Thursday Schedule

What follows is a listing of all events planned for Thursday, March 28th. You can also download the Thursday programming grid (11KB .pdf).

Schedules for the rest of the weekend are listed here.

We will endeavor to keep this list up-to-date with any changes. For the most up-to-date information, please use the fully interactive Guidebook app.

This list is current as of Mar. 26, 2013.

Top-notch, action-packed fun for the entire family. Rated PG. Common Sense Media lists this as “on” for age 7 and up. NOTE: Children under eight years old must be accompanied by a responsible party. Norwescon does not provide babysitting.

LouAnna Valentine (M)

Need to unwind and slay a dragon? Cast a spell? Become the Lord of Catan? Come check out what people are playing in Scheduled Gaming! We have a wide variety of games you can sign up to play. We have many people hosting games to help you enjoy your time at Norwescon, or maybe you’re looking to learn a new game? Bring your game and schedule a spot, or drop in to make new friends. Specific games can be found on the electronic schedule and on Twitter.

Bryan Wood

Got an hour before your next session? Stop by Open Gaming and play for a while. We have plenty of tables for fans to sit down with old friends (or new) and play. No sign-up is required. The Rotunda is available for open gaming all weekend on a first-come first-served basis.

Pro Roy

Meet here to collect your scavenger hunt lists! You will need a digital camera of some type and your imagination to help you on the road to victory! The more creative you are with your items, the better chance you have to win.

Trent Lum

After hearing a short passage, two artists compete to come up with a cover for the story, and the audience gets to cheer them on.

Bryan Syme, Douglas Herring

How to costume your inner diva while making the most out of your ample curves.

Katrina Marier (M), Anita Taylor, Richard Stephens

Any story can be told from any point of view: How do you find the best one for yours? What gains and losses come with first person, with limited third person, with multiple third, or with multiple first?

Susan R. Matthews (M), Corry L. Lee, Jean Johnson, Renee Stern

Most writers are afraid of writing near future scenarios because there is a good chance that they will be overtaken by real world events. This is especially true of political scenarios. Who has done this successfully, and what can we learn from them? What are the arguments for creating realistic near-future scenarios even if they are destined to become outmoded, i.e., is there something we get from these above and beyond mere prediction?

G. Willow Wilson (M), Ramez Naam

In this brave new world of publishing, how might the definition of SF/F shift over the next few years? Will genre constraints break down or stand firm?

G. David Nordley (M), John R. Gray III

Playing with bits of colored paper was never more fun! And we’ve added a fantastic sci-fi aspect to the paper airplanes this year. Learn to construct simple animals and flowers using the ancient technique of origami (folding paper). Or if you’re more of a paper airplane person, use our supplies and patterns to construct a fantastic fleet of flying fancies including super Star Wars ships! Note: Children under eight years old must be accompanied by a responsible party. Norwescon does not provide babysitting.

James Poua (M)

Whether you are making a fan film or epic indie movie, this class will take the frustration out of creating green screen special effects. No more nasty green halos or ragged fringing. This hands-on class gives tips and tricks for artists who want to achieve professional special effects without breaking their budgets. The workshop will demonstrate lighting techniques and post-production tips so your effects will look great.

Lisa Sherman (M), Edward Martin III, Ryan K. Johnson

What kind of careers are out there (book covers, illustration, video games, film, hobby games) and how can you break into those fields? What do art directors look for in your portfolio? Come to this panel to learn about what you need in order to break into the professional world of media arts.

Aimee Stewart, Amber Clark

Action nerds are all over television, using blinding intuition and high tech, encyclopedic knowledge to solve crimes, usually with good looks and their own fashion sense. What is fake, what is true, and what will be true in the near future?

Bart Kemper (M), Pat MacEwen

Tips and techniques for creating these fabulous fantasy costumes for your “precious”!

Katrina Marier (M), SunnyJim Morgan, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat

While the scientists get the credit, it is the test subjects who make it all happen. Our panelists will discuss what is involved in participating in medical and scientific research, why you should bother, and how to find studies that would be a good fit for you.

Gregory Gadow (M), Janet Freeman-Daily, Ro Yoon

Not every disability is apparent at a glance, nor is anyone’s personal health anyone else’s business. From mental illness to chronic disease to a variety of syndromes and impairments too lengthy to list, we’ll discuss the difficulties of living with chronic health conditions, the stigmas associated, what progress has (or hasn’t) been made in reforming public perception, and strategies on getting other people to mind their own blasted business.

Maida ‘Mac’ Cain (M), Jen K, Julie Baroh, Susan R. Matthews

If the editor doesn’t read past the first page, it doesn’t matter how good the rest is. How to quickly capture and hold a slush reader’s attention.

