Norwescon 11 Progress Report

Norwescon 11

The Norwescon 11 progress report, excerpted from Westwind #137 (January 1989).

NWSFS

January 1989

Mark Ogilvie

English

NORWESCON 11

Chairman's Corner

by Elizabeth Warren

Greetings! For those of you who haven't heard, I have been promoted from Hospitality to the top of the heap. This means that Hospitality will now be run by our capable Dragonette, Debbie Tatarek. She has been running the day shift of Hospitality for many years and now gets to run the whole thing. I get to prove that I really do have legs -- you've only seen the upper half of me over the bar for a few years now.

Norwescon is coming along just fine. The move to a new hotel in a new city was a bit rough, but we identified a few snags and we are working on them. Hospitality has moved and so has Registration. We also will have a place for all you late night talkers to meet. The hotel will be staffing the elevators, so hopefully your trip to the upper floors will be a little faster.

Be sure to read this Progress Report carefully, as we have implemented a lot of changes and some or all of them may be important to you.

We are all looking forward to a safe and happy experience, meeting friends, old and new, and learning together. See you there!

Guest of Honor - Algis Budrys

by Jon Gustafson

Algis Budrys was born in Konigsberg, East Prussia, on the 9th of January, 1931; he remained a Lithuanian citizen, under diplomatic passport, until 1987. He married Edna, his charming (and patient) wife, in 1954 and has four children. They've recently moved to Los Angeles, which makes it a wonder that he makes it to Norwescon at all, let alone almost every year.

Not content (apparently) to contain his considerable talents to science fiction, he has been involved in advertising and public relations since the mid-1960s. Some of his clients have included Rand McNally, International Harvester, U.S. Gypsum, and Colt Industries.

Budrys has been writer, editor, and critic for almost 35 years. His first short story was published in October, 1952, and he has had about 200 more published since then. They have appeared in all the major sf magazines, plus The Saturday Evening Post and Playboy. He has also written 120 articles for magazines such as Esquire, Popular Electronics, Bike World, and The New Republic. He has been an assistant editor for Venture SF Magazine, F&SF, Galaxy, and Gnome Press. He has been an editor for Regency Books, and is currently editing the Writers of the Future anthologies from Bridge Publications.

Algis Budrys is one of the foremost critics in the field. His book reviews have appeared in Galaxy, Analog, F&SF, Science Fiction Review, Books West, The Washington Post, and The Chicago Sun-Times, to name but a few. He has also had a book of his Galaxy reviews published (Benchmarks: Galaxy Bookshelf, Southern Illinois University Press, 1985).

While not terribly prolific as a novelist, he is unique in that, of the eight novels he has had published, fully half are recognized as true classics. His novels are: False Night, Man of Earth, Who?, The Falling Torch, Rogue Moon, Some Will Not Die, The Amsirs and the Iron Thorn, and Michaelmas. He has also had three short story collections published: The Unexpected Dimmsion, Budrys' Inferno, and Blood & Burning.

Budrys, like many SF writers, has long been interested in seeing the knowledge of writing pass on from his generation to others. He has taught at the famous Clarion SF Writing Workshop for almost a decade and has been a visiting writer or a writer-in-residence at a number of other workshops. He recently directed the Taos Writers of the Future Experimental Workshop, taught a six-day intensive workshop for the Moscow Moffia Writers' Program, and takes part in convention writers' workshops just about everywhere he goes.

Such hard work does not go unrewarded (or unpunished...it depends on your point of view); Algis Budrys is a member of the Science Fiction Hall of Fame and a member of the Mark Twain Society. He won an "Edgar" award from the Mystery Writers of America, and numerous other awards. He is a member of SFWA, SFRA, and MENSA. And others. He was Moscon V's special Guest of Honor when Fritz Leiber had to cancel due to health problems.

Budrys is currently working on a science fiction novel, a book on bicycling, an sf teaching text, an sf writing text, a collection of F&SF book reviews, and a short story collection.

In his spare time, Budrys also is coordinating editor for the Writers of the Future Contest and anthologies, both started by the late L. Ron Hubbard.

Budrys bas been a friend and supporter of Norwescon for some time. As Toastmaster of Norwescon 6, as coordinator and presenter for the Philip K. Dick Memorial Award, as panelist, workshop member, and party person, and, now, as Guest of Honor.

Welcome, Algis Budrys, friend. Welcome!

[Portions originally published in MosCon X Program Book (c) 1988, 1989.]

Art Guest of Honor - David Mattingly

by Yvonne V. Richardson

David Mattingly has graciously accepted our invitation to be Artist Guest of Honor at Norwescon 11. To say that he is prolific is a gross understatement; after having done his first SF cover for A Wizard in Bedlam ten years ago, he has gone on to create over 200 more covers since then. His works have graced books by authors such as Isaac Asimov, Robert E. Vardeman, Lester Del Rey, A Bertram Chandler, Frank Herbert, Fred Saberhagen and many others. Paperback publishers such as Ace, Baen, and DAW have proffered his work to the public; in fact, be has been published by most of the major paperback houses.

David studied at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, and worked for 3 years as a matte painter for Disney Studios. He works mostly in acrylics and guacbe; his art bas been displayed at Worldcons, Boskones, World Fantasy Cons, and of course, Norwescons. He keeps his favorite works, as most artists do, but has also sold many to private collectors.

David's work depicts mostly fantasy and "soft" science fiction, and often uses the stars as background; view the cover for Richard Paul Russo's Inner Eclipse in the Norwescon 10 Program Book Art Gallery.

David Mattingly lives in Hoboken, New Jersey, and is owned by a cat named Orson.

