks between your office and your home to feed your bouncing baby boy while also contriving to do a spot of housework and/or cooking.
Thank goodness the American public required cover illustrations on their paperbacks, because that totally irrational requirement decided the Ballantines to leave Penguin, who thought the typographical covers were quite sufficient for an intelligent, informed reading public. Then Ian broke his ankle skiing and, somehow, Ballantine Books seemed to be the inevitable outcome of his convalescence. You may ask why. How would I know? Ian and Betty have the most unusual capacity for instant and serendipitous decisions.
Of course, the Ballantines diversified in order to get their embryo publishing house - run out of their six-room New York apartment - in a competitive position. But they also had the wisdom, far-sightedness, instinct, intuition and common sense to realize that the genre-to-come would be science fiction and fantasy!
I can't say that the incident I mentioned - the one about rigging the waste-basket and the blackboard eraser and the other inanimate objects that inhabit the ordinary classroom, even on the Channel Island of Jersey - had anything at all to do with Elizabeth Norah's serendipitous preference for fantasy and science fiction. But it might have, you know. Adolescent influences do have far-reaching results!
In those benighted days (the '50s and '60s) science fiction and fantasy were ill-considered by those writing contemporary Lit'rachure! To overcome this glitch, Betty not only cultivated and encouraged the writers of such original and creative works but also the artists whose cover art would tempt people into buying and reading the enticingly adorned books with the BB logo. In that wise, she did the entire field a double service, for science fiction and fantasy started to move out of the pulp category which had kept it in limbo long enough. (I wore ou a lot of brown paper bags reading Amazing, Fantastic, Galaxy, IF, and Astounding magazines. Ballantine Books I could proudly read with their covers showing.)
Half the extant luminaries in the field gathered at the Ballentine apartment in the 50's: names who conjured magic, sorceries, futures - Fred Pohl, James Blish, Cyril Kornbluth, Lester del Rey, Robert Sheckley, Arthur Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Theodore Sturgeon, Henry Kuttner.
But that's only the tip of the Ballantine iceberg because Betty's love affair with science fiction reinforced a conviction that Earth ought to be resurrected out of the grave modern science was digging for it. From this concern came books such as Diet for a Small Planet and The Population Bomb. Many of Ballantine's non-fiction books, their joint encouragement of the Sierra Club and its projects, are as important as the fictional side of their publishing and may help give us back Spaceship Earth.
Along with the prolific Ballantine Books, Betty also had Rufus Press going...Rufus being Betty's long-time canine companion. (He signed company checks with a pawprint.) Not having near enough imprints to publish the scope of their interests, Peacock Press came into being, which brought the bemused reading public Gnomes, Fairies, (and I'll plug my favourite), Brian Froud, the Sharley MacLaine epics, Debbie Harri's fantasies, Chuck Yeager's series of air and space books, and most recently Dinotopia, a publishing success of unprecedented popularity. (The Ballantines plugged dragons long enough: they felt obliged to give dinosaurs equal time!)
Betty's been a skier, a horseback rider, a guitarist and a song-writer - her husband's favorite is "A Hard Working Woman and A Shiftless Man." Now she's about to learn scuba-diving. The string attached to that discipline is that it's necessary to the fantasy she's planning on The Secret Oceans, that fragile, threatened integument that holds our world together.
That's the barest glimpse of the fifty-four years of publishing this remarkable woman has achieved so far; enough for several lifetimes. She has plans for the rest of her life, too. So you can see why I experienced a frisson of daunt in trying to encapsulate some of her achievements, and drive you to at least have a few words with an amazing personality while you have the chance at Norwescon.
And don't hang back. She's never bitten anyone in the nearly thirty years I've known her. Go up and bathe in the sheer good humour and gentle wisdom of this extraordinary personality: respond to the warm smile she gives when meeting anyone new. I can assure you that the most significant moment in my life was they day she decided to buy a first novel from an obscure Long Island housewife. But then, she appreciated that Restoree was taking the mickey out of the way women were being written in science fiction. And now more of us are writing the kind of science fiction Betty Ballantine gave us a chance to write.
So g'wan now. Go up to Betty Ballantine and say 'hi!' to a woman who is a legend in her own time. You don't meet many of those - ever!
Dragonhold-Underhill
Copyright ©1993 by Anne McCaffrey
The illustration by Bill Warren depicts a scene from "The Wind Whales of Ishmael" by Norwescon 2's Guest of Honor, Philip Jose Farmer. But the most interesting part is why we printed a low-contrast smudgy blob on the front cover of the program book.
Bill spent days working on this painting. He had read in somewhere that by using some combination of Pantone Process Blue and something-or-other red on somekindayellow paper, he could achieve the look of 4-color offset printing with a 2-color process.
I found Bill working at his easel at the Crackerbox Palace, wearing a pair of 3D glasses with different color filters in the lenses. He was meticulously creating the color separations by hand. He also had glasses for each of the colors so that he could watch his progress as he painted each of the overlapping images.
Looking at the paintings, I was dubious; but what the heck, we're overdue for getting the book to the printer and Bill was the artist so he must know how this works, right?
So, no worries! Everything is going just fine!
Or not. The program book went to the printing press and came back as you see it, way too late to do anything else.
Lesson learned: Don't use untested technologies on mission-critical processes.
(Text by Gregory Bennett)
]]>This cover from the Norwescon 2 Program Book has an interesting story behind it.
The illustration by Bill Warren depicts a scene from "The Wind Whales of Ishmael" by Norwescon 2's Guest of Honor, Philip Jose Farmer. But the most interesting part is why we printed a low-contrast smudgy blob on the front cover of the program book.
Bill spent days working on this painting. He had read in somewhere that by using some combination of Pantone Process Blue and something-or-other red on somekindayellow paper, he could achieve the look of 4-color offset printing with a 2-color process.
I found Bill working at his easel at the Crackerbox Palace, wearing a pair of 3D glasses with different color filters in the lenses. He was meticulously creating the color separations by hand. He also had glasses for each of the colors so that he could watch his progress as he painted each of the overlapping images.
Looking at the paintings, I was dubious; but what the heck, we're overdue for getting the book to the printer and Bill was the artist so he must know how this works, right?
So, no worries! Everything is going just fine!
Or not. The program book went to the printing press and came back as you see it, way too late to do anything else.
Lesson learned: Don't use untested technologies on mission-critical processes.
(Text by Gregory Bennett)
Many of the people in the cartoon are identifiable from Bill's caricatures, and I asked him about the few who weren't. So, to document this before it entirely disappears from living memory, I have included a version with labels in addition to the original scan from the program book.
Counter-clockwise from the left:
Becky Bennett (now Becky Veal) - My wife at the time. Becky was our concom secretary. She went on in fandom to co-chair the 1992 Worldcon in Orlando, and now is married to Tom Veal, who was chairman of Chicon IV... or V; wunna dem anywho.
Bill Warren - William R. Warren, Jr. Artist extraordinaire who created about 75% of all the ad hoc artwork that appeared in NWSFS and Norwescon publications.
Elizabeth Warren - married to Bill at the time. She went on to chair a Norwescon or two. Bob Doyle - I think he was in charge of the dealer room at Norwescon 1; or maybe he was helping Dave Bray do that.
Richard Wright - (in the ceiling) Richard was our business manager. He later chaired the NWSFS and then several Norwescons. Richard was also responsible for bringing the Philip K. Dick awards to Norwescon, and for bringing in back after Norwescon faltered.
Steve Bard - program director for Norwescon 1. More than anyone else, Steve is responsible for defining Norwescon's style and propelling it to the forefront of fannish SF conventions. He had the brass to invite practically everyone in the SFWA; and they came! Steve picked up the reins when Melva and I moved to Houston the next year, and chaired Norwescon 3 through 5.
Greg Bennett - "I must be important because I'm the guy with the big chair." --David Bradley, about his role as Walder Frey in "Game of Thrones"
Jane Hawkins - (on the couch with Becky) Jane breathed life into the Norwescon art show. She defined it, invited the artists, and set it on its path to greatness.
Of course there were many others who helped before and during the convention, but these are the folks who Bill thought of when he needed a cartoon to fill the space.
(Text by Gregory Bennett)
]]>Bill Warren drew this cartoon depicting some members of the Norwescon 1 convention committee to fill a space in the program book. It was amusing enough, but there was depth to it.
Many of the people in the cartoon are identifiable from Bill's caricatures, and I asked him about the few who weren't. So, to document this before it entirely disappears from living memory, I have included a version with labels in addition to the original scan from the program book.
Counter-clockwise from the left:
Becky Bennett (now Becky Veal) - My wife at the time. Becky was our concom secretary. She went on in fandom to co-chair the 1992 Worldcon in Orlando, and now is married to Tom Veal, who was chairman of Chicon IV... or V; wunna dem anywho.
Bill Warren - William R. Warren, Jr. Artist extraordinaire who created about 75% of all the ad hoc artwork that appeared in NWSFS and Norwescon publications.
Elizabeth Warren - married to Bill at the time. She went on to chair a Norwescon or two. Bob Doyle - I think he was in charge of the dealer room at Norwescon 1; or maybe he was helping Dave Bray do that.
Richard Wright - (in the ceiling) Richard was our business manager. He later chaired the NWSFS and then several Norwescons. Richard was also responsible for bringing the Philip K. Dick awards to Norwescon, and for bringing in back after Norwescon faltered.
Steve Bard - program director for Norwescon 1. More than anyone else, Steve is responsible for defining Norwescon's style and propelling it to the forefront of fannish SF conventions. He had the brass to invite practically everyone in the SFWA; and they came! Steve picked up the reins when Melva and I moved to Houston the next year, and chaired Norwescon 3 through 5.
Greg Bennett - "I must be important because I'm the guy with the big chair." --David Bradley, about his role as Walder Frey in "Game of Thrones"
Jane Hawkins - (on the couch with Becky) Jane breathed life into the Norwescon art show. She defined it, invited the artists, and set it on its path to greatness.
Of course there were many others who helped before and during the convention, but these are the folks who Bill thought of when he needed a cartoon to fill the space.
(Text by Gregory Bennett)
Friday, April 14, 2017
Friday at last! We have a ton of great programming for you today, including Koffee Klatches with many of our writers, creative workshops, movie previews, panels about weapons and armor, readings and interviews with our Guests of Honor and visiting authors, and the Philip K. Dick awards, just to name a few. You might need to clone yourself to attend all of the things you want to see! (If you manage that, we want to talk to you about hosting a panel next year.)
WRITER Ian McDonald
ARTISTS Cory & Catska Ench
SCIENCE Ethan Siegel
TOASTMASTER Nancy Kress
SPOTLIGHT PUBLISHER Angry Robot Books
Sometimes events are moved, cancelled, or added during the convention. We will try to keep you informed of changes as they occur, but the best way to stay up-to-date is to download the Guidebook app at https://guidebook.com/g/NWC40 It's easy to use and allows you to set reminders for upcoming events!
GoH Reading 11:00 a.m. to noon (Grand 2)
Grounded Sci-Fi 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Cascade 10)
The Nature of Artificial Intelligence 11:00 a.m. to noon (Cascade 10)
The Art of Cory & Catska Ench 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Evergreen 1&2)
Bread, Cheese, and Microbrews 11:0 a.m. to noon (Evergreen 1&2)
The Art of Cory & Catska Ench 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Evergreen 1&2)
The Latest View of Pluto Noon to 1:00 p.m. (Grand 3)
I Could Never Cosplay That! 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Evergreen 3&4)
Story Form, and the Pros & Cons of Each 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Cascade 7&8)
Worldbuilding: Coin of the Realm 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Cascade 11)
GoH Reading 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Cascade 12)
What's New at Angry Robot Books 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Evergreen 1&2
There are tons of things to learn this year with our new workshop series that includes several writing and publishing workshops, Glass Fusing, Victorian Ribbon Flowers, and Make Your Own Buttons. Advance sign-up is required, so go to Cascade 1 and add your name!
If You're Reading This, it's Probably Too Late!
Grab your morning bagel and OJ, then head quickly down to Grand 3 for Keith and Alan's Movie News and Previews, starting at 10:00 a.m. Biggest picture, biggest sound, and big egos galore! So much genre stuff to talk about; movies, TV, theme parks, the whole gamut. Grab your seat early for all the latest!
Friday Filkfest is now the FRIDAY FREE4ALL, an afternoon show featuring:
Ukulele songbird DOGWOOD (2pm)
Everybody's favorite cellist BETSY TINNEY (3pm)
Return of the Bard King ALEXANDER JAMES ADAMS (4pm)
And filling the void in your hearts - and Burlesque's halftime -- PDX BROADSIDES, with a special sneak peek-mini-show!
All in the Grand Ballrooms. Badge, as always, required
The official hashtag for this year is #nwc40 — if you're posting text, photos or videos to social media just about anywhere (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.), please use the #nwc40 hashtag! We'll be doing our best to track those posts wherever they pop up, both during the convention to see what all of you are enjoying, and afterwords for our annual post-con roundup of con experience posts. We'll be peeking at some of the other likely used tags as well (#Norwescon, #norwescon40, and so on), but #nwc40 is the one most likely to get your post noticed.
Just go to www.guidebook.com and click on FIND A GUIDE then type Norwescon in the box. Select the Norwescon 40 icon and then scroll down to the AVAILABLE ON THESE PLATFORMS section. Then click WEB! Not exactly easy, but it's there.
As the weekend unfolds we know you'll see things about Norwescon you like, don't like, or want to suggest. Don't keep it in! Just fill out one of our Comments Cards (there is one in your Registration Packet). Bring it to the Information Desk or the Con Office, or check the back of the card for other ways to contact us.
Do you want to contribute to the Daily 'Zine? Send any ideas, requests, or suggestions to zine@norwescon.org. All items must be received before 9:00 p.m. to be considered for the next day.
There are readings all day long (including some by our Guests of Honor) so drop in and listen to our amazing authors as they read short stories or excerpts from their novels. You might find a new writer to add to your favorites!
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Welcome to Norwescon 40! It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 amazing years already. As usual, we have a huge selection of panels and events to entertain and educate you throughout the long weekend. Our theme this year is Over the Hills and Far Away (which is where some of you came from) and we’re very glad you could make it. Without you, there would be no convention! Please have a fun, safe, and relaxing time while you’re here with us.
WRITER Ian McDonald
ARTISTS Cory & Catska Ench
SCIENCE Ethan Siegel
TOASTMASTER Nancy Kress
SPOTLIGHT PUBLISHER Angry Robot Books
Sometimes events are moved, cancelled, or added during the convention. We will try to keep you informed of changes as they occur, but the best way to stay up-to-date is to download the Guidebook app at https://guidebook.com/g/NWC40 It’s easy to use and allows you to set reminders for upcoming events!
GoH Banquet 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Grand 2)
Opening Ceremonies 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Grand 2&3)
My Favorite Fictional Spacecraft 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Cascade 12)
GoH Banquet 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Grand 2)
Opening Ceremonies 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Grand 2&3)
GoH Banquet 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Grand 2)
Opening Ceremonies 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Grand 2&3)
Mega Weapons: The Magic of Science Fiction 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Cascade 7&8)
Cosplay is Not Consent 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Cascade 11)
GoH Banquet 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Grand 2)
Opening Ceremonies 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Grand 2&3)
What is a Story? 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Cascade 9)
GoH Banquet 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Grand 2)
Opening Ceremonies 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Grand 2&3)
Representatives:
Mike Underwood
Marc Gascoigne
Be sure to find out what’s new at Angry Robot during their Friday and Saturday panels
There are tons of things to learn this year with our new workshop series that includes several writing and publishing workshops, Glass Fusing, Victorian Ribbon Flowers, and Make Your Own Buttons. Advance sign- up is required, so go to Cascade 1 and add your name!
Keith and Alan are back—with twice the fun!
Get to bed early tonight because Movie Previews start first thing Friday morning. Keith and Alan are back and ready to bring the latest from Hollywood straight to your eye/ earballs with TWO shows: early Friday at 10:00 a.m. in Grand 3 and Noon Sunday in Evergreen 1&2. There is also an after-party meetup at 1:00 p.m. Friday in the Volunteer’s Lounge for things they didn’t have time for in the main Friday show. So much genre stuff to talk about: movies, TV, theme parks, the whole gamut. Get a good night’s sleep and BE THERE!
Thursday night is now ECLECTIC NIGHT! Come for the just-back-from-SXSW nerdcore-power-punches of:
SHUBZILLA with Bill Beats (9:00 p.m.)
KADESH FLOW (10:00 p.m.)
Then stick around for musician (and vlogger)
JACKSON’S ODDITIES (11:00 p.m.)
...and his strange short tunes with very talllll tales. All in super-airy high acoustics GRAND 3!
The official hashtag for this year is #nwc40—if you’re posting text, photos or videos to social media just about anywhere (Twitter, In- stagram, Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube, etc.), please use the #nwc40 hashtag! We’ll be doing our best to track those posts wherever they pop up, both during the convention to see what all of you are enjoying, and afterwards for our annual post-con roundup of con experience posts. We’ll be peeking at some of the other likely used tags as well (#Norwescon, #norwescon40, and so on) but #nwc40 is the one most likely to get your post noticed.
Just go to www.guidebook.com and click on FIND A GUIDE then type Norwescon in the box. Select the Norwescon 40 icon and then scroll down to the AVAILABLE ON THESE PLATFORMS section. Then click WEB! Not exactly easy, but it’s there.
Do you want to contribute to the Daily ‘Zine? Send any ideas, requests, or suggestions to zine@norwescon.org. All items must be received before 9:00 p.m. to be considered for the next day.
As the weekend unfolds we know you’ll see things about Norwescon you like, don’t like, or want to suggest. Don’t keep it in! Just fill out one of our Comments Cards (there is one in your Regis- tration Packet). Bring it to the Information Desk or the Con Office, or check the back of the card for other ways to contact us.
It is with great sadness that we impart the news that Pamela Rapiñan (Raven Sunshine), who has provided massage services at Norwescon for many years, passed away recently.
Although her physical presence is no longer here, her bright spirit lives on in the hearts and memories of those who knew her.
Saturday, April 15, 2017
The winner for the distinguished original science fiction paperback published for the first time during 2016 in the U.S.A. is:
THE MERCY JOURNALS by Claudia Casper (Arsenal Pulp Press)
Special Citation was given to:
UNPRONOUNCEABLE by Susan diRende (Aqueduct Press)
The Philip K. Dick Award is presented annually with the support of the Philip K. Dick Trust for distinguished science fiction pub- lished in paperback original form in the United States. The award is sponsored by the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society and the award ceremony is sponsored by the NorthWest Science Fiction Society. The 2016 award was given to APEX by Ramez Naam (Angry Robot) with a special citation to ARCHANGEL by Margue- rite Reed (Arche Press).
The award judges were Michael Armstrong (chair), Brenda Clough, Meg Elison, Lee Konstantinou, and Ben Winters.
This year’s judges will be announced shortly.
Both authors are onsite today and can be found in Autograph Session 1 in Grand 2 at 2:00 p.m. Please give them a warm congratulations!
Interview and Q&A with Ian McDonald Noon to 1:00 p.m. (Evergreen 1&2)
Autograph Session One 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Grand 2)
Autograph Session Two 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Grand 2)
Interview and Q&A with Cory & Catska Ench 11:00 to noon (Evergreen 1&2)
Autograph Session One 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Grand 2)
Autograph Session Two 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Grand 2)
Plants & Animals of the Pacific Northwest 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Cascade 11)
Interview and Q&A with Cory & Catska Ench 11:00 to noon (Evergreen 1&2)
Autograph Session One 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Grand 2)
Autograph Session Two 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Grand 2)
Plants & Animals of the Pacific Northwest 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Cascade 11)
Over the Hills: SFF Landscapes 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Cascade 10)
Interview and Q&A with Ethan Siegel 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Evergreen 1&2)
Autograph Session One 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Grand 2)
Autograph Session Two 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Grand 2)
The Year is 2067 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Evergreen 1&2)
Making Up Stories—and Making Them Better: Writing Workshop 11:00 a.m. to noon (Cascade 12)
Autograph Session One 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Grand 2)
Interview and Q&A with Nancy Kress 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Evergreen 1&2)
What’s New at Angry Robot 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Evergreen 1&2)
It's the return of THE BIG BIG SHOW! We will DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE with DOUBLE CONCERT BLOCKS!
2pm: Your latest favorites helping keep Portland weird, it's THE PDX BROADSIDES!
3pm: Brace for the full-frontal harmony barrage of CELT CHECK!
4pm: Turn out in full force for Norwescon filk heroes VIXY & TONY!
Then go eat dinner because you'll need to build up your energy to party all night because
9:30pm: NATHANIEL JOHNSTONE & FRIENDS
...a several-act supershow starting at 9:30 p.m. and running late late late into the night. It's like nothing you've seen at Norwescon, we promise.
You don’t have to stick your Norwescon Comment Cards into a bottle and chuck it into Bow Lake to tell us your thoughts. You can just bring them to the Information table or the Con Office. Or email, call, or post; just check out the back of the card – there’s one in your Registration Packet. And you’ll have a whole hour to tell us live and in person tomor- row at 5pm in Evergreen 3-4. We know you don’t want to go home.
Just go to www.guidebook.com and click on FIND A GUIDE then type Norwescon in the box. Select the Norwescon 40 icon and then scroll down to the AVAILABLE ON THESE PLATFORMS sec on. Then click WEB! Not exactly easy, but it’s there.
Everyone you see working at Norwescon is a volunteer. Several departments had little to no staff this year, so if things didn’t run as smoothly as you would like, you can always volunteer and be the change that you want to see! As perks, you’ll get a cool STAFF shirt and discounted membership! Bring a friend!
Do you want to contribute to the Daily ‘Zine? Send any ideas, requests, or suggestions to zine@norwescon.org. All items must be received before 9:00 p.m. to be considered for the next day.
No previews today, but get ready for the triumphant return of our Sunday show tomorrow at Noon in Evergreen 1 with “why? Why? WHY?” included at no cost to you!
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Step up to the kiosk! Today only, you can pre-register (at-Con only) for Norwescon 41 at the low, low price of only $45 for a full four-day membership. Tonight at midnight the price will go up to $55, so act now! Next year's theme will be Uncovering Mysteries!
Everyone you see working at Norwescon is a volunteer. Several departments had little to no staff this year, so if things didn’t run as smoothly as you would like, you can always volunteer and be the change that you want to see! As perks, you’ll get a cool STAFF shirt and discounted membership! Bring a friend!
The triumphant return of our Sunday Movie Previews will start at High Noon and run until 2:00 p.m. in Evergreen 1&2. If you’ve never seen our Sunday shows they are more free-form and feature the must-be-experienced-to-be-believed, “why? Why? WHY?” If you haven’t seen the latest from Hollywood, you won’t want to miss it.
The Con’s almost over, and you’ve found tons of convention stuff to complain about, haven’t you? Speak up! No, really, we want to know. We've put a Comment Card in your registration packet for just that reason. Good stuff, bad stuff, neat ideas; send us all of it.We won’t even make you find the one in your registration packet and turn it over to see all our other methods of contact; after Saturday night, we know how hard that could be. So we are tickled to present them here:
Facebook – www.facebook.com/Norwescon Twitter – www.twitter.com/norwescon Instagram – www.instagram.com/norwescon Tumblr – norwescon.tumblr.com
The winner for the distinguished original science fiction paperback published for the first time during 2016 in the U.S.A. is:
THE MERCY JOURNALS by Claudia Casper (Arsenal Pulp Press)
Special Citation was given to:
UNPRONOUNCEABLE by Susan diRende (Aqueduct Press)
The Philip K. Dick Award is presented annually with the support of the Philip K. Dick Trust for distinguished science fiction published in paperback original form in the United States. The award is sponsored by the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society and the award ceremony is sponsored by the NorthWest Science Fiction Society. The 2016 award was given to APEX by Ramez Naam (Angry Robot) with a special citation to ARCHANGEL by Marguerite Reed (Arche Press).
The award judges were Michael Armstrong (chair), Brenda Clough, Meg Elison, Lee Konstantinou, and Ben Winters.
This year’s judges will be announced shortly.
Rising Star: Post-Apocalyptic Cyborg Pirate
Novice Class: Gilnean Priest, Level 2
Journeyman Class: Angel Dust
Master Class: Master Jedi, Luminara Undulin
Judges' Choice: Nightingale Present the Warrior Princess
Best in Show: An Evening Soiree with Monsieur J
Rising Star: Post-Apocalyptic Cyborg Pirate
Novice Class: Sarah & Jareth
Journeyman Class: Married with Deadpool
Master Class: Master Jedi, Luminara Undulin
Best in Show: Vice-Admiral TED
Judges' Choice: Don't You Wish You Were Me?
THE NORTHWEST SCIENCE FICTION SOCEITY PROUDLY PRESENTS
THE 41ST ANNUAL NORTHWEST SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY CONVENTION
MARCH 29TH - APRIL 1ST 2018
5
Chairman’s Letter
7
PK Dick Award
13
Guests of Honor
20
Northwest Charities
25
Professional Panelists
61
Memorials
68
Art Show
69
Dealers Room
72
Norwescon Staff
79
Ammo
To new members and old friends, those who join us every year, and those who are here for the first time, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to Norwescon 41.
This event and community is a labor of love for our staff and volunteers, who work year-round to throw a four-day party for 3,000 of their closest friends. Norwescon is an entirely volunteer-run nerdy family reunion, and I’m thrilled to show you the end product of many hours of work by dozens of people who truly love what they do, and love being part of our culture of service.
Norwescon 41 is full of things to see and make and do. From panels and workshops to concerts and demos, music, costumes, science, art, literature, and so much more! With more than 20 different tracks in our programming department, featuring almost 400 hours of entertaining and educational content, coupled with activities for fans of all ages, we hope there’s something for everyone.
If spectacle and grand presentation is more your speed, our special events department has you covered. Dances, karaoke, burlesque, contests, games, the Masquerade, the Philip K. Dick Award presentation ceremony and more await you. Speaking of the Philip K. Dick Award, Norwescon has had the honor of hosting this award, presented for distinguished science fiction published in paperback original form, since 1984. Many of this year’s nominees will be joining us to read from their nominated works in Grand Ballroom 2 at 7 p.m. on Friday evening. Join us for the award ceremony and reception—and dessert!
Our wonderful guests of honor are also here to share their skills and teach us a thing or two. Ken Liu is a Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award- winning author and translator. Galen Dara, our artist guest, is also a World Fantasy Award winner. You can see fine examples of her work in our art show and on this year’s souvenir t-shirt. Our science guest, Mathew Wedel, is a paleontologist who happens to share an IMDb credit with William Shatner. He was also once a classmate of mine (I’m hoping I can bribe him heavily enough so that those yearbook photos never again see the light of day). Our spotlight publisher, Green Ronin, is unique for us—a local gaming company that has branched out into fiction publishing. We’re excited to see what new experiences they have in store for us.
We hope you enjoy Uncovering Mysteries with us at Norwescon 41. And if you like what we do here, we welcome you to join us as a volunteer to help us keep the fun going all weekend, or all year! Stop by the info table in the lobby, the convention lounge down in Wing 7, or join us this summer at a ConCom meeting when we begin planning Norwescon 42.
And if you use a smartphone, be sure to check out the Guidebook app to find out what delightful trouble awaits you this year! Download the app by going to http://guidebook.com/g/nwc41.
Loree Parker
Chair, Norwescon 41
2018
Norwescon has had the honor of hosting the Philip K. Dick Awards since 1984. The Philip K. Dick Award and Special Citation is presented annually for distinguished science fiction books published for the first time in the United States as a paperback original. The award is sponsored by the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society, and the ceremony is sponsored by the Northwest Science Fiction Society and held annually at Norwescon. Special guests attending the ceremony often include the nominated authors and publishers, as well as an administrator of the award. There is no charge to Norwescon members to attend the ceremony. We hope to see you there!
The Book Of Etta
by Meg Elison (47North)
Six Wakes
by Mur Lafferty (Orbit)
After The Flare
by Deji Bryce Olukotun (The Unnamed Press)
The Wrong Stars
by Tim Pratt (Angry Robot)
Revenger
Alastair Reynolds (Orbit)
Bannerless
by Carrie Vaughn (Mariner/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
All Systems Red
by Martha Wells (Tor.com)
The five Philip K. Dick Award judges for distinguished science fiction published in paperback original format in the United States in the 2018 award year are: Madeline Ashby, Brian Attebery, Christopher Brown, Rosemary Edghill, and Jason Hough.
Last year’s winner was THE MERCY JOURNALS by Claudia Casper (Arsenal Pulp Press) with special citation was given to UNPRONOUNCEABLE by Susan diRende (Aqueduct Press)
2016 - Apex by Ramez Naam (Angry Robot Books). Special citation: Archangle by Marguerite Reed (Arche Press)
2015 - The Book Of The Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison (Sybaritic Press). Special citation: Elysium by Jennifer Marie Brissett (Aqueduct Press)
2014 - The Book of the Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison (Sybaritic Press). Special Citation: Elysium by Jennifer Marie Brissett (Aqueduct Press)
2013 - Countdown City by Ben H. Winters (Quirk Books). Special Citation: Self - Reference Engine by Toh EnJoe, translated by Terry Gallagher (Haikasoru)
2012 - Lost Everything by Brian Francis Slattery (Tor). Special Citation: Lovestar by Andri Snaer Magnason
2011 - The Samuil Petrovitch Trilogy by Simon Morden. Special Citation: The Company Man by Robert Jackson Bennett
2010 - The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack by Mark Hodder (Pyr). Special Citation: Harmony by Project Itoh, translated by Alexander O. Smith (Haikasoru)
2009 - Bitter Angels by C. L. Anderson (Ballantine Books/Spectra). Special Citation: Cyberabad Days by Ian McDonald (Pyr)
2008 - (tie) Emissaries from the Dead by Adam Troy Castro (Eos Books), Terminal Mind by David Walton (Meadowhawk Press)
2007 - Nova Swing by M. John Harrison (Bantam Spectra). Special Citation: From the Notebooks of Dr. Brain by Minister Faust (Del Rey)
2018
Ken Liu is an author, translator, lawyer, and programmer. He first launched in the SFF market with his short stories, and quickly gained acclaim for the elegance of his language, clarity of his ideas, and depth of his plots. A prolific and dedicated author, Liu dominated the science fiction world with a rapidly-expanding catalog of short stories, novellas, and nonfiction, winning his first major award in 2011, for the short story “The Paper Menagerie,” which won the World Fantasy Award, the Hugo Award, and the Nebula Award, a trifecta no other piece of fiction has ever managed.
Liu quickly became a familiar name on the award lists, racking up an impressive list of nominations and wins, marking another milestone in 2015 as the translator for Cixin Liu’s The Three-Body Problem, the first translated novel to win the Hugo Award.
Liu’s first novel, The Grace of Kings, was released to critical acclaim from Saga Press in 2015. Described by Liu as “silk-punk,” it blends the author’s Chinese heritage with epic fantasy, bringing a vibrant new voice to the genre. The Wall of Storms followed soon after. His short stories were released in The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories, a collection from Saga Press, followed by an anthology of translated Chinese science fiction short stories, Invisible Planets. In 2017, Liu left his footprint in a galaxy far, far away, authoring The Legends of Luke Skywalker, a Star Wars novel.
When he’s not writing or translating, Liu is a lawyer, programmer, and editor. He lives in Boston, with his family, and speaks regularly at conferences around the world. To find a list of Liu’s stories, his upcoming appearances, and other information, visit his site, https://kenliu.name .
Galen Dara broke into the industry with an early Hugo Award win for best fan artist in 2013, followed by a nomination in 2014 for best professional artist, a category for which very few women had ever been nominated. She quickly followed up with more nominations for the Hugo and Chesley Awards, and won the World Fantasy Award in 2016.
Dara has illustrated covers for numerous anthologies, magazines, and novels, as well as games and comics. Working primarily in digital mediums with a raw, impressionistic bent, Dara’s art balances whimsey and horror, using bright strikes of color to highlight her dark, dreamy compositions. She finds her inspiration in “monsters, mystics, and dead things,” elements that are often found or referenced in her paintings.
Dara attended the Illustrator’s Master Class in 2012 and 2014, and is a frequent participant in the Spectrum Art Show. Widely regarded as one of the best up and coming artists in the field, Dara currently works with a number of regular publications, including Fireside Magazine, Lightspeed, Nightmare, 47North, and many more.
Her portfolio, prints, and more information may be found at http://www.galendara.com .
Mathew J. Wedel is a paleontologist with a research focus on sauropods, gigantism, and the evolution of pneumatic bones and avian lungs. The co-author of three papers that named newly-discovered dinosaurs— the Sauroposeidon, the Brontomerus, and the Aquilops—Dr. Wedel has been featured in documentaries for Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic Channel.
Born in Dodge City, Kansas, Dr. Wedel grew up in rural Oklahoma. He studied zoology at the University of Oklahoma, and completed his doctorate in int egrative biology at the University of California, Berkeley.
Dr. Wedel is an active scientific peer reviewer and has won numerous academic awards, from the Fourth International Award in Paleontology Research to the 1987 Kremlin-Hillsdale spelling bee. His work has been featured in the Encyclopædia Britannica and at museums and conferences worldwide including The Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the Evolution of Gigantism symposium in Punta del Este, Uruguay, and the University of Bonn, Germany. Matt is a major proponent green access and of open science initiatives, and was a founding member of the Open Dinosaur Project.
Dr. Wedel enjoys astronomy with his son London and is a contributing editor for Sky & Telescope magazine where he has written the popular “Binocular Highlights” column since 2016. When not writing about dinosaurs, running two blogs (Sauropod Vertebra Picture of the Week and 10 Minute Astrology), or looking at the sky through a pair of binoculars, he continues to teach gross anatomy as an associate professor at the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Seattle-based Green Ronin Publishing has published role- playing games for nearly 20 years. Owned by Chris Pramas, Nicole Lindroos, and Hal Mangold, the company maintains a consistent focus on inclusivity and representation.
Green Ronin’s flagship properties include the swashbuckling Freeport: City of Adventure, the Mutants & Masterminds superhero RPG (the most successful game of its kind built off the d20 system and Open Game License), Freedom City, and the romantic fantasy RPG Blue Rose, inspired by the works of fantasy authors such as Mercedes Lackey, Ellen Kushner, and Diane Duane which has won acclaim for its inclusion and treatment of LGBTQ characters. The company has also established itself as a licensor of top properties with the acquisition of licenses for George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire setting and a license to produce role-playing material for DC Comics. It has gone on to produce the Dragon Age RPG and has announced settings for Greg Rucka’s Lazarus comic book adaptation, and an adaptation of SF/F phenomenon The Expanse. Green Ronin collaborated with industry giant Wizards of the Coast to design and produce the adventure Out of the Abyss and the Forgotten Realms sourcebook The Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide for the fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons.
In 2017, Green Ronin founded a fiction imprint, Nisaba Press, to release short fiction and novels connected to its original settings. Nisaba will not only support the RPG settings, but will be actively involved in fleshing out the stories and histories of known characters and locations.
Green Ronin won the Gen Con & EnWorld award for best publisher for an unprecedented three years running, and is looking forward to a stellar 2018 with the release of Lazarus, The Expanse, a new version of Mutants & Masterminds: Freedom City, two novels from Nisaba, and Modern Age, a new version of the classic AGE rules.
2018
The Charities Superfriends salutes all the heroes in our midst who have donated money or non-perishable goods to Northwest Harvest. Founded in 1967, Northwest Harvest is Washington's statewide hunger relief agency. Its mission is to lead the fight statewide for hungry people to have access to nutritious food while respecting their dignity and promoting good health. Their vision: ending hunger in Washington. More than 90% of every dollar donated goes directly to help feed those in need all over our state. Northwest Harvest has a network of more than 375 food banks, meal programs, and high-need school programs serving urban and rural areas. In 2016, Northwest Harvest distributed 33 million pounds of food and served more than 2 million meals a month. Two thirds of the food it provides is fresh fruits and vegetables. They participate in programs such as Three Squares, Growing Connections, The Kids Summer Food Club, and the Cherry Street Food Bank in Seattle. Every little bit really does help! Northwest Harvest can feed a family of three for just $0.67. If you add just a dollar to your shopping cart as you register for Norwescon, it goes a long way.
According to Charity Navigator, Northwest Harvest received a 4-star rating, 94.5 out of 100 on finances and 100 out of 100 on accountability and transparency in fiscal year 2015. Watchdog site Guidestar gives Northwest harvest a Gold rating.
Please use the donation bins near the Info Table to donate food and other nonperishable goods. This is valued just as highly! Your thoughtfulness provides variety to supplement the staple items and produce Northwest Harvest distributes. A big, BIG thank you to each of you who donated, dropped off canned goods, or bought a ribbon to wear with pride—every little bit helps! Norwescon is proud to be part of such a generous and thoughtful community. And don’t forget Norwescon’s charity auction Sunday morning! All proceeds benefit Northwest Harvest!
Norwescon 41
ADAM VICK
Adam Vick is a senior designer/art director at Paizo, for the Pathfinder and Starfinder role playing games. He has worked in the gaming industry for five years, with previous jobs at PopCap Games and Tilting Point Creative. His background is as a freelance illustrator for comics, gig posters, and apparel. When not drawing or designing, you can find him trying to sneak in a game of Warhammer 40k or spending time with his wife and two fur babies.
ADIA
Adia lives in Bellingham, Washington, and loves comic books. Loves loves loves loves loves them. She has recently gotten into acting, dancing (like a zombie), and mermaids (but no zombie mermaids yet). When she gets older, she plans to be an intergalactic superhero (in case of interstellar zombie mermaid invasion).
ADRIENNE CARLSON
Adrienne has close to two decades of experience in medieval recreation and ancient lifestyles. She doesn’t always live in the past, she also designs sci-fi/fantasy costumes! Her ever-growing sci-fi collection spans several thousand volumes, but that doesn’t stop her from working on her own stories. As an avid gamer, she has dominated everything from MMOs to pen-and-paper RPGs. While she no longer resides in Washington state, Adrienne still travels to the PNW for conventions and events.
AGATHON MCGEACHY
Mark Chapman built armor and studied personal combat in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) from the 1970’s through early 1990’s, leaving after achieving the SCA’s highest honors. He then turned to sand sculpture and built recumbent bicycles of his own design. By 2012 he had competed several times as a soloist at the prestigious World Championships of Sand Sculpture in Harrison Hot Springs British Columbia. In 2004, Mark began studying ceramic sculpture. One of his fantasy sculptures won Best 3D Art in Show at Sasquan.
ALAN ANDRIST
Alan Andrist has a bachelor of science in biology and a master’s degree in English literature, along with 20 years’ experience in Nordic studies. He has taught veterinary nursing, published animal science research, and participated in Nordic archeology.
ALEXANDER JAMES ADAMS
From the land of Fae, carrying the legacy of Heather Alexander, comes the Faerie Tale Minstrel with stories and songs of myth and magic. Fiddle, guitar, and a voice of magic spin tales old and new to enchant listeners of all ages. Aja’s most recent endeavor is the writing, production, and release of music for the live adventure online series Canticles, conceived by Matthew Morrese. Find his work at www. faerietaleminstrel.com, www.matthewmorrese. com, and at https://alexanderjamesadams1. bandcamp.com.
ALEXANDRA RENWICK
Alexandra Renwick is a dual U.S./Canadian writer and editor whose genre-elastic fiction has been translated into nine languages and adapted to stage and audio. Her collection Push of the Sky was an Endeavour Award finalist and a Powell’s SF Book Club reading selection. Part-time resident of weird sister-cities Portland and Austin, she currently spends most days in a downtown heritage manor in Canada’s capital city, Ottawa. Find her on Twitter at @AlexCRenwick or on alexcrenwick.com.
AMANDA HAMON KUNZ
Amanda Hamon Kunz is a two-time ENnie Award- winning tabletop game developer and editor, the co-creator of the Starfinder RPG, the author or co- author of dozens of Pathfinder RPG titles, and the development coordinator at Paizo Inc. In addition to waxing nerdy about fantasy worldbuilding traditions and theory, she has spoken extensively about intersectional feminism and gaming. You can find Amanda on Twitter at @amandahamon.
ANDY DUDAK
Andy Dudak writes and translates science fiction. His original work has appeared in Analog, Apex, Clarkesworld, Daily Science Fiction, Interzone, Rich Horton’s Year’s Best, and elsewhere. He translates Mandarin to English, and has translated the likes of Liu Cixin, Chen Hongyu, Wang Yuan, Chi Hui, A Que, and Zhang Ran.
ANITA TAYLOR
Anita Taylor is a technical writer by profession and an avid costumer and independent historical researcher. Her current costuming and art interests and projects include the Early Medieval to Elizabethan era, the Victorian Era, steampunk, and fantasy. An active member of the SCA, she is an event steward for the Barony of Blatha An Oir and enjoys teaching a variety of classes.
ANN SHILLING
Ann Schilling has spent several years riding, jousting, and swinging swords with the Seattle Knights, and has also logged countless hours on horseback compiling a list of King County horse trails, riding in wagon trains, and investigating the countrysides of Europe from the saddle. She has ridden in the Tournament of the Phoenix, a historical reenactment tournament in Poway, California, the Hackaland tournament in Liege, Belgium, and enjoys organizing and squiring for other knights at events around the country when the opportunity presents itself. Her historical interests range from medieval Europe to the American West to ancient China. Her written work includes several plays performed regularly around the Northwest by the Seattle Knights and a number of short stories.
ARTHUR BOZLEE
After a number of years working in the aerospace industry, Arthur Bozlee decided to concentrate on private space efforts. He is an investor in XCOR Aerospace and will fly the Lynx spacecraft as flight engineer on a test mission this year. A large, friendly man, he is known for his stories and approachable nature. Some say he is colorful. He denies this. To support this conclusion, he holds a voting seat on the Board of Directors of XCOR Aerospace.
ASTRID BEAR
Astrid Bear attended her first SF convention at the age of 6 weeks and never quite got over it. She is currently exploring fiber arts, bicycling, and is the in-house first reader for her husband, Greg Bear.