Cat Rambo (M), Gardner Dozois, Jenna M. Pitman, Keffy R.M. Kehrli

What is the value of having someone beta read your stories and what exactly is it that a beta can do for you? Is it really important to have a culturally savvy beta if you’re writing something that takes place in a foreign country or writing about a non-white character? On the flip side, what are the rewards for being a beta? How can you be sure to pick an author/story that you know you’ll be able to work with and help? What is the etiquette for asking someone to beta, and how can you let an author down gently when you can’t or don’t want to beta their work?

Erynn Rowan Laurie, Mimi Noyes

Are you not quite ready to boogie? Come and learn the steps to fandom’s best! Soon you will be able to groove to the “Rasputin,” the “Time Warp,” the “Macarena,” “Y.M.C.A.,” and, new this year, “Gangnam Style”! Get ready to Rumba!

Dan Murphy

Some of our editing/publishing pros tell you what not to do. Come for the juicy tales of angst, stay for the useful advice on what to do instead.

Jude-Marie Green (M), G. Willow Wilson, Gregory A. Wilson

Fairy tales are back in the movies, TV and new fodder for genre fiction. We look at how modern designers have interpreted fairy tale archetypes and given them a modern spin.

Melissa Quinn (M), Garth Stubbs, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat, Tammie L. Dupuis

Do sentient spaceships, haunted cell phones, cyborg serial killers, and web sites of the damned make for effective horror? Why or why not?

Lillian Cohen-Moore (M), Julie Hoverson

Lots of us work in high tech, and we’ve got panel after panel on developing your writing and artistic skills, but what other day jobs are out there that are (or can be made) fandom-friendly?

The Reverend En Fuego (M), Mike Brennan, John R. Gray III

Steampunk has been referred to as “the future trend of science fiction” but is the subgenre merely a return to the classics as spun by Verne and Wells? Join our panelists as they look at recent works of steampunk, share their opinions of what makes steampunk different from the work of the founding fathers of science fiction, and why the genre is so appealing.

Cat Rambo (M), Chelsea M. Campbell, Corry L. Lee, Karen Kincy

Hand-to-hand combat forms vary but there are certain rules that apply to all close-combat. These rules will be presented, discussed, debated slowly, carefully demonstrated with LIGHT, SLOW demos & a hand-out.

Michael Tinker Pearce (M), Adrienne Carlson, Ann Shilling, Bill Gruner, Norman K. Moss

Join our Guests of Honor and dine on a buffet dinner featuring chicken breast forestiere, char-grilled salmon with dill cucumber creme, roast pork loin with apple cranberry rum sauce, and much more. Presentations will be made and there will be door prizes. Note: A banquet ticket must be purchased separately for this event. New this year: select a guest seating arrangement.

Catherine Asaro, Lee Moyer, Edward Tenner, Gardner Dozois, Terry Brooks, Tony Daniel, Moria Crone, Nancy Kress

In one corner is the medical establishment and popular media with their obsession with thinness at any cost. In the other corner is the size-acceptance movement and its grass-roots rebellion against the diet industry. We’ll discuss the works of fat-positive authors, the origins of the BMI table, the definition of an epidemic, and why it isn’t any more polite to tell a small person to eat a sandwich than it is to tell a large person they’d be so attractive if only they lost a few pounds.

Jen K (M), Maida ‘Mac’ Cain

Although each of us would love to have a hundred million dollars for the top-of-the-line special effects, the sad truth is that those Powerball numbers remain as elusive as ever. In lieu of an unspeakable budget, here is a collection of techniques and tricks, including live demonstrations, of some special effects that you can do on a more dinner-and-a-movie budget! Bring your own conundrums and let’s see if we can figure out how to make it happen!

Edward Martin III (M), Brian D. Oberquell, Lisa Sherman, Ryan K. Johnson

In the near future, the experimental nano-drug Nexus can link humans together, mind to mind. Some want to improve it, some to eradicate it, and others just want to exploit it. Rated R

Ramez Naam

It must be true; I saw it on the internet. How has pseudo-science infected popular culture lately? How does this kind of charlatanism interfere with progress and rational discourse? Are there things we can do to counter the untruths that are spread around?

David Nasset, Sr. (M), Arthur Bozlee, Lillian Cohen-Moore

Without faster-than-light interstellar travel, our options for getting to the stars are suspended animation, or dying of old age en route after raising another generation to continue the mission. Both options create interesting directions for narrative. How have different writers handled these tropes? Have we explored all the implications? Have we explored all the options?

Dana Andrews (M), Peter Blanton, Susan R. Matthews

Some people create new languages to add some alien culture to their writings. Some people like to explore how language and ideas shape one another. And some people just have a strange hobby. Join our panelists as they talk about the nuts and bolts of creating a language from scratch.