Science Guest of Honor - Dr. Alan E. Nourse

by Andy P. McQuiddy

Alan E. Nourse's writing career has had an almost symbiotic relationship with his training in the medical profession. Since his birth in Des Moines, Iowa in 1928, Dr. Nourse (pronounced "nurse") has paid some of his way through medical education with his writing, garnering a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Rutgers in 1951 and his M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine fours years later. His fiction, in tum, has owed some of its elements to his medical background, especially in such works as A Man Obsessed (expanded as The Mercy Men), Star Surgeon, and the story collection Rx For Tomorrow. Aside from the many novels and collections of science fiction and fantasy he's written (frequently regarded as juveniles, because oftheir straightforward themes and the ages of their protagonists), Dr. Nourse has also published a So You Want To Be... series exploring the professions of doctor, physicist, scientist, etc. He was vice-president ofthe Chamberlain Press, and has had fiction and non-fiction printed in magazines as disparate as Playboy and Better Homes and Gardens. His current writing emphasis is combined with his medical background; he is heavily involved in terminal disease research, including AIDS and cancer.

Space opera pervades much of Dr. Nourse's fiction, but his writing talents go beyond the limits of that structure, as evidenced by his diverse bibliography. He's been writing full-time since 1963, and lives in Thorp, Washington.

Fan Guest of Honor - Mike Glyer

by Yvonne V. Richardson

This man's attitude could probably be described as "humour uber alles". He is responsible for the Hogus, hoax awards that are given at ranquets at various Worldcons. (Yes, the words you just saw are "hogu" and "ranquet".) These awards are given for virtually every silly reason you can think of, and then some. After all, an IRS agent has to find a way to relax SOMEHOW. Mike Glyer relaxes by attending and/or running conventions, writing columns for various APAs and publishing File 770, one of the leading SF newzines in the country.

Mike has at1ended many Worldcons; he also attends Westercons, LOSCON, and the occasional CORFLU, including the one in Seattle in 1988. Not only that, but be has been Fan GOH at Ad Astra in Toronto. Mike has been the fanzine reviewer for Holier than Thou since issue #10, and also occasionally does a fanzine named Scientifriction. He is also the recording secretary for LASFS, a position he may keep forever as long as his monthly minutes, published in De_Profundis, continue to be funny. He still has the occasional article published somewhere in fandom other than the above mentioned sources.

For someone with such a prominent funnybone, Mike Glyer is quite serious about fandom. The 1986 Fanthology used a good portion of his material, and he co-edited The Neofan's Guide to Scrence Fiction Fandom, 6th edition, with Marty Cantor. He is also working with Marty on a general history of fandom, Fancyclopedia, 3rd edition. He goes to conventions to socialize, to work, and to catch up with friends and his worldwide network of correspondents. He's connected with enough sub genres of F&SF to be a popular guy at any convention, even the ones he's working (he's helped run LOSCON, LACON II, co-chaired an LA Westercon, and was Program Coordinator for NOLACON...).

Keeping in such close contact with as many aspects of fandom is just a small part of what has made Mike Glyer and File 770 repeat Hugo Fan award winners. File 770 has won the Hugo (not the hogu) for Best Fanzine in 1984 and 1985; it was also nominated for the same award in 1987 and is a contender for the 1988 award.

Mike Glyer himself has won the Hugo for Best Fan Writer in 1984 and 1986, and was nominated in 1985 and 1987. He is in the running for the 1988 Hugo for Best Fan Writer as well. He is also a member of SCIFI, the Southern California Institute for Fan Interests.

Since we have dragged the man away from his typewriter, his mimeo machines, and the daily newzines he does at most large conventions so that he can enjoy all of Norwescon 11, you'll probably run into him sometime. But watch out for that sense of humor, or you'll be the recipient of a Hogu at OUR ranquet!!

Toastmaster - Steven Barnes

by Yvonne V. Richardson

We are happy to welcome Steven Barnes to Norwescon 11 as Toastmaster. Born in Los Angeles in 1952, he is a dedicated writer and an all-around good guy. He has gone so far as to change the name he published under when he was told that his legal name was already in use -- as someone else's pseudonym!

Steve was nominated for a Hugo in 1980 for the short story, Locusts. Shortly thereafter he decided novels were more fun, so he co-authored Dream Park with Larry Niven in 1981 and collaborated with him again on The Descent of Anansi in 1982. The Legacy of Heorot, with Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, is his latest collaborative effort. Barnes also has two solo novels to his credit: Streetlethal, published in 1982, and The Kundalini Equation, which came out in 1986. As if that weren't prolific enough, he has written screenplays for The Twilighl Zone, been a creative consultant for The Secret of NIMH and is a contributing editor to Black Belt Magazine. His qualifications for that position include taking second place in the National Korean Karate Championships in 1972. He also has two more books forthcoming in 1989, a sequel to Dream Park and a sequel to Streetlethal.

Strangely enough, Steve doesn't spend all his time behind a typewriter or in the gym; some of his primary interests are human mental and physical development -- finding the proper balance between Mind, Body, and Spirit. I'm sure he'll find the proper balance at several of our dances.

They say that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy; that's definitely not true of Steve. He's kind, he's witty, he's entertaining, he's friendly, and he can out-boogie just about anybody. We're pleased to have Steve Barnes back in the Northwest, as Toastmaster of Norwescon 11. He's pleased to be coming -- he has said that "Norwescon is my very favorite convention of the year."