ATLAS IMAGING
Kyle Parker-McGlynn has loved building worlds and mapping places since he was a child. He decided to become a cartographer, getting a master’s degree in geography with a focus on GIS, and has been a professional cartographer/archaeologist for the last ten years. Kyle now runs Atlas Imaging, a mapping company that crates maps of this world and those beyond.
BARRY WILSON
Born a feral child deep in the backwooods of the Pacific Northwest, Barry was literally raised by wolves. He spends his time repairing vending machines, playing roleplaying games, and cursing at the injustices of the world.
BARTH ANDERSON
Barth Anderson’s short stories have appeared in Asimov’s, Clarkesworld, Strange Horizons, Talebones, and other quality venues. Salon called his novel The Patron Saint of Plagues “a page-turner with smarts and heart.” His book The Magician and the Fool was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award, and Anderson has won the Spectrum Award for Best Short Fiction. His next book is a historical fantasy called The Mad Queen’s Game. Barth lives in Minneapolis.
BERLYNN WOHL
Berlynn Wohl is an octopus in a Russian fur hat who sometimes writes fan fiction. No one knows why this is. Berlynn is actually quite docile, and can be approached by humans.
BETHANY ROULLETT
Man, does Bethany love costumes. She’s been doing them all her life, ever since she played dress-up as a little kid. She loves pretty clothes from all historical periods and really enjoys recreating specific pieces, from fancy medieval dresses to fancy movie dresses. She was recently featured on KING 5’s Evening. At the con, she’ll likely be wearing something pretty, and for anyone who wants some advice on how to make something pretty for themselves, she’s totally willing to help you out.
BILL BEATS
Death*Star, the hardest working nerdcore hip- hop group in show business, has returned to Norwescon! We bring you raps about sad villains, video games, online dating, romantic failures, table top tragedies, and hoarding! The storytellers of the nerdcore scene invite you to enjoy our panels and our performances.
BILL GRUNER
An armorer/weaponsmith, Bill travels worldwide to historical sites, has a Master of Science in Education, and has been an EMT, taught science, and led an SF OPDETA (special forces operational detachment A—a special forces A team). He studies metallurgy, Roman tech, Latin, geology, blacksmithing, military history, historical reenactment, and Euro martial arts. He is a member of the Senior Classical League, Society for Creative Anachronism (a peer), Single Action Shooting Society, and fights in Cohors II Legio VI. He operates a 12’ traction trebuchet, and teaches classes in Roman and Norse combat. He teaches wood and metal crafts out of his atelier.
BRENDA COOPER
Brenda Cooper writes science fiction and fantasy novels and short stories. Her most recent novel is Wilders, which came out in 2017 from Pyr. Her earlier novel, Edge of Dark, was shortlisted for the P.K. Dick Award and won the Endeavour Awards. See her website at www.brenda-cooper.com. Brenda lives in the Pacific Northwest in a household with two people, four dogs, more than three computers, and only one TV in it.
BRENNA CLARKE GRAY
Brenna Clarke Gray holds a doctorate in Canadian literature and works in the Department of English at Douglas College just outside Vancouver, British Columbia, where, among other things, she teaches an introductory class on Fandom Studies. She publishes scholarly work about comics regularly, with a special focus on Canadian superhero comics and representations of Canada in American comics. She also blogs about books and comics at Book Riot. You can find her on Twitter at @brennacgray.
BRIAN D. OBERQUELL
Brian keeps busy doing fireworks (New Year’s Eve, Canada Day 150, Celebration of Light), pyro (Phantom of the Opera, Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience), and special effects (Dirk Gently, Lost in Space, Arrow, Six, Supernatural). He collects film scores and “so bad they’re good” movies, and he shares his life with one “pyro widow” wife and one rabbit.
BRIDGET LANDRY
Bridget Landry was educated as a chemist/planetary scientist and works as an engineer. She has worked on robotic space missions for over 25 years, including the HST, Mars Pathfinder, and the Cassini mission to Saturn. In her technical hat, Bridget has been on science panels at local and regional conventions, and Worldcons. Ms. Landry has been attending and working cons since the age of 13. She is a master-level costumer and has won masquerade awards from the local to the Worldcon level.
BRYAN SYME
Bryan Syme is a freelance illustrator and concept artist living in Weiser, ID. Bryan has done work for numerous role- playing game and publishing companies, such as Paizo, Kobold Press, Green Ronin, Onyx Path, and many others. Bryan adores bad movies, RPGs, and his wife, but his daughter stole his heart and probably won’t ever give back. For more of his artwork, see www.bryansyme.com/
C0SPLAY
Death*Star, the hardest working nerdcore hip- hop group in show business, has returned to Norwescon! We bring you raps about sad villains, video games, online dating, romantic failures, table top tragedies, and hoarding! The storytellers of the nerdcore scene invite you to enjoy our panels and our performances.
CAREN GS
Caren Gussoff Sumption’s book-length works include Homecoming, (2000) and The Wave and Other Stories (2003), first published by Serpent’s Tail/High Risk Books; The Birthday Problem (2014: Pink Narcissus Press); and Three Songs for Roxy (2015: Aqueduct Press). She is also proud of her day job working in a crisis center, and never thought she’d find anything she likes as much as writing. She’s a lucky cat, and is everywhere online as “spitkitten.”
CARMEN BEAUDRY
Carmen Beaudry started her costuming career when she was 14. She has costumed for musical theater, opera, television, historical reenactment, and science fiction conventions. Historic clothing is her passion, especially the early 17th century and the 1880s. Her historical designs come from the study of period source material and of extant garments in museums in North America and Europe. In 2006, she was elevated to the SCA’s Order of the Laurel for her work in costuming and costuming research.
CARRIE VAUGHN
Carrie Vaughn is best known for her New York Times bestselling series of novels about a werewolf named Kitty. Her latest novels include a near- Earth space opera, Martians Abroad, and a post- apocalyptic murder mystery, Bannerless. The sequel, The Wild Dead, will be out in 2018. She’s written several other contemporary fantasy and young adult novels, as well as upwards of 80 short stories, two of which have been finalists for the Hugo Award. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.
CAT RAMBO
World Fantasy and Nebula- nominated Cat Rambo’s 200+ fiction publications include stories in Asimov’s, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, and Tor.com. Her most recent book is Hearts of Tabat, sequel to Beasts of Tabat. She is the current President of The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. For more information about her, see http://www.kittywumpus.net
CATHERINE COOKE MONTROSE
Catherine Cooke Montrose lives south of Seattle and works for a youth theater company in Kirkland. She wrote the Mask of the Wizard series, the Winged Assassin series, and The Wendigo Border some years back. You’ll find her hanging out with Fairwood Writers. Spot her by looking for a redhead with a knitting project. She’s currently writing a contemporary YA fantasy series and an alternate-Byzantine sword and sorcery novel.
CATHY PLESKO
Dr. Cathy Plesko is a research scientist in computational physics at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She uses supercomputers to study asteroids, comets, and impact craters.
CLAYTON MANN
CHARLOTTE LEWIS BROWN
Charlotte is a vertebrate paleontologist, a science writer, and a college professor. Charlotte has published numerous science articles for adults and three books that use true stories about dinosaurs and other fossil animals to draw children into the world of reading.
CHERYCE CLAYTON
Cheryce Clayton once named a company PoshRat, which means “half-blood” and “out of culture” in Romani. Buy her a coffee, and she’ll talk.
CHRISTEN N. SOWARDS
Christen is the owner and publisher of Lost Spheres Publishing. Christen learned to read from fantasy RPGs when he was five years old and has been gaming ever since. Lost Spheres Publishing has been making Pathfinder content for five years, including the City of Seven Seraphs. He also runs a blog about Pathfinder that focuses on integrating third-party content and permissive gaming in general at www.lostspherespublishing.com. He has worked with Nat 20 Studios, Stormbunny Studios/ Design Camp, and Jon Brazer Enterprises.
CORY SKERRY
Cory Skerry is an editor, illustrator, and author whose greatest wish is that when his current meat shell falls apart, science will place his brain into a giant killer octopus body, with which he will be very responsible and not even slightly shipwrecky. He pinky swears.
CRYSTAL FRASIER
As a game industry polymath, Crystal Frasier has worked as a writer, game developer, editor, illustrator, and graphic designer with 18 years’ experience. Best known for her work on the Pathfinder roleplaying game and adventures, she is also the lead developer for Green Ronin’s Mutants & Masterminds superhero roleplaying game and has written for companies ranging from Onyx Path Publishing to Undead Labs and Dynamite Entertainment.
CURTIS C. CHEN
Once a Silicon Valley software engineer, Curtis C. Chen (陳陳 陳) now writes fiction and runs puzzle games near Portland, Oregon. His debut novel Waypoint Kangaroo is a science fiction thriller about a superpowered spy facing his toughest mission yet: vacation. The sequel, Kangaroo Too, sends our hero to the moon. Curtis’ short stories have appeared in Daily Science Fiction, Mission: Tomorrow, and Oregon Reads Aloud. He is a graduate of Clarion West and Viable Paradise. https://curtiscchen.com
CYNTHIANN HECKELSMILLER
Cynthiann Heckelsmiller is a multi-disciplinary researcher and educator, passionate about connecting science to culture, and anything to do with plants. She is excited to learn and discuss diverse topics, clarify concepts, and relate literature to issues in science and culture. She is a graduate student of cultural anthropology at Washington State University. She has a master’s degree in ethnobotany from the University of Kent in Canterbury, England, and a Bachelor of Science in botany.
D.L. SOLUM
D.L. Solum is a recently published author currently living in Seattle, but will always be from Butte, Montana. A collector of odd friends and odder hobbies including medieval combat/armor/ weapons, fishing, hunting, and computer games. This latest obsession of writing fiction is only made possible via the tough encouragement and impatient tolerance of Kate.
DAMERUTH
DameRuth has a wide-ranging and checkered past involving science, history, fandom, art and writing, and she’s happy to talk your ear off about any (or all) of those subjects. She currently works as a technician in a neurobiology research lab.
DAN DELONG
Mr. DeLong is currently in his third career as chief engineer and a founder of Agile Aero, Inc. For 28 years before that, he was chief engineer for XCOR Aerospace, engineer for Boeing on the space station, and space shuttle payload integration. His second career of 10 years was in underwater vehicles, both commercial and military. His first career was in electronics as an AM/FM broadcast engineer, and as a lab tech building circuits for Cornell’s Laboratory of Atomic and Solid-State Physics.
DAN DUBRICK
Known to many in northwest U.S. fandom as Kahboi (pronounced Cowboy), Dan has for many years been the editor for the H.R. McMillan Planetarium’s affiliated space and astronomy educational BBS SpaceBase. Dan has also witnessed space launches as an accredited journalist, including the U.S. space shuttle, and on his annual holidays he can be found prowling the aerospace bone yards of the Arizona desert studying American aerospace history, even though they still won’t let him into the B-52 that dropped the X-15.
DANIELLE GEMBALA
Danielle Gembala is a writer, archaeologist, science educator, historian, and neurodivergent parent of two neurodivergent children living in rural Southwest Washington.
DARA KORRA’TI
Dara Korra’ti—a.k.a. Solarbird, the Lightbringer—performs rage-driven acoustic elfmetal with an ever-shifting set of supervillains with her band, Crime and the Forces of Evil. Between escapades, she marauds the airwaves with the dark faeries of Leannan Sidhe. Her music has appeared on ARfm London, RadioTLX Lexington, Transmission FM 88.3 Auckland, and several music podcasts. Everything, including the urban-fantasy soundtrack album Bone Walker, can be streamed at http://crimeandtheforcesofevil.com.
DAVE DAVIS
Dave Davis has a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and over 30 years’ experience in the aerospace field involving projects from commercial to the space shuttle. He is presently working as a project manager on a commercial aircraft program. As a member of the National Association of Rocketry and a tornado/storm chaser, Dave has merged these two endeavors into “The Glenda Project” of launching weather-related payloads into storms, supplying data for improved severe weather warning systems.
DAVID ANTHONY DURHAM
David Anthony Durham is the author of seven novels: The Risen, The Sacred Band, The Other Lands, Acacia (John W. Campbell Award winner), Pride of Carthage, Walk Through Darkness, and Gabriel’s Story. His stories have appeared in three of George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards novels: Fort Freak, Lowball, and High Stakes. He currently teaches creative writing for the Stonecoast Master of Fine Arts program and for the MFA program of the University of Nevada, Reno.
DAWN VOGEL
Dawn Vogel writes and edits fiction and non-fiction. In her spare time, she also runs a craft business and helps edit Mad Scientist Journal. She is an associate member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. She lives in Seattle with her husband, author Jeremy Zimmerman, and their herd of cats. Visit her at http://historythatneverwas.com.
DEAN WELLS
Dean Wells is author of the ongoing Clockwork Millennials series published in Beneath Ceaseless Skies. Other works have appeared in Ideomancer, 10Flash Quarterly, Demensions, ShadowKeep, Eldritch Tales, The Nocturnal Lyric, and the anthologies Ceaseless Steam and The Best of BCS, Year Four. He has also written for the performing arts in various capacities and teaches the writing craft. Dean is an active member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
DEBORAH STRUB
Deborah is a textile artist from the Pacific Northwest. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Central Florida. She has been a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) for over 30 years, where she is a Laurel for her research and work in historical Japanese clothing. She occasionally makes medieval western European clothing for her husband. She also enjoys creating science fiction costumes. She has won many awards in both the SCA and science fiction venues and has had work published in The Costume Maker’s Art.
DEJI BRYCE OLUKOTUN
Deji Bryce Olukotun is the author of two novels. His fiction has appeared in four different book collections. His novel After the Flare, a sequel to Nigerians in Space, was published in September 2017 and chosen as one of the best science fiction books of 2017 by The Guardian, The Washington Post, Syfy.com, Tor.com, and Kirkus Reviews. He is currently the head of social impact at the audio technology company Sonos, and a Future Tense fellow at New America.
DJANGO WEXLER
Django Wexler graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh with degrees in creative writing and computer science, and worked for the university in artificial intelligence research. Eventually he migrated to Microsoft in Seattle, where he now lives with two cats and a teetering mountain of books. When not writing, he wrangles computers, paints tiny soldiers, and plays games of all sorts.
DONNA BARR
Donna Barr has been published since 1986, and is the author and artist of the classic drawn book series The Desert Peach, as well as Stinz, and the continuing Afterdead. She specializes in historical fiction and historical fantasy, although she doesn’t write in genres and uses those categories for simpler marketing. She’s always entertaining and open to seeing new creations from fellow creatives. She was a pioneer in self-publishing and print on demand. She runs the Clallam Bay Comicon in July and is assisting with the new Forks Raincon, in June.
DONNA PRIOR
Donna “Danicia” Prior is the sparkly princess of social media & community management. She is the organized play manager for Catan Studio. Donna is the executive director of OrcaCon, the inclusive tabletop games convention (http://www.orcacon.org/). She has worked in both video games and tabletop games. In short: gamer, geek, and future wife of Wedge Antilles. Lives on Twitter @_Danicia_. Find Donna at http://about.me/Danicia
DR. DANA ANDREWS
Dr. Dana Andrews has worked in aerospace for over 45 years, including 33 years for Boeing, 10 years for Andrews Space, Inc., and the last three years teaching at the University of Washington. He has designed commercial airplanes, military aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, and the current space station modules. His areas of expertise are space systems design, orbital mechanics, safety, and advanced propulsion. Recently, he has been working on using space resources and near term interstellar missions.
DR. RICKY
Dr. Ricky is the nom de plume of a working research scientist with a passion for science education outreach, and the science and impact of food on culture and evolution. He blogs at http:// sciencebasedcuisine.com and is active on Twitter at @drricky.
DR. VICKI WEDEL
Dr. Vicki Wedel is a forensic anthropologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. She is an associate professor of anatomy at Western University of Health Sciences, where she maintains an active forensics lab. She consults with local, state, and federal authorities when human skeletal remains are found. She is a member of a national Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team (DMORT). In her capacity as a DMORT forensic anthropologist, Dr. Wedel most recently deployed to Haiti in the wake of the 2010 earthquake. She also works to develop new forensic science methods, in particular a method to determine season at death in humans using seasonal bands in the roots of teeth. Her book with Dr. Alison Galloway, Broken Bones: Anthropological Analysis of Blunt Force Trauma, was published in 2014.
DYLAN TEMPLAR
Since 2015, Dylan has been working for Green Ronin Publishing, wearing a variety of administrative hats. Prior to this, he worked full time as a contract artist doing paint masters for collectible miniatures games. He worked primarily for Wizkids and Wizards of the Coast on a wide range of games, including MageKnight, Mechwarrior, Dungeons & Dragons, and Star Wars. He even managed to work on the “Re-action” line of action figures for the local toy company Funko.
E. LILY YU
E. Lily Yu is an author and narrative designer. She received the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in 2012. In addition, her short stories have been finalists for the Hugo, Nebula, Locus, Sturgeon, and World Fantasy Awards. Recent fiction appears in Terraform, Hazlitt, Tor.com, and The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2017.
ECHO CHERNIK
Echo is an award-winning fine artist, illustrator, and instructor, specializing in her vision of Art Nouveau. She is a highly sought after artist for advertising, packaging, posters, books, and games. Clients include: Miller, Camel, Coors, Nascar, Trek, Kmart, Sears, Patrick Rothfuss, Arlo Guthrie, Dave Matthews, the Sheikh of Dubai and more.
ELIZABETH “LIZ” VANN-CLARK
ELLIOTT KAY
Like many Seattleites, Elliott is a transplant from Los Angeles. He took a swing at self-publishing just for grins and soon found his books paying more bills than his day job. His work ranges from military sci-fi to steamy/comedic urban fantasy. Elliott’s Poor Man’s Fight series has hit the top of Amazon’s sci-fi charts.
ELSA SJUNNESON-HENRY
Elsa Sjunneson-Henry is a partially deafblind SFF/H writer and editor. Her work has appeared in Fireside, Uncanny, Tor.com, and Upside Down: Inverted Tropes in Storytelling. She is the guest co-editor in chief of Disabled People Destroy Science Fiction (nonfiction section), and the managing editor of Fireside Magazine. She has also written for tabletop RPGs. Elsa is an instructor at Writing the Other, and a graduate of the Viable Paradise Workshop. She is a Seattleite, but now lives in New Jersey.
EMILY C. SKAFTUN
Emily C. Skaftun’s fiction has appeared in Strange Horizons, Clarkesworld, Asimov’s, and others. If Emily could zap things out of this dimension, there’d be a lot less traffic, chewing gum, and rain. Despite the inability to vanquish rain, Emily lives in Shoreline with a mad scientist husband and a mini-tiger. She dabbles in roller derby and writes about fate, flying tigers, and strange fish. Emily has been the editor-in-chief of The Norwegian American since 2014. Hun lærer seg norsk!
ERIC SNYDER
Eric is a jack-of-many-trades who has done stints as a writer, programmer, web designer, scientist, and educator. But for the moment, dad is his best trade. He is also an avid reader and gamer.
ERIK SCOTT DE BIE
Erik Scott de Bie is a speculative fiction writer who got his start in the Forgotten Realms setting, home of his Shadowbane series. The author of ten published novels and counting, he is celebrating the release of Mask of the Blood Queen, the third novel in his epic World of Ruin series, and several novels for The Ed Greenwood Group (Blind Justice plus the forthcoming Wanderer in the Mists and Priority: Hyperion). He lives in Seattle with his wife, cats, and dog.
ERIN WAGNER TIDWELL
Erin helps run the writer’s workshop at Norwescon. She has also published short fiction and writes technical documentation for a living. Professional Panelists
ETHAN SIEGEL
Ethan was born in New York, majored in three different things as an undergrad, and has adoctorate in theoretical physics. Yes, indecisive young people: there is hope. After postdoctoral research, he became a physics professor and a professional science communicator. He now writes and speaks full-time, including for Forbes and NASA. His newest book, Treknology, about the real- life science behind the technologies envisioned by Star Trek, is available everywhere.
EVA L. ELASIGUE
Eva L. Elasigue combines a far-reaching and honor- awarded imagination with scientific and empirical backgrounds to create the mythic intergalactic space saga Bones of Starlight, as well as works ranging from poetic to humorous for Internet and stage. She lives with her dog Spirit in the island town of Friday Harbor, Washington. Eva is currently continuing her debut series and managing Primal Spiral, an imprint events collective studio. A mixed media artist and renaissance woman, Eva loves music and the wilderness.
EVAN J. PETERSON
Evan J. Peterson is the author of The PrEP Diaries (Lethe Press), a memoir of life in the new era of HIV prevention. His speculative poetry books include Skin Job (Minor Arcana Press) and The Midnight Channel (Babel/Salvage). His fiction has been published in Weird Tales, Unspeakable Horror 2, and The Book of Three Gates; his nonfiction appears in Nightmare Magazine, Queers Destroy Horror, BoingBoing, Best Gay Stories 2015, and The Stranger.
FONDA LEE
Fonda Lee is the author of the gangster fantasy saga Jade City (Orbit) and the award-winning young adult science fiction novels Zeroboxer (Flux) and Exo (Scholastic). Cross Fire, the sequel to Exo, releases in May 2018. Fonda is a recovering corporate strategist, a black belt martial artist, and an action movie aficionado. She loves a good eggs Benedict. Born and raised in Canada, she now lives in Portland, Oregon. You can find Fonda online at www.fondalee.com and on Twitter @fondajlee.
G. WILLOW WILSON
G. Willow Wilson is a New York Times bestselling author and graphic novelist. Her works include the Hugo Award-winning comic book series Ms. Marvel (Marvel Comics) and the World Fantasy Award-winning novel Alif the Unseen (Grove/Atlantic Press). Willow’s books have been translated into over a dozen languages and featured on media outlets from CNN to Al Jazeera to the Colbert Report. When she isn’t writing or running after two toddlers, Willow enjoys cooking comfort food and playing MMOs.
G.R. THERON
G.R. Theron is a Seattle-based storyteller and member of the Fairwood Writers Group. In addition to writing, he is also an active artist, photographer, podcaster, and wayward spirit. A graduate from the University of Washington, he is formally educated as a classic historian. He currently balances his time between those things that make a living and those that make a life.
GABRIEL DE LOS ANGELES
Gabriel de los Angeles is a Snoqualmie tribal member and a candidate for a doctorate of philosophy in learning science and human development at the University of Washington. His research interests are development across the life course through play and learning in informal environments. His life combines his love of popular culture, fandom, and games with nearly two decades of experience with fan-made events and community organizations around the world. He examines these things through equity, equality, and indigenous philosophies.
GORDON VAN GELDER
Gordon Van Gelder became the sixth editor of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction in 1997. He held the position until 2015. Before that, he worked as an editor for St. Martin’s Press and also for The New York Review of Science Fiction. He has edited several anthologies, including Welcome to the Greenhouse, Fourth Planet from the Sun, and most recently, Go Forth and Multiply and Welcome to Dystopia. He lives in New Jersey.
GREG BEAR
Greg is the author of over forty novels, including Blood Music, Eon, Darwin’s Radio, Hull Zero Three, and the War Dogs trilogy. He is the winner of five Nebulas and two Hugos and, most recently, the Galaxy Award as China’s most popular foreign- language author.
GREGORY A. WILSON
Gregory A. Wilson is a professional author of speculative fiction and professor of English at St. John’s University in New York City. His first novel, The Third Sign, was published by Gale Cengage in 2009; his second novel, Icarus, was released as a graphic novel by Silence in the Library. Grayshade was published by The Ed Greenwood Group; the sequel is due out shortly. He is co-host of acclaimed podcast Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans, and lives with his family in New York.
J. F. HIGH
J.F. High is an advocate for aboriginal rights and an (urban) fantasy author who lives in Washington but is originally from Los Angeles. The differences are staggering, but the ocean and the I-5 are the same. J.F. is a Chiricahua Apache (Ndeh) and Cora Indian (Náayarite). He may or may not be a believer/practitioner of real-world magic, but if he were, he is not interested in your hippy- dippy, crystal swinging, dream-catcher-slinging garbage. But magic is real, let’s not mess around.
JACK SKILLINGSTEAD
Since 2004, Jack Skillingstead has sold more than 40 stories to markets including Asimov’s, Clarkesworld, F&SF, and Lightspeed, as well as various Year’s Best volumes and original anthologies. In 2004 he was a finalist for the Sturgeon Award and in 2013 his novel, Life on the Preservation, was a finalist for the Philip K. Dick Award. Jack has taught writing classes onboard ship in the Bahamas and in Seattle for Clarion West’s one-day workshop series. He lives in Seattle with his wife, writer Nancy Kress.
JAKE MCKINZIE
Jake is 47 years old. He is married to Shyla with a daughter, Caitlyn. Jake has been a high school science teacher since 1999. His favorite authors include Moorcock, Feist, Niven, Bova, and Howard. Jake’s first RPGs were Car Wars and red box D&D, circa 1980. He is currently playing various Savage Worlds settings and D&D 5th Edition.
JASON VANHEE
Jason Vanhee was born and grew up in Seattle, Washington. Raised by a single mother who left him free to explore his imagination, he began to write almost as soon as he could read. His work most often encompasses the speculative fiction that was a reading mainstay in his younger life. Jason lives in Seattle still with his husband Adam. His first published novel, Engines of the Broken World, was released by Henry Holt in 2013.
JAYM GATES
Jaym Gates got her start in editing by making a joke on Twitter six years ago. At the time of writing this bio, she’s working on her 15th anthology. The titles she has worked on include Rigor Amortis, Broken Time Blues, War Stories, Geek Love, Genius Loci, Strange California, Upside Down, Legends of Strategy: How Star Wars Explains Future Strategy, Eclipse Phase: After The Fall, and Vampire: Endless Ages. She is also a developmental editor for Falstaff Books and the Editorial Manager for Nisaba Press.
JENNIFER BROZEK
Jennifer Brozek is a Hugo Award finalist and a multiple Bram Stoker Award finalist. She has worked in the publishing industry since 2004. With the number of edited anthologies, novels, RPG books, and nonfiction books under her belt, Jennifer is often considered a Renaissance woman, but she prefers to be known as a wordslinger and optimist. Read more about her at jenniferbrozek.com or follow her on Twitter: @JenniferBrozek.
JEREMY ZIMMERMAN
Jeremy Zimmerman is a teller of tales who dislikes cute euphemisms for writing like “teller of tales.” He is the author of the young adult superhero books Kensei and The Love of Danger. In his copious spare time, he is the co-editor of Mad Scientist Journal. He lives in Seattle with his herd of cats and his lovely wife (and fellow author) Dawn Vogel. You can find Jeremy at www.bolthy. com.
JOHN (J.A.) PITTS
As a key member of the Pacific Northwest Dark Forces Defense League, J. A. Pitts keeps a low- key public profile. In his most recent interview, word-wizard Pitts is quoted as saying, “Can’t just have any old troll or pixie showing up at my day job, now can I? I’ve got a kid in college and a mortgage to pay.” Rumors of his connections with notorious bard Ken Scholes have yet to be proven.
JOHN LOVETT
John Lovett has over twenty years of experience as a producer, writer, and military technical adviser for television and film productions. He has written or co-written two produced movies as well as over one hundred television or motion picture scripts. He teaches screenwriting Bellevue College and has taught screenwriting and motion picture production at national writers conferences.
JON LASSER
Jon Lasser lives in Seattle, WA. He is a graduate of the Clarion West Writers Workshop. His stories have won the Writers of the Future contest and been shortlisted for the James White award. They have appeared or are forthcoming in Galaxy’s Edge, Diabolical Plots, DarkFuse, and elsewhere. When not writing or working in tech, Jon plays with his children, cooks, and scuba dives. He prefers cold- water over tropical diving. Find him on the web at twoideas.org and on Twitter as @disappearinjon.
JOSEPH BRASSEY
Joseph Brassey lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, children, and two cats. In his spare time, he trains in, and teaches, Historical European Martial Arts. He has lived on both sides of the continental United States and has worked everywhere from a local newspaper to the frameshop of a crafts store to the smoke-belching interior of a house-siding factory with questionable safety policies.
JOSEPH CARRIKER
Joseph Carriker is a game developer for Green Ronin, as well as working on other games such as Fantasy AGE and the Critical Role: Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting books. He has worked in the gaming industry for over 15 years. He is an outspoken queer gamer, having helped found the annual Queer as a Three-Sided Die panels at Gen Con and other conventions. He is also novelist, having recently published his first novel, Sacred Band, about a team of LGBTQ superheroes.
JOY ALYSSA DAY
Joy is a professional artist, and her work is in collections internationally. With her partner, BJ Johnson, Joy has expanded into sculptural works, creating large installations with glassblowing, carving, and painting. She also works small pieces, the most famous being their solar system ornament set and the TARDIS fridge kit. Joy got her start with costuming, winning many master-class awards, but now focuses on artworks and running a small kitty rescue shelter for abandoned and abused kitties.
JULIE DILLON
Julie Dillon is a Hugo Award- winning artist from Northern California. She has had a livelong love of fantasy, science fiction, and art, and she is very grateful she’s been able to make a career out of her combined passions. Her clients include Tor Books, Simon & Schuster, Penguin Books, Wizards of the Coast, Oxford University Press, Llewellyn Worldwide, and Popular Science magazine. Her artwork is available at www.juliedillonart.com
JULIE MCGALLIARD
Julie McGalliard is a writer and occasional cartoonist. Her first novel, Waking Up Naked in Strange Places, was released in 2015. Her short stories have appeared in the magazine Talebones and in the anthologies Witches, Stitches & Bitches: A Three Little Words Anthology (Volume 1) and Space Grunts: Full-Throttle Space Tales #3. She lives in Seattle with her husband Paul, a fellow lover of books and New Orleans.
K TEMPEST BRADFORD
K. Tempest Bradford is a speculative fiction writer by night, a media critic and culture columnist by day, and an activist blogger in the interstices. Her fiction has appeared in Strange Horizons, Electric Velocipede, and illustrious anthologies such as Diverse Energies. She’s also a regular contributor to NPR, io9, and books about Time Lords. Visit her blog: KTempestBradford.com
K. C. ALEXANDER
K. C. Alexander is the author of Necrotech and Nanoshock, aggressive transhumanist sci-fi, and is the co-author of Bioware’s Mass Effect -Andromeda: Nexus Uprising. Specialties include imperfect characters, reckless profanity, and an inclination to defy expectations.
K.G. ANDERSON
A career journalist and technology writer, K.G. Anderson has interviewed Muddy Waters and Harlan Ellison, reviewed the World Wide Web for an Apple ezine, worked on the launch of the iTunes Music Store, and served on the board of Clarion West. Her stories have appeared in anthologies including the Aurora-winning Second Contacts, Welcome to Dystopia, and More Alternative Truths as well as online at Metaphorosis, Ares Magazine, and Far-Fetched Fables. Visit her at writerway. com/fiction.
KARI ANN RAMADORAI
Kari Ann Ramadorai is a Seattle creativity junkie and science enthusiast who runs parallel lives in SF/F writing and early childhood librarianship. Books and science education weave in and out of both lives, bringing adventure from the smallest experience. She loves spending time with the youngest learners and creating new universes and faerie realms.
KAT RICHARDSON
Kat Richardson is the bestselling author of the Greywalker paranormal detective novels and the author of upcoming science fiction novels under the name K. R. Richardson. She lives in the wilds of Western Washington with her husband and two dogs, where they hunt yetis. They haven’t caught one yet, but they’re still looking....
KATE RISTAU
Kate Ristau is an author and folklorist who writes young adult and middle grade fiction, like Clockbreakers and Shadow Girl. In her ideal world, magic and myth combine to create memorable stories with unforgettable characters. Until she finds that world, she’ll live in Oregon, with her husband, her son, and her dog.
KATHRYN BRANT
Kathryn Brant has been sewing for years. She rolled into costuming while attending science fiction conventions; she is a master class costumer.
KAY KENYON
Kay Kenyon is the author of 14 science fiction and fantasy novels, most recently At the Table of Wolves, a historical fantasy. It is set in 1936 England when Talents have come into the world, and a woman uses her gift for hearing the truth, the spill, to uncover a Nazi plot to subdue England with a mysterious power over ice and cold. (“A superb adventure.” --PW starred review) Book 2 of the trilogy, Serpent in the Heather, releases April 10. Follow Kay: Twitter, @KayKenyon and www. kaykenyon.com.
KEERAWA
keerawa is a writer, an aspie, a pod-ficcer, a fan, a level-110 druid, a level 12 sylvan sorcerer with a honey badger pet, and an advocate of transformative culture. Ze believes that fans are not “consumers” of media. We are critics, commentators, and creators who make fandom up as we go, because storytelling is too important to leave in the hands of the professionals.
KEN ANDERSON
Ken Alexander is a thirty year veteran of the U.S. Navy and has worked as an engineering consultant for the last 25 years. While in the Navy he developed the U.S. Navy’s first emergency management program and he served as the Navy liaison at FEMA Region X for the last six years of his Navy service. As an engineering consultant he has advised his clients in the planning, design and construction of resilient infrastructure, primarily in the water and wastewater field, and he wrote over a dozen emergency management plans for water and wastewater utilities. He is a registered professional engineer in four states and is a certified emergency manager with the International Association of Emergency Managers.
KENT HAMILTON
Kent Hamilton is a professional Illustrator and concept artist. For the last six years he has worked on a variety of movie and video game projects, but has recently made the switch to working for board game and publication companies such as Paizo Publishing and Petersen Games. He loves science fiction, fantasy and fishing.
KIM RITCHIE
Kim Ritchie is a member of the Fairwood Writers Group.
KIVA MAGINN
Kiva Maginn is the Lead Designer for BattleTech at Harebrained Schemes, where she’s making giant robots fight and making their pilots kiss. She’s been in the video game industry for 15 years, doing game system design and battling her impostor syndrome. She’s worked on large-scale MMOs and tiny mobile games and all the stuff in between. She collects old and obscure RPG systems like other people collect comics. You can follow her at @HBS_thratchen, or follow her game at battletechgame.com.
KRISTINA PAULSEN
KURT CAGLE
Kurt is a published author of words technical and mythopoeic, a designer of information systems and semantic perambulations, a future historian, a keeper of cats (or at least cat), the spouse of a writer of stories of mice, a sirenophile, and a steampunker. Kurt is also a professional blogger, a humanist, a proud Scottish Neanderthal, an architect (INTP), a coffeeshop addict, and an ontologist. Kurt is the author of Voyage of the Canto, Lady Jane Doe, and Storme Crow: Sins of Our Fathers, all published by SeaTails.
LAURA ANNE GILMAN
Since her first novel in 2004, Laura Anne Gilman has established a reputation for herself with darker-edged fantasy, both urban and epic. She is the Nebula- and Endeavor-nominated author of The Devil’s West novels, The Vineart War trilogy, and the Cosa Nostradamus series, as well as the story collections Dragon Virus and Darkly Human. She also wrote the Seattle-based Gin & Tonic mystery series under the name L.A. Kornetsky. Her most recent release is the third Devil’s West novel, Red Waters Rising.
LEE MOYER
A portrait of Lee Moyer in four decades: 1. Starving artist; 2. Smithsonian Museum of Natural History; 3. Art director for EA, Hasbro, Sony, and Fox; 4. Illustrator for Stephens King & Sondheim, George R.R. Martin, Tori Amos, Iain M Banks, The Call of Cthulhu, Spider-Man 2, 13th Age, The Doom That Came to Atlantic City, and a trio of literary pin-up calendars. There’s a cunning plan forming, so if you’d like to see more literary pin-ups, please let him know. www.leemoyer.com @lccmoyer
LILITH DAWN
Lilith Dawn is an author, performance artist, humorist, and all-around swell gal. Under the name Lilith von Fraumench, she contributed to the SubGenius books Revelation X and The Bobliographon. Now she turns her eye toward writing hard SF. Also, performing as Lilith Van Dyke, she emcees burlesque shows at Norwescon and other shows in the Seattle area. She is also a trans activist, an experienced kinkster, a headbanger, and all-around geek. She currently lives in Kirkland under protest.
LISA MANTCHEV
Lisa Mantchev writes picture books for kids, speculative fiction for teens, and smut for grown-ups. Her first picture book, Strictly No Elephants, was an NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Honorable Mention and a WA State Book Award Finalist. It was also translated in 11 languages, endorsed by Amnesty International, and developed into a musical for children. Her Théâtre Illuminata trilogy includes the Andre Norton and Mythopoeic awards- nominated Eyes Like Stars, and her steampunk novel, Ticker, was a Kindle #1 bestseller.
LISH MCBRIDE
Lish McBride writes funny and creepy young adult books such as Hold Me Closer, Necromancer; Necromancing the Stone; Firebug; and Pyromantic. She is a regular contributor to Tor.com, including a reoccurring book recommendation post called Necessary Whimsy. Her first book, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults title, Morris Award finalist, and Scandiuzzi Children’s Book Award winner. While she has no long-term goals for world domination, she would like her own castle.
LIZ BARLOW
Liz Barlow is a Seattle native who has been writing fiction for 16 years. She will also totally team up with you to fight zombies and/or Daleks. Liz is passionate about video games, writing, conventions of all geek-types, and LEGO bricks. She also gets physically uncomfortable if a week passes in Seattle without rain.
LIZ COURTS
Liz blames her brother for all of this. An avid gamer for almost 30 years, Liz has worked on over 80 different RPG products, helped organize the first unofficial PaizoCon, started and headed the Wayfinder fanzine, went to work for Paizo after being a member of its community for five years, and is now a mostly organic, free-range artist and graphic designer. Liz also likes art, baking, coffee, and all things ninja, but not always in that order. She is not a werewolf.
MARK TEPPO
Mark Teppo is the founder and publisher of Resurrection House, an independent genre publisher. He is the author of more than a dozen novels, including The Potemkin Mosaic, Earth Thirst, and Lightbreaker. He also teaches about writing and living a creative life.
MARTA MURVOSH
Marta is a YA librarian and fiction writer in the Pacific Northwest. She grew up watching Star Trek reruns and lunar landings. She loves pulp fiction with gnarly apocalypses and hard- boiled mysteries. Prior to becoming a librarian, she was an award-winning newspaper reporter and continues to write for national trade magazines. She will talk anywhere, anytime about books, writing craft, research skills, digital literacy and digital citizenship. http://murvosh.weebly.com/
MASHA LEPIRE
Masha Lepire is a Seattle-based sound designer, composer, and conductor. She began her Old Norse translation and culture studies at UCLA under the renowned Dr. Jackson Crawford. As a writer, she creates Viking-inspired content for the tabletop RPG Blood and Bone by Arcana Games. Her Norse -inspired musical creations can also be heard on Spotify and Bandcamp with her band, The Travelers VGM.
MATT MUENCHRATH
MARY FORBES
MATT VANCIL
MC-3PO
Death*Star, the hardest working nerdcore hip- hop group in show business, has returned to Norwescon! We bring you raps about sad villains, video games, online dating, romantic failures, table top tragedies, and hoarding! The storytellers of the nerdcore scene invite you to enjoy our panels and our performances.
MEG ELISON
Meg Elison is a Bay Area writer and the author of The Book of the Unnamed Midwife and The Book of Etta from 47North. She has been published in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, is a high school dropout, and a graduate of UC Berkeley. Find her at megelison.com, @megelison
MELISSA “MERLISSA” THOMAS
Melissa “Merlissa” Thomas, also known online as “Little Orca,” has been part of the mermaid community since 2008 when she got her first monofin and made her first tail. Since then, she has made seven additional tails over the years and has acquired a silicone tail made by Merbella Studios. She has volunteered at Faerie Worlds for the past four years and served as inspiration for other merfolk to achieve their dreams regardless of body image issues and society pressure to look a certain way.
MELISSA QUINN
Melissa Quinn’s life took a sharp turn when she discovered costuming at her first sci-fi convention. She opened Faerie Fingers Custom Costumes & Event Apparel in Seattle, where she spent the last 20 years creating costumes and unique event attire for clients around the country. Her current pursuits include cosplaying with her daughter and launching her YouTube channel, Faerie Fingers.
MERIS MULLALEY
Meris Mullaley is an artist, cosplayer, and erstwhile-archaeologist known online as Fabric Alchemist. She was raised on Star Wars, Star Trek, The Lord of the Rings, and A Wrinkle in Time. Her training in archaeology means she overthinks her D&D characters’ backstories and spends too much time exploring every single room in a dungeon. Currently training to become a visual development artist, Meris is focusing on character and costume designs.
MICHAEL ORMES
Michael has a diverse and dynamic set of interests limited (largely) by time and focused (somewhat) by current projects. An avid reader of science fiction since finding the genre in his high school library, he learned to pace himself after running out of readily available SF novels later that same year. Normally describing himself as a computer programmer, a full account of his career would include four continents and involve most aspects of the software industry, with various side-trips into other areas.
MIKE BRENNAN
Mike Brennan fell into science fiction at the age of 12 and hasn’t surfaced yet. Along the way, SF led him to stints as a nuclear engineer, a naval officer on a submarine, a radiation health physicist, and a writer who dabbles in poems when no one is looking.
MIKE SCHINDLER
www.omfcares.org
Considered one of the nation’s leading subject matter experts on leadership development, government relations, and issues, Schindler, a U.S. Navy veteran transition veteran, is the founder and chief executive officer of Operation Military Family Cares –– a 501(c)(3) that provides veterans programs as well as fee for service consulting services to agencies and companies that desire to improve their veteran programs.
RANDY WESTHAUS
MIMI NOYES
Convinced that she was left on this planet by aliens and taken in by a kind lady who became her mother, Mimi has always been a bit peculiar. Drawn to the fantastic and the strange, she has “grown up” to be an artist with a focus on murals, a monster-maker and a film expert, amongst other random career choices. She is currently obsessed with Yuri on Ice, writing fan fiction, and making coloring books for adults. Mimi spends an inordinate amount of time being silly and adding sound effects to everyday life.
MINIM CALIBRE
In fandom for a quarter of a century. I pass the Turing test. Barely. If I cheat.