Gregory Gadow (M), David J. Peterson, Kurt Cagle

The best ideas you haven’t been able to use: Maybe it was an adventure idea. A crazy, new rule system. A race design, a scenario, item, NPC, spell, or whatever. It never fit or wasn’t asked for, but it was just too cool or too stuck in the mind to forget. Come hear from our gaming professionals what hit the cutting room floor.

Julie Hoverson (M), Clinton J. Boomer, Jeremy Holcomb

That beautiful script on the title pages of your old copy of Return of the King actually says something — in English! It’s written in JRR Tolkien’s Elvish alphabet, Tengwar. Come learn how Tengwar can be used to write in English, Quenya, Sindarin, and other languages. Bring scratch paper — handout provided.

SunnyJim Morgan (M)

An abused runaway meets the Immortal, who travels through doors no one else can see. Is he hiding something more sinister? When Susie winds up with some of his powers, she finds out. Rated PG

Lauren Dixon

Welcome to Norwescon 36! Come meet our Guests of Honor and find out a little more about what’s in store for you this year as we SAVE THE WORLD!

Rob Stewart (M), Catherine Asaro, Lee Moyer, Edward Tenner, Gardner Dozois, Terry Brooks, Tony Daniel

To be determined. Rated PG

Christopher Bodan

Kickstarter may be popular, but are there other options? What are the pros and cons of crowdsourcing, and what’s the best way to go about it? Come hear our comics industry professionals debate the merits of self-publishing.

Charles “Zan” Christensen (M), Mark Rahner

How to evoke an animal character without having to build or wear a full “fur suit.” Here are some ideas for capturing the essence of your chosen creature. From just a hint with ears and tail, to something more elaborate–cute and whimsical, mysterious, or fierce!

Ieva Ohaks (M), Beth Wade, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat

How literal does a horror story need to be to scare us? Do they need to be almost entirely plausible or can they bend reality and get away with it? Where does our suspension of disbelief end?

Jenna M. Pitman (M), The Reverend En Fuego, Lorelei Shannon

Evolutionary development compares the developmental processes of different organisms to determine how those organisms are related, and seeks to learn how modern features like feathers and eyes evolved from ancestral forms. Our panelists will give an overview of evo-devo and present some of the things we’ve learned.

Annie Morton (M), Jim Kling, PZ Myers, Dr. Ricky

It can take years of experience to learn how be a fantastic GM. Come to this panel for tips from the pros on wrangling players, running combat, and creating house rules.

Ogre Whiteside (M), Berlynn Wohl, John Harper

What makes dialogue effective? What are pitfalls and opportunities when approaching writing dialogue? How to write dialogue that (1) seems natural, (2) builds character, and (3) advances plot.

Jude-Marie Green (M), Angel Leigh McCoy, Kim Ritchie, Tim McDaniel

Socially active make pretend, more commonly known as Live Action Role Playing. Removing the screen and living the legend. Where, how, and most importantly, why? Is LARPing being represented well in the media?

Julie Hoverson (M), Fish, Mickey Schulz

Rai Kamishiro is a nerdinger musician originating from Japan. Her earworm melodies and biting lyrics will have you seeing stars and humming along into the next century.

Rai Kamishiro

As technology continues to advance, more and more artists are moving into the realm of video games. Come and learn what goes on behind the art and creation of these games, what programs the artists use, and what challenges the future of the business holds.

Claire Hummel (M), Wednesday Wolf

Turning chunks of metal into things of use and/or beauty is almost a defining part of civilization. What is old? What is new? What is old in a new way?

Norman K. Moss (M), SunnyJim Morgan, Matthew ‘Fish’ Dockrey

Reader’s choice from the upcoming third novel of the series Hellfire or a sneak peak at the fourth and final book of the series, Damnation. Rated PG

Jean Johnson

An excerpt from the latest “Horngate Witches” novel. Rated R

Diana Pharaoh Francis

Have you ever had a reading or viewing fantasy genre experience that was ruined by anachronisms and just plain wrong details? The writer just didn’t bother or know enough to get it right. The emphasis of this discussion will be on finding and placing accurate medieval/historical details into a fantasy setting so it becomes real to the reader. Learn how to make rich texture while avoiding cliches and faux pas.

Jenna M. Pitman (M), Adrienne Carlson, David J. Peterson

House, Electronica, Dubstep, and other electronic dance music made with two 1989 Nintendo Gameboys.

Electric Children

65 million years ago an asteroid impacted earth and killed the dinosaurs. It is only a matter of time before such an event happens again. It could happen tomorrow, it may not happen for thousands of years, but it will happen. What can be done to detect and divert a dangerous space rock from the Earth’s path?