Attending Pros

As ofDecember 31, 1988:

Kathleen Alcala
Kevin J. Anderson
Alicia Austin

Gordon Baker
Sharon Baker
Bill Baldwin
Damon Bard
Steve Bard
STEVEN BARNES
Donna Barr
Astrid Anderson Bear
Greg Bear
Clare Louise Bell
Steven Bryan Bieler
Marion Zimmer Bradley
Ginjer Buchanan
ALGIS BUDRYS
Elinor Busby
F. M. Busby

Grant D. Callin
Mary Caraker
Karen Lee Carmack
Frank Catalano
Michael Coney
Debra Gray Cook
John G. Cramer
Julie Cummings

John Dalmas
Lonnie Davis
John De Camp
David R. Deitrick
William C. Dietz
Ted Dikty
David Doering
Rich Dutcher

M. Coleman Easton
Laurie Edison
Elton Elliott
L. Rodayne Esmay

Gregory Feeley
James Fiscus

Rod Garcia
Stephen L. Gillett
Alexis Gilliland
MIKE GLYER
Parke Godwin
Eileen Gunn
Jon Gustafson
George Guthridge

Richard Hallock
M. Elayn Harvey
Nina Kiriki Hoffman
Bob Howe

Steve Jackson

Eileen Kemaghan
James Killus
T. Jackson King
Greg Kusnick

Julia Lacquement
Megan Lindholm
Monika Livingston

Mark Manning
Diane Mapes
Stephen Marcellino
Cyn Mason
DAVID MATTINGLY
Julian May
Catherine McGuire
Bridget McKenna
Carl Miller
Vicki Mitchell
Janet Morris

Kirn Nelson
Sharan Newman
ALAN E. NOURSE

Steven G. Oliver
Jerry Oltion
Tanya Opland

Ted Pedersen
Ray Pelley
Steve Perry
Charles Platt
Teresa Plowright

D. A Quackenbush
Rob Quigley

Alis Rasmussen
Rhea Rose
Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Paul Sammon
Michael Scanlon
Stanley Schmidt
Rob Schouten
Carol Severance
Jay Silverstein
Sharon Sinclair
Mark Skullerud
Dave Smeds
Dean Wesley Smith
Leta Smith-Gharret
Sara L Stamey
John Stith
Scott Stolnack

Bruce Taylor
Lynne Taylor
Amy Thomson
Brian Tillotson

William R. Warren, Jr.
Don Webb
Simone Welch
Deborah Wessell
Richard Wright

The Transmigration Of The Philip K. Dick Award

by Andy P. McQuiddy

A few weeks after Philip K. Dick died, Thomas M. Disch found himself writing a Guest Of Honor speech for his appearance at Norwescon. In it, he proposed that an award for Best Original F/SF Paperback (as so many of Dick's books were published in that form) be created in the late author's name as a lasting tribute to Dick's contribution to the field. Thus, the Philip K. Dick Award was born. The following year, the first one was sponsored by the Philadelphia SF Society (who continues to sponsor the award), and presented at Philcon. The next year, 1984, the ceremony was held at Norwescon, which has been the sponsoring convention ever since. Each PKD Award is voted upon by a panel of five judges, who both narrow the selection to a handful of finalists and vote on the winners. The judges then choose a successor to themselves. Disch was one of the judges for the first year, as well as Administrative Chairman for the award, which be remained until handing over the reins to Algis Budrys in the mid-eighties. The other current Administrators are David G. Hartwell, Russell Galen (who is also the Treasurer), and Paul Williams, the Executor ofthe Dick estate. Hartwell and Budrys usually hand out the award, but twice it has been presented by Dick's children -- once each by Laura and Christopher. Three of the awards have been won by Tim Powers (2) and James P. Blaylock (1), who both knew Philip. First Place receives a plaque and a check for $1000. Second Place, or Runner-up, receives $500 and a plaque. The Award presented in 1983 went to Software byRudy Rucker, and The Prometheus Man by Ray Faraday Nelson, respectively. Next came The Anubis Gates by Powers (1st) and Tea With The Black Dragon by R.A MacAvoy (2nd), followed by Neuromancer (William Gibson) and The Wild Shore (Kim Stanley Robinson), then Dinner At Deviant's Palace (Powers, again) and Saraband Of Lost Time (Richard Grant). At the '87 Norwescon it was Homunculus (Blaylock) and The Hercules Text (Jack McDevitt), and last year's $1000 check went to Patricia Geary for Strange Toys, withthe $500 going to Memories by Mike McQuay. The next Philip K. Dick Memorial Award will be presented at Norwescon 11 over the weekend of March 23-26, 1989 in Tacoma, Washington. The judges are Olarles Platt, Kim Stanley Robinson, Eleanor Amason, Michael Levy, and Mike McQuay.

The 1989 Phillip K. Dick Memorial Award

This year our talented group of nominees are:

Roger McBride Allen
Orphans of Creations (Baen Books)
Mark Laidlaw
Neon Loris (Bantam Books)
Paul McAuley
400 Billion Stars (Del Ray Books)
Rebecca Ore
Becoming Alien (Tor Books)
Rudy Rucker
Wetware (Avon Books)
D. Alexander Smith
Rendezvous (Ace Books)

RENUNCIATE GUILD HOUSE MEETING

TO BE HELD AT NORWESCON

Time And Place Posted At Con

For more information contact Carol Teguns

Green Room

The Green Room, hosted by Doug and Dora Shirk, is in the same place as last year. What was our main room will be our secondary room this year. Our main room is the suite next door. We will have only the two rooms instead of three, but we will have more space -- you figure it out. For those of you who aren't familiar with the functions of a Green Room:

1. It is where the program participants register.
2. The pre-panel meetings are held there.
3. Questions are answered and program changes are given to the appropriate people.
4. It is a place where pros can come to have a quiet cup of coffee/tea/pop and meet with other panelists.

The Green Room is open from noon on Thursday till about 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we open at about 8:30a.m., and close whenever the paneling slows down in the evening (usually between 7-9). We shut down during the Autograph Party and the Banquet (although this may change if the staff increases).

If you think you would like to work with us, drop us a line or give us a call (we're in the Green Book). Now for a short lecture on what we don't want. Don't call us if you think this is where you can volunteer for an hour and call it quits -- our volunteers usually sign up for several "tours of duty" throughout the weekend, and believe me, it is WORK. Droolers need not apply, and autograph hunting is not allowed. Well, that's enough negativism for now. Come join us if you want to work hard and not have to stay out there in those noisy halls!!