MUR LAFFERTY
Mur Lafferty is an author, editor, and podcaster. She is the co-editor of the Escape Pod podcast, co- host of the Hugo-nominated fancast Ditch Diggers, and the author of the novel Six Wakes. She lives in Durham with her husband and daughter.
NANCY KRESS
Nancy Kress is the author of 34 books, most recently Tomorrow’s Kin and its sequel, If Tomorrow Comes (Tor, 2018). Her work has won six Nebulas, two Hugos, a Sturgeon, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. She is best known for her stories about the Sleepless, people genetically engineered to not need sleep, as well as other fiction featuring genetic engineering. Nancy frequently teaches writing at various venues, including numerous Clarions, summer writing workshops, an intensive workshop in Beijing, and a semester as a visiting professor at the University of Leipzig in Germany. She lives in Seattle with her husband, SF writer Jack Skillingstead.
NISI SHAWL
Tor published Nisi Shawl’s Nebula-nominated novel Everfair in September 2016. Her 2008 collection Filter House co-won a Tiptree Award. Shawl was guest of honor for Armadillocon 39 and WisCon 35. She co-edited Stories for Chip: A Tribute to Samuel R. Delany, and Strange Matings, a non-fiction anthology about Octavia E. Butler. She co-founded the Carl Brandon Society, a nonprofit supporting people of color in the fantastic genres and serves on Clarion West’s board of directors. Learn more at nisishawl.com.
NORMAN K. MOSS
Norman has owned Superior Machine in Snohomish County, Washington, since December of 2000. He has over 34 years of experience as a machinist and has worked on parts valued up to several million dollars. Norman is a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo and is an active member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, where he fights heavy sword and board, combat archery and throwing (knife, axe and spear), and is a target archer. Norman is a member of the ANTIR Armorer’s guild and a U.S. Navy veteran.
ORCHID CAVETT
Orchid Cavett has been a costumer for over 24 years. She is currently a professional mermaid, occasionally moonlighting as a jellyfish. She enjoys being an extra for film and television when she can. She has participated in various Masquerades, sci-fi panels, parades, street/Ren Faires and other entertainment venues in Oregon, Washington, California and Arizona. She puts on a mermaid retreat in the summer and chairs Holidays at the Beach in Long Beach, Washington, in the fall. She is supposed to be retired! www.orchidthejellyfish. com
PAT MACEWEN
Pat MacEwen is a physical anthropologist (bone-freak) whose research is centered on genocide. She has background in forensics, war crime investigations, and marine biology. She writes sf, fantasy, horror, and mystery, and her books have been translated into three other languages. Her novel, Rough Magic, is the first in The Fallen, an urban fantasy/forensics trilogy. Her YA novel, The Dragon’s Kiss, is the first of a series about dragons, slavery, the meaning of “heart,” and the price of real freedom.
PATRICK HURLEY
Patrick Hurley was an editor for becker&mayer! books, where he worked on licensed properties for Marvel, Star Trek, and Star Wars, and as editorial project manager with Amazon Publishing’s 47North, Montlake Romance, Thomas & Mercer, and Lake Union imprints. He has had short fiction published in Galaxy’s Edge, Cosmic Roots & Eldritch Shores, Flame Tree Publishing, Penumbra, and The Drabblecast. He attended the 2017 Taos Toolbox Writer’s Workshop and is a member of SFWA.
PATRICK SWENSON
Patrick Swenson edited Talebones magazine for 14 years, and he still runs Fairwood Press, a book line, which began in 2000. A graduate of Clarion West, his first novel The Ultra Thin Man appeared from Tor in 2014. The sequel, The Ultra Big Sleep, appeared last summer. He has sold stories to the anthology Like Water for Quarks, and magazines such as Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Fantasy Magazine, Figment, and others. He runs the Rainforest Writers Village retreat every spring at Lake Quinault, Washington.
PETER N. GLASKOWSKY
A leading innovator in computer architecture, Peter Glaskowsky helped found, fund, and build x86 microprocessor startup Montalvo Systems and most recently worked as a principal architect and silicon strategist at Microsoft. He is an inventor on 23 US patents, consults on intellectual-property matters, co-authored two books on space elevators, and has been active in science-fiction fandom for over 40 years. Will work for food.
PJ MANNEY
PJ Manney is the author of the bestselling and Philip K. Dick Award nominated (R) evolution, book one in the Phoenix Horizon series, and book two, (ID)entity. She is a former chairperson of Humanity+, author of non-fiction articles on empathy, human enhancement, and technology, and a frequent futurist speaker and guest. She wrote for Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess, and created numerous science fiction and fantasy pilot scripts for networks. She began her career as a movie executive.
RANDY HENDERSON
Randy Henderson is the author of the dark and quirky Finn Fancy urban fantasy trilogy from Tor. Randy is the 2014 Writers of the Future grand prize winner, a Clarion West graduate, and relapsed sarcasm addict who lives in Western Washington with audiobook narrator extraordinaire Folly Blaine, and his one-eyed tail-wagging friend Dogimus Maximus. Web: www.randy-henderson. com. Facebook: /randyhenderson. Twitter: @ randyauthor.
REI PAULSEN
RENEE STERN
Renee Stern is a former newspaper reporter turned freelance writer whose short fiction has appeared in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Black Gate, Evil Girlfriend Media’s Speculate!, and the anthologies Looking Landwards, Gears and Levers 3, Human Tales, and Sails & Sorcery: Tales of Nautical Fantasy. While her historical fantasy novel circulates, she’s writing the sequel.
RHIANNON HELD
Rhiannon Held is the author of the urban fantasy Silver series from Tor. The final book in the series, Death-Touched, will be out Spring 2018. She lives in Seattle, where she works as an archaeologist for an environmental compliance firm. Working in both archaeology and writing, she’s “lucky” enough to have two sexy careers that don’t make her much money. In her proverbial copious free time, she sings in a community choir, games online, and occasionally enjoys betting on the ponies.
RICHARD STEPHENS
Richard Stephens works as an actor, director and costume designer on the North Olympic Peninsula. Over the course of 30+ years in active fandom, Richard’s work in costume design has moved from mere historical recreation to the study of Fashion Anthropology. However, he is at heart still a very silly man, and loves to put random objects on his head as hats and never feels that you can put too many rhinestones, sequins or feathers on a costume.
RUSSELL ERVIN
Russell is an information technology entrepreneur, retired Navy captain, adventurer and aspiring writer. A nuclear submarine officer by training, he spent 18 years as a commanding officer. He was the deputy of submarine rescue during the 2005 rescue of Russian sailors trapped off Petropavlovsk. He has a degree in electrical engineering, speaks at macroeconomic conferences, and is an avid attendee of Clarion West writing workshops. Russell is home grown—Norwescon is his home con since 2005.
SANDRA M. ODELL
Sandra lives in Washington state with her husband, sons, and an Albanian miniature moose masquerading as a dog. Her work has appeared in such venues as Jim Baen’s Universe, Daily Science Fiction, Galaxy’s Edge, Crossed Genres, Pseudopod, Cast of Wonders, and Podcastle. Her short story collection, Broken in Beautiful Ways, will be released by Hydra House Books in early 2018.
SAR SURMICK
Sar Surmick is the director of the Consent Academy and works as a marriage and family therapist specializing in identity work and couples therapy. With offices in Redmond and Seattle, Sar works with a wide variety of clients, focusing on groups, non-monogamy, sex and gender, trans* youth, and BDSM/kink. Sar also works as sex- positive educator and organizer with the Foundation for Sex Positive Culture. In their down time, Sar is an author, gamer, GM, world builder, and seeker of interesting people.
SARAH GULDE
Sarah Gulde is the organizer of Nerd Camp, a Portland mini-con that focuses on diversity and inclusiveness with a healthy dose of fun! She has appeared on panels at Emerald City Comic Con, Rose City Comic Con, Wizard World, OryCon, and Westercon, and was the recipient of the 2014 John Andrews Memorial Scholarship to attend Worldcon in London. She’s a tiny bit of a Star Trek fan and also enjoys CrossFit, Pokemon GO, room escapes, road trips, and too many other fandoms to list here.
SCOTT JAMES MAGNER
Scott James Magner is an author, game designer, editor, and developer. His work has appeared in games such as Dungeons and Dragons, TERA Online, AEON, and Lineage II. He spends his days twisting and tuning new worlds, and is always looking for something new to learn.
SHEYE ANNE BLAZE
Sheye Anne Blaze grew up reading Roger Zelazny and Piers Anthony books that were left about by her uncle. She is a gadgetry, geeky, queer, kinky, fat, polyamorous, activist-type of Native (Lakota). She has a passion for civil liberties for everyone, including Klingons, Stormtroopers, Drow, and Cylons. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, two children, every Heroscape piece ever made, more than 15,000 Magic cards, The Box of Many Munchkins, hundreds of video games, and more computers than humans.
SHUBZILLA
Shubzilla is a rapper based out of Renton, WA. She has performed in venues such as the Lo-Fi, Substation, Nectar Lounge, and Funhouse. Shubzilla is a co-founder of The Nerdy People of Color Collective, a group of nerds of color who strive to promote diversity and inclusion in geek and nerd spaces. She is also a co-founder and a staff member for GeekGirlCon, a Seattle-based organization dedicated to celebrating the female geek.
SHWETA ADHYAM
Shweta is an sff writer, data analyst, Hindu- mythology enthusiast and martial-arts student who grew up in Madras, Tamil Nadu and lives in Seattle, WA. She has been a physics grad student, an astronomy grad student and an actuary. Opinions on all these subjects, and others besides.
SIENNA SAINT-CYR
Sienna Saint-Cyr writes about sex, BDSM, and important related topics. Along with writing erotica and romance, she speaks at conventions, workshops, and private gatherings on such sex- positive topics as a healthy body image, using sexuality to promote healing, and navigating diverse or non-traditional relationships. She also runs a local writing workshop and a small press with a focus on shifting rape culture.
SPENCER ELLSWORTH
Spencer Ellsworth wrote his first novel at seven years old and never recovered. His debut novel, A Red Peace, came out from Tor.com Publishing in 2017, followed by the sequel Shadow Sun Seven & Memory’s Blade. His short fiction is available and forthcoming at Tor.com, Lightspeed Magazine, Podcastle, and many others. He writes, teaches and edits in Bellingham, Washington, plays in local band Pawnbroker and is married to fantasy artist Chrissy Ellsworth with three children of the apocalypse.
STEVEN BARNES
Steven Barnes has published over three million words of fiction and non-fiction, as well as almost two dozen produced hours of television, including Stargate, Andromeda, Outer Limits, and Twilight Zone, and most recently the television movie The Good House for Lifetime network. Norwescon is his favorite convention of the year.
SUSAN CHANG
Susan Chang is a senior editor at Tor Books. After graduating from Vassar College with a degree in Medieval and Renaissance studies, she began her publishing career at HarperCollins Children’s Books, where she worked for nine years before moving on to shorter stints at Hyperion Books for Children and Parachute Publishing, a book packager. In January 2004, Susan got her dream job at Tor Books, where she acquires and edits books for the Starscape middle grade and Tor Teen young adult imprints.
TANYA D.
Tanya is the founder and director of I Need Diverse Games, a not-for-profit foundation based in Chicago. She’s the newest addition to the Spawn on Me podcast, the Diversity Liaison for GaymerX , the programming coordinator for OrcaCon, and often speaks on issues of diversity, feminism, race, intersectionality and other topics at conventions. Her writing appears in Uncanny Magazine, Polygon, Vice Gaming, Waypoint, Wiscon Chronicles, Paste Games and other publications.
TEGAN MOORE
Aliens, bizarre worlds, and the idea of radical difference drew Tegan Moore to speculative fiction as a child. She finds her own aliens now closer to home: in the emotional lives of animals, in humans who might not be entirely human, in the monsters we make out of our own frustrations and fears. Tegan is a graduate of Clarion West and has been published in Asimov’s Science Fiction and Strange Horizons. She is a professional dog trainer, is allergic to chocolate and only has eight toenails.
THERESA HALBERT
Theresa Halbert is a textile artist with a focus on costumes, art quilts, and art bags. She has worked professionally in theater for over 20 years in Chicago and Los Angeles and received her MFA from the University of Southern California. She has received awards at Worldcon and Norwescon for her costumes, and won for her artwork at Norwescon, OryCon and other shows for her artwork.
TIM PRATT
Tim Pratt is the author of over 20 novels, most recently the space opera The Wrong Stars, first in the Axiom series, and a Philip K. Dick Award finalist! His short stories have appeared in The Best American Short Stories, The Year’s Best Fantasy, and other nice places. He’s a Hugo Award winner for short fiction, and has been a finalist for World Fantasy, Sturgeon, Stoker, Mythopoeic, and Nebula Awards, among others. He’s a senior editor at Locus magazine, and lives in Berkeley, California, with his family.
TINA CONNOLLY
Tina Connolly is the author of the Ironskin trilogy from Tor Books, the Seriously Wicked series from Tor Teen, and the collection On the Eyeball Floor from Fairwood Press. Her books have been finalists for the Nebula, the Norton, and the World Fantasy awards. She frequently narrates for podcasts, runs the flash fiction podcast Toasted Cake, and is a co- host of Escape Pod. Find her at tinaconnolly.com.
TOD MCCOY
Tod McCoy is a Seattle-based writer whose work has appeared in Asimov’s, Starward Tales II, The People’s Apocalypse, Bronies: For the Love of Ponies, AntipodeanSF.com, Qarrtsiluni.com, and The Gloaming. A Clarion West graduate and current board member, he’s the publisher behind Hydra House, whose catalog includes Telling Tales, edited by Ellen Datlow, two collections by Cat Rambo: Near+Far, which generated a Nebula nomination, and Neither Here Nor There, as well as the forthcoming Godfall & Other Stories by Sandra Odell.
TOM GILSTER
TORREY STENMARK
Torrey Stenmark is an award- winning costumer and a college chemistry instructor. The same skill set that earned her a master’s degree in organic chemistry (attention to detail, record keeping, delicate physical coordination, refusal to be intimidated by new problems) enabled her to compete and win in the master’s division of several costume contests on the local and national scale. She now teaches at Shoreline Community College.
TRITON MAHTLINNIE
Mahtlinnie is a triton and life-long resident of Puget Sound. Mahtlinnie has come ashore to share their love of magic, merfolk, and the maritime world with the land-folk.
V WHITLOCK
Victoria has spoken around the world on topics of privacy, computer security and women’s history. She has written and contributed to over 13 books on highly technical topics involving Oracle. Victoria loves learning, sharing and is now working on a pairing blog for food and wine.
WENDY WASIK
YL’LURIA WATERSONG
Yl’luria WaterSong began sharing her fins with the world over four years ago as a professional mermaid entertainer. Now, she travels throughout Oregon & the PNW flipping her fins, entertaining children of ALL ages on land & in the water, while spreading the message that EVERYbody deserves to live their dreams! She also sings, makes 2D & 3D art, loves all things bellydance, fantasy, folklore, & horror, and enjoys incorporating all of these elements into her work. This is definitely one well- rounded mermaid!
2018
ADAM WEST
SEPTEMBER 19, 1928 – JUNE 9, 2017
An American actor whose career spanned seven decades, Adam West was widely known for his role as Batman in the 1960s ABC series Batman and its 1966 theatrical feature film. He was born in Walla Walla, Washington, attended Walla Walla High School during his freshman and sophomore years, moved to Seattle when he was 15, and enrolled in Lakeside School in Seattle. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in literature and a minor in psychology from Whitman College in Walla Walla. In his youth, he told his father that after school he would go to Hollywood. He appeared in many movies and TV shows including: Robinson Crusoe on Mars, Outer Limits episode “The Invisible Enemy”, Hell Riders, Zombie Nightmare, Doin’ Time on Planet Earth, Omega Cop, Séance, Angels with Angles, and Sexina. West performed voice work on many animations, including: The Simpsons, Family Guy, Meet the Robinsons, The Secret Files of the SpyDogs, The Batman, and numerous video games.
BERNIE WRIGHTSON
OCTOBER 27, 1948 – MARCH 18, 2017
Bernie Wrightson was an American artist, co-creator of the Swamp Thing, with the writer Len Wein. He was known for his lush, intricate, otherworldly visions of horror. He devoted seven years to one of his most personal works: an adaptation of Frankenstein for Marvel Comics.
BILL PAXTON
MAY 17, 1955 – FEBRUARY 25, 2017
An American actor and director, Bill Paxton appeared in such films as The Terminator (a minor role as a punk thug), Weird Science (brother Chet), Aliens (remember “Game Over, Game Over?”), Predator 2, Apollo 13, and Twister. He was also in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Edge of Tomorrow, and lent his voice to the video game Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare - Exo Zombies. Paxton directed several short films, including the music video for Barnes & Barnes’ novelty song “Fish Heads.” In the early 1980s, Paxton and his friend Andrew Todd Rosenthal formed a new wave musical band called Martini Ranch. The band released its only full-length album, Holy Cow, in 1988. The music video for the single “Reach” was directed by James Cameron, produced by Devo member Bob Casale, and featured guest appearances by two other Devo members,
CHERYL FERGUSON
APRIL 3, 1952 – FEBRUARY 5, 2018
Cheryl Ferguson was a longtime volunteer with Norwescon, a mover and shaker. She found Norwescon over 30 years ago, and shortly thereafter started volunteering behind the scenes in the event tech team supporting AV needs for panels and special events, eventually taking over the management of the team. She moved up the ranks and was the Director of Convention Services, the onsite convention runner, for many years, later becoming our Vice Chair, and was a recipient of the Lifetime Membership Award for her years of dedication to the convention. She was a welcoming force to new members of the convention committee when they first joined up to volunteer, and made everyone feel supported and valued. She had the right amount of nurturing and push to get the job done, the ability to deescalate an issue quickly, and made lots of friends in the process. Her Texas roots gave her this skill.
She loved her horses, her dachshund, and Jordan Orr. Together they shared their farm on Whidbey Island with friends, and some of the ConCom members enjoyed “retreats” to help with various projects there. She will be great missed by all who knew and loved her.
CHRIS ‘RAVENWOOD’ NEFEDOW
OCTOBER 13, 1970 – AUGUST 22, 2017
Chris “Ravenwood” Nefedow was a long time staff member of RainFurrest and Vancoufur. At RainFurrest he brought all Toons for your “Cereal and Toons.” He volunteered in operations and treasury. Ravenwood also volunteered at V-Con Operations.
GORDON ERICKSON
OCTOBER 26, 1956 – JANUARY 4, 2018
Gordon “Gort” Erickson was on the committee for the first Norwescon. He ran the film program (with actual celluloid and film projectors!) in the early years of the convention and later helped with the dances and other areas of the convention. He was a valuable asset due to his ability to look at an issue and come up with a simple solution. Before Norwescon, he was a member of the Puget Sound Star Trekkers and was active in many other areas of fandom. Gort loved music, movies, and model making. He wrote one screenplay which was produced in to a short film.
HARUO NAKAJIMA
JANUARY 1, 1929 – AUGUST 7, 2017
Haruo Nakajima was a Japanese actor, best known for portraying Godzilla in twelve consecutive films, starting from the original 1954 Godzilla until 1972’s Godzilla vs. Gigan. He played various other giant monsters, and was considered to be the best suit actor. He began his career as a stunt actor in samurai films. Beginning in the late 1990s, Nakajima made a series of personal appearances at various Japanese monster- themed conventions, including Monsterpalooza convention in Burbank, California, in April 2011.
JERRY POURNELLE
AUGUST 7, 1933 – SEPTEMBER 8, 2017
Jerry Pournelle was a science fiction writer and journalist who contributed for many years to the computer magazine Byte (1970s through early 1990s), describing his experiences with computer hardware and software. He also published articles on military tactics and war gaming. Pournelle’s work engaged strong military themes, with several books centering on a fictional mercenary infantry force. Science fiction fans knew him as the author of novels like Janissaries and Starswarm. Pournelle also wrote with other authors; Larry Niven was a favorite collaborator. Their work included The Mote in God’s Eye, Lucifer’s Hammer, Inferno, Escape From Hell, and Footfall. He spent years working in the aerospace industry, including at Boeing, on projects including studying the heat tolerance of astronauts in spacesuits, military tactics, and probabilities. Jerry Pournelle received a Bachelor of Science in psychology in 1955, a Master of Science in psychology in 1958, and a doctorate in political science in 1964 from the University of Washington. He is recognized as the first author to have written a published contribution to a book using a word processor on a personal computer in 1977.
JOHN DALMAS
DECEMBER 3, 1926 – JUNE 15, 2017
A science fiction author from the Northwest, and a strong, comforting presence in the NW convention scene, John Dalmas was a warm and engaging man with a good take on life and a great sense of humor. He was a good friend to MosCon and PESFA (Palouse Empire Science Fiction Association). He wrote many books based on military and governmental themes. John’s first published novel was The Yngling, serialized beginning in the October–November 1969 issue of Analog. Friends suggest that you pick up a couple of his books.
JOHN MOLLO
MARCH 18, 1931 – OCTOBER 25, 2017
John Mollo was a British costume designer most known for his Oscar-winning costume design for the Star Wars film series. He admitted he had never watched a science fiction movie before working on Star Wars. Using Ralph McQuarrie’s sketches, Mollo designed the outfits for Han Solo, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers. Accepting the Oscar for best costume design in 1978, Mollo remarked, “As you see, the costumes from Star Wars are really not so much costumes as a bit of plumbing and general automobile engineering.” Other films for which he provided costume design include Alien, The Empire Strikes Back, Outland, Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes, The Three Musketeers, The Jungle Book, and Event Horizon.
JOHN YOUNG
SEPTEMBER 24, 1930 – JANUARY 5, 2018
John Young was an American astronaut, naval officer, aviator, test pilot, and aeronautical engineer. He had the longest career of any astronaut, 42 years. He was the ninth person to walk on the moon with the Apollo 16 mission in 1972, and the first person to fly six space missions. Young was the only person to have piloted and commander of four different classes of spacecraft: Gemini, the Apollo Command/Service Module, the Apollo Lunar Module, and the Space Shuttle. Young retired on December 31, 2004, and in 2012, published an autobiography, Forever Young.
JORDIN KARE
OCTOBER 24, 1956 – JULY 19, 2017
Jordin Kare was a physicist and aerospace engineer known for his research on laser propulsion and was active in the science fiction fan community, as a composer, performer and recording artist of filk music. He co-founded LaserMotive, Inc., a laser power-beaming entrant in the Elevator:2010 Beam Power Challenge. He was a regular attendee and program participant at science fiction conventions starting in 1975. Kare was an editor of The Westerfilk Collection: Songs of Fantasy and Science Fiction. An astrophysicist character with his name appears in War of Honor and Torch of Freedom.
KARRIE DUNNING
JUNE 11 1951 – APRIL 11, 2017
Karrie Dunning was an active fan in the early days of Norwescon and with Puget Sound Star Trekkers. She loved sci-fi, and was a lifelong Beatles fan and animal lover. Karrie was a member of the Vanguard group and was part of the unsuccessful bid to bring the Worldcon to Seattle in 1981. She was a world traveler, traveling for both work and for pleasure to the South Georgian Islands, the Bering Sea, Punta Arenas, Chile, Antarctica, Java, Bali, Indonesia, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Alaska, Germany, and Mexico. The “Six Foot Amazonian Jug Band” will be missed.
LEN WEIN
JUNE 12, 1948 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2017
An American comic book writer and editor, Len Wein is best known for co-creating DC Comics’ Swamp Thing, Marvel Comics’ Wolverine, and for helping revive the X-Men in 1975, including the co-creation of Nightcrawler, Storm, and Colossus. Wein was very sick as a child. While in the hospital at age seven, his father brought him a stack of comic books, and he was hooked. An eighth grade art teacher told him that he had talent. Wein was aiming to become an artist when someone at DC suggested his art wasn’t quite there, but they liked his writing. Wein had writing credits on numerous television shows. He was the editor for writer Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons’ influential DC miniseries, Watchmen.
MARTIN LANDAU
JUNE 20, 1928 – JULY 15, 2017
Martin Landau was an American actor, acting coach, and producer. His career began in the 1950s with an early film appearance in a supporting role in Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest. He played a regular role as a master of disguise in the television series Mission: Impossible and in Space: 1999 as the commander. His performance as Bela Lugosi in Ed Wood earned him an Academy Award for best supporting actor, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe Award. Landau researched the role of Lugosi by watching about 25 old Lugosi movies. His other films include Tucker: The Man and His Dream and The X-Files. He also appeared on television in The Twilight Zone (old and new), The Outer Limits, and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.
PAMELA ANN RAPINAN
JUNE 8, 1964– APRIL 2, 2017
Pamela Rapinan was a fixture at many northwest science fiction and fantasy conventions with her massage table and healing energy. Her sign said, “If you think you need a massage, then you do,” and was correct. If anyone needed a happy thought, she was there for them, being awesome and positive. Pamela loved an adventure, food, gatherings, dressing up at cons, growing spiritually, hula hoops, dancing, and overall, she loved Life.
PAUL J. WEITZ
JULY 25, 1932 – OCTOBER 23, 2017
Paul Weitz was an astronaut who went in to space aboard Skylab and the space shuttle, later serving as a NASA official. Among his many accomplishments, Weitz commanded the first flight of the space shuttle Challenger, and logged nearly 800 total hours in space.
URSULA KROEBER LE GUIN
OCTOBER 21, 1929 – JANUARY 22, 2018
Ursula K. Le Guin was an American novelist. She also wrote children’s books, short stories (mainly in the genres of fantasy and science fiction), poetry, and essays. First published in the 1960s, her work imagined alternative worlds of politics, environmentalism, gender, religion, sexuality, and ethnography. In 2016, The New York Times described her as America’s greatest living science fiction writer, although she said that she would prefer to be known as an American novelist. She won the Hugo Award, Nebula Award, Locus Award, and World Fantasy Award, each more than once. In 2003, she was made a Grandmaster of Science Fiction, one of a few women writers to take this top honor.
In her youth, Le Guin was encouraged to read and was exposed to their parents’ dynamic friend group. She heard a lot of interesting, grown- up conversations. Her first fantasy story was written at age 9. Her first science fiction story was submitted for publication, in the magazine Astounding Science Fiction, at age 11. In her later days she taught writing at Clarion West, Portland State University, Reading University in England, Tulane University, Bennington College, Stanford, and San José State University.
VICKI MITCHELL GUSTAFSON
APRIL 19, 1954 – APRIL 13, 2017.
Victoria “Vicki” Estelle Mitchell Gustafson was publicly known as V.E. Mitchell, best-selling Star Trek author. Vicki joined PESFA (The Palouse Empire Science Fiction Association) in 1977, and became a core member of the group which put on the small-but-great convention, MosCon. She was a part of Writers’ Bloc writing workshop. Vicki worked as a geologist and mine historian for the Idaho Geological Survey. In 2006, her mine histories won the Esto Perpetua Award for lifetime contributions to Idaho history. Vicki’s Star Trek novels were Enemy Unseen, Imbalance, Windows on a Lost World, and the YA novel Atlantis Station. In addition, she wrote The Tale of the Bad- Tempered Ghost, Pool Party Panic, Against the Night, and the short story “Ekaterin.”
ZACK WILLHOITE
MARCH 19, 1982 – DECEMBER 18, 2017
Norwescon lost another one of our own when the Amtrak train Zack Willhoite was riding with his best friend Jim derailed south of Dupont, Washington. Zack was born, raised, and lived in the Puyallup/Tacoma area. He worked at Pierce transit in the IT department and brought that skill to Norwescon.
Zack was a fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and came to volunteer with us following the Blue Mouse Troupe live RHPS performances at Norwescon. During the convention, when not putting out IT fires, he could be found roaming the halls enjoying his passion for photography and dropping into the dance to do the Time Warp.
Zack was a superhero in the world of buses and transit, a lifelong bus enthusiast, and an internationally-known transit authority known as “Busdude” (www.busdude.com). He even owned his own bus. He was a member of All Aboard Washington, a train enthusiast and lobbying group working on making trains safer and enjoyable for all. On the side, Zack still found time to be a fan of SF/F, RHPS, the SCA, bad movies, and great puns. Zack truly cared about his family and friends and would drop everything and go help with whatever was needed (frequently their IT problems!). Zack is survived by his wife, Taylor Tomblin, and his mother Dixie.
2018
John P. Alexander
Alan F. Beck
Belsac Lauren Blake
Bruce Brenneise
Michael Brugger
Lori Burtis Laura Cameron Rob Carlos Peri Charlifu Alan M. Clark
Sarah Clemens Liz Copeland
Christopher Creath
Katie Croonenberghs
Lizzy D. Tiffany Dae
Julie Dillon
Braden Duncan
Elizabeth Fellows
Rebecca Flaum
Josh Foreman
Christy Grandjean
John R. Gray Iii
Laura Grover
Theresa Halbert
Vandy H. Hall
Danielle Harada
Heather Hart
Trish Hedegaard
Douglas Herring
Camille High
Debbie Hoover
Eden Hopkins
Katherine Howes
Heather Hudson
Jeliza
Erika Kaumeyer
David Ketcherside
LAWilson
L. Pierce Ludke
Lynne Magie
Amanda Makepeace
Theresa Mather
Agathon Mcgeachy
Mimu
Allen Morris
Betsy Mott
Lee Moyer
Musicdove
My Treehouse Studio
Jackie Duram Nilsson
Laurie Noel
Mimi Noyes
Ginger Opal
David Lee Pancake
Personal Space
Arlin Robins
Mark Roland
Sandra Santara
Scarletrabbit
Victoria Shaffer
Siren Cove Studios
Lisa Snellings
Doc Steam
Susan Stejskal
Aimee Stewart
Jeff Sturgeon
Sandra Swan
T. M. Originals
Andy Vanoverberghe
Eric Vargas
Keith Amarak Waters
Patty A Watson
Mevima Winn
Laura Tempest Zakroff
2018
Angelwear
Apocalypse Ink Productions / Jennifer Brozek
Atlas Imaging
Cargo Cult Books & Notions
Celtic Moonlighting
Chronos Games and Gifts
Clockwork Dragon Books
Clover Creek Creations by Elleveve
Collageorama
Dark Repast Publishing
D.M. Darroch
DefCon One Publishing
Doce Blant Publishing
Dragon’s Hoard Games
Dragondyne Publishing
DragonStorm Sports
Rob & June Edwards
Elysium Books
Everett Comics
Firefox Fashions (The Fur Connection)
Forever Knight Games
Geek Lolita
Geisha Moth
Gem Games & Hobbies
Elizabeth Guizzetti
Humanoid Games
Hundeliebe Press
Let’s Play! Cafe
LittleCLUUs
Miss Haley Bombshell Boutique
Mountaineer West Productions
Nemesis Gear
OffWorld Designs, Inc.
One2Charisma
Optimystical Studios
Pandora House Crafts LLC
Pegasus Publishing
Pixelosis
Quicksilver Fantasies
Quinn & Bloom
Cat Rambo
Red Muse Press
SewCherie
Sinister Metalworks
Skydragons
Steelcraft
Story Smiths
Studio Catawampus
TANSTAAFL Press
The Shrubbery
Theresa Mather Fantasy Art
Yellow Rocket Collectibles
Eligenim
Chair................Loree Parker
Elections ...............Kevin Black
Charities Co-Lead ......... Katrina Marier
Charities Co-Lead ...........Phillip Buff
Charities Assistant.......... Willow Clark
Info Manager...........Shannon Hillinger
Historian .............Michael Citrak
WikiTeam..............Wm Salt Hale
WikiTeam...............Don Glover
WikiTeam............Michael Hanscom
WikiTeam..............Scott Surber
MoPOPLiaison.............Doug Booze
ViceChair...............Tonya Clark
Hotel Liaison..............Kathy Bond
Secretary...............Katie Haas
SecretarySecond............Pearl Young
Onions & Roses Coordinator/Designer .. Colin Davis
Onions & Roses Lead Data Analyst.. Megan Langley
BusinessDirector ................ Business Director Second........ Eric Weber
Auditor..............Scott Swanson
Auditor................Mike Orosz
Purchasing Agent ......... Cherie Playter
Registration Liaison ......... Scott Surber
Acquisitions S.S............. Don Glover
Treasurer...............Brian Haas
Member Services Director ........Pat Booze
Member Services Second .........Geoff Gill
Registration Manager........ Jeffrey Cornish
Registration Services Staff ......Sally Woehrle
Registration Services Staff ..... Veronica Davis
Art Show Manager ...........Doug Booze
Asst. Art Director ...........Jeff LaCoss
Art Show Setup Lead ......... WaltThomas
Art Show Auctioneer ..........Jeff LaCoss
Print Shop Coordinator .........Laura Penty
Art Show GoH Liaison.......... Rob Carlos
Lead ashier..............Jean Carlos
Art Show Staff............Mark Sebring
Art Show Staff...........Caroline Westra
Art Show Staff .........Alexandra Demboski
Art Show Staff........... Julie emboski
Art Show Staff........... Canyon Swartz
Art Show Staff........... Tanya Rodgers
Art Show Staff..........Marjorie Stratton
Art Show Staff........... Logan Stewart
Art Show Staff......... LouAnna Valentine
Artist Liaison.............Rob Carlos
Information Table Manager .... Jennifer Douwes
Information Table Staff......... Katie Haas
Information Table Liaison.... Erik Stringer-Lund
Club Tables .............Shawn Marier
Dealers' Room Manager ........ Amy Gembala
Art In Action Coordinator ...... Peggy Stewart Cloakroom Staff ..........Warren Redman
Cloakroom Staff............Cheryl Buck
Cloakroom Staff.............Jeff Buck
Cloakroom Staff .......... Anita Caywood
Publications Director......... Cheryl Dyson
Publications Second .......... Emily Teng
Publications Staff Writer ....... June Bordas
Daily Zine Lead........... Scott Summers
Graphic Designer...........Scott Douwes
Photography Team Lead ...... Michael Hanscom
Photographer .............Thom Walls
Photographer ............ David Moore
Photographer............Patrick White
Photographer ........... Destry Hoover
Editing Team Lead ...........Kevin Black
Editor...............Rhonda Gilliam
Editor...............Veronica Sharp
Editor.................Kieran Alho
Editor.................Steve Allen
Editor.................Emily Teng
Web Team Lead/Webmaster .... Michael Hanscom
Social Media Lead ........ Michael Hanscom
Social Media Minions ..... Mirelle Celeste Young
Guidebook Editor............Kevin Black
Convention Services Director ..... Alexis Smith
Convention Services Deputy Director . Brad Nelson
Sheriff Sergeant...........Peter Horvath
Information Technology Manager . Jeri Lynn Cornish
CM System Specialist....... Jeri Lynn Cornish
IT Ninja...............Valerie Oliver
IT Ninja...............Michael Yust
IT Ninja.............RichardK ennedy
IT Ninja..............Jamesd Ballard
Deputy Director, Facilities Elizabeth Thomas-Rodolf
Hotel Layouts Designer ....... Michael Citrak
LayoutsAssistiant.......... Caryn Meyer
Logistics Manager ......... Eric Pawtowski
Logistics Staff..........Daniel Pawtowski
Logistics Staff ..........Yvonne Pawtowski
Logistics Staff........... William Boyde
AVServices: Mentor .......... Jordan Orr
AV Services Tech Assistant ......Gereth Rodolf
AV Services Tech Assistant ...... Walt Thomas
AV Services Tech Assistant ...... Jason Emery
AV Services Sound ...........James Byrd
Grand 3 Technical Manager .... Jackie Nordquist
GR3 Lighting Director ...... Mikail Nordquist
GR3 Sound Director....... Alexander Kiwerski
Art Show setup Team Leader ..... Walt Thomas
Asst. Director, Site Operations .... Devlin Perez
Safety and Security Manager .... Will Blackwell
Security Event Support Supervisor ... Scot Oliver
Security Patrol Supervsior ...... Scott Surber
Security Patrol Supervisor ..... Ryver Hankins
Security Staff.............Dan Farley
Security Staff ...........Craig Anderson
Security Staff............Jacklyn Hine
Security Staff .......... Jamal Stevenson
Security Staff .........Greywolfe Gallagher
Security Staff............Amanda Hart
Protective Services Supervisor ... Joshua Keegan
Peacebonding Supervisor ......... CP Dalen
Peacebonding Staff.........Antonio Tarrelli
Peacebonding Staff.......... Loki Tarrelli
Dispatcher.............Christy Zellmer
Dispatcher..............Mir Plemmons
Radio Systems Lead ..........Ben Hebert
Asst. Office Manager ..... Jenn Contreras-Perez
Bunny Runner ........... Vicky Rudesill
Programming Director ...... SunnyJim Morgan
Programming Second ........ Adrienne Loska
Art Track Lead.............Bryan Syme
Artist Workshop ...........Scott Douwes
Biological Sciences Track Lead ....Jake McKinzie Comics Track Lead ......... Mickey Schulz
Costume Track Lead ......... Lori Edwards
Culture Track Lead........ Sheye Ann Blaze
Editing/Publishing Track Lead .... Alaina Ewing
Fantasy Track Lead......... Adrienne Loska
Fanfic Track Lead ............Ruth Frey
Gaming Track Lead...........Donna Prior
History Track Lead...........Bill Gruner
Horror Track Lead ........ Julie McGalliard
Military Track Lead..........Russell Ervin
Music Track Lead........... Steven Perry
Popular Media Track Lead ....... Rob Stewart
Space Track Lead............Art Bozlee
Technology Track Lead ........ Mike Brennan
Writing Track Lead......... Adrinne Loska
Young Adult Track Lead ....... Lisa Mantchev
Youth Programming Track Lead .. Danielle Gembala
Youth Programming 2nd......... Eric Snyder
Autograph Sessions ...... Autumn Santercier
Pro Check-in Staff .........Amanda D'Haem
Pro Check-in Staff...........Toni Davey
Pro Check-in Staff .......... Bernie Strub
Workshops Coordinator ..... Autumn Santercier
Asst. Workshop Coord....... Tyson Santercier
Stage Management Lead ........ Scott Paice
Stage Management Staff ........ Judith Lyen
Pro Suite Staff..........Claudia McClusky
Pro Suite Procurement .........Zoe Himmah
GoH Selection Committee ...... Katrina Marier
GoH Selection Committee .....Jacquie Nordquist
Personnel Director ........ Jeanine Swanson
Personnel Second/ConCom Mtg. Hostess Pearl Young
Year Round Engagement...... Jackie Nordquist
Pride Parade........... Jeanine Swanson
PuyallupFair........... Jeanine Swanson
Swap Meet............Jeanine Swanson
Book Club...............Kathy Bond
Meet Ups ...............Kathy Bond
Training ................ Katie Haas
Customer Service & Safety Training ... Katie Haas Convention Lounge Hosts Lead ....Sadie Franzen
Convention Lounge/Entertainment Mycheal Gheparde
Convention Suite Hosts Second . Benjamin Schreiber
Volunteer Support Host Lead .... Rebecca Paice
Volunteer Support Staff ........ Starshadow
Signs..............Jeanine Swanson
Special Events Director......... Alan Bond
Closing Ceremonies.........Rob Stewart
PK Dick Awards Coordinator.... William Sadorus
GoH Banquet Coordinator ........ Kathy Bond
Dances Moderator ......... Michaela Zielke
Scheduled Gaming Director ...... Jeffrey Sloan
Sch. Gaming Rm. Mgr Second .....Earl McDaniel
Gaming Staff........... Michael Maughan
Gaming taff........... Richard Johnson
Gaming Staff........... Amanda Wigylus
Gaming Staff............Kimberly Bright
Gaming Staff............Laura Maughan
Gaming Staff........... Yang-Yang Wang
Gaming Scheduling ......... Bryan Bateman
Hero Corps Coordinator .........Chris Knoke
Single Pattern Contest ........ Alicia Faires
Concerts Director.............Dr. Owl
Concerts PR.............Dara Korra'ti
Lazer Tag Assistant ....... Elizabeth Fellows
Nerf Arena Coordinator ..... Steven Hasenbuhler
Nerf Assistant..........Elizabeth Fellows
Nerf Herder............Jennifer Baker
Masquerade Director ....... Jackie Nordquist
Front House Manager ........ Frieda Orsborn
Rocky Horror Coordinator ....... Michael Amos
Burlesque Director.......... Amber Clark
Burlesque Stage Manager ....... Elspeth Gotz
nwcMusic Coordinator ........ Dara Korra'ti
Karaoke Coordinator ........ Morgan Herring
Karaoke Co-Coordinator......... Katie Haas
MoviePreviews............Keith Johnson
By Emma Törzs
I wanted to go shooting on my last night in Montana, but though we drove from store to store, we couldn’t get our hands on any ammo. Was this a state full of bulletless guns? Instead we drove out of town to a bar a famous poet used to frequent, and got drunk in the dim red light with a crowd of locals, mostly men. Only it turned out lots of them weren’t locals. Lots of them were transplants, like ourselves.
“I’ve been here thirty-five years,” said one old man, bolo-tied, his white beard gone yellow around the mouth. “If that’s not local, what is?”
“But you didn’t grow up here,” I said. “Your formative years were spent elsewhere.”
“Wrong,” he said. “I didn’t start forming till forty at least.”
Then he told me the reason we couldn’t get ammo. Gun companies, he said, liked to pretend they were always on the verge of running out, so people would panic and stock up. They rationed their bullets; sold some on Friday, some on Saturday, some on Sunday. Today had been Sunday. Furthermore, he said, it was gun companies who lobbied hardest for gun control laws, again trying to froth people into believing they had to buy up fast or lose their chance forever. Then, when the moment was right, they started lobbying back in the opposite direction.
I finished my whiskey. I said, “I guess by now I should be used to the ways of the world.”
“This not the world!” he said, angrily.
Some years later it was my last night in Boston and I was telling the story of my last night in Montana, how we couldn’t find bullets, how I’d gotten so drunk my friends had slung me into the wayback of someone’s Subaru and covered me with a purple blanket that smelled like dogs and wet leaves and then forgotten me until morning. “Let’s not have a repeat performance,” I said to my Boston friends. “If you put me in a car, you have to promise to take me out of it.”
