Notes from the Nevernever Issue 1

The official daily news sheet for Norwescon 46
Thursday, 28 March 2024

Unfortunately, our writer guest of honor Jim Butcher has contracted COVID-19 and is unable to attend Norwescon 46. We wish him quickly recovered health.

Welcome from the chair

It's time for Norwescon again! I'm so glad you're joining us for this wonderful, weird thing we do every year. I hope your weekend is full of great conversations with interesting people, cool stuff to look at and enriching things to learn. There's something I do every year that I'm going to encourage you to do, too. Each year, I try to go to at least one panel on a topic I usually wouldn't have any interest in. I'm always pleasantly amazed by how fascinating it is to hear experts talk passionately about a topic they're invested in.

The other thing I want to encourage everyone to do is to get involved! Whether that means volunteering for a few hours or participating in one of our more interactive activities (charades, anyone?). Norwescon is your convention. Get the most out of it! If this is your first Norwescon, welcome. And if it's not, welcome back. I'm so glad you're here.

~ SunnyJim Morgan, chair of Norwescon 46

What to do, what to do …

New to the con or a longtime member? Speed Friending (Thursday, 6 p.m., Maxi’s Lounge) is a great way to meet new folks and even find a con mentor. Also, check the FAQ: https://www.norwescon.org/about/faq-frequently-asked-questions/ and the portal pages: https://www.norwescon.org/portal/. We have plenty of awesome at Norwescon, from a Shakespearian take on Star Wars to views on steampunk from steam experts, and lots in between!

To mask or not to mask

Our staff, members and guests may mask or not mask at their own discretion. Masking, as a good general rule of public health when in groups of folks, is encouraged, but not required: https://www.norwescon.org/con/policies/health-and-safety/ Harassing others for their masking choice is prohibited. “No mask shaming,” says the Plague Doctor. “It’s not just about COVID. Con Crud is a thing, people!”

Psst!

Editor: Huh?

A vaguely-human-shaped bright light floating across the room: Psst! Are you the words person?

Editor: Uh, yes, that would be me. And you, uh, you are one of the fae. Hmm, wow. Are you here for the thinning of the veil between our worlds? Hey, what’s wrong? You look really down, uh ….

Toot-Toot: You may call me Toot-Toot. Yes. I am sad. The creator bard is not here.

Editor: Yeah, I heard. Jim Butcher is sick and won’t be here for our revels. We are sad, too. But it’s better that he takes care of himself. We hope he recovers swiftly. Can I do anything for you?

Toot-Toot: Would you please use the words you wield to tell the other humans not to forget to leave the Za out for the wyldfae?

Editor: The Za?

Toot-Toot: Yes, Za! Za! Pizza! Leave pizza out for the wee folk. And if some of us ask for celery sticks … just ignore them.

Best wishes for a swift and full recovery, Jim!
From the staff and members of Norwescon 46.

Welcome YB&B!

Welcome, members of Young Black & Brilliant (YB&B)! Sponsored this year by Norwescon, the YB&B Book Club establishes a community for Black and brown youths ages 11 – 16, to discover culturally relevant and representative books and related activities. Support YB&B and its mission through our multi-charity sale in the Art Show, or directly at https://www.ybnbreadersclub.org (click on the Donate tab).

1st dance – Fandom Mashup with DJ Wüdi

On our first evening venturing Into the Wylde, who knows what manner of fantastical beings we will encounter – or will become? Mix-and-match from the outfits you brought for the weekend to create mashup costumes, or wear something to represent your fandom(s) and come dance to a mix of tracks across eras, con favorites, mashups and oddities. Brought to you by DJ Wüdi.

Norwescon Speculative Film Fest in Evergreen 1 & 2

Start your con with some cutting-edge science fiction and fantasy short films.Block A starts at 5 p.m. and Block B starts at 8 p.m. https://www.norwescon.org/con/special-events/nwc-speculative-film-fest/

I always feel like – a skull is watching me…

Have you noticed little skull trinkets peeking out at you from spots around con locations? Con member and panelist Darren McKinty is continuing his annual Norwescon world- treasures hunt this year with little “Bob the Skull” representations (Bob is a character in Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files novels).

“I just make little figurines and place them in random, unusual spots around the con,” said Darren. “There are no real rules or specific spots that I hide them. If a person finds one, they can keep it for the little treasure that it is.”

Blast from the Past

Hello, Bob here, genius spirit and cinema lover, with our first entries! Tell me your favourite movie and why at zine@norwescon.org.

Real Genius (1985): Early Val Kilmer film that was the first movie I saw where the geeks were the heroes. While it's hilarious and very quotable, the heroes are never mocked for being who they are. As an awkward teen in advanced programs at school, I desperately wanted to be part of the Real Genius world. And Michelle Meyrink as the hyperactive genius Jordan was my crush. Seeing it is “a moral imperative." ~ Michael H.

Clash of the Titans (1981): For Medusa, Andromeda and "Release the Kraken!"

Flash Gordon (1980): Flash! Ah-aaahh – He'll save every one of us!

Two of my early favorites. ~ Kevin B.

Con Stories

From Teresa J. “So, around 1996 or ’97, the lieutenant (me) and the lance corporal (Travis) worked in adjacent units of the same Marine weapons system on the western edge of the continent (Arizona). Years later, in 2019, they reconnected via social media and found they both lived a few hours apart on the eastern edge of the continent (New England). But it wasn’t until 2024 and Norwescon 46 that they actually had a live meet up, to swap stories and catch up in person!

Overheard…

• “My to-do lists have to-do lists.”
• “You have to come to my room, so I can be a unicorn for you!”
• “Crivens! Ya scunner!”
• “Sorry to disappoint, but yes, that is a crysknife in my pocket. But it doesn’t mean I’m not happy to see you.”

Send “Overheard” items to zine@norwescon.org.

Notes from the Nevernever

is the daily news sheet for Norwescon 46. It is published as a morning edition, released by 10 a.m. Articles and photos from you, the convention members, are welcome and encouraged. The deadline for each day's edition is 11 p.m. the previous evening. Email your photos, ideas, "Overheard," "Blast from the Past" and "Con Stories" submissions to zine@norwescon.org.

Your Wylde Hunt shifter ranger is Caitlin Cormier. Your color & design illusion mage is Shelley George. Special thanks to wizards Michael Hanscom, Michelle Morrell, Kevin Black and Alex Demboski, and adventuring party benefactors Kat Marier and SunnyJim Morgan.