Volunteer now and avoid the rush -- we need to know if you're interested before March 1st.

NWC 11 Programming

Something old, something new,
Something borrowed, something blue,
Something alien, something fun,
There's something here for everyone!
Meet the Pros or eat up hearty
At banquet, lunch, or Sasquatch Party;
Watch the films or Masquerade
Dance until your feet are flayed
Writers' Workshops, fanzines too
And Hospitality for you!
Kibbitz, SMOF 'til con is o'er
That's all there is, and still there's more--
From Thursday 'til Sunday we'll run
'Til finally the con is done.
There's more that won't fit in these rhymes
but you'll find them and have good times!!!

Ok, ok, so it's corny. What do you expect people to come up with at 3:00 in the morning? But it's a reasonable description of Norwescon 11 programming. Extensive research is being done to bring you the best of previous conventions, as well as new and current topics. I'm sure there will be aliens, both in hall costumes and in the Masquerade. I'm still looking for blue things -- if you have any ideas (and dare to admit that you read that poem) you could let me know via the P.O. Box.

We're trying for the smorgasbord effect this year; we do not expect to be all things to all people (that's the buffet version), but we do hope that all attendees will find an event or six that they particularly enjoy. There will also be the usual and traditional events: the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the Banquet, Writers' Workshops, the Meet-the-Pros Autograph party, Dances, Art Show and Dealers room.

There will be an emphasis on science and literature this year, featuring topics of interest to the F/SF community. Some of these include:

After Challenger: Is the Dream Still Alive?
The Future of Art, Animation, and Special Effects
Robert A Heinlein Memorial Blood Drive
Destroying the World for Fun and Profit
How to Survive Waiting for Fame and Fortune
How to Survive Fame and Fortune
The Death of the SF Con
New Developments·in Superconducting Technology

The Philip K. Dick Award for best original paperback of the previous year will be presented at Norwescon again this year; the SAM room (Science, Art, and Mind) will also be back. There will also be children's programming and three channel video; in addition to the two small viewing rooms on the 4th floor of the Sheraton, the North Room will be available for truly pseudo-mondo video viewing. Static Programming will include a gaming room and a fanzine room, and Lazer Tag and the Fannish Olympics will be back, although not necessarily resembling previous incarnations. And, by popular request, there will be a dance EVERY evening.

There's far more planned than can be mentioned here; to find out everything that's happening, you'll just have to attend the convention. If there's something special that you'd like to see, or if you have some terrific new ideas for Norwescon events, drop me a line at the P.O. Box and we'll see what happens. One of the BESTways to help make Norwescon a convention you can't afford to miss is to let us know what you'd like to see -- it's your convention too!!!

Kid Kon Progress Report

Once again, things are changing. This year, in addition to our regular childcare facility where you leave your kids and go out to enjoy the convention, we are offering some main track programming for kids and parents to enjoy together. We are also offering some programming events where parents can sign up and leave their children with Sue Bartroff for one or two hours to see or do something very special for kids only at no extra cost.

Some of the child/parent activities we have in mind are to indicate in your pocket program what panels, movies, etc., are especially good bets for you to enjoy together. We are hoping to have a child/parent panel about aspects of science fiction (like Saturday morning cartooning) that kids might particularly enjoy.

Some of the "for kids only" programming events will be our famous hotel tour, a visit to the art show with one of the guest artists, and a chance to produce and hang art of your own. ("For kids only" programming is on a check-in basis, and for limited time periods.) Some really special gaming programming for preteens and teens only will include a TOP GUN tournament and an introduction to -- and chance to play -- other favorite games. There will also be a dance with music programmed by some of your peers. Just perhaps, the Easter Bunny may pay a visit. Stay tuned for further information.

Young and Future Fans

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION Norwescon welcomes its young and future fans. We will have programming throughout the convention geared for different age groups. Also, for a nominal fee, we will have daytime programming for children under 12 in our Childcare Room for those times when Mom and Dad want to go off on their own. Starting this year, Norwescon will provide a quiet room for the purpose of feeding, changing, or resting a child.

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian at all times, unless in the Childcare Room; children 10 and under are not allowed in any after-midnight programming room or Hospitality. Children found unattended in public areas of the hotel will be taken to Childcare until picked up by their parents, who will be charged for the time Childcare has watched their children for them.

Teens 13 to 17 years of age must have a parent or adult guardian who is a Norwescon 11 member; said guardian must be on the premises at all times, and parents must sign a permission slip for minors to attend the convention. Permission slips can be obtained via the Norwescon P.O. Box beforehand, and will be available at Registration. You may also return the slips to us before the convention if you like, or turn them in at Registration when you arrive.

Remember, parents are responsible for the safety and actions of their children at all times. These programs are here to foster enjoyment for all Norwescon members, but primarily for the safety and well-being of the children. Young fans are welcome at Norwescon but are expected to behave or be cared for in a responsible manner.

If parents believe that their convention activities will be constrained by these responsibilities, then Norwescon encourages the children be left at home under proper care.

Child Care

Child Care will once again be open for children from three to twelve years ofage. The younger ones must be potty-trained and have had pre-school or nursery school experience (your child needs to know how to play with others and be able to separate from you with a minimum of shrieking). This facility is a place where you can leave your children (for a fee) and go off and enjoy the convention.

Because of the large number of small children we serve, we have to close occasionally to revive the staff and clean up the room. Therefore, it is expected that you will return every two to four hours, pick up your children, and feed them something nutritious.

We have several tracks of programming that run constantly in these rooms, including video programming for separate age groups, crafts, special projects, and visits by our Guests of Honor. We hope to have a magician or storyteller to entertain our small guests this year, and have our annual costume parade and dance.