We were in a Chinese restaurant, sitting at a red vinyl booth with an enormous pile of dirty dishes in front of us, straws dangling as we slurped from communal ponds of brightly-colored liquor. It was discovered that only one of us owned a car, anyway, and his was taken up by carseats and toys and had no room for a passed-out woman; “Believe me, I’ve checked,” he said, and someone else said, “Was that a rape joke?” I tried to bring the conversation back to bullets, and wanting to shoot them; I said, “Back then, we thought all danger could be tamed just because we were alive to it!”; but the moment for my story had passed.
That night I lay insomniac in my sleeping bag on the floor of my empty room and listened to a televised wrestling match clamor through the walls of the next apartment. I ended up thinking about the neighbor boy with whom I’d used to fight, and how our full-grinned red-faced tussles had been better practice for making love than any of the one-sided caresses I’d later accepted from the boys in junior high, and what did that say about love, or them, or me? The wrestling match next door got louder, and I realized maybe it was boxing, after all, or even tennis – all sports were the same to me, people getting physical to counteract the intangibility of life. I kicked my feet against the floorboards like a kid having a tantrum, and after a moment of this the television faded quiet. When I stopped, the volume went back up again.
Many years after that it was my last night in Oaxaca, and I was drinking mezcal in my daughter’s crowded kitchen. She’d been born here but collected folk art like a tourist, and from every corner brightly-painted animals stared crazily. Again I found myself telling how we’d tried to get bullets in Montana; this in an attempt to illustrate the insane workings of American corporate politics. Our Mexican friends shrugged, laughing. Their government barely even pretended to be on their side. Yes, they liked to hear about how America was corrupt and imploding, but their enjoyment was the same useless satisfaction you’d get from seeing your prettiest friend hangover-ugly, her face wrinkled like an old towel. Maybe she could look a mess, but you knew her flaws were nothing compared to your own, and to hear it suggested otherwise would be an affront to your own lifelong wounds.
Europeans, on the other hand, took great delight in pointing out every awful thing Americans had ever done, which put me on the defense even if I agreed. Excuse me, I always wanted to say to the Germans, but is your memory so short? Do we really want to go there?
“And people told me to be cautious here in Mexico,” a German friend snorted. “Sure, there is the drugs war, but in America you might die every time you visit a movie theater.”
“Of course you feel safe here,” said my daughter. “The danger isn’t yours.”
“Is it yours?” I asked her. “Passed down,” she said.
And eventually it was my last night on earth, and I remembered being young, and walking in the lush quiet of a Montana pine forest, the sweet smell of needles breaking silently beneath my feet. I wanted one more chance to tell that story, a chance to speak aloud the words I’d disregarded all those years ago but now repeated to myself as anathema against the dark encroaching barrel of life without me:
“This,” the man had said, “is not the world!”
I wished I’d asked – then what? – but it was too late, and I exploded out.
Emma Törzs is a writer, teacher, and chronic waitress based in Minneapolis. Her short fiction has been published in journals such as Ploughshares, The Threepenny Review, and Narrative, and will be appearing soon in Uncanny and Lightspeed. Her stories have been honored with a 2015 O. Henry Prize and a 2015 Missouri Review Editors' Prize, and she is an enthusiastic and grateful graduate of the Clarion West class of 2017.
Welcome to Norwescon 46: Into the Wylde
The Forty-sixth Annual Northwest Regional Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention
Writer Guest of Honor -
Jim Butcher
Artist Guest of Honor -
Charles Vess
Science Guest of Honor -
Dr. Raychelle Burks
Spotlight Publisher -
Clarkesworld Magazine
Special Guest of Honor -
Kate Alice Marshall
cover art © Charles Vess
Except where noted, contents are copyright ©2024 Norwescon for the contributors.
All opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Norwescon.
Your pocket program contains all kinds of cool stuff. There are schedules for events, information on those events, services available, maps, and convention hours.
For further information about the convention, go to the Information Table located in the convention space lobby.
The most up-to-date information can be found in the Guidebook app, as updates are made frequently during the convention. Feel free to download the app on your phone or other mobile device.
Your pocket program and event descriptions are broken up into two books for easier transportation.
The first book contains Thursday and Friday event programming.
The second book contains Saturday and Sunday event programming.
Thursday: 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.—1 p.m. & 2—10 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.—1 p.m. & 2—10 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.—1 p.m. & 2—10 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m.—1 p.m.
(253) 235-9296
During programming hours, pick up a house phone, dial 0, and ask for "Norwescon"
Thursday: noon—9 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.—9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.—9 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.—11 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.—11 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.—11 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.— 4 p.m.
Open 24 hours
Thursday 9 a.m. —Sunday 6 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.—7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.—7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.—7 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.—8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.—7 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Thursday 4—8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.—7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.—6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Thursday: 2 p.m.—10 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.—midnight
Saturday: 10 a.m.—midnight
Sunday: 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Games may continue after hours, but no Games staff will be available after the posted closing time.
Thursday: 2 p.m.—10 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.—midnight
Saturday: 10 a.m.—midnight
Sunday: 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Thursday: 5 a.m.—10 p.m.
Friday: 5 a.m.—10 p.m.
Saturday: 5 a.m.—10 p.m.
Sunday: 5 a.m.—10 p.m.
Thursday: noon—1 a.m.
Friday: noon—1 a.m.
Saturday: noon—1 a.m.
Sunday: noon—1 a.m.
Thursday: 6 a.m.—10 a.m.
Friday: 6 a.m.—10 a.m.
Saturday: 6 a.m.—11 a.m.
Sunday: 6 a.m.—11 a.m.
Thursday: 6 a.m.—midnight
Friday: 6 a.m.—midnight
Saturday: 6 a.m.—midnight
Sunday: 6 a.m.—midnight
10 a.m.—4 p.m. Grand 2
Come test out your aim with a provided assortment of Nerf blasters against a variety of targets! Underage players must have a parent present to check in. Shoes are required. Badges are not necessary for this event.
2—2:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Storm Crow. Rated PG.
Kurt Cagle (M)
2—3 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
TikTok has it all, from people explaining jet parts by comparing them to different scenes of *The Lord of the Rings *movies, to movie reviews for every genre, to costuming DIY for anything you can think of, just to name a few. How has TikTok affected the geek lifestyle?
Birdie (M), Brittany Torres, J.P. Barnett, Anne Stewart
2—3 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Revenge and reckoning are thematic pillars of the horror genre, and SFF has its vengeance stories as well. Tales like "And Now His Lordship Is Laughing" by Shiv Ramdas*, The Only Good Indians *by Stephen Graham Jones, and "We, the Ones Who Raised Sam Gowers from the Dead" by Cynthia Chang pull at readers' insides, connecting us with bitter emotions. How do writers design their tales to achieve this effect? What is the relationship between catharsis in the writer and in readers? Is catharsis always the goal? Writers of revenge tales will exchange recipes for the dish that's best served cold.
Celeste Wakefield (M), Shiv Ramdas, Sara A. Mueller, Amanda Cherry
2—3 p.m. Cascade 9
With current space technology, getting to Mars and back will require a large amount of fuel. A rocket using nuclear reactor technology would be able to complete the mission with less fuel and spend less time in space. New nuclear technologies called small modular reactors are being tested that should be safer. Is this the way to complete a trip to Mars and back?
Dan Dubrick (M), Mike Brennan, Andy Dykes, Dr. Sean Robinson, Dave Davis, Howard Davidson
2 p.m.—midnight Cascade 11 Want to set up your own game? Cascade 11 has space for your RPG, board, or card games. Check one out from Dragonflight's lending library or bring your own.
2 p.m.—midnight Cascade 12
Come check out games from our lending library. We have RPGs, card games, board games, and so much more! An official state driver's license or state ID is needed to check out games. This space has tables to play the games you borrow or bring yourselves. There will also be some scheduled games here. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs.
2—3 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
How to write believable, purposeful violent scenes and use them to advance the story and develop characters. Are your characters capable of interpersonal violence?
Metaerie (M), Gwendolyn N. Nix, Russell Ervin, Jim Butcher, Sandra Rosner
2—4 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
Need a quiet space to just be for a while? Want to read a book? Looking for a space to run a long game of *Twilight Imperium *that isn't noisy? We've set this space aside for just that.
2—10 p.m. Maxi's Salon
Artemis is a spaceship bridge simulator where players assume the jobs of captain, helm, science, communications, engineering, and weapons and work together to defeat alien enemies.
2 p.m.—midnight Rotunda 1 & 2
Come sign up for a game! We have Pathfinder Society, Adventurers League, RPGs, card games, and so much more! After scheduled gaming closes, this area is available for open games. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs. Rotunda 1 & 2 are located down Concourse 1 or 2 on the first and second floors.
2:30—3 p.m. Cascade 3
In 1884, Sean O'Herlihy plants a bomb at the Irish Special Branch. The explosion injures Lord Mowbray. Sean escapes to Ireland. Mowbray alerts Scotland Yard. The IRB send Sean and wife to Mars for protection. Follow their adventures crossing the void to their new home.
Dr. Mark Rounds (M)
3—3:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Invisible Cities meets sentient gargoyles in Campbell's cli-fi novel City of Dancing Gargoyles, a journey through a future U.S. where wolves float, bonfires sing, and devils gather to pray. When sentient stone gargoyles E and M flee their abandoned church in search of water, they meet a mother-daughter duo of climate refugees seeking safety. They join forces to search for a mysterious new city of gargoyles—but is it the key to a more sustainable future, or could it destroy everything they know? Rated PG.
Tara Campbell (M)
3—4 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Gaming used to target the teenage years, but that's not true at all these days. Our gaming panelists discuss the differences (and similarities) in designing games for kids vs. teens vs. adults vs. all ages.
Jason Nelson (M), Ron Lundeen, Mike Kimmel, Stan!
Misconceptions
3—4 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Join a very brief overview of modern and historical belly dance styles, the influence of western culture on the perception of belly dance, portrayal of it in modern fiction, and a brief history of origins.
Siyrren (M)
3—4 p.m. Cascade 9
Do you have a story that would make a great comic? Learn how to prepare your writing to work with an artist and write a comic book script.
G.R. Theron (M), David Boop, Eric L Vargas, Elizabeth Guizzetti
3—4 p.m. Cascade 10
"Poetry?" I hear you cry. Yes, poetry, aimed at your SF/F sensibilities. Come listen to our panelists or bring your own favorites to share. We promise you'll be out in time for the Opening Ceremonies.
Mike Brennan (M), GregRobin Smith, Kurt Cagle, Eva L. Elasigue
3—4 p.m. Cascade 13
So you've finished the first draft and it's... well... it's rough. Where do you start revising and how do you decide what to keep and what to throw out? Come to the workshop and get some ideas and tips for how to start wrangling that manuscript into shape. Limit 15 participants. Signup will be at the info table.
Kat Richardson (M)
3—4 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
It's the 1980s again. Technology is developing faster than ever. The NES and SEGA Genesis have shown us what gaming can do. The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi are changing the way we see science fiction. In Japan, Otaku culture is exploding with content: Bubblegum Crisis, Castle in the Sky, Dirty Pair, Dragon Ball, Gundam, Captain Harlock, and many others. Let's take a trip back to the 1980s for the golden era of science fiction in anime, and explore the hows and whys of how it came to be. (Leijiverse fans welcome!)
Birdie (M)
3—4 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Fictional worlds offer teen readers a place to call their own, a place that stays with them even after they leave. If the world is built well, they'll come back to it, sure as Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children yearn for their magical lands. For the writer, building worlds well isn't just a matter of maps, languages, histories, and cosmologies. It's the connections between theme, world, and story that make the setting feel real. We'll talk about world-building and what themes resonate especially well for teens, with input from readers in the audience.
Kate Ristau (M), Tom Llewellyn, Kate Alice Marshall, Lish McBride, Kendare Blake
3—4 p.m. Olympic 2
Authors like Tolkien have been putting songs in their books for years. Can you still do that? If so, how? And what if you want to use a song written by someone else? Get answers to all these questions and more in this panel.
Amanda Cherry (M), Metaerie, Karen Eisenbrey, Tyrean Martinson
3—4:30 p.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Ever thought of looking like a showgirl with a big, fluffy, feathery tail and bridle? In this workshop you will learn the skills of wire bending and knotting to assemble the tail and bridle frames. All the frame materials will be provided, along with boas, ostrich feathers, and strapping to complete your bridle in this workshop. If you own a glue gun, please bring it. Limit 12 participants and those people who just want to watch. Adults only. Signup will be at the info table.
RAND the vampire (M)
3:30—4 p.m. Cascade 3
Sword of Cho Nisi: Rise of the Tobian Princess. Sword of Cho Nisi is a high fantasy series with island magic, romance, and a dragon. With one fleeting mistake, her dreams were lost. Now she must fight to win them back. Rated PG.
D.L. Gardner (M)
4—4:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Selection from "Titan of Chaos." In Titan's Kraken Mare, submarines and their crews have gone missing and foul play is suspected. Hartigan O'Reilly is the chief law enforcement official in the Saturn system; his long-ago ex is on a sub swallowed by a giant Kraken Mare worm and has called for help. Rated G.
G. David Nordley (M)
4—5 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Indie novelists of all ages and backgrounds have one thing in common: they're publishers. If you're selfpublishing, this means you are heading up your own production department, and you'll need solutions for problems such as: How do I get cover art? How do I handle book design? What formats should I publish in, and what steps do I take to make that happen? Come learn about your tactical options as an indie author. You'll walk away with notes on digital tools, as well as tips on formatting, editing, book covers, blurbs, and reviews.
Shahid Mahmud (M), Neil Clarke, Elliott Kay, Anastasia Wilde, Talulah J. Sullivan
4—5 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Costuming usually starts with shopping, so let's share all the wacky and wonderful places we've found the components for our creations.
Ieva Ohaks (M), Ms. Purple Pearl, Andrew Williams, Torrey Stenmark, Garth Stubbs
4—5 p.m. Cascade 9
Many fans are drawn to nonhuman characters like Data and Spock because they can relate to their "alien" experience among "normal" humans. What other metaphors of neurodivergence are out there? How can neurodivergent writers share their experiences with the neurotypical world? Moving beyond the sociopathic genius and the childlike savant—how do we write neurodivergent characters who are compelling and reflect reality?
Liz Coleman (M), Tom D Wright, Clara Ward, Danielle Gembala, Craig Jackson
4—5 p.m. Cascade 10
Explore the art of writing authentic dialogue, pluses and minuses of using popular slang, and how to find your unique writing voice.
K.G. Anderson (M), Jennifer Brozek, Richard Sparks, Lezli Robyn, J.P. Barnett
4—5 p.m. Cascade 13
Dive into the unique elements that define the beginnings of fantasy stories. Our authors will guide you in identifying these crucial components and demonstrate practical ways to apply them to your own work.
G.R. Theron (M), Kate Ristau, Randy Henderson, Travis Baldree, Brenda Carre, Carol Berg
4—5 p.m. Olympic 2
We all know that almost every Disney creature ends up acting like a dog in the end. What should you do to make sure that your animals are believable in your work? And how do you know what creature to include or not include? Learn from writers about how they chose their animals and what research was needed to represent them properly, even if the animals were mythical!
Jake McKinzie (M), Julie McGalliard, D.L. Gardner, Tegan Moore, Sara A Mueller
4:30—5 p.m. Cascade 3
Dust. The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale. Ever since her twin brother was stolen away as a child, Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real. Now Claire's desperate search points to London... and a boy who shouldn't exist. Meanwhile, Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins. The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan—and herself. Rated PG.
Kara Swanson (M)
5—5:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Flash fiction readings from *Queer Sci Fi'*s flash fiction anthology series: "A Flacon of Ink" and "It Came from Atom City." Rated PG.
Dean Wells (M)
5—6 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Where would the horror genre be without deranged psycho killers and unhinged lunatics who have escaped from nightmarish asylums? But the way horror uses "crazy" as a shorthand for "violent" can perpetuate the stigma around mental health. Is it possible for horror to handle mental illness better? What are some good examples? Some bad examples? What would we like to see in the future?
Camden Rose (M), Liz Coleman, Laura Cranehill, Ellis Bray
5—6 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
What happens when belief trumps science? Is society doomed?
Bryana Cross Bean, Attorney at Law (M), Jon Lasser, Howard Davidson, Julie McGalliard, Colette Breshears
5—6 p.m. Cascade 9
Many writers and game designers have only an academic knowledge of modern weapons, much of it drawn from movies and TV and either wrong or impractical. Come listen to our panel of veterans and other experts dispel some of the myths that continue in fiction.
Bill Gruner (M), Clayton Mann, D.L. Solum, John Lovett, Teresa Drag
5—6 p.m. Cascade 10
Fiction is full of clever spies who know secrets about codes and can crack them in days. Messages are tampered with between friends or enemies, sowing chaos. Super-intelligent computers can break any code. Stories often revolve around ideas like these. But what about the real world? What can you do with encryption? Why is it safer if everyone knows your code inside and out? Is there an unbreakable code and, if so, why don't we use it all the time? What is a "quantum computer" and what does it mean for our society? Join us as we explore the secrets of encryption!
Dr. Sean Robinson (M), Travis Partington, Cait Alvarez, Michael Ormes, Andrew Williams
5—7 p.m. Cascade 13
Do you like mobile suits, valkyries, powered armor, and super robots? Come join in with suggestions and a drawing pad of your own (if you want to draw too). We'll talk about the thought process that goes into designing a mecha, whether in the "real" robot or super robot genres. Then we'll take input from the audience and design a custom mecha. We'll also discuss how to justify mecha existing in your setting and how to make them match your pilot's personality or the story's theme. From pile bunkers to rocket punches, let's have fun with it!
Eric L Vargas (M)
5—7 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
Start your convention with a celebration of science fiction and fantasy short films from around the world. Films: "All Eyes," "Archive & The Storyteller," "Bird Drone," "FOREIGNER," "Ghost Song," "Promise Me," "Scrum Wars • Episode 1: A New Sprint," "The Path of the Greys," "The Right Vintage," and "Will Ye No Come Back Again?"
5—6 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Look, we all know things aren't great: climate change, political upheaval, virulent new diseases, mass extinctions, ecological collapse. But does looking into the future have to mean staring into the void? What if we're not quite certain about the optimism of Solarpunk, but still want to read about futures that don't make us fall into despair? Let's talk about "cozy dystopia": who's writing it, who's reading it, and why. Is it a way to cope, or just copping out?
Tara Campbell (M), Shiv Ramdas, Kathy, L.J. Melvin, Brenda Cooper
5—7 p.m. Olympic 1
Come do supplied crafts, make buttons, or work on your own stuff.
Jenny Shafer (M)
5—6 p.m. Grand 2
Attending a historical or fantasy ball? Wondering how to up your etiquette and dancing game so you can act as fabulous as your costume looks? Unsure of how to ask someone to dance? Do you know who should lead in a samegender, gender-neutral, or gender-fluid dancing couple? Come find answers to these questions and more, and learn two to three fun historical-based dances which are easy and fun! By the end you'll be ready to dance the night away with confidence at the Fae Ball.
5—7 p.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Want to learn how to paint minis? Teens and tweens can learn from professional mini painter JD Wiker, Man of 1,000 Minis, with a guided tutorial on how to get started in the hobby. Participants even get to take their mini home! Special thanks to WizKids for sponsoring this workshop. Limited to 24 participants. Signup will be at the info table.
JD Wiker (M)
5—6 p.m. Lobby Photo Area
First time at Norwescon? Returning after a long absence? Welcome! We're so glad you're here! The convention's chair and/or vice-chair will orient you to Norwescon, fill you in on where to find the fun stuff, and answer your questions about the convention.
SunnyJim Morgan, Rob Stewart
6—6:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Where Rivers Go to Die. The story of a child, might be human, grieving the death of their mother, which they caused, and discovering their true identity and purpose. Rated G.
Dilman Dila (M)
6—7 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
How do SF authors and futurists determine what trends are likely to be important? What differentiates a megatrend from a transient fad? Why do marketed trends seem to fail so spectacularly... and so consistently? Why is the future so hard to read?
Crystal Lloyd (M), Kurt Cagle, Brenda Cooper, Jon Lasser, Kaylea Champion
6—7 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Several modern animals live on blood. Griffins and dragons may have been inspired by the bones of dinosaurs. What are other possible biological inspirations for mythological creatures?
Colette Breshears (M), Ellis Bray, Gwendolyn N. Nix, Brian D. Oberquell, Darren McKinty, RVT
6—7 p.m. Cascade 9
While we all recognize how great the graphics or gameplay are in our favorite video games, what would any game be without the writing? Our panelists discuss the process of writing for a video game and what role(s) the writing plays in making a game memorable and successful.
Evan J. Peterson (M), Sandra Rosner, Jeff Grubb, Monte Lin
6—7 p.m. Cascade 10
It's a fact of popular media—old shows will get made into new shows, old movies into new movies. The question in these cases is always the same: why? Is there a good reason to remake them, or is it just about banking on a familiar name? Is the new show better than the original? Are the stories the same or different? Let's take a look at the movies and television shows that have been created and recreated to see why they were redone and whether the end result was worth it.
Kathy (M), Luke Elliott, Nick Fraser, Kris "Pepper" Hambrick, Richard Stephens
6—7 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Our panel of professional audiobook narrators will give you advice and answer your questions.
Sam Stark (M), Gary Bennett
6—7 p.m. Olympic 2
What's the difference between the young adult and middle grade genres? Learn from writers and readers of both about the differences and similarities, the trends in each, and what to know if you want to write in these spaces.
Marta Murvosh (M), Camden Rose, L.J. Melvin, Tom Llewellyn
6—7 p.m. Grand 2
Come learn some dances that will be done at the fairy ball on Saturday night! Medieval dances from Italy and England will be taught.
6—7 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
Want to get to know other congoers, but find that the idea of striking up conversation with someone you don't know makes you think about running the other way? First of all, welcome! You're in a *lot *of good company. Second, we have a solution to feeling alone in a crowd! This is similar to speed dating. You sit down with someone and each of you talks for up to two minutes about easy topics: Have you been to Norwescon before? What events sound interesting this year? What are your fandoms? If the two of you want to talk further, exchange info. Otherwise, hey, you still met someone! And every few minutes, you both switch to someone new and start again. Find some of your tribe here!
6:30—7 p.m. Cascade 3
Be the Sea. In November 2039, marine scientist Wend Taylor heaves themself aboard a zero-emissions boat skippered by elusive nature photographer Viola Yang. Guided by instinct, ocean dreams, and a shared birthday in 1972, they barter stories for passage across the Pacific. Aljon, Viola's younger cousin, keeps a watchful eye and an innovative galley. Story by story, the trio rethink secrets, flying dreams, their own minds, and a calling to Be the Sea. Rated G.
Clara Ward (M)
6:30—7 p.m. Grand 3
Doors open for Opening Ceremonies.
7—8 p.m. Grand 3
The official kickoff to Norwescon 46, featuring interviews with our guests of honor, a taste of things to come, and general shenanigans.
Lydia K. Valentine (M), Jim Butcher, Dr. Raychelle Burks, Kate Alice Marshall, Neil Clarke, Charles Vess
8—8:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Flare, Corona. Jeannine will be reading from her book Flare, Corona, published in May 2023 by BOA Editions. Poems will involve space weather, science fiction, and chronic illness/disability. Rated PG.
Jeannine Hall Gailey (M)
8—9 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Every costume is a project! Identify its scope: How many pieces of clothing do you need? What accessories are required? For group costumes, what attributes ensure a cohesive look? Determine a schedule and specific milestones: When will you wear it? How much work time will each costume piece take? Does your group need scheduled sessions and presentation rehearsals? Identify a reasonable budget: Do you already own parts or supplies? How many yards of silk do you actually need? Can you recycle existing accessories? Are you buying or making props? Realistic expectations create fantastic results!
Ms. Purple Pearl (M), Theresa Halbert, Siyrren , Gina Saucier
8—9 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
So you finally got the sword of your dreams or picked up a rusty blade somewhere. How do you keep it shiny or make it shiny? Do you walk around with it in your hand? Do you stick it under your belt? What are the weapon rules at Norwescon? We have the answers.
Peter Fuller (M), Bill Gruner, Ann Shilling, Joseph Malik
8—9 p.m. Cascade 9
Not only has history been portrayed as white, not only has it been portrayed as male, but stories centering queerness are supposedly a "recent occurrence." Right? SO VERY WRONG. Join us while we explore very real instances of historical LGBTQ2S+ people from varying cultures and learn how to use that as background for crafting worlds that empower queer spaces.
Talulah J. Sullivan (M), Lezli Robyn, S.L. Coney, Anne Stewart, Dilman Dila
8—9 p.m. Cascade 10
Relive the best "Let's Make a Movie" shorts we've produced at Norwescon over the past 25 years (and maybe you'll catch a glimpse of a much-younger you!). We aren't going to show them all, but there are various favorites, plus more recent efforts will be in the mix. Don't forget to come to our organizing panel on Friday for this year's workshop!
Brian D. Oberquell, Ryan K. Johnson
8—9 p.m. Cascade 13
Just as science inspires sci fi, history serves as a wellspring for fantasy. Our panelists will guide you through techniques for researching and distilling historical elements and seamlessly incorporating them into your fantasy work.
Remy Nakamura (M), D.L. Gardner, Shiv Ramdas, Kat Richardson
8—11 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
Even more great science fiction and fantasy short films. "Closing Time," "Ellipsis," "Five," "Genre," "Spiral to the Center," "The Astronaut," "The Indulgence of Viv le Vac," "The Miners," and "The Wayfarer."
8 p.m.—1 a.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Come join the open filk circle.
8—10 p.m. Olympic 1
Create a floral head wreath for our Fae ball on Saturday using wire, ribbon, artificial flowers, and foliage. It will be durable and adjustable. You can make it as realistic or fantastical as you want. Recommended age 13 and up (sharp tools). Limit 15 participants. Cost $10 cash. Signup at the info table.
Ieva Ohaks (M)
8—9 p.m. Olympic 2
Want to know more about how to practice consent? Join us for a series of consent exercises to practice and hone your skills as you enjoy Norwescon. This will be an interactive, noncontact (hands off) workshop and, of course, consensual.
Sar Surmick (M)
8 p.m.—midnight Maxi's Ballroom
Still working on something to wear in the halls or the masquerade, or just on a project? This is your place. Bring your items to work on and enjoy good company and the opportunity to get help, if needed.
Scotty McIntosh (M)
8 p.m.—midnight Maxi's Lounge
Need a quiet space to just be for a while? Want to read a book? Looking for a space to run a long game of Twilight Imperium that isn't noisy? We've set this space aside for just that.
8:30—9 p.m. Cascade 3
Thursday reads a collection of nerd poetry. Rated PG.
Thursday (M)
9—9:30 p.m. Cascade 3
"A Testament to Indirection, An Enigma, The Sun Above." A flash fiction story about rewriting your partner's life poem. (Very quickly! The brain surgeon is waiting for you to finish). Rated R.
Mitchell Shanklin (M)
9—10 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Writing fanfic can be a freewheeling good time, but doing it well often involves research—sometimes a *lot *of research. You need to know your source canon, but there's so much more. What type of gun does a British WWII soldier carry? What do 1950s police forensics teams pack in their work kits? How do you actually run a coffee shop? Is your search history going to put you on a government watchlist? It can be overwhelming, but our panelists are here to help with useful resources and effective research techniques.
Berlynn Wohl (M), Anne Stewart, Sam Stark, B. Zelkovich, Birdie
9—10 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Come listen to/participate in a live reading of scenes from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, but as if Shakespeare wrote it, using the text of Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher. Sign up for a role and pick up a script at the info table, or just come to the reading. We need volunteer actors to have fun with it, and an audience ready to laugh!
9—10 p.m. Cascade 9
OceanGate was trying to be a disruptor and find ways to build submarines more cheaply. They claimed the rules were favoring the "big guys" and were trying to prevent innovation. This idea has appeared in science fiction over and over, whether it's the movie *Salvage-1 *or the portrayal of Belters in The Expanse books and TV show. How would OceanGate have been viewed last year, before the loss in June? Is it wrong to allow experimental crafts, whether underwater or in space? Should formal engineering be required or is it enough to just design stuff?
Dr. Sean Robinson (M), Bart Kemper, Russell Ervin, Phil L. Swan
9—10 p.m. Cascade 10
Our panelists discuss what actually happens at crime scenes. Helpful for writers and general interest. Goodies will be given away!
Cindy Fangour (M), Dr. Raychelle Burks
9 p.m.—2 a.m. Grand 2
Play Nerf, either with or against your friends! All equipment is provided.
9 p.m.—1 a.m. Grand 3
It's the Thursday night dance! On our first evening venturing Into the Wylde, who knows what manner of fantastical beings we will encounter... or we will be? Mix-and-match from whatever outfits you brought for the weekend to create mashup costumes, or wear something to represent your fandom(s), and come down and dance to a mix of dance tracks across eras, convention favorites, and all manner of mashups and oddities, all brought to you by DJ Wüdi!
10—11 p.m. Cascade 3
10—11 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Sci-fi fans are great at asking "what if" and envisioning different possibilities— so we can also reject the rules, and choose different options in our real lives. Polyamory has been around as a fringe lifestyle for decades but has lately been getting more attention in the mainstream. If you're wondering if it would work for you, join the panel discussion.
Hazel (M), Craig Jackson, Kate Sherman, Sar Surmick
10—11 p.m. Cascade 9
Is Captain Kirk more influential than John Carter? Is Ellen Ripley cooler than E.T.? Panelists and audience will discuss, explore, and ultimately rank every science fiction character ever to grace the screen. Or at least as many as we can get to in 45 minutes!
Berlynn Wohl (M), Gina Saucier, Brian D. Oberquell
11—midnight Cascade 5 & 6
If you have been in the polyamorous community for a while, come discuss some of the nuances and challenges with panelists who have been there. Limited to over 18+ years of age.
Craig Jackson (M), Hazel, Kate Sherman, Eva L. Elasigue
7—9 a.m. Grand 2
Join us early in the morning for Lazer Tag with a round robin format. All equipment will be provided. We will be playing with vintage Star Wars Lazer Tag equipment from Tiger Electronics.
9—10 a.m. Olympic 1
Start your day with coloring sheets and cartoons.
Jenny Shafer (M)
10—10:30 a.m. Cascade 3
The Essence of All Things. A young stabbing victim collapsed at the doorstep of an apothecary claims he is possessed by a daemon. His wild temperament and dangerous talents seem to bear that out, leaving the apothecary pondering whether to murder the lad or find some way to harness his skills. Rated G
Carol Berg (M)
10—11 a.m. Cascade 5 & 6
What makes fanfiction a popular hobby for so many people? What trends can be tracked over time, and how do changing conditions (the rise of social media, direct access to professional content creators, evolution in social attitudes, etc.) influence how people interact with transformative fanworks?
Kris "Pepper" Hambrick (M), Berlynn Wohl, Brianna Tibbetts, Anne Stewart, B. Zelkovich
10 a.m.—noon Cascade 7 & 8
Norwescon's original movie-making workshop (begun in 2000) will show you how to make a movie on a shoestring in just a few hours! But first, we'll talk basics: what equipment do you need to make a movie? (Hint: it might already be in your pocket). How can you make it look good? Learn the tips 'n tricks we've picked up over the years. Then you, our audience, come up with an idea, develop it into something doable at a con, plan the shoot, do some quick casting, and anything else we can think of! This is your chance to be a part of this unique workshop and learn how to make a movie on a budget so tiny calling it "tiny" makes people who are tiny feel insulted. The key to making a movie is good planning! If you want to get in on the action tomorrow, you'll want to be here for the planning.
Brian D. Oberquell, dQ Kaufman, Ryan K. Johnson, Edward Martin III
10—11 a.m. Cascade 9
Research is tough. If you've never served in the military, it can be difficult, or well-nigh impossible to write your story with any degree of accuracy. Multiple panelists who have all served in the military will help you get the military aspects of your story correct.
Peter Fuller (M), Teresa Drag, Bill Gruner, Russell Ervin, Mike Brennan, Dr. Mark Rounds
10—11 a.m. Cascade 10
Over the decades, what we have collected as a society has dramatically changed. We've gone from first edition books to first edition comic books. Glass and ceramic figurines to plastic action figures. Framed art and posters by famous artists to framed art and posters by famous fan artists. Each of our panelists will bring with them their faaaaaavorite geeky "toys" and share their stories. The audience is also invited to bring one special item to share in our geeky show and tell!
Birdie (M), Janna Silverstein, Crystal Lloyd, Tom Whitmore, Douglas Herring
10 a.m.—midnight Cascade 11
Want to set up your own game? Cascade 11 has space for your RPG, board game, or card game. Check one out from Dragonflight's lending library or bring your own.
10 a.m.—midnight Cascade 12
Come check out games from our lending libraries. We have RPGs, card games, board games, and so much more! An official state license or state ID is needed to check out games. There are tables to play the games you borrow or ones you bring yourselves. There will also be some scheduled games here. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs.
10 a.m.—noon Cascade 13
This is a no holds barred, every-question- counts fast-paced Q&A for brand-new writers wanting to break in with Ken Scholes and Kristi Charish.
Kristi Charish, Ken Scholes
10—11 a.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
Do you want to work in digital art but don't know what tech is best recommended? Come and see what the pros use for their art and find what's right for you!
Kurt Cagle (M), Brittany Torres, Ellis Bray, Lizzy D. Hill, Michael Brugger
10—11 a.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Uncover the roots of your favorite fantasies by exploring myths and fairy tales. Our panelists will discuss the influence of these timeless tales on fantasy, providing tips on incorporating them into your own work and suggesting additions to your reading list.
Kate Ristau (M), Rhiannon/R.Z. Held, Shiv Ramdas, Anastasia Wilde, Richard Sparks
10—11 a.m. Olympic 1
There are many things you can do to play with yarn. Come try yarn dolls, god'seyes, pompoms, and finger-knitting and bring your creations home. Small children will need assistance.
Jenny Shafer (M), Danielle Gembala, Marta Murvosh
10—11 a.m. Olympic 2
Join us as we talk about the horror genre: what is it, how to approach it, and why should you write it. After the panel, we will brainstorm a horror story or two together.
Camden Rose (M), Julie McGalliard, Evan J. Peterson, Gordon B. White, J.P. Barnett
10—11 a.m. Grand 2
You've got the seed of a short story, and you're certain of its brilliance. Problem: it takes place at the event horizon of a black hole/during the Spanish Civil War/ in a virology lab hidden away in the jungles of the Amazon basin/in a Sichuan cooking school. And you know only the Wikipedia highlights. How do you write this without accidentally falling into a Google hole, possibly forever? How do you find reliable resources, sort through them, prioritize your research time, and filter what's relevant? How do you know when you've done enough? And how many books are you allowed to buy?
David Boop (M), Tegan Moore, Neil Clarke, Luke Elliott
10—11 a.m. Grand 3
Come join us for an interview with Norwescon 46's special guest of honor, Kate Alice Marshall, and get a chance to ask your own questions during the Q&A.
Kate Alice Marshall (M)
10—11:30 a.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Come work with a veteran photographer and a veteran cosplayer to learn tips and tricks for doing great cosplay photography in a hands-on environment! We'll walk to a few different settings, and learn how to take the best photos in each one, based on lighting, costume considerations, and more. Bring your phone, your camera, or your cosplay, and come ready to get some great photos! Cosplayers and photographers are all welcome, at any level of skill and equipment.
Andrew Williams (M), Torrey Stenmark
10 a.m.—11 a.m. Maxi's Lounge
Want to get to know other congoers, but the idea of striking up a conversation with someone you don't know makes you think about running the other way? One, welcome! You're in a *lot* of good company. Two, we have a solution to feeling alone in a crowd! This is similar to speed dating. You sit down with someone, and each of you talks for up to two minutes about easy topics: have you been to NWC before, what events sound interesting this year, what are your fandoms? If the two of you want to talk further, exchange info! Otherwise, hey, you still met someone! And every few minutes, you both switch to someone new and start again. Find some of your tribe here!
10 a.m.—10 p.m. Maxi's Salon
Artemis is a spaceship bridge simulator where players assume the job of captain, helm, science, communication, engineering, and weapons and work together to defeat alien enemies.
10—11 a.m. Presidential Suite 1360
We'll spend just a few minutes chatting at the beginning, kind of a welcome. The remainder of the time will be spent silently reading our individual books of choice. That's it! Just a designated time and space to silently read with others who want to read. Feel free to bring a blanket, pillow, or your favorite reading comfort item.
10 a.m.—11 a.m. Art Show Panel 8
Elizabeth will show you how to knit metal scales into yarn pieces like fingerless gloves.
10 a.m.—midnight Rotunda 1 & 2
Come sign up for a game! We have Pathfinder Society, Adventurers League, RPGs, card games, and so much more! After scheduled gaming closes, this area is available for open games. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff so we can be sure to meet your needs. Rotunda 1 & 2 are located down Concourse 1 or 2 on the first and second floors.
10:30—11 a.m. Cascade 3
"Fallon's Lament." This is a blending of two poems, written decades apart, now being set to music for future videography for the fiction series. Rated G.
Metaerie (M)
11—11:30 a.m. Cascade 3
Persephone: A Tale of Darker Seattle. Dark epic urban fantasy based in Seattle. Wytches, Werewolves, Vampires, Fae, and the mortals who love them. Rated PG.
D.L. Solum (M)
11 a.m.—noon Cascade 5 & 6
A novum is the heart of strangeness in science fiction, the speculative element that sets your world apart from consensus reality. Professor Darko Suvin gave it a name 45 years ago, but science fiction writers had been exploring sentient monsters, life on other planets, and changes to human biology well before then. SF readers have always expected a well-imagined novum, so how do you make sure your story delivers? We'll talk about how a good novum reveals itself through narrative and some questions writers can ask to develop a story's kernel into a fully functional operating system.
L.J. Melvin (M), Nancy Kress, Lezli Robyn, Mitchell Shanklin, Brenda Cooper
11 a.m.—noon Cascade 9
Hero or zero? Examine what characteristics teen characters need to remain authentic and still have credibility in the adult world.
Lish McBride (M), Kara Swanson, Tyrean Martinson, Karen Eisenbrey, Anastasia Wilde
11 a.m.—noon Cascade 10
King County Library System librarians give a book talk on BIPOC and LGTBQIA+ representation in sci-fi and fantasy and suggest titles covering books and authors from tweens to adults.
King County Library System (KCLS) (M)
11 a.m.—noon Evergreen 1 & 2
Chatbots built on large-language models and trained on existing literary texts are new players within the creative space. Authors and artists are faced with a malleable new medium that may be accompanied by an increased risk of infringement. This panel discusses how this new technology fits into the old mold of copyright law and how courts, agencies, and authors are addressing issues relative to unauthorized uses.
Tara Campbell (M), Ethan Vodde, Curtis C. Chen, Shahid Mahmud, Talulah J. Sullivan
11—noon Evergreen 3 & 4
Are you interested in getting a 3D printer? What is the best entry point into this expensive but cool hobby? What do you want to make with it, and how does that affect what you buy? Filament or resin? Let's discuss the possibilities and what is available.
Wm Salt Hale (M), Melissa Quinn, Darren McKinty, RVT, Kevin Taft
11 a.m.—noon Olympic 1
Listen to stories as you color.
Jenny Shafer (M), Birdie
11 a.m.—noon Olympic 2
Come learn to play a role-playing game! Our gamemaster (GM) will walk you through how to make a character and a short adventure. Dice will be provided for use. This is for teens and tweens only!
Jenny Jarzabski (M), Scotty McIntosh, Bruce R. Cordell, Monte Lin, Ron Lundeen
11 a.m.—noon Grand 2
Are you looking into working in the art world? Or just curious about what artists do? Have lots of questions? Here's your chance to get them answered by a professional artist!
Michael Brugger (M), Charles Vess, Brittany Torres, Rob Carlos
11 a.m.—noon Grand 3
Come join us for an interview with Norwescon 46's science guest of honor, Dr. Raychelle Burks, and get a chance to ask your own questions during the Q&A.
Dr. Raychelle Burks (M)
11 a.m.—noon Lobby Photo Area
Is it your first time at Norwescon? Are you returning after a long absence? Welcome! We're so glad you're here. The convention's chair and/or vicechair will orient you to Norwescon, fill you in on where to find the fun stuff, and answer your questions about the convention.
SunnyJim Morgan, Rob Stewart
11 a.m.—noon Presidential Suite 1360
Join Norwescon's Bibliophiles, the official book club of Norwescon, for a discussion of our March book, Infinity Gate by M.R. Carey, which is also nominated for this year's Philip K. Dick Award. The book examines a threat to a million worlds, which are all Earth in many different dimensions. All are welcome. Norwescon's Bibliophiles meets online on the third Monday of each month, with occasional in-person gatherings. Look for us on our Facebook page.
11:30—noon Cascade 3
"Goblins & Greatcoats." A mystery short set in the world of *Legends & Lattes *involving goblins, ponies, chaos, and cutlery. Rated PG.
Travis Baldree (M)
noon—12:30 p.m. Cascade 3
These Burning Stars. Rated R.
Bethany Jacobs (M)
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Relax and have fun as you watch artists challenge themselves in quick-draw cartooning challenges.
Sven Red Beard (M), Stan!, Eric L Vargas, Liz Argall
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Are you ready to compete? Do you have an idea for sound or movement? How do you know what level to compete at? How do you use the stage safely and to your benefit? How long will you be in your costume? How long will you be on stage? Can you just yell? No, you can't, if you want to win. You have meetings to go to, rules to follow, and rehearsals. This panel will try to prepare you for the masquerade experience. This is not the masquerade panel that is required for entrants, just informational.
Richard Stephens (M), Torrey Stenmark, Zamesta Cosplay, Julie Zetterberg, Garth Stubbs
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 9
As the role-playing game and story game hobby grows, we need to pay attention to creating a warm, inviting, and safe atmosphere for new players. How do we do our best to make sure these players have fun and come back?