Alan Boyle (M), Dana Andrews, Steve Gillett

It’s our fourteen year anniversary! For more than a decade, we’ve been making movies every Norwescon, like some sort of terrifying clockwork monkey. Be a part of history without actually burying yourself in the desert for a thousand years! In this introduction, see all the movies ever made at Norwescon as a part of this ground-breaking workshop, including introductions by the filmmakers. Here’s the best place to watch all these movies at once, and behold the genesis of one of the weirdest and funniest workshops ever to be tolerated by Norwescon! Learn about some of the weird and heinous behind-the-scenes stories! Feel free to ask the filmmakers questions afterwards, if they’re brave enough to stick around! Be inspired for part 1!

Edward Martin III (M), Brian D. Oberquell, Lisa Sherman, Ryan K. Johnson

Tips and techniques of integrating light into a costume and props, including the tools you’ll need for basic through advanced concepts.

Beth Wade (M), Amber Clark, Matthew ‘Fish’ Dockrey, Richard Stephens

How can players go about adding mature themes to their Pathfinder or D&D campaign? Story games often seem designed for difficult themes, and games such as Apocalypse World incorporate sex into the actual game mechanics. How can gaming groups make sure everyone at the table is comfortable while still enjoying a mature game?

Ogre Whiteside (M), Ashley Cook, Christopher Bodan, John Harper, Mickey Schulz, Charles “Zan” Christensen

Paranormal fantasy, including urban fantasy and paranormal romance, is among the most popular genres within speculative fiction. One intriguing aspect of this type of fantasy is its role as a stealth route toward social commentary and change. What are the issues being examined and how effectively are the experiences of various groups presented?

Leslie Howle (M), John (J.A.) Pitts, Alisa Gray

The only place in the convention you are allowed to draw your lazer weapons. We have equipment for use; it is compatible with the Tiger Lazer Tag system, not the Team Ops system. Wizard tag will be available for those who wish to hone their skills before the battle this summer. For those players who are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian present at the arena. Lazer Tag is a live action, NON-CONTACT sport.

Scott Perrin

We call it Thursday night, but we used to know it as Thor’s Day…so kick off your weekend of saving the world with a celebration worthy of Asgard itself! Join DJ Wüdi for an evening of tunes, new and old, for gods and mortals alike. Come dressed as your godlike representation or as your mortal alter-ego. Requests are not just welcome, but encouraged!

DJ Wüdi

Rated PG

Tod McCoy

To be determined. Rated R

Fish

What’s already come and gone, and what will be worth seeing this year?

Mimi Noyes (M), Chris Nilsson, David J. Peterson

How to hook up and be safe, tips on enhancing your communication skills, safer sex advice, grooming tips, and etiquette suggestions of things to never ever do or say to keep you from being that creep others avoid. And who knows — today’s hook-up might be tomorrow’s happily-ever-after. Funny stories and serious advice. 18+ ONLY.

Mickey Schulz (M), Matt Case, Tony Daniel, Rev. Zachary Sarah Corleissen

Occasionally nerdy rock music with a Gameboy, but so much more than that.

Jonny Nero Action Hero

Despite the end of the cold war, the doomsday clock is still dangerously close to midnight. Now that we’ve lived through the “Mayan Apocalypse” what else is out there? Our panelists will explore their personal visions of what might happen in the next decades as a result of political, social and metaphysical events of recent years.

Jude-Marie Green (M), Catherine Asaro, John R. Gray III

Secret societies SAVE time for an up-and-coming mad scientist. THEy can help in his quest for WORLD domination. Join our panelists as they discuss [censored] and [redacted]. Fnord.

Lilith von Fraumench (M), Berlynn Wohl, Kurt Cagle

We will meet the Borg, and the Borg will be us. Will you sign up when your phone company offers unlimited minutes on your implanted phone? Will you use your onboard system to text in your dreams? Will you give your inner circle complete access to your inner self, and share with them until the edges of personality blur? Will technically assisted group consciousness SAVE THE WORLD, by making people smarter and more sensitive, or destroy it by creating competing clans of cyber-zombies?

David Nasset, Sr. (M), David Shoemaker, Sean Hagle

Want to enjoy a friendly game without the need to censor yourself because of the children around? Scheduled Gaming put aside special hours just for you then! We have set aside the nightly hours for playing without worrying about the younger folks learning our friendly gaming skills. Players are required to be 18+ and may be carded.

Bryan Wood

Originally published in McSweeney’s. Rated R

Everyone bring an instrument or just your voice! We’ll go one-time ’round the circle, bardic-style, screeching everyone in; then it’ll be time for chaos filk and on-the-fly theming. Come play and play-along to the most supportive musical peer group you’ll ever find, or just come out to listen.

A spaceship lands in Washington, D.C. with an alien emissary who refuses to reveal his mission. The military, politicians, and millions of ordinary people wait in fear and soon their distrust turns to calls for violence. One young woman and her son befriend the alien and soon realize that they may be all that stands between the human race and total destruction. Widely acclaimed as one of the most influential sci-fi films of all time, this film offers riveting and thought-provoking sci-fi filmmaking at its very best!

Gregory Gadow