Once again, parents who participate will receive care at a lesser cost than parents who don't participate. If you provide goods or services to our group, it will cost less to leave your children with us. Since there are so many new babies and toddlers in our group this year, we are opening an unsupervised room, near Childcare, where you must stay with your child. This room can be used for a changing, napping, get-away-from-thecrowd room. This year the daycare staff will NOT be finding babysitters for children that do not meet our age and other requirements. There are just too few of us to help you out. If at all possible, find a sitter for that wee one, and leave him or her at home. You will both be happier.

Dealers Room

The Dealers Room at this years convention has already recieved enough requests to fill to capacity and it looks like another great year with something for everyone. There is still CLUB TABLE space availible on a first come first serve basis. If you would like to be put on the mailing list for next year just drop us a line at the Norwescon P.O. Box. Please include your name (and the name of your company if any) address and phone number. If you move between now and then, don't forget to send in a COA.

Hospitality

Great news! Hospitality has moved! This year we will be located in the Board Room on the third floor lobby where registration was last year. Also, we are under new management. Ma, the Dragonlady has gone on to bigger and better things and has left this glorious kingdom to me, the Dragonette.

Hospitality is your place. It is what you make it. It is a place for you to come and relax, to meet new friends and greet your old friends.

We will be serving beer and wine along with our special punches. There will be coffee, tea, and pop along with tons of munchies. We may even have a few new surprises.

Remember, the hospitality suite runs on your generous donations. So don't be shy, donate!

Hospitality Hours: Thursday 6:00 pm to 2:00 am; Friday 9:00 am to 2:00 am Saturday 9:00 am to 2:00 am; Sunday 9:00 am to 12:00am

Beer and wine served from 7:00 pm to 1:00 or 1:30 am, at the Dragonette's whim.

Easter Events

A few people have asked (complained) why we moved to Easter weekend. At this point I quickly correct them: Norwescon did not move to Easter weekend...Easter moved to Norwescon. We're still in the same place we've always been. And to celebrate Easter coming to Norwescon we will be presenting some special events.

Easter Egg Hunts

Throughout the weekend we will be having hunts for all age groups: walking to 3 years, 4-7 years, 8-12 years, 13-17 years, and 18 and up. Candy, toys and special prizes will be found in eggs for all ages. See your pocket program for times.

Easter Parade

In your Easter Bonnet, with all the frills upon it, you could be the grand prize winner in our Easter parade. What kind of head dress can you create? Old fashioned, modern, futuristic, alien? Whatever it is, put it on and join our Easter Parade through the lobby on Sunday. Full costumes are not required but are invited. Judging will be done on "bonnets" only. First, second and third place awards will be given.

Just how bizarre, wild, silly, elaborate or beautiful can a bonnet be? With our group I'm sure we'll find out.

Easter Service

For those ofyou who would like to celebrate the Easter holiday in a more traditional manner, we will be listing churches in the area and the times of their services. Also, Sue Bartroff is inviting all who wish to join her early Sunday morning at the local mission to help serve Easter breakfast to the poor and homeless. Call Sue for details at (redacted).

Norwescon 11 Banquet

This year's banquet promises to be a gala affair with an Easter flair. Our Sunday banquet will include speeches from our Guests of Honor, and the presentation of some special awards and entertainments that are sure to enjoy. We might even have a surprise or two. The menu and price are listed on the flyer accompaning this Progress Report. On that flyer is a coupon to fill out and mail with your check. The banquet is limited. Get a jump on thecrowd and get the bonus of spending less time in the registration line and more time partying. See you at the banquet.

Film Contest

A Norwescon-style media program would not be complete without its annual film contest. Those of you filmmakers out there willing to enter your works are welcome to try for the coveted cash prize and praise which comes from winning such a respected contest. Entries may be Super 8, 16mm, or video. Contestants should call Mark Schellburg at(redacted) or Jim Cobb at (redacted) for more information.

Norwescon 11 Phone List

Hotline: (redacted)
Chairman: Elizabeth Warren: (redacted)
Art Show: Kathryn Howes (redacted)
Dealers: Bruce Thompson: (redacted)
Convention Services: Judy Suryan: (redacted)
Volunteers: Kathy McLean: (redacted)
Office (Gofers, Info): Becky Simpson: (redacted)
Child Care/Kid Kon: Sue Bartroff: (redacted)
Site Services: Kathy Smith: (redacted)
Programming/Stage Services: Michael Citrak: (redacted)
Masquerade: Norah Hogoboom: (redacted)
Stage Management: Beth Dockins: (redacted)
Gaming: Craig Bowie: (redacted) S.A.M.: Sky Andrews & Brian Sullivan: (redacted)
Registration: Carolyn Palms: (redacted)
Publications: Michael Brocha: (redacted)
Programming: Yvonne V. Richardson: (redacted)
Green Room: Doug and Dora Shirk: (redacted)
Writers Workshop: Michael Scanlon: (redacted)

Writing Workshops

There are some small changes and additions over last years' workshops. There will be sections for short stories, as usual, and limited section(s) for novel excerpts and novellas. In addition, poetry section(s) and non-fiction science writing sections will be organized if demand is present. The guidelines are as follows:

All manuscripts except science articles must be fantasy or science fiction.

Length of short story/non-fiction articles manuscripts will be limited to five thousand (5,000) words.

Poetry is limited to twenty (20) pages of verse, which can be one or more poems.

Novel manuscript submissions will consist of the first three or four chapters (no more than seventy five (75) pages of manuscript). With each novel excerpt, an outline/synopsis of the entire novel should be included, not more than 10-12 double-spaced pages.

Novella submissions are limited to twenty thousand (20,000) words.