Bruce R. Cordell (M), Jason Tondro, Jeff Grubb, Jenny Jarzabski, Luis Loza
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 10
Horror isn't limited to the horror shelf. Delve into the incorporation of spooky and macabre elements in fantasy novels. Our panelists will discuss works that masterfully blend eerie elements, offering tips and ideas for infusing your own writing with a touch of the creepy.
Remy Nakamura (M), David Boop, Jennifer Brozek, Tegan Moore, Camden Rose
noon—2 p.m. Cascade 13
So, you want to have magic in your story, but you don't know where to start? Explore the creation and use of an original magic system for your fantasy fiction. We'll talk through the early decisions, the ways magic systems inform and improve the story, and how to interweave the workings into the narrative without breaking the flow. We'll chat about our favorite examples of magic in fiction and those we feel weren't as successful. You'll leave with the beginnings of your own magic system, plus a better understanding of how to use it in your next story.
Amanda Cherry (M)
noon—1 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
Webb was originally supposed to replace Hubble, but they are both still producing valid data. Why? And which is giving the best data and pictures?
Dan Dubrick (M), G. David Nordley, Dr. Sean Robinson, Hugh S. Gregory, Andy Dykes
noon—1 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Examine the essential elements of creating a well-rounded world.
Brenda Carre (M), Tyrean Martinson, Sandra Rosner, Thea Prieto, Lish McBride, Kate Alice Marshall
noon—1 p.m. Olympic 2
Play an exclusive demo of the Starfinder 2nd Edition role-playing game with one of the game's developers!
Mike Kimmel (M)
noon—1 p.m. Grand 2
Magic is a cornerstone of fantasy, from nuanced systems to mysterious forces. Join our panelists as they delve into magic systems, discuss impactful examples, and provide insights on balancing magic with world and plot elements, offering techniques to seamlessly incorporate magic into your writing.
Dean Wells (M), Rashida J Smith, K.G. Anderson, Alma Alexander, Ken Bebelle
noon—1 p.m. Grand 3
Come join us for an interview with Norwescon 46's writer guest of honor, Jim Butcher, and get a chance to ask your own questions during the Q&A.
Jim Butcher (M)
noon—1 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
You think you know all things British? Come put it to the test in a game of charades that's all about it. Find your fellow fans!
Michael Citrak (M)
noon—1 p.m. Art Show Panel 8
Ceramic figure sculptor Agathon McGeachy will demonstrate sculpting facial features in clay, with commentary.
12:30—1 p.m. Cascade 3
Wild Spaces.
An 11-year-old boy lives an idyllic childhood exploring the remote coastal plains and wetlands of South Carolina alongside his parents and his dog Teach. But when the boy's eerie and estranged grandfather shows up one day with no warning, cracks begin to form as hidden secrets resurface that his parents refuse to explain. The longer his grandfather outstays his welcome and the greater the tension between the adults grows, the more the boy feels something within him changing—physically—into something his grandfather welcomes and his mother fears. Something abyssal. Something monstrous. Rated PG.
S.L. Coney (M)
1—1:30 p.m. Cascade 3
"The Robot and the Winding Woods." Rated G.
Brenda Cooper (M)
1—2 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Graphene. Aerogels. Buckypaper. Metallic glass. Memory metal. Transparent aluminum. Self-healing concrete. Hempcrete. Metamaterials. Quasicrystals. Permeable pavement. Quantum dots. New materials with useful and often strange properties are being developed all of the time. What can they do? What can we use them for? Will they transform the world? Which ones? Come join our panelists for a look at what the future will, may, or won't be made of.
Dave Davis (M), Howard Davidson, Phil L. Swan, Andy Quinn, Ken Bebelle
1—2 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
A story can last long past its original publication date. What stories are "forever," and how can you adapt your content and publishing strategies to take advantage? Learn how to work with other creative individuals and how to make your creative projects continue working for you for the rest of your life, and beyond.
Jennifer Brozek (M), Talulah J. Sullivan, Gwendolyn N. Nix, Jack Skillingstead, Eva L. Elasigue
1—2 p.m. Cascade 9
What's a game without fearsome, horrifying monsters, right? Our panelists discuss what goes into the design of the best and most challenging monstrous opponents.
Stephen Radney-MacFarland (M), Jason Nelson, Ron Lundeen, Erik Scott de Bie, Tim Nightengale
1—2 p.m. Cascade 10
People wear clothes on purpose, be it for fashion, to avoid attention, or for protection from the environment or from other people who want to poke them full of holes. Historically there are entire sets of laws about what people can and can't wear. Wars have been fought, continents colonized, and entire species have been hunted to near or actual extinction, all in the name of clothes. Clothes tell your readers volumes about your world and the transportation systems and economic balances of society, adding richness to your creation.
Ieva Ohaks (M), Sara A. Mueller, S.L. Coney, Jessie Kwak, Thea Prieto
1—2 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
SFF and horror magazines bring new talent into the field. The slush pile, typically managed by teams of volunteers or low-paid editors, has historically allowed SFF magazines to discover emerging writers and find new talent. But AI-generated submissions have disrupted that system, causing markets to make changes, both temporary and permanent. What approaches can SFF magazines take to manage the deluge of robo-slush? What's been working? What has failed? Join us for a practical discussion.
Craig Jackson (M), Neil Clarke, Monte Lin, Gordon Van Gelder
1—2 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
What is neurodiversity? Who is neurodivergent? Is being neurotypical just an illusion? Come learn the basics. It's more than just autism and ADHD!
Caren GS (M), Liz Coleman, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti, Liz Argall, Tom D Wright
1—3 p.m. Olympic 1
Take your first step into role-playing games! Pick a character and play in a story led by our dungeon master.
Oliver (M), Jenny Shafer, Alexander Pereira
1—2 p.m. Olympic 2
Ever want to make the cosplay costume of your dreams, but have the budget of your nightmares? Learn tools, tricks, and tips that will help you create what you want without breaking the piggy bank!
Richard Stephens (M), Melissa Quinn, Ms Purple Pearl, Hazel, Crystal Lloyd
1—2 p.m. Grand 2
The myth of the "brilliant" serial killer is embedded deeply into our pop culture, but is that just a false story covering up police incompetence? Sometimes serial killers get caught (Ted Bundy), sometimes they never get caught (Jack the Ripper), and sometimes they get caught decades later through changes in forensic technology (The Green River Killer). How do they get away with it for as long as they do?
Julie McGalliard (M), Sar Surmick, Dr. Raychelle Burks, Jake McKinzie, Kate Sherman
1—2 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
Do you think you know Firefly? Come put it to the test in a game of charades that's all about Firefly, and find your fellow Browncoats!
1—2:30 p.m. Presidential Suite 1360
Come to a tea party hosted by the Seattle Worldcon 2025 team! Meet some of the plotters and planners, hear about what a Worldcon entails, and add your two cents about how to make it a great event. Seattle Worldcon 2025 will be at the Seattle Convention Center from August 13-17, 2025. The tea party will feature a special blend of tea, snacks, and conversation. You can learn more about the convention and buy a membership at seattlein2025.org, or by visiting the club table in the lobby.
Kathy (M)
2—2:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Hugo- and Nebula-winning writer David D. Levine reads from his latest novel, The Kuiper Belt Job, a space opera caper novel best described as "Ocean's 11 meets The Expanse." Rated G.
David D. Levine (M)
2—3 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, glasses, service dogs, and other helping apparatus work fabulously with costuming! Join us for a lively discussion about what you can do with these necessary items to enhance your costume experience. If you have a wheelchair, you've got your very own starship Enterprise!
Garth Stubbs (M), Zamesta Cosplay, Deborah Strub, Hazel
2—3 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
In school we were told that in the past, people wanted spices to mask the taste of spoiled foods. Is that a myth, like so many others mentioned in public school? Why were spices so highly valued and considerable effort expended in moving them about?
Pat Reed, L.E.G. (M), Sara A. Mueller, Cait Alvarez, Spencer Ellsworth
2—3 p.m. Cascade 9
Strange as it may seem, many fans have favorite horror books and movies that they revisit again and again for emotional solace. Maybe it's the catharsis. Maybe it's the whispery ASMR vocals. Maybe we're just weirdos. Panelists discuss their favorite horror comfort viewing/reading and why it soothes them.
Jennifer Brozek (M), Steven Barnes, Gwen Callahan , Kendare Blake, Remy Nakamura
2—3 p.m. Cascade 10
You've written a book. Great! You want to sell it. Wonderful! Chances are the agent or publisher you want to pitch to will require a query letter and synopsis of your book up front, which is a different type of writing altogether. How do you compose a strong, engaging, and succinct query letter and synopsis that will catch the eye and spark interest? Our panelists will share what to aim for and what to avoid in this often-overlooked aspect of the writing craft.
Janna Silverstein (M), Leslie Varney, Ellis Bray, Lezli Robyn
2—3 p.m. Cascade 13
Come for a bit of applied comparative anatomy dressed up as an SF/F art class. We will give hints on how to make your bizarre imaginings look like they should actually have evolved somewhere.
Larry Lewis (M), Darren McKinty, RVT, Colette Breshears, Douglas Herring
2—3 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
For those of you missing Sakura-Con, here's an anime panel for you! Attendees are invited to come dressed as their favorite anime characters while our panelists share with you some great new shows and some old favorites that you might have missed. The last portion of the panel we will open up so attendees can share any beloved anime we didn't cover. All fans from newbies to seasoned veterans are welcome! Otaku unite!!
Mimi Noyes (M), Birdie, Melissa Quinn, Tom Whitmore, Andy Quinn
2—3 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Explore the pivotal role of worldbuilding in fantasy stories. Our panelists will discuss standout examples, explaining how effective worldbuilding sets the tone, informs character experiences, and enhances the reader's journey. Gain insights on replicating these techniques in your writing.
Carol Berg (M), Travis Baldree, Brenda Carre, Alma Alexander, Kara Swanson
2—4 p.m. Olympic 2
What is this witch's brew of words we call "story?" In this hands-on workshop, young and beginning writers will explore the structure, techniques, and best practices of what goes into crafting a work of fiction: plot, character, setting, problem, and resolution. You'll be building your own story in class, so be prepared to be creative! Priority seating to teens and tweens.
Dean Wells (M)
2—3 p.m. Grand 3
Come join us for an interview with Norwescon 46's artist guest of honor, Charles Vess, and get a chance to ask your own questions during the Q&A.
Charles Vess (M)
2—3:30 p.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Shodo artist Shoryu (A.W. McCollough) presents an introduction to exciting and meditative Japanese art. A form of meditative writing, Shodo is an art form that was practiced by scribes and samurai alike and brings benefits of meditation, discipline, and artistic expression. In this 1.5-hour workshop, you will learn about the Four Treasures, practice the Eight Principle Strokes, decide on a kanji (character) to practice, and make a piece of art to take home with you. If you have ever wondered about Japanese Calligraphy, or if you just want to write Blue Sun (蓝日), this is your chance for a brush with Shodo. Limited to 20 participants. Cost $25, cash only. Signup will open at the info table 24 hours before the panel.
A.W. McCollough (M)
2—3 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
Do you think you know Dungeons & Dragons? Come put it to the test in a game of charades that's all about D&D, and find your fellow fans!
2—3 p.m. Art Show Panel 8
Ashley will provide a brief overview of her collaging methods, including adding additional embellishments such as stencil work, and adding charms and wax seals.
2:30—3 p.m. Cascade 3
Excerpt from Unmanned. Rated G.
Jessica Rae Bergamino (M)
3—3:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Frantastic. A young witch, called on to evaluate a possibly cursed object, discovers something even more dangerous hidden inside... Rated G.
Laura Anne Gilman (M)
3—4 p.m. Convention Lounge (Room 7108)
Come meet other teens and tweens (10 - 17 years old) attending this year's convention. We will consume ice cream and soda while reviewing what's new and exciting this weekend. For those interested, this will be the first step in adventuring with the Norwescon Shire!
3—4 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
The stereotype of white Anglo-Saxon Protestants as the only professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is going away, but less so in management. How do women in leadership positions in STEM earn their positions, what challenges do they face, and how do they make changes in their technical fields and business operations? What are the pitfalls they see that are both common for all in the field and specific to women? What are the intersectional factors for people of color, LGBTQIA, immigration status, etc.?
V Whitlock, Pat Reed, L.E.G., Kaylea Champion, Bart Kemper
3—4 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Arrakis, Hoth, Dagobah, Cachalot? Yep, all hostile. Why your favorite inhospitable planet is all wrong... sorry.
Colette Breshears (M), Travis Partington, Alan Andrist, Charlotte Lewis Brown
3—4 p.m. Cascade 9
There are three easels and three artists. Someone from the audience describes a book cover idea, and the artists draw it without seeing what the others are drawing.
Lizzy D. Hill (M), Douglas Herring, Eric L Vargas, Charles Vess
3—4 p.m. Cascade 10
Our beloved pirates have set an incredibly high bar for love and acceptance with season 2. Is this a sign of the future for TV, or are we just lucky to have this? Will other fan favorite shows join in the love?
Jon Lasser (M), Richard Stephens, B. Zelkovich, Andrew Penn Romine
3—4 p.m. Cascade 13
You've set the stage, but what comes next? Join our authors to explore the complexities of writing fantasy story middles and, by analyzing successful examples, discuss how to expand on your story's foundations and integrate those insights into your own writing.
G.R. Theron (M), Kate Ristau, Randy Henderson, Brenda Carre, Travis Baldree
3—4 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
Have you wanted to learn 3D printing but been intimidated by the cost or technology? Interested in using a laser cutter or a serger but can't fit one in your space? Join King County Library System Makerspace staff as they discuss various equipment and opportunities available at the Bellevue and Federal Way libraries. You'll find examples of what you can make and learn about how you can build your skills as a maker with the library. Bring your curiosity, enthusiasm, and ideas.
King County Library System (KCLS) (M)
3—4 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
From the cynical blade runner to the wise-cracking Fae fatale or a wizard in a trench coat, the private eye of the pulps still pursues crime. We find examples of this enduring character type throughout genre fiction. Get tips and tricks from our all-star panel for creating compelling cross-genre gumshoes and shady shapeshifters, incorporating the hardboiled tropes and structures of crime fiction in your science fiction and fantasy writing.
Jessie Kwak (M), Kat Richardson, Dr. Raychelle Burks, Tom D Wright, Jim Butcher
3—4 p.m. Olympic 1
Create a tiny garden for a fairy or gnome to live in. Construct some small furniture and decorate your garden. Small children will need assistance.
Jenny Shafer (M), Birdie
of Clarkesworld Magazine
3—4 p.m. Grand 3
Come join us for an interview with Norwescon 46's spotlight publisher representative, Neil Clarke of Clarkesworld Magazine, and get a chance to ask your own questions during the Q&A.
Neil Clarke (M)
3—4 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
You think you know Star Wars? Come put it to the test in a game of charades that's all about Star Wars, and find your fellow fans!
3:30—4 p.m. Cascade 3
"The Heaviest Couch in the Known Universe." In this rollicking homage to the Culture novels of Iain Banks, two dimwitted but good-hearted Canadian boys try to move a couch during an alien invasion—but the couch is not a couch. Rated PG.
Daryl Gregory (M)
4—4:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Selected works from The Lore of Inscrutable Dreams. Rated G.
Colleen Anderson (M)
4—5 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
What does it mean to create a community that accepts and accommodates all types?
Thursday (M), Danielle Gembala, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti, Shoshana "Sho" Glick, Kate Sherman
4—5 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Dueling teams of scientists and artists build something from the mind of the audience—say, three teams of two?
Jake McKinzie (M), Larry Lewis, Eric L Vargas, Lizzy D. Hill, Darren McKinty, RVT, Brenda Cooper
4—5 p.m. Cascade 9
Alternate timelines, quantum universes, or just plain-old time machines—all of these concepts create a way for an author to play with history. This is an interactive panel where the audience chooses a significant event in medieval history and comes up with alternatives— and their consequences. A lively dialogue always ensues. Come join us!
Russell Ervin, Ann Shilling, William Elder, GregRobin Smith
4—5 p.m. Cascade 10
How a story is consumed can change the way you write it, and stories written for audio performance have specific requirements. Within the sphere of audio drama, there are different styles to work with: a single reader versus a limited cast versus a full cast with sound effects. Each one of these uses a different technique. How should you approach writing a script for a podcast as opposed to a radio play? A panel of writers, narrators, and readers will discuss.
Jennifer Brozek (M), Sam Stark, Elizabeth Guizzetti, Curtis C. Chen, Shiv Ramdas
4—5:30 p.m. Cascade 13
Want to write fanfic? Not sure how to get started? In this workshop, participants will brainstorm a set of fandoms and a set of common fanfic alternate universe (AU) scenarios (mermaid, barista, etc.). Then everyone will pick their prompts and write!
Berlynn Wohl (M), Scotty McIntosh, Brianna Tibbetts, B. Zelkovich
4—5 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
2023 saw the rise of frameworks for regulating artificial intelligence in the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, Russia, and Japan, with more such efforts likely to take place in 2024. The panel explores the impacts of such frameworks and why it goes far beyond Azimov's three laws of robotics. The key questions for the panelists: what impact will this have on the development of AI, on jobs, and on intellectual property?
Kurt Cagle (M), Dr. Mark Rounds, Dr. Sean Robinson, Ethan Vodde, Bryana Cross Bean, Attorney at Law
4—5 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
What happens when human beings go from subject to object, from observers to the observed? What happens when we hardly matter at all? Join us for a discussion on how writing from the perspectives of objects, plants and animals, ancient creatures, and entirely new organisms can reveal deeper truths about what it means to be human. We'll discuss how to de-center human biases and priorities to unlock new non-human realities.
Tara Campbell (M), Steven Barnes, Nancy Kress, Jessie Kwak, Ellis Bray
4—5 p.m. Olympic 1
Make a magical friend or two to live in your pocket (or in the garden in the Fairy/Gnome Garden panel!). Small children will need assistance.
Jenny Shafer (M)
4—5 p.m. Olympic 2
It's important to create a piece that is representative of all people. In this panel, pros will discuss what representation looks like in writing and art, ways to approach it, and the importance of research and sensitivity readers.
Marta Murvosh (M), Rashida J Smith, Sarah Chorn, Caren GS, Tom Llewellyn
4—5 p.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Ever been curious how textile artists, quilters, and costumers add detailed images that look like paintings, and then on closer inspection find the image was created with fabric? If you have ever wanted to learn this technique, this workshop is for you. We will cover materials used for collage techniques. At the end of the workshop you will have a piece of art you can take home to quilt, bead, or embroider! Limited to 20 participants (under 12 must be accompanied by an adult). Cost $5, cash only. Sign up will open at the info table 24 hours before the panel.
Theresa Halbert (M)
4—5 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
You think you know Star Trek? Come put it to the test in a game of charades that's all about Star Trek, and find your fellow Trekkies!
4—5 p.m. Presidential Suite 1360
*Be the Sea *is a near-future science-fantasy with sea creatures, human tech, chosen family, mysteries pulling them all together, and chocolate. In celebration of its publication this month we will have freebies, art, a short reading, a drawing with awesome prizes, and plenty of chocolate!
Clara Ward (M)
4:30—5 p.m. Cascade 3
From the Caves. To escape the choking heat of deep summer, Sky and his family survive on stories of the dead in an underground darkness at the end of the world. Rated PG.
Thea Prieto (M)
5—5:30 p.m. Cascade 3 TBD.
Gordon B. White (M)
5—6 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
The self-publishing market has exploded in the last dozen years, creating exciting new opportunities for writers. Whether your dream is a sixor seven-figure income from selling on commercial platforms like Amazon or Apple Books, reaching readers on serial platforms like Kindle Vella or Ream, or connecting direct to your audience through Kickstarter, Patreon, or your own online store, there's someone out there doing it! Our panelists will explore various possibilities in self-publishing, talk about the pros and cons, and give you ideas on how to get started.
Celeste Wakefield (M), Elliott Kay, Joseph Malik, Anastasia Wilde
5—6 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
You have a beloved collection or two. Come get some practical information and advice on how you should handle it in your estate planning: wills, trusts, etc.
Bryana Cross Bean, Attorney at Law (M), Belsac
5—6 p.m. Cascade 9
An interstellar empire connected by instantaneous portals will, of necessity, have very different politics and economy from one connected by slower-thanlight generation ships or suspended animation or one connected by FTL but not instantaneous travel. The difference between days and months of travel time between inhabited planets can have a huge effect on the culture. And what happens when a new, faster technology is added to the mix? Learn how to use your mode of travel to launch the worldbuilding process.
David D. Levine (M), Dave Davis, Andy Dykes, Curtis C. Chen
5—6 p.m. Cascade 10
This workshop offers time to discuss specific writing techniques and space for attendees to write poetry of their own. Poetry can explore a cherished world through fan fiction-style poetry or build a new mythology. Take this opportunity to get your ideas written!
Thursday (M), Jeannine Hall Gailey, Jessica Rae Bergamino, GregRobin Smith, Mike Brennan
5—6 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
News, pictures, and sometimes video from the non-U.S. space programs, including, but not limited to, Europe, Canada, China, Russia, India, and Japan. Each presentation is different from the previous one. A perennial favorite.
Dan Dubrick (M), Hugh S. Gregory
5—6 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Why are universes without limits so... well, limited?
Eva L. Elasigue (M), Ozzie M. Gartrell, Leslie Varney, Spencer Ellsworth, Shahid Mahmud
5—7 p.m. Olympic 1
Hit pause on the tablet and play a good old-fashioned board game! We'll have classic games and some new ones, too.
Jenny Shafer (M), Marta Murvosh, Alexander Pereira
5—6 p.m. Olympic 2
Come prepared with questions for our science panelists. Seats given to and questions taken from teens and tweens first.
Jim Kling (M), Bart Kemper, Cindy Fangour, Alan Andrist
5—6 p.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Inktense pencils are a great way draw, color and shade onto fabric without heat-setting. In this workshop we will start by learning several color techniques to create a sampler to you will keep for reference. For the last part, you will receive a printed fabric sample for practice with your newly learned skill. Limited to 12 participants, 16 years and older. Cost $10, cash only. Sign up will open at the info table 24 hours before the panel.
Theresa Halbert (M)
5:30—6 p.m. Cascade 3
Time & Again. When a billionaire supervillain becomes the target of timetraveling miscreants, she finds herself with no choice but to turn to the one person in town who may be able to stop them: her ex. Rating PG.
Amanda Cherry (M)
6—6:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Pretty Hate Machine (Girl Vengeance book 1). Rebellious teen Vivienne Cain has messed up big this time, and the adults in the room won't cover for her anymore. Set in the '90s, Pretty Hate Machine and its sequel The Downward Spiral are a prequel duology to my Justice/Vengeance superhero series! Rated R.
Erik Scott de Bie (M)
6—7 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Or, being fabulous every day in a jeans-and-T-shirt world.
Richard Stephens (M), Ms Purple Pearl, Melissa Quinn, Gina Saucier
6—7 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Interest leads to knowledge, knowledge leads to obsession, obsession leads to world domination...simple logic, Pinky.
Colette Breshears (M), Torrey Stenmark, Agathon McGeachy, Michael Ormes, Michael Brugger, Charlotte Lewis Brown
6—7 p.m. Cascade 9
Over the years, various real and fictional religions have been portrayed both accurately and inaccurately in popular media. We will discuss the works of H.P. Lovecraft and the Blade Runner novel, as well as films such as The Ten Commandments, The Handmaid's Tale, The Serpent and the Rainbow, The Witch, and the Avatar movies. How does representation affect real practitioners? Does fiction ever become real life?
Mir Plemmons (M), Dean Wells, Sandra Rosner, Jason Nelson
6—7 p.m. Cascade 10
It's more than a Doctor Who thing! It's our obsession with fitting more things into smaller footprints. A few examples are tents in Harry Potter, the suitcase in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Dungeons & Dragon's' bag of holding, and, of course, rental trucks for conventions. Presented by BritCon.
Julie Zetterberg (M)
6—7 p.m. Cascade 10
Ever thought about turning your novel or short story into a fancy Hollywood screenplay? There are a lot of differences, from basic things like structure and character arcs, to weird formatting stuff, like those fancy scene headers. And, yeah, those 10 secondary characters you love in your novel, and those three subplots which are "crucial" to your overall narrative? They gotta go. Come learn the basics, the mistakes you'll make starting out, and why ellipses are annoying.
dQ Kaufman (M)
6—7 p.m. Cascade 13
Clarion West staff, alumni, and instructors will speak to the many alternative workshopping methods we've tried out, and others! We'll cover why we moved beyond the Milford method, present attendees with lots of options for their own workshopping, and discuss pros and cons!
Tara Campbell (M), Monte Lin, Amy Hirayama, Jae Steinbacher
6—7 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
How to start and continue to make words happen.
A.W. McCollough (M), Caren GS, Danielle Gembala, Tom D Wright, Clara Ward
6—7 p.m. Olympic 2
Draw a sci-fi creature with artists! Will it be a robot, an alien, or something else? For all skill levels. Materials will be provided.
Eric L Vargas (M), Lizzy D. Hill, Belsac
6—7 p.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Bamboo has been used by people through the ages, and the technology of working with this material has advanced steadily over these many years. Come see some of the cool things that can be done with this giant grass and talk about the others that are on the horizon. There will be a demonstration of the tools and techniques, and samples to take home.
Mike Brennan (M), Carl Strand
6—8 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
Today's the day we shoot My Mummy, the Werewolf II: Daddy's Home. Unfortunately, the director left the script at the Waffle House, but he swears it will go just fine, because he also wrote it and he remembers how it goes. Basically. But he wouldn't mind some help from his actors! Whoever they are—he also lost the cast list. So whoever shows up, you get a part! He trusts that, if he gives you basic direction, you'll come up with something great. *ICFTLLLS *is a roleplaying game where the players are the main actors. It has minimum mechanics and lends itself really well to live-action role-playing (à la Critical Role). You do NOT have to play/act to participate! Being the audience is fine—just come and enjoy the live insanity. We also need extras, stunt doubles, and single-line actors.
6:30—7 p.m. Cascade 3
S.P.A.: Small Business Division. Welcome to the Space Public Accountants. Torny wondered why a spa would hire a bodyguard, until he found out the truth. Join him on the rather hilarious trip of protecting a group of accountants on their wide adventures. Rated PG.
Payne Haynes (M)
7—7:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Storm Waters (working title). Historical fantasy crime noir set in Los Angeles and New Orleans in 1934. A playboy former bootlegger who has "a way with water" finds himself framed for his mistress's murder. To save his own neck he must solve the case, but finds himself drawn into the violent world of his family's magical history, and is forced to make choices about his own magic and to protect his found-family. Rated R (language, violence, sex, smoking, drinking, drugs).
Kat Richardson (M)
7—8 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
A woman who seemed to the gifted out of time. Born in the early medieval era, she could do anything she set her mind to. She was a polymath active as a composer, a writer, a philosopher, and a medical writer and practitioner. Was she a time traveler?
V Whitlock (M), Pat Reed, L.E.G., Ann Shilling, Cait Alvarez
7—8 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Calling all costumers, cosplayers, and stage crew volunteers! Swing into the pre-masquerade meeting to find out the essential details for entering or assisting with this year's masquerade. Whether you are wanting to strut your stuff for the first time or are returning to up your game, we will cover the necessary information you will need for participating in this year's big event and answer what questions you may have. If you would like to enter the masquerade, you MUST come to one of the two premasquerade meetings.
Dahlia (M)
7—8 p.m. Cascade 9
The Space Launch System (SLS) is NASA's attempt to launch people, and supplies, to the new Lunar Gateway space station, the moon, and possibly Mars. Are people getting their money out of the system, or is it a boondoggle of large proportions?
Dan Dubrick (M), Dave Davis, G. David Nordley, Phil L. Swan, Andy Dykes
7—8 p.m. Cascade 10
There's something fundamental and resonating about epic fantasy that remains timeless for wide appeal. Join our panelists as they identify and discuss these qualities, distilling them down to how and why they impact the reader's experience, and techniques for replicating them in your own writing.
G.R. Theron (M), Kate Ristau, Carol Berg, Randy Henderson, Sarah Chorn
7—8 p.m. Cascade 13
Who we are isn't the same as what we show everyone else. We all wear masks. Join us for a hands-on creative workshop where we'll explore identity concepts while creating wearable masks. Join us to better explore who you are and who you show to others. Bring your authentic self and we'll provide a blank mask to get you started.
Sar Surmick (M)
7—9 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
Join us for a block of foreign science fiction, fantasy, and horror short films. We have seven different countries represented in the block, but don't worry if you don't speak all those languages, as the films will either be subtitled or dubbed into English. Films: "A Nightcare on Elm Street" (France), "Astronauts" (Brazil), "I Came From the Future" (Poland), "Megaville—After Hours" (Germany), "Overtime // The Love Project" (Japan), "Pur Sang" (France), "Sincopat" (Spain), "The Capsule" (Poland), and "The Weight of Data" (Republic of Korea).
7—8 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
The audience picks 3-5 words (could be more depending on time/numbers). Three to four poets get several minutes to compose a poem incorporating as many as possible and then read their results. The audience votes for the winner, and the losers have to tear up their results (note: We don't actually have to make anyone do that!).
Thursday (M), Lydia K. Valentine, Richard Sparks, Colleen Anderson, Ellis Bray
7—8 p.m. Olympic 1
Come join the fun and dance, dance, dance! Light-up masks will be provided.
Cindy Fangour (M)
7—8:30 p.m. Olympic 2
A beginner's dance class focused on learning basic moves, how to move your body for belly dance, and tips for building the strength needed to excel at belly dance. Please bring a water bottle.
Siyrren (M)
7—8:30 p.m. Grand 2
The Philip K. Dick Award is presented annually at Norwescon with the support of the Philip K. Dick Trust, for distinguished science fiction published in paperback original form in the United States. The award is sponsored by the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society and the Philip K. Dick Trust, and the award ceremony is sponsored by Norwescon.
Michael Hanscom (M), Bethany Jacobs, Gordon Van Gelder, S.L. Coney, Dilman Dila
7—8 p.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Practice makes perfect in sewing, like in anything else. We'll discuss what a mock-up is, why you should make one even though it takes more time and resources, how to maximize your return on effort, and what you'll learn from the process. Panelists may even bring in prototypes and final costumes to demonstrate.
Melissa Quinn (M), Ieva Ohaks, Theresa Halbert, Garth Stubbs
7:30—8 p.m. Cascade 3
TBD.
Karen Eisenbrey (M)
8—8:30 p.m. Cascade 3
I Have Asked to Be Where No Storms Come. The fact of Domino's afterlife is simple: he's a witch from a people without a name, living out a cursed existence... and no one wants to be stuck in Hell with witch blood. When he discovers demonic bounty hunters on his tail, he is shocked to learn they were hired by his brother. Wicasah, wielding insurmountable power, has struck an ill-made bargain with an ancient being of lighting and thunder to resurrect Domino from his terrible fate. But the two discover an even darker power resides within the fractured world, one that will stop at nothing to be released... Full of grit and heartache, this thrilling ride delivers a story of fate versus free will and family versus the world, against the backdrop of a new weird west. Rated R.
Gwendolyn N. Nix (M)
8—9 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
It seems like the days of the more campy or lighthearted "fun" theme in gaming has been slowly replaced by games taking on darker, more disturbing themes. Join us for a discussion on why these darker themes have gained in popularity, and maybe pick up on some tips of which ones are worth checking out.
Tim Nightengale (M), Jeff Grubb, Luis Loza, Stephen Radney-MacFarland
8—9 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
If an SF story has more than one spaceship, it's a good bet that at some point they'll find a reason to shoot at each other. But at huge distances and tremendous speeds, shooting things is HARD! Come join our panelists as they draw a bead on the problems and opportunities of space combat. Shooting and ships and space combat...
Mike Brennan (M), Travis Partington, Peter Fuller, G. David Nordley, Elliott Kay
8—10 p.m. Cascade 9
Join our reading as several local authors read from their work in this Norwescon version of the Northwest Speculative Reading Series.
G.R. Theron (M), Jessie Kwak, Caren Sumption, Joseph Malik, Brenda Cooper, Eva L. Elasigue, Rhiannon/R.Z. Held, Remy Nakamura
8—9 p.m. Cascade 10
Attendees have the opportunity to bring in or make up speculative-themed haiku to compete for scifaiku dominance. Two poets will present their pieces and the audience will vote for a favorite, then next pair goes. Could be single or double elimination, depending on numbers. Open to everyone who can count out 17 syllables (and even that, we might be soft on)! Prize for the winner.
Thursday (M), Ann Shilling
8—10 p.m. Cascade 13
Consider a story as a collection of related events, each of which occurs at a point in space and time. If you picture these events as beads, you can create a plot by stringing them together in chronological order. There may be more than one plot string, but the plot is always chronological, because the events of the plot are connected by cause and effect (unless you are writing a time travel story). Once you have a plot, you can snip those strings into segments and lay them out, not necessarily in chronological order, in a single line that is the narrative of the story. Thinking of a story in this way can lead to some interesting insights into the relationship between the events of the story, the cause and effect relationships between them, and the order in which they appear on the page. Bring writing materials.
David D. Levine (M)
8—9 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
As fans, we all tend to collect something. What is the difference between that and hoarding? How can you honor your collection and keep it from becoming a hoard? What is the best way to thin it out?
K.G. Anderson (M), Janna Silverstein, Tom Whitmore, Patrick Swenson
8—9 p.m. Olympic 1
Wool felt is a traditional and highly malleable material for hat-making. Thriftshop felt hats can be softened with steam and reshaped using traditional hat blocks, improvised forms, and hand sculpting. In this demonstration, you'll see how it's done: what to look for in a salvageable hat, how to prepare a hat for reblocking, steaming, and manipulating the felt, and what techniques to use for finishing.
Ieva Ohaks (M)
8 p.m.—midnight Maxi's Ballroom
Still working on something to wear in the halls or the masquerade, or just a project? This is your place. Bring your items to work on and enjoy good company and the opportunity to get help, if needed.
8:30—9 p.m. Cascade 3
Wind Strewn (dystopian urban fantasy). SHadeel works for a private security force, helping keep order in what passes for a government. She finds an old (fortified) apartment and place of healing. Big Molly, the owner, provides chicken soup at important times. There is a hot shower in SHadeel's apartment made of old Egyptian tomb walls. The patterns in its stone bleed off onto her skin like tattoos, and when she is in dire stress, these tattoos animate and become part of her defense team. In this world, she's glad for any added help. Rated PG.
GregRobin Smith (M)
9—10 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
The term "body horror" means stories about bodies mutating into horrific forms (à la David Cronenberg) and stories about bodies being subjected to extreme graphic violence. Which usage is correct? Both? Neither? Our panelists examine the question through the lens of favorite examples of what they would and would not call body horror.
Evan J. Peterson (M), Colleen Anderson, Jon Lasser, Sam Stark
9—10 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
What is so much fun about the costumes in Bridgerton? Let's break them down.
Richard Stephens (M), Scotty McIntosh
9—10 p.m. Cascade 10
A demonstration of making electron tree sculptures.
Michael Brugger (M)
9 p.m.—midnight Evergreen 1 & 2
End your Friday evening with a selection of horror short films. Some are funny, others are scary, but all of them are worth watching. Films: "Aracne," "autopsIA." "Grogan's Lodge," "SCRIPT, STIGMATE," "The Nightmare Adorable," "The Painting," "The Retreat," "Three Houses Down," "You Have Reached Your Destination."
9 p.m.—1 a.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Come join the open filk circle.
9—11:30 p.m. Grand 3
Come groove to the music with mc300baud as he spins a choice selection of convention classics and thumpin' newer tracks.
9 p.m.—midnight Maxi's Lounge The definitive SF&F trivia pub quiz experience! Multiple rounds of classic SF&F trivia from the worlds of media, fantasy, SF, and more. There will be a sound round, a picture round, and more. Exciting and not-so-exciting prizes will be on offer. Teams of four preferred. Use of electronic devices, external brains, or telepathy is strictly forbidden.
10—11 p.m. Cascade 3
10—11 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Most dark fantasy tropes have much in common with the kink scene. Do you want to be bitten by a vampire? Why are we attracted to things that are dangerous? Come learn how to explore fantasies, sexual or not, safely and consensually. The kink community has its own traditions and cultural norms, but the core value is consent. Must be 18+ years of age.
Sar Surmick (M), Craig Jackson, Hazel, Sakari, Kate Sherman
11 p.m.—midnight Cascade 7 & 8
If you are already in the kink scene, you know that much of it is about exploring new experiences. Come talk about some new ideas and edge play. Must be 18+ years of age.
Hazel (M), Craig Jackson, Sakari, Kate Sherman
midnight—2 a.m. Grand 3
Rocky Horror is back, but with a brand new shadowcast, the Swords of Damocles! Antici...pate singing, dancing, laughing, and amazement at what the Motion Picture Association considered an R rating back in the 70s. Participate as you wish!
Welcome to Norwescon 46: Into the Wylde
The Forty-sixth Annual Northwest Regional
Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention
Writer Guest of Honor -
Jim Butcher
Artist Guest of Honor -
Charles Vess
Science Guest of Honor -
Dr. Raychelle Burks
Spotlight Publisher -
Clarkesworld Magazine
Special Guest of Honor -
Kate Alice Marshall
cover art © Charles Vess
Except where noted, contents are copyright ©2024 Norwescon for the contributors.
All opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Norwescon.
Your pocket program contains all kinds of cool stuff. There are schedules for events, information on those events, services available, maps, and convention hours.
For further information about the convention, go to the Information Table located in the convention space lobby.
The most up-to-date information can be found in the Guidebook app, as updates are made frequently during the convention. Feel free to download the app on your phone or other mobile device.
Your pocket program and event descriptions are broken up into two books for easier transportation.
The first book contains Thursday and Friday event programming.
The second book contains Saturday and Sunday event programming.
Thursday: 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.—1 p.m. & 2—10 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.—1 p.m. & 2—10 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.—1 p.m. & 2—10 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m.—1 p.m.
(253) 235-9296
During programming hours, pick up a house phone, dial 0, and ask for "Norwescon"
Thursday: noon—9 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.—9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.—9 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.—11 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.—11 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.—11 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.—4 p.m.
Open 24 hours
Thursday 9 a.m. —Sunday 6 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.—7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.—7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.—7 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.—8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.—7 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Thursday 4—8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.—7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.—6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Thursday: 2 p.m.—10 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.—midnight
Saturday: 10 a.m.—midnight
Sunday: 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Games may continue after hours, but no Games staff will be available after the posted closing time.
Thursday: 2 p.m.—10 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.—midnight
Saturday: 10 a.m.—midnight
Sunday: 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Thursday: 5 a.m.—10 p.m.
Friday: 5 a.m.—10 p.m.
Saturday: 5 a.m.—10 p.m.
Sunday: 5 a.m.—10 p.m.
Thursday: noon—1 a.m.
Friday: noon—1 a.m.
Saturday: noon—1 a.m.
Sunday: noon—1 a.m.
Thursday: 6 a.m.—10 a.m.
Friday: 6 a.m.—10 a.m.
Saturday: 6 a.m.—11 a.m.
Sunday: 6 a.m.—11 a.m.
Thursday: 6 a.m.—midnight
Friday: 6 a.m.—midnight
Saturday: 6 a.m.—midnight
Sunday: 6 a.m.—midnight
7—9 a.m. Grand 2
Play Lazer Tag, either with or against your friends! All equipment is provided. We will be playing with vintage Star Wars Lazer Tag equipment from Tiger Electronics.
9—10 a.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Calling all costumers, cosplayers, and stage crew volunteers. Swing into the pre-Masquerade meeting to find out the essential details for entering or assisting with this year's masquerade. Whether you want to strut your stuff for the first time or are returning to up your game, we will cover the information you need to participate in this year's big event and answer your questions. If you plan to enter the masquerade you MUST attend one of the two pre- masquerade meetings: Friday at 7 p.m. or Saturday at 9 a.m. in Cascade 7 & 8.
Dahlia (M)
9—10 a.m. Olympic 1
Start your day with some coloring sheets and cartoons.
Jenny Shafer (M)
9—10 a.m. Olympic 2
Teens and tweens: come show off your achievements and earn coin! Exchange coin for prizes.
10—10:30 a.m. Cascade 3
Fang—an AI-enhanced canine who retired after his human Special Ops partner died in combat—now runs an online PI agency. Fang teams up with Katarin (herself an orphan) when a series of murders and an abduction leads to Gaia's Children—an eco-activist cult. As Fang and Kat try to save the world from the cult's terrorist act of literally biblical proportions, can he transcend his wounded past to form a bond with his new partner? This WIP grew from a short story published in Abyss & Apex, and re-released in The Best of Abyss & Apex Volume Three. Rated PG (mild descriptions of violence and torture).
Tom D Wright (M)
10—11 a.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Recommended printers, paper, and even third-party printing companies for your art. Learn what would be best for you!
Michael Brugger (M), Brittany Torres, Lizzy D. Hill
10—11 a.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Come join us as we discuss methods and resources for everything from improving basic wigs straight out of the bag to creating elaborate sculptures that complete your show- stopping costume masterpiece.
Melissa Quinn (M), Julie Zetterberg, Zamesta Cosplay, Torrey Stenmark
10—11 a.m. Cascade 9
Before COVID, it seemed like the default for gaming tables was a whole lot of miniatures and many different battle maps. But as we all quarantined, virtual tabletop programs rapidly became the norm. Are we going to see gaming with miniatures disappear? Panelists will discuss the pros and cons of each approach.
Tim Nightengale (M), Luis Loza, Ron Lundeen, Stephen Radney-MacFarland, Jason Nelson
10—11 a.m. Cascade 10
What is burnout? Learn about causes, signs, and recovery. How do you prevent it?
Liz Coleman (M), Danielle Gembala, Laura Cranehill, Sara A Mueller
10 a.m.—midnight
Cascade 11 Want to set up your own game? Cascade 11 has space for your RPG, board, or card games. Check one out from Dragonflight's Lending Library or bring your own.
10 a.m.—midnight Cascade 12
Come check out games from our lending libraries. We have RPGs, card games, board games, and so much more! An official state driver's license or state ID is needed to check out games. This space has tables to play the games you borrow or bring yourselves. There will also be some scheduled games. Need ADA access? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can meet your needs.
10—11 a.m. Cascade 13
The finale is in sight, and it's time to stick the landing. Discover the art of concluding fantasy tales as our authors share their thoughts on impactful endings, the qualities that tie up story and theme threads, and practical ideas to enhance the conclusion of your work.
G.R. Theron (M), Kate Ristau, Brenda Carre, Carol Berg, Dean Wells, Tegan Moore
10—11 a.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
Even those existing U.N. space treaties/ agreements have not been signed by many governments, but more and more countries are achieving a presence in space. Does anybody think disputes over space resources won't cause trouble on Terra? Before it's too late, what kind of pressure can be applied to stop the waffling? Some kind of multi-group strike?
Bart Kemper (M), Dave Davis, Kathy, Ethan Vodde, Phil L. Swan
10 a.m.—noon Evergreen 3 & 4
You were there for the previous part, right, where we figured out what we needed and planned this movie all out? Quick! Time travel! Or drop in anyway and become a Valued Actor Person. Today, we shoot like mad weasels, because there's not much time! So don't be late, or you'll just see red-shifted versions of us. The key to making a movie, of course, is to get the footage in the can (or "box", actually, because we're shooting video). It's two hours of madness but always worth it in the end!
Brian D. Oberquell, dQ Kaufman, Ryan K. Johnson, Edward Martin III
10—11 a.m. Olympic 1
Costume craft hour! Let's make tails, tiaras, belts, hats, and other accessories using techniques like gluing, simple sewing, and stapling. Small children will need assistance.
Jenny Shafer (M), Bryana Cross Bean, Attorney at Law, Belsac
10—11 a.m. Olympic 2
Join us as we talk about the fantasy genre: what is it, how we approach it, and why you should write it. After the panel, we will brainstorm a fantasy story or two together.
Camden Rose (M), Lezli Robyn, Randy Henderson, Brianna Tibbetts
10—11 a.m. Grand 2
Our guests of honor and attending professionals are available to sign autographs. Note: so that as many fans as possible can participate, we will be enforcing a three-item (or single-sketch) autograph limit.
Jim Butcher, Charles Vess, Dr. Raychelle Burks, Kate Alice Marshall, Neil Clarke, Nancy Kress, Brenda Cooper, Daryl Gregory, David D. Levine, D.L. Gardner, Gordon B. White, Gwendolyn N. Nix, Talulah J. Sullivan, Jack Skillingstead, Julie McGalliard, Karen Eisenbrey, Kate Sherman, Kat Richardson, Ken Bebelle, Kendare Blake, Liz Argall, Rhiannon/R.Z. Held, Richard Sparks, Sean K. Reynolds, Spencer Ellsworth, Steven Barnes, Tara Campbell, Travis Baldree, Tyrean Martinson, S.L. Coney, Bethany Jacobs, Evan J. Peterson, L.J. Melvin, Dilman Dila
10—11:30 a.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Come make necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. All supplies provided. Limited to 20 participants. $5 cost, cash only. Signups will open at the info table 24 hours before the panel.
Cindy Fangour (M), Thursday, Pat Reed, L.E.G.
10—11:30 a.m. Maxi's Lounge
This is a beginner's dance class focused on learning basic moves and how to move your body for belly dance, plus tips for building the strength needed to excel. Please bring a water bottle.
Siyrren (M)
10—10 p.m. Maxi's Salon
Artemis is a spaceship bridge simulator where players assume the jobs of captain, helm, science officer, communications, engineering, and weapons, and work together to defeat alien enemies.
10—11 a.m. Art Show Panel 8
Ellis Bray will be demonstrating the art of woodburning on a wood panel, using a pyrography pen and a variety of nibs. Come for the art, stay for the pleasant (and faint) scent of woodsmoke.
10—11 a.m. Presidential Suite 1360
There will be just a few minutes of chatting at the beginning, as a kind of welcome. The remainder of the time will be spent silently reading our individual books of choice. That's it! Just a designated time and space to silently read with others. Feel free to bring a blanket, pillow, or your favorite reading comfort item.
10 a.m.—midnight Rotunda 1 & 2
Come sign up for a game! We have Pathfinder Society, Adventure League, RPGs, card games, and much more! After scheduled gaming closes, this area is available for open games. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs. Rotunda 1 is located down Concourse 1 or 2 on the first floor.
10:30—11 a.m. Cascade 3
Where Rivers Go to Die. The story of a child, might be human, grieving the deal of their mother, which they caused, and discovering their true identity and purpose. Rated G.
Dilman Dila(M)
11—11:30 a.m. Cascade 3
After the Tide. A brief description: A mysterious game has been announced, this night only, and Adria is one of many hopefuls drawn to the promise of fortune. She has her father's ashes in her pack, hard-fought freedom in her future, and the growing suspicion in her mind that something alarmingly alien lurks in the City-beneath-the-City. Rating PG.
Jessie Kwak (M)
11 a.m.—noon Cascade 5 & 6
Several companies, including Blue Origin, Bigelow Aerospace, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic, are pushing sub-orbital space tourism, while SpaceX is selling private orbital spaceflight missions. Which is safer? What do you expect to accomplish, and are those flights worth the money? When are we going to get our cheap tourist flights to space?
Hugh S. Gregory (M), Andy Dykes, Phil L. Swan, Dr. Sean Robinson, Dave Davis, Dan Dubrick
11 a.m.—noon Cascade 7 & 8
How do you manage consent at your table? Are you tired of losing good players? Are your players being consensual with each other? What are the expectations of the characters? Have you even talked about it? TTPRGs can enter a lot of difficult, amazing, and edgy psychological territory. It's part of what makes it fun and interesting. There are ways to make the game and the exploration that goes with it deeper, more open, and safer. Join our panelists as they discuss ways to make things more consensual at the table and how, in doing so, you can create even more amazing sessions.
Sar Surmick (M), Shanna Germain, Elliott Kay, Sean K. Reynolds, Jenny Jarzabski
11 a.m.—noon Cascade 9
Fanfic isn't a new invention. For a long time it has been a safe space in which to play and create, from the birth of slash fiction and Mary Sues to current professional authors who still write and post fanfic on the side. How has fanfiction been published and shared in the past, and how has it evolved into its own creative entity, not just "practice for real writing?"
Kris "Pepper" Hambrick (M), Berlynn Wohl, Janna Silverstein, Anne Stewart, B. Zelkovich
11 a.m.—noon Cascade 10
Researching Asian myth for fiction writing is not always what you expect it to be. Finding the material you need may require digging deeper into references, and sometimes asking your parents. Come hear our panelists talk about their experiences.
Ken Bebelle (M), Shiv Ramdas, Ann Shilling
11 a.m.—noon Evergreen 1 & 2
Indigenous SFF is often misunderstood and rejected by the mainstream as "too complicated" or not following a "three act structure." Many times, these stories—and the rich cultures they come from—are left out of the discussion entirely. But we have always been here and have intriguing stories to tell.
Talulah J. Sullivan (M), Mir Plemmons, Scotty McIntosh
11 a.m.—noon Olympic 1
Listen to stories as you color.
Jenny Shafer (M), Lizzy D. Hill
11 a.m.—noon Olympic 2
Have you ever wanted to build a board game? Come talk to experts about all aspects of creating a game, from idea, to playtesting, to finding markets. If there's time, we'll brainstorm and create one during the panel!
Camden Rose (M), Marta Murvosh
11 a.m.—noon Grand 2
Our guests of honor and attending professionals are available to sign autographs. Note: So that as many fans as possible can participate, we will be enforcing a three-item (or single-sketch) autograph limit.
Charles Vess, Dr. Raychelle Burks, Jim Butcher, Kate Alice Marshall, Neil Clarke, Stan!, Jeff Grubb, Brianna Tibbetts, Alma Alexander, Amanda Cherry, Andrew Penn Romine, D.L. Solum, Ellis Bray, Kurt Cagle, Laura Anne Gilman, Patrick Swenson, Clara Ward, Thea Prieto, Erik Scott de Bie, Eva L. Elasigue, J.P. Barnett, Kara Swanson, Lawrence Watt-Evans, Lish McBride, Agathon McGeachy, Dr. Mark Rounds, Curtis C. Chen, David Boop, Lydia K. Valentine, G. David Nordley, S.L. Coney, Brenda Carre, Carol Berg, Dean Wells, Sandra Rosner, Jeannine Hall Gailey
11 a.m.—noon Presidential Suite 1360
Discuss utopian and dystopian writing and concepts. What if utopia was objectively achievable? What happens when that utopia collapses?
11:30—noon Cascade 3
Better Living Through Alchemy. Evan's new occult noir novel follows Kelly Mun, a "non-linear" detective with a psychic sense of smell. A mysterious businesswoman hires Kelly to find the source of a magical drug causing bizarre deaths in Seattle. Rated R.
Evan J. Peterson (M)
noon—12:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Traveling With the Wolf. Excerpt from Book 5 in the Tales of the Rougarou series. Rated PG.
Julie McGalliard (M)
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
No pre-registration is required to compete in the Single Pattern Contest. Please bring your completed entry to Cascade 5 & 6 for judging. Please provide a short description of your entry, its inspiration, and any special techniques or materials used.
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Writer's workshops can be an amazing way to hone your skills and meet likeminded writers, but they are often inaccessible due to cost, the need to travel, or limited accommodations. What's changed since the pandemic, and what's stayed the same? What happens once you're there, online or in person? Alumni from some of spec fic's top workshops share their experiences, including topics such as the romantic ideal of the writing workshop, things they wish they'd known before they went, and whether or not attending a workshop has advanced their writing careers.
Celeste Wakefield (M), Randy Henderson, Remy Nakamura, Luke Elliott, K.G. Anderson
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 9
How and from what does neurodivergence diverge? What may be some cognitive differences and how do they express themselves in the world?
Liz Coleman (M), Danielle Gembala, Liz Argall, Brian U. Garrison, A.W. McCollough
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 10
There are plenty of reasons not to write a sex scene—your audience may not like it, it's boring if done badly—but what is a sex scene good for? What can a well-written sex scene do that another type of scene can't? How much spice do readers expect to find in space opera?
Rhiannon/R.Z. Held (M), Steven Barnes, Shanna Germain, Sar Surmick
noon—1 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
Since 1999, the Endeavour Award has recognized the best of fantasy and science fiction novels or short story collections published by Pacific Northwest authors. Come learn more about the award and the regional luminaries who have been honored as winners or finalists over the years.
Jim Kling (M), Sara A Mueller, Ken Scholes, Laura Anne Gilman, Brenda Cooper, David D. Levine, Kat Richardson
noon—1 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
The Philip K. Dick Award is presented annually at Norwescon with the support of the Philip K Dick Trust and recognizes distinguished science fiction published in paperback original form in the United States. The award is sponsored by the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society and the Philip K. Dick Trust, and the award ceremony is sponsored by Norwescon. Come learn all about it!
Gordon Van Gelder (M), S.L. Coney, Bethany Jacobs, Dilman Dila
1—2 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
How many artists does it take to make a monster? Well, in this case it'll take more than one! Come watch these talented artists as they switch from easel to easel, each doing their part to create awesome unique monsters.
Lizzy D. Hill (M), Douglas Herring, Stan!, Eric L Vargas, Larry Lewis
noon—1 p.m. Olympic 2
What is the difference between a short story and a novel? Hear from writers about how they approach the two differently (or similarly) and what makes each so distinct. If there is time, we might even discuss forms that don't fit in either category, like novelettes or novellas.
Camden Rose (M), Tom D Wright, Kendare Blake, Tyrean Martinson
noon—1 p.m. Grand 2
Padawans, do you feel the call of the Force? Join the Jedi and Sith of Kamino Temple and learn how to use a lightsaber! Take your first steps into a larger world.
Torrey Stenmark (M)
noon—1 p.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Come and learn many tips and tricks from our panel of experts. Each panelist will demonstrate various sewing skills in short, live demonstrations, with each demo lasting approximately 15 minutes. Participants will rotate from demo to demo, learning and exploring the multiple facets needed to enhance your sewing journey. Beginners and experts alike will find this round-robin panel fun and informative.
Theresa Halbert (M), Melissa Quinn, Ieva Ohaks, Hazel
12:30—1 p.m. Cascade 3
Richard reads an excerpt from his fantasy adventure New Rock New Role— one with a strong comic thread. Rated PG.
Richard Sparks (M)
1—1:30 p.m. Cascade 3
TBD
Nancy Kress (M)
1—2 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Come and see all the entries and learn about them firsthand from their creators. The People's Choice award will be decided, and the winners will be announced at this panel along with the showing and sharing of the items.
1—2 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Many films now recognized as horror classics were scorned by critics when they were new. But some poorly received horror movies are still waiting for their time to be recognized as masterpieces. Our panelists discuss their favorite examples.
Gordon B. White (M), Brian D. Oberquell, Kendare Blake, Anne Stewart
1—2 p.m. Cascade 9
What is the right path for you? Discuss the pros and cons of each so that you can make more informed decisions.
Tom Whitmore (M), Rhiannon/R.Z. Held, Brianna Tibbetts, D.L. Solum, Leslie Varney
1—2 p.m. Cascade 10
Nearly two years after the Dobbs decision, people with wombs are publishing speculative stories and poems that center the pregnant/ postpartum body. Some are science fictions whose dystopian futures blend uneasily with our daily news feeds and reports from the Guttmacher Institute. Others are gothic fantasy and horror tales with pregnancy, childbirth, and systemic oppression at their core. What publishing strategies have been effective in getting these stories to market? What's in the pipeline? What do readers seem to want more of?
Celeste Wakefield (M), Laura Cranehill, Tara Campbell, Colleen Anderson, K.G. Anderson
1—3 p.m. Cascade 13
Have you ever wanted to write for a tabletop game publisher? Join professional game developers as we discuss the basics of adventure design and share tips for creating a memorable campaign, whether you're looking to break into the industry as a paid writer or want to home-brew your own adventure for your friends.
Jenny Jarzabski (M), Mike Kimmel, Patrick Hurley, Jason Tondro, Jason Nelson
1—2 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
How do different cultures view the future? How do tradition, religion, beliefs, and superstition shape and form the perceptions and expectations of what the future holds? We'll look at a variety of different examples from popular media—from Ghost in the Shell to Dirty Computer, from movies to comics, from art to music.
Lydia K. Valentine (M), Mir Plemmons, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti, Bethany Jacobs, Dilman Dila
1—2 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
How many artists does it take to make a monster? Well, in this case it'll take more than one! Come watch these talented artists as they switch from easel to easel, each doing their part to create awesome unique monsters.
Lizzy D. Hill (M), Douglas Herring, Stan!, Eric L Vargas, Larry Lewis
1—2 p.m. Olympic 1
Get a sparkle tattoo! Children and adults welcome.
Cindy Fangour (M)
1—2 p.m. Olympic 2
Come listen to audiobook narrators read excerpts from willing authors. Have you ever wondered what your book would sound like read aloud? Here is your chance. If you like to listen to audio books or wonder what the hype is, this panel is for you.
Sam Stark (M), Lezli Robyn, Alma Alexander, Gary Bennett, Spencer Ellsworth
1—3 p.m. Grand 2
Kamino Temple of Saber Guild welcomes all prospective Jedi and Sith! Come learn the basics of stage lightsaber combat and develop your first choreographed performance. Come dressed to move; loaner lightsabers will be provided.
Torrey Stenmark (M)
1—3 p.m. Lobby Photo Area
Get your 2024 winter holiday season card photo well ahead of time! Bring your camera or cell phone. Krampus and Santa will be on hand for you to snap pics. These two fine... er... people ask only that you make a donation to the convention's chosen charity: Young Black & Brilliant Book Club.
1—2 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
You think you know anime? Come put it to the test in a game of charades that's all about anime, and find your fellow fans!
1—2:30 p.m. Presidential Suite 1360
Come to a tea party hosted by the Seattle Worldcon 2025 team! The Seattle Worldcon will be held at the Seattle Convention Center August 13—17, 2025. Meet some of the plotters and planners, hear what a Worldcon entails, and add your two cents about how to make it a great event. The tea party will feature a special blend of tea, snacks, and conversation. You can learn more about the convention and buy a membership at , or by visiting the club table in the lobby.
Kathy (M)
1:30—2 p.m. Cascade 3
Please join Patrick Swenson as he reads from a new story or novel in progress. Rated PG.
Patrick Swenson (M)
2—2:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Jon reads "The Other River," a dark fantasy story forthcoming in Lightspeed Magazine. Content warnings for drug use and salty language. Rated R.
Jon Lasser (M)
2—3 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Did you know that some of speculative fiction's most popular authors are actually author teams? James S.A. Corey and Kit Rocha are pen names belonging to partners. Meanwhile, teams such as Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne (The Tales of Pell) and Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone have created masterly worlds together while sharing cover credit. Come hear coauthors talk about the ups and downs, joys and frustrations, and craft of writing together.
Amanda Cherry (M), Ken Bebelle, Steven Barnes, Erik Scott de Bie, Laura Anne Gilman
2—3 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Laughter is not the best medicine; that honor belongs to medicine. But in science fiction and fantasy stories, comedy can be a delicious spice or even the main course. In this panel, we will talk about how to mix humor into your fiction and how to entertain readers whose funny bone is shaped differently than your own. Warning: jokes may be dissected live, which always ruins them.
Mitchell Shanklin (M), Shiv Ramdas, David Boop, Gina Saucier, Richard Sparks
2—3 p.m. Cascade 9
Who needs extraterrestrials when 90 percent of species in our own ocean have yet to be cataloged? Panelists discuss known sea creatures which might change color, shape, and texture at will, or hunt for dinner using electroreception. We will extrapolate from there to plausible/fantastical beings that might have evolved here on Earth—or deep in space.
Bart Kemper (M), Charlotte Lewis Brown, Clara Ward, Gwendolyn N. Nix, Tegan Moore, G. David Nordley
2—3 p.m. Cascade 10
Booksellers, librarians, and reviewers play key roles in connecting readers with books. What do they look for when selecting books for reviews, displays, book talks, book lists, and online promotion? What role does the review system play in these decisions, and what can you do to make your work stand out after it's published? This panel of behind-the-scenes book mavens offers insight into everything from the influence of business relationships to how reviewers work and think about stories.
Marta Murvosh (M), Aigner Loren Wilson, Lish McBride, Ozzie M. Gartrell, Tom Whitmore, Vladimir Verano
2—3 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
A discussion panel between techies and artists on how AI has affected the artistic world and its pros and cons.
Dr. Sean Robinson (M), Kurt Cagle, Colette Breshears, Dilman Dila
2—3 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Stranger Things uses what some call the "Stephen King font" (ITC Benguiat Bold Condensed) to suggest horror paperback design from the 1980s, often considered a boom time for horror. That decade had horror paperback bestsellers at every grocery store checkout, dark fantasy comic books like Sandman, and films encompassing everything from artsy David Cronenberg thrillers like *Videodrome *to slasher schlock like Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan. Our panelists discuss notable examples, favorites, recurring themes, and was it really all about the prospect of dying at any moment in a global thermonuclear war?
Julie McGalliard (M), Gordon Van Gelder, Gwen Callahan , Jennifer Brozek, Gordon B. White
2—3 p.m. Olympic 1
Come show off your costume! Each contestant will have a chance to show off their look, and there will be a parade through the main con grounds. Participants will vote on their favorites.
Jenny Shafer (M), Zamesta Cosplay
2—3 p.m. Olympic 2
From D&D to Warhammer, there are many role-playing games that have expansive worlds to explore. But what if you want to create a world from scratch? Where should you start and what are some pitfalls? Come learn from expert worldbuilders.
Sar Surmick (M), Jeff Grubb, Bruce R. Cordell, Stephen Radney-MacFarland, Luis Loza
2—5 p.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Like painted minis, but not sure how to do it yourself? Join professional mini painter JD Wiker for a guided tutorial on how to get started in the hobby. You'll even get to take your mini home with you! Special thanks to WizKids for sponsoring this workshop. Limited to 24 participants. Sign up will open at the Info Table 24 hours before the panel.
JD Wiker (M)
2—3 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
You think you know video games? Come put your knowledge to the test in a game of charades that's all about them, and find your fellow players!
2—3 p.m. Art Show Panel 8
Theresa will demonstrate how she creates embroidery designs, from concept to finished design.
2:30—3 p.m. Cascade 3
The No-no Girls. In an alternate history 1940s, three generations of Japanese-American women steal diesel mechs and break out of a high-desert prison camp. Rated PG.
Remy Nakamura (M)
3—3:30 p.m. Cascade 3
A deleted scene from the third Kangaroo novel, scheduled for release later this year! Yes, it's from near the end of the story, but since I've just rewritten the ending, it's not a spoiler anymore! Rated PG.
Curtis C. Chen (M)
3—4 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Join us for discussion of editing, polishing, and finding markets to publish poetry, especially genre poetry. We will go into red flags, things to look for and expect, publishing contracts (including for minors), and answer questions about how to put your words out into the world.
Lydia K. Valentine (M), Colleen Anderson, Brian U. Garrison, Janna Silverstein, Jessica Rae Bergamino
3—4 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Culture helps to define the rank structure of its military. This panel will explore how different military cultures are reflected in how they structure their ranking systems.
Mike Brennan (M), Clayton Mann, Dr. Mark Rounds, Teresa Drag, Cait Alvarez
3—4 p.m. Cascade 9
Tons of fans from the Pacific Northwest go to Worldcon, the World Science Fiction Convention, every year. And yet it has only been held three times in this region: Portland in 1950, Seattle in 1961, and Spokane in 2015. But—it's coming back here to Seattle in August 2025! Worldcon members vote on the Hugo Awards and rub shoulders with the best and brightest stars of our field. Come learn how Worldcon operates, find out why you should go, and learn what it will take to make Seattle Worldcon 2025 a success.
Kathy (M)
3—4 p.m. Cascade 10
The dwarf planet Ceres has lots of accessible water, and nowhere else even comes close. Who will control it? China is interested.
Hugh S. Gregory (M), G. David Nordley, Dr. Sean Robinson, Dave Davis
3—4 p.m. Cascade 13
Ever find yourself frustrated, or even frozen, when it comes to writing your social media captions? You have all the content—but now what do you say about it?! Join Brittany Torres, a marketing and coach and artist, for this interactive workshop to help you quit the guesswork and start connecting with your audience more effectively. You'll learn such steps as how to set up post structure, get ideas for posts, and a three-step process to writing a caption. All creatives welcome.
Brittany Torres (M)
3—4 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
The most wondrous thing about seeing movies on the big screen is the fact that everything is larger than life. And when the movie is a visual extravaganza? It becomes a work of art for the eyes. Come to this panel to learn about some of the most beautiful science fiction, fantasy, and horror films to grace the big screen and see just why they are worthy of the title "Eye Candy."
Mimi Noyes (M), Nick Fraser, Luke Elliott, Richard Stephens, Brian D. Oberquell
3—4 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Exploring the worst misuses of science of any kind in sci fi/fantasy.
Jake McKinzie (M), Lawrence WattEvans, Agathon McGeachy, Kat Richardson, Dr. Raychelle Burks
3—4 p.m. Olympic 1
Come make your own fantasy map! We'll discuss basic geology and fun ways of generating a world.
Jenny Shafer (M), Brenda Carre
3—4 p.m. Olympic 2
Everybody gets stuck sometimes. Learn from published authors about how to get unstuck, how to stay motivated, and how to persevere through the crazy daunting task that is writing a novel.
Kate Ristau (M), Randy Henderson, Gwendolyn N. Nix, Travis Baldree, J.P. Barnett
3—4 p.m. Grand 2
Hands-on combat demo. Participants, equipped with wooden swords and shields, will learn and practice basic Norse weapon combat skills in a safe, highly supervised environment. What is it like standing in the shield wall? Instructors will provide training swords, shields, and gloves to be used by participants.
Bill Gruner (M), V Whitlock, Alexander Pereira, Paul Pedersen, Oliver
3—4 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
You think you know science fiction, fantasy, and horror literature? Come put it to the test in a game of charades that's all about them. Find your favorite author's fellow fans!
3—4 p.m. Presidential Suite 1360
Want to talk to others excited about a show that is balls-to-the-wall queer and beautiful? This the time and place. Let's talk it through as a crew.
Peggy Stewart (M)
3:30—4 p.m. Cascade 3
TBD. Ken Scholes reads a short story from one of his three collections. Rated PG.
Ken Scholes (M)
4—4:30 p.m. Cascade 3
The Ghost Eaters. A spooky Halloween story for April, the story of a ghost dog who has never abandoned his post. Rated PG.
Spencer Ellsworth (M)
4—5 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
For 50 years, media that flopped in the ratings or at the box office got a second chance at a devoted audience in syndication, home video, or the midnight movie circuit. From Star Trek to Rocky Horror, from *Pink Flamingos *to David Lynch's Dune, shows and movies that "failed" went on to influence future creators and alter the course of pop culture. Today, streaming services are quick to remove content that does not perform well immediately, robbing us of the ability to examine and re-evaluate it in years to come. Is it possible to nurture cult classics in this new era?
Kris "Pepper" Hambrick (M), Andrew Penn Romine, Andy Quinn, Nick Fraser
4—5 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Modify storebought items to make thrifty use of time and money and add functionality to your costume. Focus on shoes, handbags, starting from off-therack clothing or props.
Garth Stubbs (M), Ieva Ohaks, Theresa Halbert, Gina Saucier, Ms Purple Pearl
4—5 p.m. Cascade 9
The hero's journey is a good storyline, but it's not the only one. And its alltoo-prevalent three-act structure often fails to address women's journeys, and doesn't allow enough room for the storytelling arcs of non-Anglo peoples. Are you willing to wander off the path? Come explore different examples and ways to read and craft story.
Talulah J. Sullivan, Eva L. Elasigue, Sara A Mueller, Aigner Loren Wilson, Lezli Robyn
4—5 p.m. Cascade 10
The effects of climate change can no longer be denied. Vulnerable communities are already grappling with climate emergencies, and technology won't be the only thing to change our lives in the future when the Earth itself is changing all around us. Join SFF authors for a discussion on imagining and navigating future worlds with hotter temperatures, water scarcity, rising sea levels, crop failures, and the movement of climate refugees. Topics will include balancing research and writing, deciding how much science to include, and positioning your work within traditions of ecologically focused science fiction.
Tara Campbell (M), Thea Prieto, Brenda Cooper, Laura Cranehill, Clara Ward, Gordon Van Gelder, Jessie Kwak
4—5 p.m. Cascade 13
We've all been in games we thought would make a great novel, right? Books about game settings have been wildly popular for decades, but how do they work? How do you avoid the "dice rolling on the page" effect? How do you honor the game but still tell a story that stands on its own?
Erik Scott de Bie (M)
4—5 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
Have a project you want to see get off the ground? Maybe it's a board game about ninja squirrels or a coloring book of miniature giant space hamsters? Thinking of using Kickstarter to do it? Well, come and learn how to make a successful Kickstarter from those who have had a successful Kickstarter!
Michael Ormes (M), Gwen Callahan , D.L. Gardner, Sean K. Reynolds, Lizzy D. Hill
4—5 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
What would it take for your favorite monster to really exist?
Colette Breshears (M), Dr. Raychelle Burks, Julie McGalliard, Eric L Vargas, Larry Lewis, Ellis Bray
4—5 p.m. Olympic 1
This will be a simple how-to-draw lesson. Bring your ideas for what to draw and ask our artist to show you how it's done!
Jenny Shafer (M), Liz Argall
4—5 p.m. Olympic 2
Do you ever start a novel, get super excited about it, then find out that your world makes no sense? In this panel, experts will talk about how to create a world, what essential questions are needed for you to start writing, and how to pick what aspects of your world should stay or go when you put pencil to paper.
David D. Levine (M), G.R. Theron, L.J. Melvin, Sam Stark, Ken Bebelle
4—5 p.m. Grand 2
Teams of 20 or more participants, each equipped with wooden gladius (sword), and regulation scutum (shield) will learn and practice basic Roman legionary combat skills in a safe, supervised environment. Learn what it is like to be part of the Roman line. Instructors will provide swords, shields, and training. The audience will play an important part in the scenario: legionaries attacked by barbarians.
Oliver (M), Bill Gruner, Alexander Pereira, D.L. Solum, Agathon McGeachy
4—5 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
You think you know science fiction, fantasy and horror movies? Come put it to the test in a game of Charades that's all about D&D, and find your fellow film buffs!
4—5 p.m. Art Show Panel 8
Rob will be doing an acrylic speed painting demo. Don't be surprised if a dragon appears in an hour!
4:30—5 p.m. Cascade 3
Dear Penpal, Belgium 1980. Part of a longer epistolary project about a young girl living in a haunted mansion in Belgium in 1980. Rated G.
Jennifer Brozek (M)
5—5:30 p.m. Cascade 3
"The Journey of a Thousand Gifts." An exploration of the joys, terrors, and revelations of the afterlife. Rated PG.
K.G. Anderson (M)
5—6 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
They think they know it all about their topic... Watch a Whose Line is it Anyway?-style science production. You might even get to pick. You might even be on the panel!
Jake McKinzie (M), Colette Breshears, Brian D. Oberquell, David D. Levine, Charlotte Lewis Brown
5—6 p.m. Cascade 9
How to write believable, purposeful violent scenes and use them to advance the story and develop your world. Where do you even start when writing a battle scene? Let our panelists help answer your questions about military combat.
Travis Partington (M), Dr. Mark Rounds, Metaerie, Teresa Drag, Clayton Mann
5—6 p.m. Cascade 10
How exactly should you set up your will before you join the ranks of the undead? Or, how long exactly can you collect your pension after becoming a lich? Bring your burning legal questions for the fantastical to our panel of experts, and we'll take you through all the permutations to the lawyer's favorite answer—it depends.
Kathy (M), Ethan Vodde, Bryana Cross Bean, Attorney at Law, Gina Saucier
5—6 p.m. Cascade 13
We love well-researched stories, but we don't always love the info dumps they tempt writers to commit. What writers show off their research well? How can we, as writers, make our research integration sparkle instead of sputter?
Kat Richardson (M)
5—6 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
What makes a compelling jacket cover? How do you convey the story in a single image?
Brenda Carre (M), Brittany Torres, Janna Silverstein, Charles Vess
5—6 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Neither writers nor editors are AIs. Not only do writers and editors have their own priorities going into an editorial relationship (which all writers enter into when their manuscripts are under serious consideration), they also have emotions, sometimes extremely intense ones. This panel will discuss the joys and difficulties of the relationship, particularly the importance of clear, open communication and mutual trust.
Laura Anne Gilman (M), Neil Clarke, Monte Lin, Lish McBride, Gwendolyn N. Nix, Gordon Van Gelder
5—6 p.m. Olympic 1
Earth is our home, but do you know our neighborhood? Learn about the planets in the solar system and make a fun craft.
Jenny Shafer (M), Andy Dykes
5—6 p.m. Olympic 2
Join us as we talk about the science fiction genre: what is it, how we approach it, and why should you write it. After the panel, we will brainstorm a scifi story or two together.
Camden Rose (M), L.J. Melvin, Karen Eisenbrey, Marta Murvosh, Leslie Varney
5:30—6 p.m. Cascade 3
Joe Trucker. An American Doctor Who-type screenplay. Rated G.
John Lovett (M)
6—6:30 p.m. Cascade 3
"The Potion Maker & The Nuisance." All Athys wanted was for the seal pup to leave him alone. But when using magic to try and solve the problem puts the pup in danger, the merman is forced to decide if his peace and quiet is more important than the pup's life. Rated G.
Brianna Tibbetts (M)
6—7 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Humans versus the rest of the ecosystem. Plants can do it easily, can we? What stands in the way?
Sar Surmick (M), Mir Plemmons, Agathon McGeachy
6—7 p.m. Cascade 9
Billions of people spent months on end stuck inside their homes during the pandemic. Inevitably this has inspired new stories about domestic dangers, haunted homes, and antagonistic family members and flatmates. What's lurking in the basement? Where did the children disappear to? Can I trust my partner? Panelists look at the history of horror-athome, from classic Gothic literature to recent books and media.
Evan J. Peterson (M), Gordon B. White, Ozzie M. Gartrell, Gwen Callahan, Kate Alice Marshall
6—7 p.m. Cascade 10
Science fiction authors will share how they researched the real past to write an imagined future. Authors of science fiction are expected to research scientific principles and technology to portray believable futuristic worlds. But historical research comes into it, too, whether for alternative history narratives, time-travel stories, or invented plots patterned on historical events.
Karen Eisenbrey (M), Peter Fuller, Danielle Gembala, Ellis Bray, Joseph Malik
6—7 p.m. Cascade 13
You say you can only draw stick figures. Well, that's the first step to drawing! Come learn what the other steps are! Make sure to bring something to draw on.
Larry Lewis (M), Stan!, Lizzy D. Hill
6—7 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
You have picked the campaign you are eager to run, and it's time to introduce the players to your table. It's Session 0 Time! Our panelists go over the important agenda items to address during your Session 0 to help launch your campaign or adventure successfully.
Bruce R. Cordell (M), Luis Loza, Ron Lundeen, Alexander Pereira, Erik Scott de Bie
6—7 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Smart grid? Microgrid? Clean power? What about electromagnetic pulses, hackers, and squirrels? We can take electricity for granted, but what is the state of our power system today? Could an EMP really take it all down? Where does it come from, and where is it going?
Crystal Lloyd (M), Colette Breshears, Dan Dubrick, Wm Salt Hale, Howard Davidson
6—6:30 p.m. Grand 3
Masquerade doors open. Come find a seat.
6 p.m.—midnight Maxi's Lounge
Need a quiet space to just be for a while? Want to read a book? Looking for a space to run a long game of Twilight Imperium that isn't noisy? We've set this space aside for just that.
6:30—7 p.m. Cascade 3
"Ava." Library work in underfunded districts comes with many challenges, but when Ava shows up in the stacks, looking for books on birds, William is unprepared. Ava's birds bring gifts, and string games, and may be more dangerous than they appear. Rated G.
A.W. McCollough (M)
6:30—8:30 p.m. Grand 3
We invite all of you to attend the annual presentation of the finest creations that Norwescon costumers and cosplayers have to offer, at the Norwescon 46 Masquerade. Join us in cheering on this year's crew of creatives as they share their hard-wrought handiwork. Be a part of the oohing and aahing at the pageantry and presentation of these amazing makers.
7—7:30 p.m. Cascade 3
A horrific short story. From the POV of a cat. But not for children. Rated R.
Laura Cranehill (M)
7—8 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
What does it mean to have a diagnosis, either official or self-identified?
Liz Coleman (M), Danielle Gembala, Sar Surmick
7—8 p.m. Cascade 9
How do writing and music interact. Does one inspire the other? For those who do both, which came first? How does one modality help the craft of the other?
Richard Sparks (M), Ken Scholes, GregRobin Smith, Amanda Cherry
7—8 p.m. Cascade 13
Enter the world of comics! Minicomics are the most democratic of comics. Anyone can make them, and we'll show you how. You will take away two books and templates to help you make your own later.
Larry Lewis (M), Kate Sherman
7—8 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
The past year has seen some pretty big changes in the tabletop RPG industry. Maybe you heard something about an Open Gaming License (OGL). Let discuss the past year's events, the move of many companies to establish their own gaming licenses, and how the gaming industry landscape could change in the future.
Stephen Radney-MacFarland (M), Ethan Vodde, Sean K. Reynolds, Jeff Grubb, Jason Nelson
7—8 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
For Ursula K. Le Guin, the most pleasurable part of writing was editing her drafts. Whether you consider this stage a pleasure or a drudgery, it's an essential part of the creative process. A writer must remove the scaffolding they've used as a means of getting words on the page and also decide which detail, which word, which phrasing serves their work best. This panel will discuss what to look and listen for when editing your own manuscript, before you send it out.
Tom Llewellyn (M), Kara Swanson, Rashida J Smith, S.L. Coney, Sarah Chorn
7—9 p.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Don your best mad scientist outfit and come create marvelous monsters and creative chimera! We will take cute fluffy stuffed animals and hack them to pieces, only to reassemble them in wholly unnatural ways. WARNING! Not for the easily distressed or children! We will be working with scissors and needles and as such only mature mad scientists will be allowed to participate. The only skills required are rudimentary sewing skills (plush is very forgiving) and a sick sense of humor. A $5 materials fee covers the cost of DNA splitters, splicers, and experimental specimens.
Mimi Noyes (M)
7—9 p.m. Lobby Photo Area
Bummed that you can't take flash photos in the masquerade? Want to take pictures of the masquerade contestants? This is your chance. Most contestants will come to the lobby photo area after they exit the stage to pose for pictures with staff photographers. Please be polite and listen to those directing the event and the masquerade contestants.
7:30—8 p.m. Cascade 3
In this excerpt from "Sir Loren's Books of Sorrows," Sir Loren and Sir Aiken, two misfit knights of Arthur's Round Table, must use their charm and skill (and just a little bit of magic) to free a unicorn imprisoned in a king's menagerie. Rated PG.
Berlynn Wohl (M)
8—8:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Bones of Starlight. This fantasy space opera trilogy is a generational saga at the turn of the age in an alternateuniverse intergalactic imperium with fantasy aliens. Rated R.
Eva L. Elasigue (M)
8—9 p.m. Cascade 9
From the Unstoppable trilogy by Charlie Jane Anders to the Guardians of the Galaxy, young adult science fiction is brimming with found families. What should YA writers consider when they engage with this trope? We'll talk about what distinguishes a found family from any other fictional team or group of friends, when and how to bring the group together, and how to find the right tone for your cast.
David D. Levine (M), Kate Alice Marshall, Lezli Robyn, L.J. Melvin
8—10 p.m. Cascade 10
Join Broad Universe for a fun, fast-paced group reading to showcase the work of women and nonbinary authors who will read a short snippet from a recent work. Discover new writers, enjoy chocolate, and enter a drawing for a book, all while you support women and nonbinary people working in speculative fiction. Broad Universe is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to expand awareness of and promote women and other underrepresented gender identities in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Learn more at www.broaduniverse.org.
K.G. Anderson, Clara Ward, Marta Murvosh, Amanda Cherry
8—9 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
How to stand, walk, turn, block, and cut like a real knight. A hands-on class taught by an SCA knight with over 30 years of experience. We'll talk about armor, weapons, defenses, and attacks. How does the weight of your armor affect your posture and stance? How can a two-to-four-pound broadsword move quickly enough to defeat your opponent? How hard do you have to strike to penetrate various kinds of armor? Where does that power come from?
D.L. Solum (M), Agathon McGeachy, William Elder, Ann Shilling
8—10 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Greetings to warriors, wizards, clerics and rogues alike! Do you yearn for an action-packed journey onto fantasy battlefields and into dread dungeons? Look no further! Dargarth offers an inclusive community where you can unleash your inner adventurer in a game that is fun and physical. Join Dargarth for an adrenaline-pumping experience that couples strategy, teamwork, and your skill with a blade. You must be age 16 or older and sign a waiver to participate because our game involves full-force boffer combat.
Wm Salt Hale (M)
8:30—9 p.m. Cascade 3
The Natural Order of Things to Come (and Other Poems From the End of the World). Short-form poems told from the point of view of the apocalypse. Rated PG.
Ellis Bray (M)
9—9:30 p.m. Cascade 3
"Bell Biv Derailed." A comedy-horror piece about a subway train that takes a slight detour into a very spooky tunnel. Originally published in LOLcraft: A Compendium of Eldritch Humor. Rated R.
B. Zelkovich (M)
9—9:30 p.m. Cascade 9
Sometimes, the lives we save are our own, a love letter to storytelling. A comic, speculative and non-fiction performance piece. Inspired by my zine, Ordinary Madness, a love letter to an unread book and various short works. Rated PG.
Liz Argall (M)
9—10 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Writing adult material is a skill, much the same as writing any other genre, and adult-oriented slash fanfiction is no exception. This panel examines what makes slash good—and fun!—for writers and readers. 18+ years of age only.
Berlynn Wohl (M), Scotty McIntosh, Sam Stark, Elliott Kay, Kris "Pepper" Hambrick
9 p.m.—2 a.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
Come join the open filk circle.
9 p.m.—1 a.m. Presidential Suite 1360
Come to a party hosted by the Seattle Worldcon 2025 team! The Seattle Worldcon will be at the Seattle Convention Center August 13—17, 2025. Meet some of the plotters and planners, hear about what a Worldcon entails, and add your two cents about how to make it a great event. The party will feature apple crisp, cider, mocktails, other snacks, and conversation. You can learn more about the convention and buy a membership at seattlein2025.org, or by visiting the club table in the lobby.
9:30 p.m.—2 a.m. Grand 2
This is your chance to get dressed to the Fae nines as we dedicate this dance to our theme this year, "Into the Wylde," in honor of Jim Butcher and Charles Vess. The first 20 minutes or so will be music that you might find in a mystical garden. (It's the time to sashay about and show off your outfit! Or perhaps the Royal Court will favor us with medieval dancing?) The rest of the evening will be a wide mix of modern dance music.
10—11 p.m. Cascade 3
10—11 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Come find out what techniques from BDSM can be applied to protect us from COVID or con crud. We can still have some hot sexy times even while wearing a mask or staying six feet apart. Toys can extend our reach and prevent fluid exchange while adding a range of exciting kinds of touch. 18+ years of age and older.
Hazel (M), Sakari, Craig Jackson, Kate Sherman, Sar Surmick
11 p.m.—midnight Cascade 5 & 6
Maybe you've thought about trying out some recreational bondage but don't know where to start. Come learn some basic ties and safety tips so you can get started right. 18+ years of age and older.
Hazel (M), Sakari, Craig Jackson
9—11 a.m. Olympic 1
Enjoy an Easter egg hunt and get some prizes! Divided by age group.