All manuscripts will be double-spaced, with margins at least one inch on all sides, typed or computer-printed on one side of the paper. Justify computer printing only on the left hand side.

Start the manuscript halfway down the first page, and put your name, address and phone numberon the upper left hand corner of the first page. Put your last name, one or two words from the title, and the page number on the upper right hand corner of each page after the first page.

Send seven copies of short stories, five of novella or novel mss. for submission for the workshop to the Norwescon PO box, marked "ATTN: Writing Workshops". The postmark deadline for submissions will be 24 February 1989.

Program Book Ad Rates

Full Page (81/2 x 11) $115
Half Page $60
Fourth Page $35
Eighth Page $25

Rates do not include agency fees. ($10 discount for ads from clubs, conventions & fan publications) All ads must be camera ready unless prior arrangements have been made.

Closing date for reserving ad space is February 10th.

Lazer Tag

The most significant change in Lazer Tag this year is that the event will NOT be a formal competition. The new format, is a supervised free-style playing arena, hosted by the Cascade Rangers Team Banzai. The emphasis will be on fun, fair play, sportsmanship and playing frequently. Participation will be limited to the first 60 players to show up. Players under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian at the event. I.D. required. Also, all players must sign a release waiver before playing.

Another change in the Lazer Tag program is NO rental equipment available, so players must supply their own. Basic kits (chest sensor and pistol) are preferred, but rifles and head sensors will be allowed. It is recommended that players provide their own knee/elbow pads and eye protection (goggles or safety glasses).

Basic rules are: No running, stay 5 feet away from opponents at all times, expose your sensor to the player you are shooting at, and, no matter where you go, there you are!

Clarion West's Fifth Annual Scholarship Auction

Norwescon will host Clarion West's Fifth Annual Scholarship Auction, early Saturday evening on March 25. Auctioneers Ed Bryant and Steven Bryan Bieler promise to generate spirited bidding.

It's always fun, and for a good cause -- to help students attend the Clarion West SF and F Writers' Workshop. Whether you're a dealer, a fan, or a writer, you'll find something you want at the auction. There will be autographed books, manuscripts, art, food, and folly. Greg Bear will autograph limited edition Clarion West T-shirts bearing his artwork, and we anticipate offering unpublished works by Ursula K. LeGuin, Vonda McIntyre, and others.

A catalogue and auction items may be previewed at the Clarion West's club table, where you may learn about Clarion West's workshop and other programs. We will offer refreshments at an open reception an hour prior to the Auction.

For more info, contact Clarion West at (redacted).

Robert A. Heinlein Memorial Blood Drive

Robert Anson Heinlein was always fiercely devoted to science fiction and its people. He was also a strong believer in the maxim "you don't pay back -- you pay forward." He nurtured the people around him, giving of his time, his money, his story ideas and his love. If they felt the need to repay him, he would often ask them to donate blood; a pint was once the "price" of his autograph. The Convention Committee of Norwescon 11 asks that you pay homage to the memory of this Grand Master of F&SF by giving blood to the Pierce County Blood Bank. There will be a Bloodmobile at the convention; pay Robert Heinlein forward by giving the gift of life on Saturday, March 25.

Fannish Olympics

The Fannish Olympics department head is Mark Richardson. He plans for this year's event to be the best yet. Teams are composed of members of other convention staffs or club members (i.e., Moscon, Team Tug, Orycon, Hogan's Goat) and ALL are invited to participate. If your group or convention staff has not yet received an invitation and you wish to participate, please contact Mark via the Norwescon P.O. Box, marked "ATTN: Fannish Olympics". We have room for a limited number of teams and are accepting teams on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up at the convention at the Information table. There will be a quick orientation meeting at the conventionon Friday evening. See your Program Book for more information. If you have never seen the Fannish Olympics, come on down and see the fun!! This may be even more fun if you've never been to a convention before, since the events are supposed to imitate skills needed for convention survival. This year's events will include the Scavenger Hunt, the Elevator Stuff, the (non-alcoholic) Bheer Ghuzzle, and the Gossamer Mailing. If you need more information, call Mark Richardson at (redacted).

Art Show

This years' Art Show is again in the Rotunda, with a few changes. The natural lighting in the Rotunda is good enough that artificial lighting will not be needed. However the Art Show must close when all that wonderful natural light goes away. Yes, that's right, the Art Show will be closing at dusk Instead we will be opening at approximately 9 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

Art Show information can be obtained by writing to the Norwescon P.O. Box. There will be over 130 4'-by-4' panels as well as space for three-dimensional art. Requests are being processed shortly after they're received so get yours in ASAP.

Programming and Stage Services

Programming and Stage Services have some of the more visible departments at Norwescon: The volunteers that make up these departments are dedicated to helping produce a great convention and helping to keep events running on time, as much as possible. These people work well as a team. Experience is not necessary for you get the best and silliest on-the-job training that friendship can buy.

Stage Management is one of the keys to how we keep up the caliber of our panels. This group acts as host(ess) as well as a time keeper. They see that panelists are all there and any equipment that is needed is present. Communication of any problems to the Con Services is easy via a telephone. If you've enjoyed the panels in the past contact the Stage Management Department Head, Beth Dockins, at the Norewscon P.O. Box and give your support this year by volunteering. You can also help out by being responsible for two or three panels at the same time. I know one man who did that last year and found it to be a breeze. This is a fun job and it highly recommended.

The Technical Department has a team that transports, sets up, and operates the audio-visual equipment for all the panels and events. (NOTE: The Media Department has its own tech dept. and these two groups collaborate on some events.) This job offers a view of the con few get a chance to see and it is (surprisingly) more fun than you'd expect. For further information or to volunteer, call the Department Head, Keith Johnson at (redacted). Experience is NOT necessary as you will be trained on the equipment.