Jenny Shafer (M)
9—10 a.m. Olympic 2
Come show off your achievements and earn coin! Exchange coin for prizes.
10—10:30 a.m. Cascade 3
The Drowned Horse Chronicle Vol 1 &
2. In the Arizona territory there was a cursed town populated by inner demons that manifested into actual monsters and the brave, albeit insane, settlers who stood between the dark and the light. Rated PG.
David Boop (M)
10—11 a.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Learn all about the game show where being interesting is more important than being right. Presented by BritCon.
Gina Saucier, Payne Haynes, Thursday, Andrew Williams
10—11 a.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Women have worn armor in the past and wear armor as re-enactors now. Are there suits of armor especially tailored for women? Find out from a jouster and shield maiden.
Ann Shilling (M), Peter Fuller, Clayton Mann
10—11 a.m. Cascade 9
From The Castle of Otranto (1764) to Wednesday (2022), the Gothic aesthetic and Gothic tropes have influenced books, paintings, comics, films, fashion, music, television, and video games. What makes a work "Gothic"? How has the genre changed over time? What are the reasons for its enduring appeal?
Evan J. Peterson (M), B. Zelkovich, Richard Stephens, Laura Cranehill, Julie McGalliard
10—11 a.m. Cascade 10
With a focus on visual arts and literary works, this panel will explore how to protect copyright, the benefits of registration, and the mechanics (and general costs) of licensing and enforcing copyright (including against unauthorized uses).
Ethan Vodde (M)
10 a.m.—4 p.m. Cascade 11
Want to set up your own game? Cascade 11 has space for your RPG, board, or card games. Check one out from Dragonflight's Lending Library or bring your own.
10 a.m.—4 p.m. Cascade 12
Come check out games from our lending libraries. We have RPGs, card games, board games, and so much more! An official state license or state ID is needed to check out games. This space has tables to play the games you borrow or ones you bring yourselves. There will also be some scheduled games here. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs.
10—11:30 a.m. Cascade 13
In this generative writing workshop, we'll explore three ways of creating new worlds: defamiliarizing common expressions, drawing inspiration from poetic forms, and unlocking the power of deliberate paradox.
Tara Campbell (M)
10—11 a.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
Let's talk about the masquerade! This one is primarily for the entrants.
10—11 a.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Recognition, respect, and the (r) evolution of neurodiversity. Why the future is neurodiverse and how we can create that future.
Kurt Cagle (M), Liz Coleman, A.W. McCollough, Clara Ward
10—11 a.m. Grand 2
Heists and con jobs have high stakes and plenty of conflicted, lovable rogues who "stick it to the Man" and ensemble casts with internal romances and disputes. What factors make a heist or con story work? Are there standard plot structures or character archetypes to use, or to avoid? What kinds of twists do writers give these archetypes in science fiction? This is a great chance for writers to learn more about this story type, including sources to use for further research. Readers who want a look behind the curtain of stories like Inception, Cindy Pon's Want, and David Levine's The Kuiper Belt Job will likewise enjoy.
David D. Levine (M), Kat Richardson, Dr. Raychelle Burks, Steven Barnes
10 a.m.—noon Maxi's Lounge
Today's the day we shoot Alien Invaders from Planet Malbad. Unfortunately, the director left the script at Denny's this morning, but he swears it will go just fine, because he also wrote it and he remembers how it goes. Basically. But he wouldn't mind some help from his actors, whoever they are—he also lost the cast list. So whoever shows up, you get a part! He trusts that, if he gives you basic direction, you'll come up with something great. In other words, ICFTLLLS is a minimum-mechanic roleplaying game that lends itself really well to a LARP/Critical Role sort of experience. You do NOT have to play/ act to participate! Being an audience is perfectly fine—just come and enjoy the live insanity. We'll also need stunt doubles, actors who only get one line to make the most of, and extras to occasionally move/sit/pretend to talk.
10 a.m.—4 p.m. Maxi's Salon
Artemis is a spaceship bridge simulator where players assume the jobs of captain, navigator, pilot, science officer, communications officer, engineer, and tactical officer and work together to defeat alien enemies.
10 a.m.—4 p.m. Rotunda 1 & 2
Come sign up for a game! We have Pathfinder Society, Adventure League, RPGs, card games, and so much more! After gaming closes, this area is available for open games. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs. Rotunda 1 is located down Concourse 1 or 2 on the first floor.
10:30—11 a.m. Cascade 3
"Shiplah's Eyes." Much is asked of a princess when a conqueror leads his horde to the gates of her city. Rated PG.
Agathon McGeachy (M)
11—11:30 a.m. Cascade 3
The author reads from her novel Gret of Roon. Rated G.
Brenda Carre (M)
11 a.m.—noon Cascade 5 & 6
Learn all the secrets to good convention photography for Norwescon cosplayers: lighting, composition, posing, and details that can really make con photos pop. Plus, we'll talk about photography etiquette, staying safe, and do's and don'ts for people on both sides of the camera.
Andrew Williams, Torrey Stenmark
11 a.m.—noon Cascade 7 & 8
A place of meditation and discussion, contemplation, and thought for those who have passed since the last Norwescon. Honor those who have passed on with a thought, memory, or a simple prayer to whatever you wish. Leave the name of someone you remember.
Tom Whitmore (M)
11 a.m.—noon Cascade 9
As artificial intelligence, ubiquitous access, and autonomous robotic systems become the norm, how will this change the shape of economies? What happens when remote work becomes the norm? Will capitalism as we know it become capitalism as we don't? Is a basic living stipend (BLS) likely? Will financial inequality be the defining characteristic of the 21st century? What happens to those who fall through the cracks (or chasms)? This is a panel focusing on your inner economist.
Jon Lasser (M), Tom D Wright, Kaylea Champion, Norman K. Moss, Shahid Mahmud
11 a.m.—noon Cascade 10
Your reader doesn't owe you one second of their attention. How do you grab them by the lapels? Should your hook be a memorable line or more transparent prose that drops the reader into the middle of the action? Learn to craft an opening line that makes the right promises for your story and pulls readers in for that first fateful page, then the next one.
Dean Wells (M), Ellis Bray, Nancy Kress, Daryl Gregory, Bethany Jacobs
11—1 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
See the award winners and some of the other best short films from this year's festival. As a bonus, we will be showing the Let's Make a Movie final film for Norwescon 46.
Edward Martin III, Ryan K. Johnson, Shawn Marier
11 a.m.—noon Evergreen 3 & 4
Fantasy's roots extend deep into alternative, magical versions of our world. Join our panelists as they explore urban, portal, dystopian, and modern myths and discuss the origins, evolution, and current expressions within the genre.
Rashida J Smith (M), Kat Richardson, Rhiannon/R.Z. Held, Ken Bebelle, Jim Butcher
11 a.m.—noon Olympic 1
Interested in longer stories? Come hear the first chapters of some chapter books.
Jenny Shafer (M), Sam Stark
11 a.m.—noon Olympic 2
We all do it—write fanfiction, that is. And we shouldn't be ashamed! Come learn about the world of fanfiction writing, including techniques, avenues for sharing, and where to grow from there.
Berlynn Wohl (M), Brianna Tibbetts, Scotty McIntosh, Amanda Cherry, Janna Silverstein
11 a.m.—noon Maxi's Ballroom
Assemble some costumed models, tables, and a timer. Sprinkle in some people with drawing materials, and voilà! A figure drawing class!
Douglas Herring (M), Liz Argall, Sven Red Beard, Lizzy D. Hill, Kris "Pepper" Hambrick
11—1 p.m. Presidential Suite 1360
Come and decompress before you go home. We'll open with a few minutes of chatter as a welcome. The remainder of the time will be spent silently reading our individual books of choice. That's it! Just a designated time and space to read with others who want to read. Feel free to bring a blanket or pillow or your favorite reading comfort item.
11:30 a.m.—noon Cascade 3
The author will read selections from the YA science fiction Curd Immunity series, a four-book chronicle about life after the release of the Curd, a bioengineered super-food that altered the course of climate change and human civilization. Jorge lives in Pelago, a string of quarantine cities connected by a shining solar railway. Flynn lives in a camp for people whose brains have been damaged by the Curd. Ova lives in a self-replicating desert habitat with her own symbiont partner. Val is a castaway on a floating island that grows among the refuse of the seas. They all have one thing in common: the Curd has altered life on earth and they are all immune. Rated G.
L.J. Melvin (M)
noon—12:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Alma will be reading from her book Newly Banned in Florida or her work-inprogress novel. It will be the audience choice. Rated G.
Alma Alexander (M)
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
How do we raise kids whose brains work differently from ours?
Kathy (M), Danielle Gembala, Tom D Wright, Payne Haynes
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
How far do you have to go? What will the reader deal with? Do you explain in detail (Asimov) or do you deal in generalities (Foster)? How consistent with this should you be? Are some sciences easier?
Rhiannon/R.Z. Held (M), Jim Kling, Tom Llewellyn, Colette Breshears, J.P. Barnett
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 9
High fantasy, sword and sorcery, urban fantasy, historical fantasy, so many flavors! How do you tailor a game's setting and rules to bring out the type of fantasy you want?
Jason Tondro (M), Stephen RadneyMacFarland, Jeff Grubb, Sean K. Reynolds
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 10
Fic writers face the same challenges as other writers: where do you get your ideas? How do you keep yourself focused? How does writing fit into your daily schedule? Other concerns are more specific: Do I post this story as a work- in-progress or wait until it's finished? Where should I post it? How do I react to readers' comments? Our panel of seasoned fic writers will talk about their solutions for writing productively.
Berlynn Wohl (M), Clara Ward, B. Zelkovich, Elliott Kay
noon—1 p.m. Cascade 13
Zine culture has been around for decades and has hugely influenced internet culture and fandom. This panel is geared towards younger people who want to explore new ways to express themselves and their interests. Topics will include production (physical and digital), ethical considerations, distribution, and more. There will be time for attendees to put together their own mini-zine.
Thursday (M), Marta Murvosh, Larry Lewis, Julie McGalliard
noon—1 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
Crafting compelling dialogue is an often- overlooked skill in fantasy writing. Our panelists will explore the nuances of dialogue within the genre, discussing how to infuse personality into characters and maintain authenticity in fantastical settings. Gain practical tips on finding the right balance between natural speech and the unique elements of your fantasy world.
G.R. Theron (M), Patrick Hurley, Travis Baldree, Amanda Cherry, Sara A. Mueller
noon—1 p.m. Olympic 1
Sing along as we listen to favorite songs from Disney shows.
Jenny Shafer (M), Scotty McIntosh
noon—1 p.m. Olympic 2
If you came to any teen/tween panels this year and have some feedback, come to this! The track lead is ready to talk about what worked well, what didn't, and any panels you might have in mind for next year. This is for teens and tweens only.
Camden Rose (M)
noon—12:30 p.m. Grand 2
Twelve Months. Jim Butcher will read one chapter from his upcoming Dresden book, Twelve Months. Rated R.
Jim Butcher (M)
noon—1 p.m. Maxi's Ballroom
Learn about the use of leather in art throughout history.
Sven Red Beard (M), Belsac, Bill Gruner
noon—12:30 p.m. Lobby Photo Area
"My life tattered. The vision threadbare. All that remains are memories. I remember a time of chaos... ruined dreams... this wasted land. But most of all, I remember the Thunderdome Prom." This is a costume photo shoot open to anyone dressed in postapocalyptic formal. The group photo will be at 12:15pm.
Peggy Stewart (M)
12:30—1 p.m. Cascade 3
"Belonging." The author reads an excerpt from her upcoming memoir A Different Drum: A Black, Autistic, Polyamorous, Mentally Ill, Former Fundamentalist Christian/Cult Member and Breast Cancer Survivor WHO JUST WANTS TO FIT IN. The title of the book gives away what her story is about, just like the *Gilligan's Island *and *The Brady Bunch *theme songs. Rated PG.
Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti (M)
12:30—1 p.m. Grand 2
The Queen of Summer's Twilight. Published in September 2022 by NewCon Press, this contemporary novel is set in Scotland (and the realms of Faerie) and is based on the ballad "Tam-Lin." Rated PG.
Charles Vess (M)
1—1:30 p.m. Cascade 3
Intrigue Among Vampires. In 1685, two noble-born Huguenot sisters escape the Dragonades. France has turned against them, but they find sanctuary with two vampires who need assistance with the new rules of etiquette. Historical family drama with vampires. Rated PG.
Elizabeth Guizzetti (M)
1—2 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
Whether you are making steam by burning something, nuclear power, or magic, steam power is more complicated than turning the key and driving off. How was it done? How could it be done with different tech (or magic)? Join our panelists as we puff along about steam.
Mike Brennan (M), Norman K. Moss, Howard Davidson, Agathon McGeachy
1—2 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Within geek culture we value intelligence over appearance. We are body-positive and believe all sizes and abilities can be beautiful. But everyone needs exercise in their life, particularly if we have sedentary tech jobs and indoor hobbies. Fitness doesn't have to look like the spandex gym-rats or sports fans, or be about weight loss. Learn about the many kinds of physical activities that appeal more to the geeky community.
Hazel (M)
1—2 p.m. Cascade 9
In the last decade more nations have been working towards putting people into space. This includes the USA, Russia, China, India, and Europe. Is this the beginning of a new race to the moon, Mars, and asteroids?
Dr. Sean Robinson (M), G. David Nordley, Hugh S. Gregory, Phil L. Swan
1—2 p.m. Cascade 10
The way your characters speak and the descriptions you write create your fictional world. If you want a world that is not patriarchal or a world that works just like ours does, your language must reflect that. Language is an essential part of worldbuilding.
David D. Levine (M), Joseph Malik, Talulah J. Sullivan, Cait Alvarez, Sandra Rosner
1—2 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
More than just barkeeps or innkeepers, more than just quest givers, NPCs are the supporting cast that populate your adventure. Our gaming experts discuss what makes an NPC stand out and how to create a character that players will talk about long after the campaign ends.
Erik Scott de Bie (M), Patrick Hurley, Luis Loza, Ron Lundeen, Sean K. Reynolds
1—3 p.m. Olympic 2
Have an idea for a story? Not sure where to start? Join other teens in a nuts-and-bolts story-writing workshop. We'll use supportive, active listening and idea-generating exercises to explore worldbuilding, characters, plot, and theme. Restricted to ages 14-18. Limited to 15 teens. Signups will open at the info table 24 hours before the panel.
L.J. Melvin (M)
1—2 p.m. Maxi's Ballroom
See a demonstration of the making of leather artwork.
Belsac, Bill Gruner
1—4 p.m. Maxi's Lounge
Come learn about the style and core concepts of FatChanceBellyDance® Style belly dance with a certified instructor. Get shimmying with this workshop, as we dance through different vocab families and learn the unique joys of group improv belly dance! Please bring a water bottle. Not required to take the class, but for an optional material fee of $5, a workbook and a pen are available.
Siyrren (M)
1:30—2 p.m. Cascade 3
TBD.
Andrew Penn Romine (M)
2—3 p.m. Cascade 5 & 6
The Exorcist, released on December 26, 1973, turned 50 last year. The film, a bona fide horror blockbuster, was enormously influential and still tops many lists of "scariest films of all time." How does it hold up today? Do the themes still resonate? And how about those sequels? Our panelists discuss the film and its impact.
Julie McGalliard (M), Gloria JacksonNefertiti, Gwen Callahan , Sam Stark, Ozzie M. Gartrell
2—3 p.m. Cascade 7 & 8
Nothing is worse than something going wrong with your costume. What should you bring with you to the con to cover any repairs?
Ieva Ohaks (M), Julie Zetterberg, Theresa Halbert, Garth Stubbs, Ms Purple Pearl
2—3 p.m. Cascade 9
This is an introduction to speculative/ genre poetry with examples from history (both literary history and anthropology), media (poetry in video games—it's more common than you think), and around the world. Attendees will hopefully walk away with not just a new awareness of a new (to them) type of writing, but also the role poetry plays in our conception of nerd culture.
Lydia K. Valentine (M), Thursday, Jeannine Hall Gailey
2—3 p.m. Cascade 10
Horses are vital to pre-industrial history in Europe and Asia and have impacted every part of the globe via importation. They pepper myth, fantasy, and folklore. This is a beginner's class in broad strokes: types of horses, markings, variations of saddles, historical roots, and historical misnomers. If you've worked with horses, you may find this a refresher course. If you haven't any experience, come learn some basics that'll help you stay out of trouble.
Sara A. Mueller (M)
2—3 p.m. Cascade 13
Do you consider yourself an expert on a geek-related short topic (how magma works, what are story beats, how to make cat ears)? Are you willing to talk about it for 3-10 minutes to an audience? Sign up, then vote for your favorite topics on the lobby board! If there is an image you'd like to be shown on the screen during your talk, please email it to specialevents@norwescon.org no later than Saturday at 5 p.m.
2—3 p.m. Evergreen 1 & 2
Using high-end laser simulators and electronic sensors, a professional instructor will go over the fundamentals of pistol safety and use. This workshop will help you get a feel for pistols and their proper handling. All safety rules will apply.
Bill Gruner (M), Oliver, John Lovett, Dr. Mark Rounds, Clayton Mann, D.L. Solum
2—4 p.m. Grand 2
Bring your own blaster and play Nerf games. (We will have some blasters available.) Eye protection is a must! Load up and Nerf on!
4—5 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
We're so glad we had this time together, just to learn and laugh and dance and craft. It seems like we just get started, then before you know it, the time comes for us to thank our guests of honor and end Norwescon 46 on a high note!
Lydia K. Valentine (M)
5—6 p.m. Evergreen 3 & 4
The convention is over. Here's your chance to weigh in on what went well and what didn't. Tell us your favorite and least favorite parts of the convention so we can try to make it better next year. After all, as a member of Norwescon, this is YOUR convention!
AS OF 03/25/2024
All Norwescon attendees are required to complete an online registration process before receiving a membership badge. Membership forms are digital, and are completed and signed through the Norwescon registration website/database. Signing the membership form indicates that you understand the rules of conduct as listed in this document and posted in our policies manual (available on our website) and agree to abide by them. Children 12-and-under receive a free membership when attending with their parent or guardian; their membership is linked to an adult's registration.
Membership includes:
The right to attend the convention
Membership badge
The opportunity to attend a variety of community events throughout the year, including the volunteer picnic, camping trip, book club, etc.
Your membership badge with legible ID# must be visibly displayed while in any designated convention space. Anyone who cannot produce a current membership badge upon request will be asked to leave the convention space.
A minor, as defined by the State of Washington, must have a parent or legal guardian/individual designated by the parent or legal guardian who is on-site when the minor is on-site. Minors must have a permission slip on file with Registration signed by a parent or guardian.
If a membership badge is lost, you are encouraged to search everywhere before a new one is issued. Make sure you check with Lost and Found (both the hotel and the convention have lost and found departments), Registration, and Safety before purchasing a replacement badge. The fee for replacement of a lost badge is $120. If you find your badge after having us replace it, we will return
$115 of the replacement fee. The remaining $5 covers processing the new badge.
Norwescon memberships are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend the convention after purchasing your membership, you may roll that membership over to the following year. You may also transfer your membership to someone else in the current convention year. Please contact with membership questions.
A member may transfer their membership to the following year by submitting a written, signed request to Norwescon no later than 30 days following the convention for which the membership was issued. There shall be a downloadable form for requesting a rollover of membership to the next convention on the website.
If a membership goes unused the year it is issued, and a transfer is not issued during the following year, it is forfeited.
Norwescon reserves the right to refuse or withdraw membership at any time for any reason.
Norwescon is a safe and welcoming space for persons of all backgrounds and descriptions. Everyone should have a great time in their own way at the convention---but not if it comes at the expense of others. As a community, we insist on behavior that respects the autonomy of each individual member.
To help ensure an enjoyable experience for all, we expect you to abide by the following guidelines. Norwescon will take appropriate action to enforce our code of conduct at all of our meetings and events.
Be respectful of others. This includes the members, program participants, volunteers, convention staff, and hotel staff.
Do not display potentially offensive images or symbols in public spaces, or in your background in the case of virtual participation. This includes images that are sexually graphic, or which carry connotations that are historically or racially offensive, including bigoted iconography or symbolism.
Do not record any convention content without prior permission from Norwescon.
Keep all content appropriate for all ages unless you are participating in an area or activity explicitly labeled as 18+.
Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and the policies of Norwescon as described in the Membership Guide.
Commit to behavior that uplifts marginalized voices in our community and advances a more equitable, just society.
Norwescon strives to provide a safe and welcoming space for persons of all descriptions. Everyone should be able to have a great time, in their own way, at the convention---but not at the expense of others. As a community, we insist on behavior that respects the autonomy of each individual member.
Norwescon members and convention staff have the right to be free from unwanted harassment at the convention and while performing convention-related duties throughout the year. Harassment is behavior that focuses unwelcome attention on a person and either inappropriately crosses reasonable expectations of social boundaries or continues after a clear showing of disinterest or a request to desist.
Harassment during the year may be reported to the Personnel Exec, the person's immediate supervisor, or the chair or vice chair. At the convention, reports of harassment are handled by the convention safety team or the Personnel Exec. Any staff member wearing a convention badge may
receive a report of harassment. It is each staff member's responsibility to treat a person making such a report with respect, and to offer to accompany the person to Convention Safety or the Personnel Exec. The Personnel Exec may designate a person to receive reports of harassment on their behalf.
Violations of this policy may lead to a range of consequences based on the circumstances, from a warning to more serious steps, such as revocation of convention membership or banning from future conventions.
Convention staff are required to report all incidents brought to their attention. These incidents should be reported to the safety office or the Personnel Exec as soon as possible.
Because inequality and bias pervade our culture, it is not enough to passively avoid discrimination. To uplift marginalized voices in our community and advance equity and justice, we must be anti- racist. To combat inequality, we commit to the following:
We affirm that Black lives matter, Indigenous lives matter, and the lives of people of color matter.
We will take actions that support and uplift marginalized voices in our community and advance a more equitable and just society and ask our members to do the same.
We will actively recruit diverse voices to participate in the convention and other educational activities and the planning of the convention and those activities, and then empower, not tokenize, those voices.
We will critically examine our history, traditions, and privileges and question how they impact all members of our community.
We will consider how Norwescon's educational activities and charitable giving can be leveraged to advance the principles described in this statement.
We welcome dialogue about these principles and being held accountable when we fall short of them.
Norwescon will follow all public health laws and emergency directives in force at the time of the convention. Unless local or national laws or guidelines change with respect to COVID-19 or large public gatherings, Norwescon 46 will not impose a mask requirement or a policy requiring proof of vaccination. Volunteer staff, members, and guests are strongly encouraged to test for COVID-19 before arriving on site, and may mask or not mask at their own discretion. Harassment of others for their choice to mask or not mask will be considered a Code of Conduct violation and may result in a forfeiture of membership/removal from the convention without refund, liability, or compensation. Although we will not be checking vaccination cards, Norwescon encourages all members to be vaccinated and to stay up-to-date with vaccinations against COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.
Please be advised that a risk of exposure to communicable diseases, including COVID-19, exists in any event or public space, including at Norwescon. Before registering for and attending Norwescon,
each member should read the latest CDC guidelines for prevention. By attending Norwescon, you acknowledge this inherent risk on behalf of yourself and any minor for whom you serve as guardian.
Please do not attend Norwescon if you feel sick or test positive for a communicable illness, including COVID-19 within the period of recommended isolation or quarantine. If this occurs, your membership(s) will be transferable to other attendees or may be rolled over to the following year, which we will be happy to help with if you contact
Norwescon welcomes its young and future fans. To do this, we have programs planned throughout the convention geared for different age groups. Please refer to the Pocket Program and online guide for information about programming for children, tweens, and teens.
A minor, as defined by the State of Washington, must have a parent or legal guardian/individual designated by the parent or legal guardian who is on-site when the minor is on-site. Minors must have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian on file with registration. Children 12 and under must have a guardian with them while in convention space. They **cannot be dropped off and left unattended **at panels or events. Children presenting at panels also need their parent or guardian present.
Norwescon does not accept responsibility for supervision of attending minors; that responsibility remains with a minor's parent/guardian/designee.
Norwescon reserves the right to inspect and reject any weapon at any time for any reason.
Violation of this policy in part or in whole may lead to being removed from the convention by convention executive staff and from the hotel by hotel security or local authorities.
This policy includes all real and replicated weapons of any type that may be construed as a projectile weapon or any extension of the human hand.
The following are not allowed at all in convention or hotel space: Tasers, stun guns, batons, real guns (including but not limited to handguns, pistols, rifles, shotguns, black-powder loaded, semi- auto or full-automatic weapons, other); pepper spray, crossbows, slingshots, pellet guns, water pistols, blowguns, catapults, or any type of functioning projectile weapon.
Peacebonding will be available next to the info table during open registration hours and in the Safety office when the peacebonding table is closed.
Peacebonding is required on all weapons worn/carried on the hotel property including parking areas and indoor spaces. The only type of peacebonding allowed is that provided by the convention.
Fashion-coordinated substitutes are not sufficient.
No unsheathed weapons are allowed in any public space (unless approved in advance for the masquerade or a programming event in which bonding ties will be removed for such an event and replaced immediately afterward).
All bladed/pointed weapons must be appropriately covered in all public areas and function spaces. This includes but is not limited to daggers, swords, pikes, axes, and polearms, be they made of steel, plastic, or any other hard material.
Polearms, spears, staves, and other such weapons must be kept upright at all times and have weapon heads sheathed and bonded. The ends of said weapons must never project more than 12ʺ from the bearer's body.
Special considerations for the following:
"Nerf-style" weapons:
At no time is ammo allowed on person, in weapons, or in the magazine of such weapons, except during convention-hosted/programmed Nerf game events and only within the designated space for such programmed events.
Empty magazines are not allowed to be carried in the weapon but are allowed on the belt or in a pouch for costume purposes (again: no ammo allowed).
Bows (again, crossbows are not allowed):
Any obvious appearing toy "side arms" such as disruptors, phasers, laser tag pistols/rifles, sonic screwdrivers, laser pointers, or any other item that can project/emit light or sound shall be peacebonded; and shall remain in an appropriate holster at all times or held in an appropriate manner. Exemptions must be authorized by qualified Safety personnel.
Special consideration may be granted by the convention services executive or their designee to merchants or dealers who display or show for the purpose of sale. Any weapons removed from the dealers' room will fall under the above guidelines.
No weapons (real or replica) are allowed in the hotel's public lounges and restaurants.
This policy complies with hotel policy and local, state, and federal laws. There will be no appeal to any violation of these rules.
Be sensitive to others with your costume choices. Norwescon is a family-friendly convention, and genitals and nipples must be covered at all times. Skin paint or makeup that can be perceived as mimicking or mocking an ethnicity or culture that is not your own is unacceptable---this means no black face, brown face, red face, or yellow face is permitted, not even for fantasy races. Costumes that include or suggest Nazi imagery are also not permitted. And no messy or sticky costumes either---peanut butter is not a costume!
Norwescon members ages 21+ who choose to consume alcohol are encouraged to do so responsibly. As such, Washington state laws concerning alcohol consumption can and will be enforced by police, hotel security, and Convention Safety. Norwescon also requires all parties serving alcohol to check ID.
Guest rooms in Wing 5b and suites will be available for social events. A "social event" is a reception or open house-type event held in a guest room in Wing 5b or a hotel suite. Food and beverages may be served in compliance with hotel, state, and local regulations. Maximum occupancy guidelines will be enforced. Service of alcohol must be in accordance with Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board provisions. A special occasion license or banquet permit MUST be obtained and posted in the suite. Events that do not qualify for a special license or permit must not serve alcohol. Alcohol service times must be in accordance with state regulations. Complete social event guidelines are posted on the Norwescon website.
Washington state law states that smoking of any type is prohibited within a presumptively reasonable minimum distance of 25 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes that serve an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited, to ensure that any type of smoke (including tobacco) does not enter the area through entrances, exits, open windows, or other means. Smoking areas at the hotel are clearly marked.
The DoubleTree does not permit the smoking of marijuana or other cannabis products anywhere on the property. Norwescon members ages 21+ who choose to consume smokeless cannabis products are encouraged to do so responsibly. As such, Washington State laws concerning cannabis consumption can and will be enforced by police, hotel security, and convention safety.
Although the DoubleTree is a pet-friendly hotel, only service animals are allowed in Norwescon convention space, not pets. Service animals may be issued a complimentary convention badge at registration. Please be considerate of other convention attendees when navigating hallways and convention space with your service animal. If you encounter a working service animal, please do not touch it without first asking permission from the owner. Contact the hotel for their specific rules about animals in guest rooms and public hotel areas.
Norwescon intends to provide all convention members with an equal opportunity to participate in all panels, programs, and activities, including members with accessible needs. Norwescon has therefore implemented a policy to increase awareness of the needs of individuals with disabilities as outlined in the text of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. ADA seating should be clearly marked with blue tape and obvious placards in most convention programming space. Please note that for larger events with early ADA seating, seating in front of the blue line will be limited to two (2) attendants per disabled person. Seating to the rear of the blue line shall be unlimited.
Flyers may be posted only on the paper or cloth-covered kiosks provided by Norwescon. Check at the info table for locations. Do not attach anything to walls, windows, or doors. The hotel and/or the convention staff will remove any flyers found in unauthorized places.
One word on this subject:
Don't.
While in public areas, panels, or events, it is possible official Norwescon photographers may take your photo as part of a group. You may request that photographers not photograph you, and our photography team will do their best to comply. If you find photos in our galleries after the convention, you may contact us to request that your photo be removed.
Opening Ceremonies are held on Thursday night of the convention. They are an excellent way to catch a first glimpse of our guests of honor and find out about exciting events.
Art in Action is a very special area where you can interact directly with artists and makers while they work. See the process unfold and ask questions as several artists, working in multiple media, show how they do it. Look for information about Art in Action this year in Guidebook, on the website, and at the info table.
BAG CHECK: For the safety and protection of the artwork, some personal items may need to be checked at the time of entry into the art show at the bag check station. These items may include, but are not limited to: all bags, large coats or cloaks, and any large costume accessories that may cause safety concerns. Bag check is located in the Grand cloakroom directly across from the art show entrance.
BIDDING: You can use the kiosk in the art show to generate bid stickers that are tied to your Norwescon account. Attach one of the stickers to the bid tag along with the amount of your bid. Remember- a bid is a commitment to buy and you will be held to that commitment should you win. Under no circumstances may you withdraw your bid, so please consider carefully before placing any bids. It is not fair to the artist or other potential bidders if you bid on a piece and then decide you do not want it.
DIRECT SALE: If you purchase a piece at the direct sale price, it belongs to you and will be marked SOLD. For attendees with a full membership, the art must remain on display until Sunday morning. A receipt will be issued at the time of sale, and you must present this receipt when picking up your art on Sunday. Attendees with one-day memberships may take their purchases with them at the time of sale. The art show director will provide pick-up times.
PRINT SHOP: Many of our artists bring prints of their work. Watch for a sign in an artist's display area advertising if they have prints for sale. Print shop items may be purchased at any time during the convention. Additionally, many of our music performers have their CDs available for sale in the art show print shop.
The last event of the convention each year, closing ceremonies gives us a chance to say "goodbye" and "thank you" to our guests of honor.
Onions and Roses is a panel held immediately following closing ceremonies on Sunday. At this panel, the convention membership provides feedback both positive (roses) and negative (onions) to the Norwescon chair and convention services director.
The Philip K. Dick Award is presented annually for distinguished science fiction published in paperback original form in the United States. The Philadelphia Science Fiction Society sponsors the award, and Norwescon sponsors the award ceremony. For more information on the award, see https://www.philipkdickaward.org.
The first time the Philip K. Dick Award was presented at Norwescon was at Norwescon 7, when the award went to Tim Powers for The Anubis Gates. See your pocket program for the location and time of this year's ceremony.
Each year the Norwescon masquerade showcases the works of many of the best costumers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The masquerade is held Saturday night in Grand Ballrooms 2 and 3 and is open to all Norwescon attendees. If you wish to enter, you must pre-register. Please check the pocket program or Guidebook for the days/times of required meetings you must attend to compete.
The single-pattern contest focuses on wearable art pieces created from a preselected pattern. Each year the contest coordinator selects a pattern, which often ties into the convention's theme. The entrants then create their designs prior to the convention. There is no pre-registration needed.
Entrants will show their creations at the single pattern contest show and share event.
If you would like information on entering future single pattern contests, watch the Norwescon website in the fall or register for the Norwescon electronic newsletter.
The cloak room is located in the Grand cloakroom in the lobby behind registration and across from
the art show, and will be open 24 hours. Refer to Guidebook for hours of operation. This is a free service provided by the convention for the use of convention members. The cloak room is for temporary storage of parcels, coats, and bags; it is not meant as a substitute hotel room, food locker, or storage of medications or medical supplies. Please make other arrangements for these types of items. We reserve the right to refuse any article.
Norwescon is not responsible for items left in the cloak room. Use of the room is at your own risk. Before you place your items in the cloak room, make certain to understand the hours of operation.
We invite you to hang out in the convention lounge: the convention's "living room." We are happy to offer a comfortable, genial space for members to hang out, plan your next workshop, panel, or event, relax with friends, enjoy lively conversation, and partake of some light snacks. The convention lounge is located in 7106 and 7108 in Wing 7. It will be open Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m.--11 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.--4 p.m.
We know it's important to offer nourishment in a friendly atmosphere to our members and we're confident the Convention Lounge offers the right combination.
The nerve centers of the convention are the convention offices. The main convention office and the convention safety office are both located in Wing 7, Olympic 3. Someone will be available all hours of the day to assist with convention issues and concerns.
The convention office hours are:
Thursday 9 a.m.--1 p.m. and 2--10 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.--1 p.m. and 2--10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.--1 p.m. and 2--10 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.--1 p.m.
A dedicated place for BIPOC and AAPI members of the Norwescon community together, rest, and refresh. BIPOC = Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. AAPI = Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Lounge is located in Room 7101 in Wing 7 of the hotel.
The BIPOC & AAPI Lounge Hours are:
Thursday 9 a.m.--8 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.--8 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.--8 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m.--3 p.m.
Norwescon's official daily 'zine contains news of the day from around the con as well as last-minute schedule changes. The most up-to-date information can be found on the Guidebook app. A digital copy will also be available for viewing at the info table in the lobby.
Find the most complete information about Norwescon participants and activities online via Guidebook. Content is updated continuously after our paper publications go to print, including hyperlinks to our guests of honor and panelists' websites, schedule changes, convention information, interactive hotel maps, and downloadable materials from our panels. You can set up your own schedule of events and have the app send you reminders! Guidebook is user-friendly on iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and all other devices. There is a native app for iPhone and Android and a mobile web app for other devices. Access it via guidebook.com/getit.
See CONVENTION LOUNGE
Information about the convention, the hotel, and the local area can be found at the info table, located in the convention lobby, across from registration. If you have questions after the information table closes, please go to the convention office in Wing 7.
The lost and found is located in Olympic 3, the convention safety office. If you lose something during the convention, check both the convention's lost and found and with the hotel. If it does not turn up right away, check back on Sunday afternoon---sometimes a lost item can take a while to be discovered and filter in.
Lost and found as well as unclaimed articles left in the cloak room after 4 p.m. on Sunday will go into the hotel's lost and found. Please check with both the convention and the hotel lost and found departments during the convention for items that you may have misplaced during the convention.
SEE RULES AND POLICIES: Weapons Policy
Norwescon recognizes that the future of convention attendees and volunteering staff will come from the teens currently attending the convention with their parents. In an effort to give our younger members the opportunity to gain firsthand experience and a behind-the-scenes look into the world of conventions, Norwescon implemented the Teen Runner program. If you are between the ages of 13 and 17 and are looking for things to do at the convention, stop by the volunteers table and try your hand at helping out as a runner. There are jobs in many areas, such as registration, technical services, the convention office, volunteers, masquerade, and dispatch, which are suitable for teenagers and are vital to the convention.
The teen lounge is a public space where convention attendees ages 13-17 may gather and get to know one another. It is located in Concourse East, between Wing 6 and Wing 7.
Norwescon runs on volunteers, and without them, no convention would be possible. As such, everyone is encouraged to volunteer at the convention for a few hours. There are many things you can volunteer for that allow for attendance at certain events. As a bonus, volunteers who have helped at any time during the con will receive a special token of appreciation. Go to the volunteer table in Olympic 3 in Wing 7 and sign up for a shift (or two, or three, or four, or five).
Volunteering does not provide babysitting. Minors may volunteer with permission of their parent/guardian/designee but should not be dropped off without a specific purpose.
The pool and hot tub are open to hotel guests until 11 p.m. and can be accessed with a hotel room key. The pool and hot tub will be closed for scheduled cleaning and maintenance during part of the day. Please read the pool and hot tub rules posted in that area. The rules, including hygiene rules, must be obeyed if we want to keep this area open for the weekend.
Free WiFi is available in the coffee area outside of Seaports Lounge. There may be public terminals available for limited use in the same area.
The DoubleTree has a monitored parking system. There are three entry gates into the hotel parking lot. Tickets are dispensed at each gate, and payment is made as you leave or at one of the marked kiosks in the hotel lobby. Off-site parking is also available nearby.
The first car registered to each hotel room is free.
Any additional cars registered to the same hotel room are charged $16 per day and receive in/out privileges.
Attendees who drive to the convention but do not stay at the hotel will be charged $16 per 24-hour day with NO in/out privileges.
Motorcycles are charged the same convention rate of $16 per 24-hour day. No special motorcycle parking spaces are available, and a standard parking space must be used.
If you are pulling a trailer and/or use more than one parking space, the parking fee will be $16 per parking stall used. (Using two stalls will be $32 per day and so on.)
Disabled parking stalls are charged the same convention rate of $16 per day.
Parking is always limited at Norwescon. Do not park in fire lanes. Do not park in spaces marked for those with disabilities unless you have a valid handicap permit. Please only park in marked parking spaces. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas (including those set aside for reserved parking spaces) will be towed. Please park legally and walk the distance rather than parking in unauthorized areas. Many parking lots are available in the area, and some provide transport to and from the airport and hotel.
(Please note that hours are subject to change.)
Open from 5 a.m.--10 p.m. Between the main hotel lobby and Norwescon registration you will find the Thunderbird Market gift shop and coffee bar.
The Coffee Garden will be open daily from 6--10 a.m., Monday through Friday, and 6--11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Open from noon--1 a.m., Seaports offers a lunch and dinner menu, plus a large selection of cocktails, craft beer, and wine.
Menus for these restaurants and lounges can be found on our website.
Room service is available daily from 6 a.m.--midnight and can be accessed through your in-room telephone.
We recommend that you speak with your server before ordering. Hotel menus clearly indicate which dishes are vegetarian, vegan, or contain allergens.
13 Coins---18000 International Blvd. (206-243-9500). Open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m.--11 p.m. Open 6 a.m.--2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Serving up hearty fare just a five-minute walk north of the hotel.
Denny's---18623 International Blvd. (206-248-1558). Across International Blvd. Road from the convention hotel. Open 24 hours.
Jack-In-The-Box---2840 South 188th (206-244-6293). Across International Blvd. from the convention hotel. Drive-through is open 24 hours. This restaurant is open for dining 6 a.m.-- midnight Monday through Sunday.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue---18613 International Blvd., Bldg. B-3 (206-432-9646). Across International Blvd. from the convention hotel. The name says it all: Hawaiian-style BBQ and other Hawaiian staples. Monday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m.--9 p.m.
Mango Thai Cuisine & Bar -18613 International Blvd (206-243-1888), across International Blvd. from the convention hotel. Casual, contemporary eatery offering a varied menu of classic Thai dishes and handcrafted cocktails. Monday through Friday 11 a.m.--9 p.m.; Saturday noon--3 p.m. and 4--9 p.m. Closed on Sundays.
Masae's Teriyaki---19021 International Blvd. (206-241-6231). A few minutes' walk south on International Blvd. from the convention hotel, just past the Days Inn. Japanese food. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.--9 p.m. Saturday from 11:45 a.m.--8 p.m. Closed on Sundays.
Sharps RoastHouse---18427 International Blvd. (206-241-5744). Across International Blvd. the convention hotel. Features rotisserie chicken, baby back ribs, smoked meats, daily happy hours, and a kids' menu. Restaurant and bar are open for dine-in and takeout Monday through Sunday 11 a.m.-- midnight. Happy hours are 3--6 p.m. Takeout is available 11 a.m.--midnight.
Subway---18613 International Blvd. (206-436-8570). Across International Blvd. from the convention hotel. Sandwiches and salads. Monday through Sunday 9 a.m.--1:30 a.m.
Taco Bell---18812 International Blvd. (206-243-8171). Across 188th St. from the convention hotel. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. and the drive-through is open Monday through Sunday 7 a.m.--3 a.m.
7-Eleven---20008 Pacific Hwy S. (206-824-3984). South on International Blvd. from the convention hotel, just past the Day's Inn. Open 24 hours.
7-Eleven---3120 S 176th St (206-242-4559). North on International Blvd. from the convention hotel and right on 176th St. Near the Hilton. Open 24 hours.
7-Eleven---19023 International Blvd. (206-243-8854). South on International Blvd. from the convention hotel. Open 24 hours.
Costco -- 400 Costco Drive #150 (206-575-9191). Fifteen-minute drive east of the convention hotel. Open Monday through Friday 10 a.m.--8:30 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m.--7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.--6 p.m. Costco Food Court is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m.--8:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.--6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.--6 p.m. Costco Pharmacy is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m.--8:30 pm, Saturday 9:30 am--6 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. Costco gas station 6 a.m.--8 p.m. Costco membership required.
Safeway---4011 S. 164th St. (206-244-2567). Includes a deli, bakery, pharmacy, Starbucks, video, and liquor departments. Pharmacy open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.--1:30 p.m., 2--9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.--1:30 p.m., 2--6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.--1:30 p.m. 2--6 p.m. Store hours Monday through Sunday 5 a.m.--1 a.m. Delivery available Monday through Sunday 8 a.m.--9 p.m. Full-service Wells Fargo bank on-premises. FedEx drop-off and pickup location.