If you like to Dance continue reading: At Norwescon 1 (NWC), there were no dances. At NWC 2 there were two, a live Punk Rock Band followed by a Disco. We have grown from a 2 1/4 day con to an almost 4 full days...along with this the need to boogie has grown to a dance each night. Though we can not please everyone's musical tastes most will be happy with the following format; Thursday night, Oldies 50s, 60s, 70s, Friday night; The Stardance with current music plus some weird stuff plus lights plus the Legendary Ice Cream Social plus the Opening Number. Saturday Night; Teen Dance with Guest DJ. (This is more than what it sounds like and I don't know if this is a good name for it or not. The plan is for the early part of the event to be geared towards the young members of fandom...but if I know the people who have 'Happy Feet' age has nothing to do with dancing.) Sunday Night, this is the time for the Dead Sasquatch Party, Pajama Party, and Spring Rites. This last part is not to be confused with the Richard Wrights. The music will be Potpourri. We will take all of our tapes and shuffle them, then play them until our feet fall off, or until 1 am, whichever occurs first. Monday Night, Muzak. As always if you have music suggestions please send them to the P.O. Box, Attention: Dances. Thank you.

The Property room is headed by Pat Oros. This unseen section stores, handles, controls and helps distribute most of the audio-visual equipment that supports programming and the special functions. Properties interfaces closely with the Technical Services Volunteers who distribute and set-up most of the equipment in the programming rooms. This job is anything but boring and working with Pat is lots of fun.

Special Function Free Masquerade Taping Service

As with last year, there is a free taping service for those who want a top-quality audio presentation to complete that special costume. If you remember Godzilla, Doctor Whoopee or Phoenix you know what a good tape can do for a costume. The service is FREE, and you get to keep the tape. If you have a costume that deserves that special touch, call Keith Johnson at (redacted).

Masquerade

The Masquerade will occupy its usual place of honor on Saturday night. Once again Judy Swanson is Director and Norah Hogoboom is Secretary/Assistant Director. The Masquerade is in the same facility as last year and we will continue to have use of the dressing rooms and showers (remember to bring your own towels, shampoo, and soap).

If you participated in last year's Masquerade, you will recieve a Norwescon 11 Masquerader's packet. If you have moved, did not receive one by the end of January, or did not participate last year and would like to now, please contact us.

There will be a few changes in rules and procedures:

1. Participants in the Children's Division (age 12 and under) must have a responsible adult present at the Mandatory Masquerader's Meeting at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
2. Judging for the Construction Category will commence approximately two hours before the Masquerade. The specific time will be determined by the number of participants registered in this category.
3. Stage conduct rules will be enforced. Enforcement may include disqualification under certain circumstances.
4. Participants may compete in either the Costume or Performance categories, but not both, and may optionally compete in the Construction category.
5. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to view the Masquerade if you are a participant.

Keith Johnson has once again generously offered his time and expertise to help contestants with their tapes. He was the sound wizard responsible for tapes accompanying some award-winning costumes. Call him at the number above.

We're looking forward to a fabulous Masquerade and hope to see you there! Although we have a lineup of enthusiastic volunteers, we're always looking for more; positions include Stage Ninjas, Den Moms, Ushers, and Assistants for various project heads. The Masquerade is a popular volunteer event, so sign up early! Call Judy Swanson at (redacted) or Norah Hogoboom at (redacted) for more info.

Site Services

Site Services includes those departments that are concerned with the safety, security, and cleanliness of the convention. We're among the most noticable of the convention staff. If you like being noticed, call Kathy Smith at (redacted).

SECURITY ROVERS are those people with radios that seem to be everywhere at once. This team can move fast -- preventing problems from developing, assisting the fans and helping everything move a little smoother.

SECURITY WATCH is there to help you get where you thought you wanted to go or maybe want to be where you landed. The Watch checks badges, handles crowd control, and answers some of the geographical questions the con-goer has (Where is the Hospitality?). If you can carry the floor plans of seventeen different floors in your head, get a con-goer to produce a badge by lifting your eyebrow, and stand your ground when 1000 fans are rushing the door you're blocking, we have a job for you.

MAINTENANCE When you're walking down a stair or crowded hall, clean is safe and that's the job of our Maintenance department. You can help by using the nearest garbage can for your throw-aways. This is a job for younger con-goers (no one under 13, please), so if you like leaving a clean sweep behind you, call Robin Smith at (redacted) (but not during school hours).

Peace bonding

Let's talk about -- Weapons Policy. First. Weapons not allowed: crossbows, slingshots, pellet guns, bows and arrows, water pistols, blowguns, catapults or any type of functioning projectile weapon. This includes any device that could be construed as a projectile weapon, loaded or unloaded (please, no real guns), or any extension of the human hand. The only exceptions are non-functioning replicas that are kept in their holsters, or daggers, knives and swords that are kept in their sheaths. All spears and staves must be no longer than six feet and the end of said devices must never project more than 12 inches from the bearer's body. This policy is in direct line with the rules of the Sheraton Hotel and their security department. There will be no appeal to a violation of these rules. Hotel Security will ask you to leave the Hotel, and Norwescon will ask you to leave the Convention. Remember, if it's drawn...your gone! The only type of peacebonding allowed is that provided by the convention. Fashion coordinated substitutes will not be allowed and do not forget, all allowable weapons must still be peacebonded. The only exceptions to this policy are weapons in conjunction with costumes to be displayed during the masquerade, and during programming specifically designed for weapons display. Bonding ties will be removed for such an event and replaced immediately afterward. If you remove the bonding tie in a private room to display your weapon, please return to have the bonding tie replaced.

Basic policy will remain the same. All blades must have protective covering in all public areas and function spaces. Please remember to keep your polearms and staves upright at all times.