Safeway -- 21401 Pacific Hwy S. (206-824-2737). Includes a deli, bakery, pharmacy, Starbucks, and liquor departments. Open 5 a.m.--midnight Monday through Sunday. Pharmacy open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.--1:30 p.m., 2--9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.--1:30 p.m., 2--6 p.m.
Safeway gas station open Monday through Friday 7 a.m.--10 p.m. ATM. FedEx drop off and pickup location.
There is an ATM in the hotel lobby. There is a U.S. Bank ATM inside the airport, 17801 International Blvd., open 24 hours Monday through Sunday. The Safeway at 4011 S. 164th Street has a Wells Fargo Bank, ATM open Monday through Sunday 5 a.m.--1 a.m. The 7-11 at 3120 S. 176th Street contains a Citibank ATM open Monday through Friday 24 hours. A Key Bank with ATM is located at 275 Andover Park West near Southcenter Mall, Open Monday through Friday 24 hours.
Attach your badge to the outside of your outfit. This act saves you from having to fish it out when asked by door guards or convention safety.
Remember to carry your identification (driver's license, state identification, etc.) with you at all times. Identification is required at the hotel lounges and room parties. Also, remember to bring money or your credit card; you never know when you will see something you want in the dealers' room or the art show.
Note: you may be asked to provide your identification for entry into events and panels labeled "18+ or 21+ with ID." Without your ID, you may be refused entry.
ID is also needed to borrow a board game in Cascade 12 (Dragonflight, and the Library of Alexandria)
Download the Guidebook app and add Norwescon 46. Every year this app is expanded and contains much more than just the daily schedule. Guidebook is updated regularly during the convention to keep you up-to-date on what is happening or what has changed. Vendors, pros, and artists frequently link additional content in Guidebook, so be sure to explore the app.
Highlight or favorite the panels you want to attend so that you do not miss them.
Check out the Daily 'Zine every morning to learn of any changes to the daily schedule. Mass copies of the Daily 'Zine are no longer printed, but you will find one posted at the info table, in the green room, the convention lounge, and the office, as well as in Guidebook.
Visit the convention lounge for a fannish family reunion. Catch up with old friends and share your fannish interests with new friends.
Please remember to eat! As noted above, the hotel has several options available at a variety of price points, and there are other food options within walking distance. Due to budget constraints, Norwescon is only able to offer snacks in our convention lounge, but feel free to bring in your own food while catching up with friends.
Practice good hygiene throughout the weekend; regular handwashing and showers are the best protection for yourself and others from any unwelcome microbial or viral friends.
Volunteer! It's a great way to get to know people.
The hotel's main doors in the lobby are the only hotel entrances guaranteed to be open at all times. Because of this, we recommend that hotel guests have their room key card with them whenever they leave their room. Example: Rotunda 1, for instance, can only be accessed with a room key card from the parking lot, or by navigating to Rotunda 2 and going downstairs.
KRYTEN'S CAMERA CORNER page 3!
TV SHOCK HORROR! what a host!
A TORY IN TROUBLE page 7
On CBC 8: Cooking with Shego
PROGRAMME CHANGES page 4
LARGE TYPE at Information
THURSDAY 9 APRIL 2009 the now is built on ruins of the past. today will make the future. are you ready?
by Becky Citrak, Chair
It's here! Tah-dah! I'm so excited to welcome you all to Norwescon 32.
Some things to put on your must-see list:
Guests of Honor! Check your pocket program for the time and place they will be making their appearances. Don't forget the autograph sessions!
Casino and dance: Thursday night! This was loads of fun last year and I think will be better this year.
P.K. Dick Awards: Join us Friday evening for delightful desserts and readings from this year's nominated books. The winner will be announced at the ceremony.
Masquerade: Beautiful costumes, fun skits, and movie previews at halftime.
Amtgard: the Sunday event in Grand Ballroom 3. Come watch people hit each other!
Programming: All weekend long, we will have fabulous programming by interesting people. Hands-on or discussion, we will learn what's going on in the worlds of fandom, science, art, and more.
This is going to be great!
Distractions Best Forgot
We want your lies.
We want your lies, your filth, your rumors, your innuendo and out your other, your trivialities, and your base distractions.
We want your shocking pictures, your vicious scandals, your unsourced spin and bullshit. We want your parties, we want your b00zahol (we really want your b00zahol), we want your severely paranoid ravings, your crazies, your barely-repressed insanity.
And most of all, we want your DIRTY. LITTLE. SECRETS.
Because that's what we are. We're all the things best left buried. We're all the things you'd rather forget. We're the official convention newsletter of Norwescon 32, the official press — what a joke! — and sure, we'll have the awards, the programme changes, and all that, and most of those will actually be real.
But we're proud — proud to be part of the problem, and we will play that role to the depths of our rotten little hearts.
Come help. Give us your slander, your overheards, your news, your embarrassing or awesome photographs — particularly your photographs we need to fill page 3 — and give them to us by 10pm each day. We have submissions boxes at information, registration, and hospitality. We'll be on the net by around 3am, and on paper in the mornings around 9. We'll have the large type edition at Information, and other copies pretty much anywhere you look.
So c'mon. Bring it, if you can. Give yourself something to regret later. Or don't you have the stomach for it?
by Hedda, the Cranky
Welcome to Norwescon 32! Let me explain — no, wait, there is too much. Let me sum up:
Don't bleed over the hotel unless you clean it up. That Luminal shit picks up everything.
Sleep five hours a day, eat two meals a day, and take a frikkin' shower every day or I WILL KILL YOU.
Don't touch unless you ask first. No means no!
If your friends jumped off a cliff, would you do it too? Yes? Good, they've already jumped. They're waiting for you at the bottom. MOVE, SOLDIER!
Common sense is not common. If you question an activity, ask someone with a badge. They probably have the good sense to arrest you.
Treat others the way you wish to be treated — sanded to a fine sheen, stained, and coated in Varathane. But ask first if you think they might not like it.
While we see the hotel as a place to pay and to recreate, the mundanes see it as a place to sleep and recuperate. Share the space, not the therapy sessions.
If you are going on the hot tub or pool, get clean first. Seriously, please. The Saturday Soup Bubbles are not soap and nobody, and I mean nobody, needs your eu de fan skank — or anything else — on them.
Don't want strangers having sex in your room? We don't want you having sex in our hot tub. TUBBS IS CLOSED DUE TO OH JESUS NO.
"You got your convention security in our room party!" "Yeah, well, you got your stupid in our face."
Wear sunscreen. But not in the hot tub.
If you don't want people to mock your naked ass, don't expose it. Also, that sunscreen thing.
Once is funny, twice is annoying, three times is unforgivable. Four times starts to head back towards funny again. Five times? Eh, you tore it. Six? Pathos. Seven? SEVEN! C'MON, SEVEN! BABY NEEDS A NEW PAIR OF SHOES!
Looking forward to writing about people who piss me off with their natural 11s,
Hedda, the Cranky
Preferably with a real match
You could win a membership to next year's Norwescon, books worth more than $100, and other great prizes at Match Game SF, the SF&F-themed re-creation of the classic 70s game show on Friday night!
Unlike other contests where you need to know your trivia, Match Game is simple and easy to play. Contestants will be randomly selected from the audience to match wits against our panel, as they guess how the panelists completed simple fill-in-the-blank propositions such as, "Godzilla said, 'The reason I only attack Japanese cities is that Americans give me _____.'" All contestants drawn from the audience are guaranteed to win a prize, including the famous Lovely Parting Gift. The fun starts Friday at 9pm, in Evergreen 4.
"Gina wants a My Little Pony named Rainbow Death."
"I'm full of hate and death and codeine."
TEMPTING TIDBITS FOR THE DISCRIMINATING MECHANOID
OH HO HO, WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE?
"Look at this beauty! A double-loader! Isn't she just a marvel?"
Vitals: 4.0ft, 14 cycle
Debut: Today!
Astrological sign: Pisces/Airies
Power requirements: 110v/60hz
"And check out those curves!"
"That, that, that's not mine! I don't know where that came from and I assure you I don't swing that way! I'll have to have a word with that editor!"
...once we have any.
Nothin' yet. At least, not that they're telling us. Watch this space! No, I mean this one: > < Page 4, every day!
...is the daily newsletter of Norwescon 32, and we're doing our best to invent new ways to be wrong about journalism. Your inadequately-supervised editor is R'ykandar (Dara) Korra'ti, Cynic-in-Chief. Submissions are due by 10pm for the next morning's print edition, or later if you find us in person inking up our keyboards for the night. And don't push us, man, we're not drunk enough for that shit. COPY!
MONSTER MATT MASON page 3!
FACE OF BOE PREGNANT Guess who's dad!
HUSKY HORROR page 9
EXCLUSIVE Aliens in Japan!
PROGRAMME CHANGES page 4
LARGE TYPE at Information
SATURERDAY 11 APRIL 2009 today is the day that all humans will be satured and made to serve TOBOR! are you ready?
Readers demand to know whose sister got kissed
Congratulations to two Philip K. Dick award winners: Adam Troy Castro, for Emissaries from the Dead (EOS, pub.) and David Walton, for Terminal Mind (Meadowhawk Books, pub.).
Dammit
Contrary to errant reports, drugs (over-the-counter or otherwise) ARE NOT available in the Norwescon Office. Please accept our apologies for that misinformation. However, the hotel gift shop does carry a selection of OTC medications in individual-dosages packages, should such be needed.
Back to business, by which we mean today's parties
Tai Pan Club Meeting: Tower 410, 4pm
San Jose in 2011: (Westercon 64 Bid) Room 5350, 9pm
Reno in 2011: Room 1352, 9pm
And remember, kids, don't bleed all over the hotel unless you clean it up.
Game Show Serves Up Matchromony — Live!
Match Game contestant Ron Dougherty astounded audience member and sweetheart Yvonne Reide with a surprise marriage proposal on the Match Game SF set Friday evening.
Ron, the first contestant, arranged with host Kevin Standlee and the Match Game crew to have a special first-round question allowing him to fill in the blank with his proposal to Ms. Reide.
We're pretty sure she said "yes."
At the Monster Mash: "If my Great Grandma could see me, she'd slap me!" "Why, is she a Mennonite?" "No, she just really liked elephants."
moar pls
Town meeting: excellent ideas. There's another one today; come brainstorm. Concom needs brains.
Single pattern contest entries this year are awesome.
S.J. Tucker / Kitten Sundae / Vixy and Tony and Betsy concerts. Too much awesome in too little space.
Fannish Fetish Fashion Show overflow. If you know what we mean. And I think you do.
Monster Mash.
Surprise editors who fill in when the regular editor has been abducted by UFO aliens again.
Zombie PK Dick award presenters.
Drunk-ass pod people. SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
diaf
Food poisoning.
The Hugo award competition. ART IS THEFT. Or COMPETING FOR ART IS THEFT. Or something. It was pretty stupid, so we aren't sure. http://thehugoawards.org
People who will try to click on that URL in the print edition.
Editors who make jokes about clicking on URLs in print editions.
"Does anyone have a monkey head?!"
"INCOMING! MOOSE!"
"The stuffed animals would be having sex, and then the children would cry."
or is it found?
MICHAEL, do you know where your ID is? Convention Lost and Found does. Come get it, it's lonely.
LOST: small (18cm / 7in) plush cat costumed as a Stargate SG-1 character in an olive drab coverall with belt and glasses. REWARD OFFERED! Please return to AmyCat at Book Universe in the Dealer's Room or Room 316 at the LaQuinta Hotel, or contact AmyCat at [omitted]. "Please help me find Danny Kitten!"
along with its platform of doom!
Confidential sources alert DIRTY. LITTLE. SECRETS. to a secret cabal of unimpeachable "lifetime" members of Norwescon!
[Photo] Cabal members in secret conference!
The secret platform reportedly consists of reduced hotel parking, mandatory shoe registration, all-meat hospitality, children in cages, service animals as volunteer snacks, all-talk-radio dances, and intentional cross-programming of all top-rated panels. DO YOU KNOW MORE? TELL US YOUR SECRETS!
DISTURBING DREGS FROM THE MONSTER MASTER
Donnie the Dalek wasn't like the other Daleks...
But he wasn't like these things, either!
OH GODS OH GODS WHAT ARE THEY?!
Mad Scientists Playing Gods with Monsters
m is for mouse, but m is also for MAD MONSTERS!
BRAAAAAAAINS
Sorry, mate — no help here!
We have some!
ADDED:
SUNDAY 9am-11am, Cascade 3: 101 Body/Mind System with Steven Barnes. Author and Tai Chi master Steven Barnes shares his 101 Body/Mind System, the culmination of a lifetime of research and teaching. Want a healthy body, a healthy career, and a passionate, healthy relationship? The 101 system works towards all three at the same time.
MOVED:
Roberta Gregory Reading to Sunday, 1:30pm, Cascade 3 (was Saturday, 3pm, same room)
DELETED:
A Little Knight Music In Concert (was 7pm Saturday Evergreen 3/4)
Co-creator of D&D dead at 61
RIP co-creator Dave Arneson died last Tuesday following a two-year battle with cancer, the Associated Press reported on Friday. We at DIRTY. LITTLE. SECRETS. offer our sincere condolences to his fans and family.
...is the daily newsletter of Norwescon 32, and we're doing our best to invent new ways to be wrong about journalism. Your inadequately-supervised editor is R'ykandar (Dara) Korra'ti. Dalek comic courtesy Paul Johnson, http://baconforbirds.com. Photographs by Mimi Noyes and SECRET SOURCES. Submissions are due by 10pm for the next morning's print edition, or later if you find us in Volunteer Lounge inking up our keyboards for the night. COPY!
BATTLE OF THE SMART PHONES page 3
SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS
EDITOR ABDUCTED BY ALIENS page 11
MONSTER MASH Today 4-6 p.m. Cascade 13 Now with no Fee!
PROGRAMME CHANGES page 4
LARGE TYPE later
FRIDAY 10 APRIL 2009 Don't drink the punch, it brings bad things to your tummy
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By Becky Citrak, Chair
What a great day this was!
Registration — both Convention and hotel — was busy all day. There were a couple of glitches her and there, but by and large it went well.
Programming was well-attended, as was the Small Press Party. Opening Ceremonies was wonderful! Who knew Dr. Seuss could be so much fun?
Friday will be interesting. Check out the Norwescon Town Meeting at 11:00 a.m. in Evergreen 2. This is your opportunity to make suggestions and throw out ideas for Norwescons to come. The masquerade (Saturday) is always a hit and programming has something for everyone.
Have a great day!
5—2—1
Are you wandering, lost without your meticulous multi-page book lists? Lady Jaynes books I n the dealers room is holding them for you.
On Saturday the midnight movie will be the site of much rejoicing as the Dead Gentlemen come back to life (a few of them anyway) and grace us with their presence in Evergreen 1 & 2.
Oh wait, isn't' that the Sunday Special Event in Grand Three. This bit is really only interesting to those of us who like the Vancouver Cannuks so keep reading if you care...
The Cannuks beat the LA Kings 1 to nothing at a packed GM Place last night. The only goal coming from Ryan Kasler, with the assists from Mat Sundin and Alex Edler at 5:49 in the second. Roberto Luongo stopped 20 LA shot son the Canucks' net. The team will next play the Avalanche in Denver on Sunday.
Remember even though it seems like we're the only guests at this hotel ther are others staying here who may well be dismayed by what they see or hear. Keep it legal people or keep it out of sight!
There's a good chance that this space would be better utilized by something that you pull out of your head instead of something that I pull out of my....ear. Find a nifty little box and give us all your dirty little secrets.
We accept party reports too!
Have you ever wanted your very own Owlbear? Come and be a mad scientist for the afternoon. Join in the ripping and stitching of plush toys. Now with no fee! This event is not suitable for children, especially mine as you'll be destroying a number of their toys.
"Let's kill him and take his toy."
"Do you need to get under the table?"
Geeks-R-Us is proud to present the ultimate battle of the smart phones.
[Blackberry photo] vs. [iPhone photo]
Battle to be held on Saturday, April 11th in Seaports Lounge at Norwescon 32. owners will showcase their new toys and compete to see who can take the most pictures of local color and post them to the Web in a 10 minute period. To compete humans must own an Internet connected telephone with a camera and data plan.
Geeks-R-Us CEO Graham Bell says, "Well it's not rocket science. but with the newest toys on the market it might well be the next best thing."
I'm smarter than you are!
...what we have of them.
Writing a song — deleted.
Friday Filk Concert at 8:00 p.m. is now Pondside Music
Daily 'zine editor temporarily replaced by a pod-person.
...is the daily newsletter of Norwescon 32, and we're doing our best to invent new ways to be wrong about journalism. Your temporarily indisposed editor is R'ykandar (Dara) Korra'ti, Cynic-in-Chief. Submission are due by 10pm for the next morning's print edition, or later if you find us in person inking up our keyboards for the night. And don't push us, man, we're not drunk enough (yet). COPY!
This edition published by a punch-drunk pod-person.
GET THAT BIRD! page 3
ALIENS?!!!!>>> Seriously, what?!
PARROT writes squawk-all memoir
ON CBC12: Baking with GLaDOS
PROGRAMME CHANGES page 4
LARGE TYPE at Information
SUNDAY 12 APRIL 2009 today is the day that is the end of all these things are you sober?
We have guests and theme!
The theme for Norwescon 33 will be Future Plausible/Future Perfect. Our writer GoH will be Vernor Vinge, and our artist GoH will be John Jude Palencar. Watch the website for more!
Glitter and Glamour Glisten
Best Novice: Zam Wessell, by Deunan Berkley
Best Journeyman: Recyclus Maximus, by Michael Duquette
Best Master: Shimabara Jinju Redux, by April Faires
Judge's Choice for Armour and Ghillie Coat: Kathy Kemp and Allan Kemp, Celtic Love Connection
Best in Show: Asterion, by Michael Sawyer
Best Novice: Zam Wessell, by Deunan Berkley
Best Journeyman: Recyclus Maximus, by Michael Duquette
Best Master: Asterion, by Michael Sawyer
Judge's Choice for Amazing Wings: Legend of the Gryphon, by Gary L. Bell
Judge's Choice for Best Use of Norwescon Theme: When Worlds Collide, by Richard Stephens, et al.
Best in Show: Recyclus Maximus, by Michael Duquette
Beyond Reality Costumer's Guild Trixie Award: Celtic Love Connection, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat Hall, Molly Boone, Erik Prill, Joe Kukowski, Allan Kemp, Kathy Kemp, Adam Armstrong
Fan Favourite: Ari Munsey, for "Stuck" in the Past
Outstanding Interior Finishing Technique: Miriam Kennedy, for Robe of Many Colors
Excellence for Creative Thinking Outside the Box: Lady Bane for Pre-Historic Kimono
Creative Use of Non-Frabic Material: Ari Munsey, for "Stuck" in the Past
Creative Concept and Character Expression: Debra Callaway, for Spirit of the Rainforest
Best Theme: Squirrel, for Heaven and Earth
Best Workmanship (in Progress): Lisa Satterland, for Work in Progress
Judge's Choice for Outstanding Achievement in a Variety of Techniques: Sunny Jim Morgan, for Fire and Water
Best in Show: April Faires, for Hinode (Dawn)
Best Sci-Fi: "Porthole 17", Jeff Sturgeon
Best Horror: "Her Return", Rory Clark
Best Fantasy: "Witchburn", Rob Carlos
Best Humour: "I Has a Baff Toy!", Falstaff
Best Mixed Media/3D: "Inquisitive Island", Butch Honeck
Best in Show: "Stormcaller", Todd Lockwood
Best Colour: "Finisterra", Cory and Catska Ench
Best B&W: "Raven Mask", by Saelle
Best Mixed Media: "Dryad", by Rebecca Schumacher-Cox
Best 3D: Self-Portrait, by Kathy Ross
Best Textile: "The Gown of Fea, the Soul Weaver", Meredith Cook
Best Jewelry: "Galex", Marjoie Stratton
3rd Place Overall: "Manus and Loki: Autum", Sarah Clemens
2nd Place Overall: Body of Work, Josh Foreman
1st Place Overall: "Fairy of the Green", Monika Livingston
GoH Selection: "Big Roar", Josh Foreman
Best in Show: Porthole 17, Jeff Sturgeon
We've heard of at least(!) three other engagements this weekend; the only one we have submitted is that of Laurie Reynolds (Rowan Silverwing) and Jacob Sullens (The Mad Potter), engaged on stage at the Fannish Fetish Fashion Show. The post-it with the names on says it's true, and that's good enough for us!
moar pls
A Darth Vader who really knows how to work that suit, and a Padme who still scares him. Go, 501st Charity!
R. A. Salvatore going an hour over in autographs.
WOTAN THE COMEDIAN! RARRRRRRRRRRRR!
USS Aurora commissioned into Starfleet.
Queer Eye for the Broken Elevators. We're a real con again. Brings a tear to the eye, it does.
Canucks over the Avalanche!
diaf
Canucks folding in the first round, like they always do.
"I'm a bad, bad buffalo."
"Why are you taking my horse?" "Jesus needs it."
"Love is in the air, water is on the floor..."
"Zombies make everything happy in a bad way."
"In high school, I was witness to an honorific teabagging." "English boarding school?" "English boarding school." "They don't talk about that part in Potter, do they?" "Nope."
"You get the extra gasoline for gaming."
"Dead is the new black."
"AGH what's that software?!" "It's called DING! And You Lose All Your Work."
"I've copyrighted Zombie Moses."
"They follow me around with tea — and fezzes!"
"Wondertwin powers activate — shape of, let's annoy the heck out of Mom and Dad!"
"I don't know what the heck it is, but it looked cool, so I stuck it on the tip."
"I think we need to coordinate our drinking."
[Various captions that wouldn't make sense without the photos omitted here.]
We have some!
ADDED:
SUNDAY 9am-11am, Cascade 3: 101 Body/Mind System with Steven Barnes. Author and Tai Chi master Steven Barnes shares his 101 Body/Mind System, the culmination of a lifetime of research and teaching. Want a healthy body, a healthy career, and a passionate, healthy relationship? The 101 system works towards all three at the same time.
MOVED:
Roberta Gregory Reading to Sunday, 1:30pm, Cascade 3 (was Saturday, 3pm, same room)
Totally real.
Google it if you want. I dare you.
We have some!
Charity Events and Volunteers would like to thank the gracious vendors who donated items ot the charity auction and volunteer event.
Your editor would like to thank whoever stepped in and did an issue on Thursday (for Friday morning) when she was /d/r/u/n/k/ incapacitated. She'd thank you by name, but, um, doesn't know who you were. Thanks!
...is the daily newsletter of Norwescon 32, and we're doing our best to invent new ways to be wrong about journalism. Your inadequately-supervised editor was R'ykandar (Dara) Korra'ti. Photographs by Mimi Noyes, Dara Korra'ti, and SECRET SOURCES. Cartoon by http://baconforbirds.com and Paul Johnson. I'd be cleverer but it's 3:45am and I haven't even started large type. G'night everybody!
issue 1 2010.4.2 Friday
tea is not recyclable not like beer
The Gothic Tea Party is shown on the grid for both Friday (today) and Saturday. Saturday is a VICIOUS LIE. It's Friday only.
Haters want to ruin some tea is what.
Make Room, Make Room
Movie previews are in a new, larger room this year — Grand Ballroom 3 — and will start immediately at 2pm thanks to technical improvements. Also, no one will be admitted during the thrilling rock climbing sequence.
Party Hardly More Like It Am I Rite
DETHCON Presents: The Pucker Up or Shut Up! Kissing Booth
2pm—3pm Room 5239
Weird Tales Party
10pm–2am Maxi's
ISS Party in the Box
9pm Room 5231
2pm, Cascade 6
Are you a musician? Sign up for today's Performance Evaluation panel and get constructive feedback from our attending professionals!
Opens 9pm Saturday night.
That's all I got.
Reading: Michael Ehart, Noon–12:30pm, Cascade 3
Gaming: Pandemic, host Austin Searles (10am, Cascade 11)
Gaming: Munchkin Fu, host Marcus Evenstar (10am, Cascade 11)
Gaming: Long Shot, host Austin Searles (Noon, Cascade 11)
Gaming: Ninjaburger, host Marcus Evenstar (Noon, Cascade 11)
Gaming: Ubongo, host Austin Searles (2pm, Cascade 11)
Gaming: Munchkin Cthulhu, host Marcus Evenstar (2pm, Cascade 11)
Gaming: AT-43 All-Day Demos, host W0LF (8am, Cascade 12)
Gaming: TBA, host Robert Moshell (10am, Cascade 12)
Gaming: TBA, host Mark Richardson (1pm, Cascade 12)
Gaming: Call of Cthulhu, host CthulhuBob (4pm, Cascade 12)
Gaming:Munchkin Bites, host Marcus Evenstar (4pm, Cascade 12)
Gaming: Traveller, host Craig McKinney (6pm, Cascade 12)
Gaming: The Stars Are Right, host Marcus Evenstar (6pm, Cascade 12)
Gaming: Frag Gold, host Marcus Evenstar (8pm, Cascade 12)
Concert: Creede Lambard, now 6:30pm–7:15pm, Evergreen 2 (was 6:30–7pm)
Concert: Tempered Glass, now 7:15–8:00pm, Evergreen 2 (was 7:30–8pm)
Concert: ASH Productions, now SATURDAY 9pm (was Friday 7pm)
Gaming: Call of Cthulhu host CthulhuBob is now 4pm (was 2pm)
Gaming: Shadowrun host Alan Bond is at 3pm (was 1pm)
Gaming: Tower of Mysteries is actually Tower of Mystery, and gaming apologies to the representative for the error.
If All the Computers Stopped Working: new panelists: Don Glover (M), Michael Ehart, Christopher Konker, Charles F Radley, Vernor Vinge
Independent and Small Press Publishing: new panelists: Caren Gussoff (M), Jim Frenkel, Rosemary Jones, Rose O'Keefe, Mary Robinette Kowal
SF Con or Pop Culture Event?: new panelists: Kevin Standlee (M), Chris Nilsson, Jesse Simpson
Are Vampires Just for Tweens?: new panelists: Julie McGalliard (M), Rosemary Jones, Adrian Phoenix, Jaye Wells
Future of Malware?: new panelists: Don Glover (M), Ted Butler, Michael Ehart, Greg Paddock
Devising Magical Systems: new panelists: A.M. Dellamonica, Jim Frenkel, Jeanne C. Stein, Saje Williams
And They Pay Me for This!: new panelists: L.J. Bothell, Janna Silverstein
Is Electronic Publishing the Future?: new panelists: L.J. Bothell, Ben Dobyns, Jim Frenkel, Rosemary Jones, Jak Koke
Autograph Session #1 new slate: Alma Alexander, Bethalynne Bajema, Richard Baker, Steven Barnes, Arthur Bozlee, Andy R. Bunch, Alan M. Clark, Greg Cox, Dr. John G. Cramer, Cory Doctorow, Elton Elliott, James C. Glass, Lisa Mantchev, John Jude Palencar, John A. Pitts, Mark Rahner, Leo Roberts, Merrilee Schedin, Jeanne C. Stein, Eric James Stone, Jeff Sturgeon, Vernor Vinge, Jaye Wells, Saje Williams
Alexander James Adams and Tricky Pixie are Alexander James Adams, S. J. Tucker, and Betsy Tinney
Geek Parents: new panelists: Michelle Lyons, Kris Millering, Dierdre Phoenix, Steve Savitzky
What is the Future Made Of?: new panelists: David Nasset, Sr., G. David Nordley
The Natural World: new panelists: A.M. Dellamonica, Jim Frenkel, Adrian Phoenix
PK Dick Awards: new panelists: William Sadorus (M), Carlos J. Cortes, Dr. John G. Cramer, Cory Doctorow, Jim Frenkel, Daryl Gregory, David Hartwell, Ian McDonald, John Jude Palencar, S. Andrew Swann, Vernor Vinge
Star Trek Fans and the Changing of the Guard: new panelists: Ben Andrews, Christopher Konker, Jesse Simpson
Hey, Check Out the Sex Scene in My Fantasy: new panelists: Greg Cox (M), Jim Frenkel, Mark Henry, Joshua Palmatier, Eden Robins
Thinking Small: new panelists: Raymond McCauley (M), Doug Odell
This Blood's for You: new panelists: Loree Parker (M), Phillip Brugalette, Mimi Noyes
Not a Personality Test.
Artists Alley today runs from 9am to 6pm with painting, maille knitting, loom, digital art, jewelry demos, face painting and a bunch of ways for you to participate.
Ask an artist for their opinion on your work. Ask how they do theirs! You can pick up tips, see works-in-progress, and even buy art directly from the people who do it. Preferably often. Very often! Artists Alley is where art is up close and personal!
Not a Personality Test. Win Prizes!
You heard right, folks, come to the Volunteers' Lounge and you can win one of several wonderful prizes!
Sign up and share in the fun from 9am to 11pm today. Don't miss out, you could be a lucky winner!
May involve a Personality Test. Hard to say. No prizes.
Greetings from the crew and Marine strike group of the USS Chinook. We will be receiving and commissioning our Nebula Class Variant II Starship on Saturday, April 3rd, at 4pm in the Maxi's Saloon at Norwescon! We would be delighted if you would beam aboard and join us for the ceremony and celebration!
Our crew, based in Renton, Washington, Region 5, seeks to boldly go and help prepare our world for a better future. We accept members from all areas of planet Earth and would love for you to join us! We are an all adult crew, but we do have a cadet program for younger recruits agents ten through seventeen. Our purpose is to have fun in a futuristic setting, enjoy the company of like-minded individuals, and give back to the community via our various charities and community service activities. We have monthly crew meetings on the 3rd Saturday of the month.
Learn more about the world of STARFLEET through Academy courses including Xenostudies on Klingons, Vulcans, etc., plus Aerospace, Infantry, other Military Studies, Strategy, and Leadership. If you are interested in joining us on the USS Chinook, please check out our table at Norwescon, go to http://www.usschinook.org, or email information@usschinook.org.
"It's in the file 'bite-me-starfleet.txt'"
"It will pucker sphincters you didn't know you had."
"We're Security, not Safety!"
"You are the only man I know who complains his thing is too big."
"Have you gotten laid since last year?"
"No grab-ass in the line!"
"Oh, you mean tomorrow! We are totally tl;dr-ing it tomorrow."
is the daily newsletter of Norwescon 33. The editors cannot be bribed as our needs and desires are beyond your imaginations, but news items, lulz, fish biscuits and other treats may be left in submissions boxes at Information, Registration, and Office. Deadline for each day's issue is 10pm the night before. Oh, and just FYI: don't sign the billion-year contract. Who knew that shit was enforceable? I mean really.
issue 2 2010.4.3 Saturerday
still less annoying than starfleet
This sunday, some rare Star Trek movie items will be auctioned off in the Norwescon Art and Charity Auction. This year the auction will benefit Clarion West, a writers' organization that teaches new and upcoming writers to hone their skills in the field of science fiction literature. Norwescon is proud to be a sponsor of this wonderful organization.
Renowned author Vonda McIntyre reached into her personal collection of Star Trek memorabilia to benefit this years' event. These one of a kind items can now be yours! The movie poster from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, framed and personally signed by Gene Roddenberry to Vonda! Also, a very rare Star Trek crew member's baseball jacket, with cool embroidered scenes from the movie!
There are many more interesting and really cool pieces that can be yours too. Signed books, art, handmade quilts and many other items donated from our dealers and fans, that will make you the envy of all your friends!!
The auction is Sunday at 11:30 am in Grand Ballroom 2.
The auction is an important event to benefit the next generation of science fiction writers and you can make their futures possible.
then watch it die
Cascade 12, Table gaming: Vegas Showdown! Build a famous casino, prevent others from buying what they need. Bidding, floor plans, poker chips, zoning variances, payoffs, destroying dreams. 'Nuff said.
Reading: Roberta Gregory/Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading, (10pm-Midnight, Cascade 4)
Reading: Bruce Taylor, (11:30am, Cascade 3)
Reading: Cymbric Early-Smith, (7pm, Cascade 3)
Reading: Roberta Gregory, (7:30pm, Cascade 3)
Reading: Alan Clark, (8pm, Cascade 3)
Reading: Mark Henry, (8:30pm, Cascade 3)
Gaming: TBA, host Mark Richardson (10am, Cascade 12)
Gaming: Super Munchkin, host Marcus Evenstar (10am, Cascade 12)
Gaming: Chez Cthulhu, host Marcus Evenstar (Noon, Cascade 12)
Gaming: TBA, host Robert Moshell (1pm, Cascade 12)
Gaming: Circuit Racing Formula 1, host Austin Searles (2pm, Cascade 12)
Gaming: Lord of the Flies, host Marcus Evenstar (2pm, Cascade 12)
Gaming: Munchkin Booty, host Marcus Evenstar (4pm, Cascade 12)
Gaming: Revolution, host Marcus Evenstar (6pm, Cascade 12)
Concert: Leeni (was 10pm)
Reading: J. McKelvy (was 11:30am)
Concert: Ash Productions, now 9-10pm, Evergreen 1 (was Friday)
Concert: Death*Star, now 10-11pmpm, Evergreen 1 (was 10:30)
Building a Balance Mythos new panelists: Mary Robinette Kowal (M), Jim Frenkel, Jason Henninger, Joshua Palmatier, Mary Rodgers
The Editor and Writer Relationship new panelists Greg Cox (M), Jim Frenkel, Ian McDonald, Anthony Pryor, Ken Scholes, Janna Silverstein
Spotlight Publisher: TOR new panelists Jim Frenkel, David Hartwell
Autograph Session #2 lineup: John P. Alexander, Carol Berg, David Boop, SatyrPhil Brucato, Ted Butler, Bruce R. Cordell, Carlos Cortes, Dr. John G. Cramer, Jeff Davis, A.M. Dellamonica, Cory Doctorow, James Ernest, Yasmine Galenorn, Daryl Gregory, Jeff Grubb, Eileen Gunn, Brandon Jerwa, Jak Koke, Ian McDonald, John Jude Palencar, Kevin Radthorne, Ken Scholes, Lorelei Shannon, Jack Skillingstead, G. Robin Smith, S. Andrew Swann, S. J. Tucker, Vernor Vinge, Gareth Von Kallenbach
Women Characters in Comics: new panelists: Ashley Cook (M), andrew Dolbeck, Michael Ehart, Marcus Evenstar
The Genre Divide: new panelists: Cat Rambo (M), Greg Bear, Greg Cox, Jim Frenkel, David Hartwell, Janna Silverstein
Autograph Session #3 Lineup: Alexander James Adams, Myke Amend, Brenda Cooper, Dr. John G. Cramer, Cory Doctorow, S. Joe Downing, Michael Ehart, Roberta Gregory, Mark Henry, Jean Johnson, Rosemary Jones, Mary Robinette Kowal, G. David Nordley, John Jude Palencar, Joshua Palmatier, Adrian Phoenix, Irene Radford, Cat Rambo, Sean K Reynolds, Ben Thompson, Amy Thomson, Vernor Vinge, Rob Welch
It Ain't All Geetars and Mopy: new panelists: Dara Korra'ti (M), Jes Hart, Steven Perry
LGBT in Fandom: new panelists: Loree Parker (M), Dierdre Phoenix, Mickey Schultz
Figure Drawing Workshop — Models In Costume: new panelists: Anita Taylor (M), Victoria Shaffer
Surveillance in the 21st Century — is it Good or Bad?: new panelists: Cat Rambo (M), Cory Doctorow, Michael Ehart, Eileen Gunn, Ian McDonald
Kinderfilk: new panelists: Ash Productions, Callie Hills, Creede Lambard, David Nasset, Sr.
What Popped Your Fannish Cherry?: new panelists: Kevin Standlee, Amy Thompson
Harm Me with Harmony: new panelists: Alexander James Adams, Callie Hills, Angelica Sather Hodgetts, Athrylis Sather Hodgetts
The Business of Art: new panelists: John R. Gray III, John Jude Palencar, Tiffany Toland
Space — Humanity's Best Hope for Long-Term Survival?: New panelists: Brenda Cooper (M), Jim Frenkel, Guy Immega, G. David Nordley, Vernor Vinge
Exploring the Human Condition: new panelists: Nathan Crowder (M), Ben Andrews, Michael Ehart, Christian t. L. Mecham, Kevin Radthorne
Michael Vaillancourt is added to panels Spaceships, Armor, and Machines, Oh My, Figure Drawing Demo, The Business of Art, and Video Game Art
Sunday, 2pm, Cascade 10
The 2010 Hugo Award Nominations will be announced Sunday at 2pm at a live event being covered on ConReporter.com. You can come watch in Cascade 10, or anywhere you can get the internet. In case of last minute connectivity problems, the alternative location will be the foyer outside the Evergreen Rooms.
Tradition! Tradition!
Remember the Night Owl cleanup after the Saturday night dances of years past? Of course not.
Now we really need your help during daylight hours right after the Swap Meet on SUNDAY, starting at 2pm in Grand Ballroom 3. We need to pack up all the equipment and go home. Give us 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or more of your time; we'd love to have you.. The more volunteers we get the sooner we get done. Thank You!
Hear the Baying of the Hounds of Art!
If you haven't been by Artists Alley you really need to come by and see what is going on. Artists are in rotation and there are artists here today who weren't here yesterday. Digital, traditional, sculpture, jewelry, knots and loads more! We have face painting again today and some grat pros available to look at your work or do commission work. Check the schedule to see when things are happening. You will not be disappointed! We are here from 9am to 6pm.
Spelling is hard
The description for "The Dummy is You" panel says that you need to bring paper tape. This is another VICIOUS LIE. You need to bring DUCT tape. Also a bank statement, two picture IDs, and a note from yr mom. Saturday 1-3pm, Salon.
win prizes! first place: a convention! here! today!
Come to the Volunteers Lounge and show us what you're made of: test your strength, win the race, or show us your elite skills, and you could win one of many fabulous and fun prizes.
stupid computers
Saturday Evening, Cascade 3's 7-9pm schedule is completely wrong. It reprints Friday's schedule. I blame cosmic rays, n-r rays, manta rays, and Ray Harryhausen, who can't be thrilled with the remake.
It should be Cymbric Early-Smith (7pm), Roberta Gregory (7:30), Alan Clark (8pm), and Mark Henry (8:30pm).
The USS Chinook will be commissioning their Nebula Class (Variant II) Starship on Saturday, April 3rd, at 4pm in the Maxi's Saloon at Norwescon! they invite you to join them for the ceremony and celebration.
"Our purpose is to have fun in a futuristic setting, enjoy the company of like-minded individuals, and give back to the community via our various charities and community service activities. We have monthly crew meetings on the 3rd Saturday of the month.
If you are interested in joining us on the USS Chinook, please check out our table at Norwescon, go to http://www.usschinook.org, or email information@usschinook.org."
take that, sanity!
Okay! International Bank of Timbuktu fuckin' owns all of you. The fact you were not there makes you a very sad person indeed. Ummmm... Oh yeah! Ordering drinks by colour, which in retrospect was awesome, rock band, drunken rock band, annnnnnnnnnnd titty-ante poker! And they had no-fail mode on adn drunk nerds were like "I'M IN A BAANNNNNNNNNNNNND" and "YEAH LOVE THIS SONG" so the whole fuckin' party would flop back and forth from room to room, goin' AWESOME SONG / TITTIES! / AWESOME SONG / TITTIES! Everywhere else fuckin' sucked, y'all need to step it up. they're open again tomorrow. If you aren't there, this convention sucked for you.
Then we went to Biohazard, right, and we went to go up to the bar, and this guy was like, THERE'S A LINE. And I was there for 15 minutes and I don't think this line knows it's a line. "Do you know there's a line for alcohol?" And we were like "FUCK!" And so we get in line and finally one of my friends knows this line isn't like a line, so we ask people in front of us, and they're "There's a line?!" and we just want some fuckin' alcohol! and he's all like THERE'S A LINE!!! and you and your non-line line suck.
I felt really bad for Party in a Box, because I'm, like, they have candy, and dinner and shit, and they have their beds out. I'm pretty sure people are gonna find that and go HOLY CRAP FOOD AND BEDS and I'M HOME DUDES. We walked in there at like 9:30 and were like "oh this room's gonna be really popular around 12:45." Then there was rice crispie sushi and gummy bears and these gummy bears like work out, right? Because they're all muscle. It was like IT'S LIKE FUCKIN' CANDY SUSHI and OW IT HURT MY FACE!
Then we went up to the penthouse which is like nerd bar, and it's fuckin' boring, it was, it was literally a country bar, but instead of country hicks you had nerds, and it was just as boring. And none of them were talking about anything and drinks were like ten thousand dollars and you had to ride the elevator allllll the way up here and I had to ride it allllll the way down and all the people brought their spawn and I'm a guy and I'm gonna have my period by the time I get down there! This is bullshit! And this powerpuff girl got all mad at me and was like, "I'm old and you didn't compliment me!" and it ended with me getting punched and one shouldn't get punched by a powerpuff girl for insinuating they were old. That's just rude.
Anyway, and in closing, I can play rock band when I'm drunk. It's a skill.
"I've never been on a date with two people who were wasted." "You have not been to the right clubs."
"If there was ever a man who would choke to death on his own balls, it would be him."
"The weather is pretty good on the Genesis Planet, though — the Spock is in bloom, and really lovely this time of year."
"We ought to frame this. This is like nerdcore to the core."
"Didn't you bring any mundane clothes for Saturday night?"
"It seems like we just don't have good assassinations like we used to."
"I love Vernor Vinge. If I were still fertile, I'd have his babies."
"Who said this?! We could get Verner Vinge laid. C'mere, Vinge, we can get your ass laid. Seriously, we should call him."
is the daily newsletter of Norwescon 33. The editors cannot be bribed as our needs and desires are beyond your imaginations, but news items, lulz, fish biscuits, and other treats may be left in submissions boxes at Information, Registration, and Office. Deadline for each day's issue is 10pm the night before. Oh, and just FYI: don't send warnings to the past from the future. You end up deleting your