Peacebonding will be available in the registration area, in the Security office, and from the Rovers. If you have any questions about this policy, write to Peacebonding, c/o Norwescon, (redacted), Seattle, WA 98124. As always, bonding is always looking for a few good beings.

Room Party Policy

IMPORTANT NOTICE!! Your room party and party host or hostess must be registered with the Convention Office. The host or hostess of your room party must stay sober. You are responsible for the good health and safety of your party attendees.

Cloak Room/Lost & Found

Once again we'll provide a no-charge Cloak Rooms for our members. Yes, as with last year, we have two rooms. The Main Cloak Room is on the Ballroom level. It opens early and closes late (with a few closures during the day) Thursday through Sunday. The Upper Room, beween the Boardroom and the SouthCenter room, is open during the day on Saturday and Sunday. Check your Pocket Program or the signs outside the rooms for the hours.

BE SURE the room you wish to use will be Open when you want to put something in AND WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE IT OUT! We are Not open 24 hours a day. As always, use is at your own risk, and we do reserve the right to say "You're Not Bringing THAT In Here!"

The Lost and Found is located in the Main Cloak Room and shares the same hours. Remember to check with us if you lose an item during the Con. Items not claimed by closing Sunday night will be held until June 1, 1989.

Hotel Accommodations

Hotel room reservations should be made early!! The Tacoma Sheraton is full up as you read this, To check if there is a waiting list or cancelations have been made, phone the hotel, at (redacted), Other hotels in the area at which Norwescon members can get rooms are the La Quinta (formerly the Holiday Inn) and the Quality Inn (once known as the Tacoma Dome Hotel).

Room rates for the LaQuinta only are: $45 for singles, $50 for doubles and double/doubles. Rooms at the Quality Inn only are: $50 for singles, $56 for doubles and double/doubles. Room rates for the Sheraton only are as $60/night for Single or Double. Triples and quads are $66/night. Call the hotels for suite prices.

Suggestions Wanted

Your questions, suggestions, ideas, art, etc. are welcome and wanted for NORWESCON. Please write to us at: N0RWESCON 11, (redacted), Seattle, Washington 98124. Or, you can call the 24-hour Hotline at (redacted).

New Registration Policy

In order to be sure that all people under 18 have parent permission to be at the convention and to also insure that said minor has a guardian accompanying them to Norwescon, we will be asking some of you to show proof of age. We also are requesting that you purchase your membership using your REAL name. (Of course, you can still have your fannish name on your badge, with or without your real name.) Please bring ID with you and keep it with you at all times. If you do not have a driver's license, learner's permit, passport, military ID, or other identification, now's the time to get one! If ID is requested of you and you do not have any, you will be considered a minor by Norwescon and the hotel. The Washington State Department of Motor Vehicles issues I.D. cards; other states may do so also. (For the complete list of rules for people under 21 please see the Young and Future Fans colume on page 21.)

The Hospitality Suite cards people at the door; private parties often do the same thing, due to liability laws. In the interests of responsible conventioneering, and keeping the convention fun for EVERYONE, please do us all this favor and BRING I.D!!

Registration will be located in the second floor main lobby. We will be open on Thursday from 2:00pm to 10:00pm, Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm, Saturday, 9:00am-7:00pm and Sunday, 10:00am-2:00pm. Carolyn Palms is still in need of volunteers to help our members get their badges and packets quickly and speed them on their way to a fun weekend.

The following is a list of our current membership as of Jan. 1.

(Membership list not transcribed here.)

NORWESCON NEEDS YOU!!!!

And not just as an attendee (although we are very happy that your coming.) Norwescon, like all other science fiction cons, run on one main ingredient...FAN POWER; you, me, and everyone of us who want good, safe and enjoyable weekends with our families and friends. Just paying your membership fees all the time is NOT enough. Volunteers area special group of fans. Wecome in all shapes, sizes, colors and life forms. We do everything from quietly guarding props to managing whole staffs of volunteers. We work anywhere from a few hours to all year around.

We are a Team.

This year some really neat items just for the Norwescon Volunteer Team are coming our way. Each team has it's very own tokens of identification. (ie; dice for the gamers, a security blanket for Security and Binkies for the Child Care crew). They will be yours to keep as a gift for helping. Our staff lounge will be stocked with munchies and drinks as well as things like a foot massage and back roller and lots of T.L C. administered by our volunteer department head, Kathy McLean. You'll have a chance to receive part of our can of Cogs and meet tbe GoH's close up at the Volunteers gathering on Sunday of the con. We will also receive original prints designed just for the volunteer staff as a "Thank You" to us a1l. There are also some events in the planning for us before and after the con including the SNEAK PREVIEW on Sat Feb 25 (see details about this event on the back page) where we will have our photo taken for the Program Book. There will also be a very special announcement made at the Sneak Preview of interest to all volunteers. Come and find out! Come and join the Team. Call Kathy at (redacted) and volunteer today.

NWC 11 Sneak Preview

You are cordially invited to the attend the
NWC 11 Sneak Preview
Saturday, February 25 at 2:00 p.m.at the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel
Ballroom
1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma

Admission is free. Refreshments served.
An afternoon full of fun and silliness and some interesting snippets of what's coming up at Norwescon. You can find out: what the Program Book cover will look like, the NWC schedule revealed, what ice cream flavors will be served at the ice cream social, this year you decide, the latest on attending pros, what is a "COG" anyway? and more

Featuring the Norwescon 11 Players

Special note: To all ofyou who have signed up to volunteer or are planning to at this event. This is a little pre con party hosted for you by the Norwescon Committee and the staff of the Sheraton Hotel. It's their way to say thank you in advance of the convention. Our picture will be taken for inclusion in the NWC Program Book. Also discover the gifts you'll receive for joining the volunteer Team(s) including poster art designed just for NWC volunteers only. You will also be taken on a tour of the hotel. Please call of you have any questions.