Friday Schedule

What follows is a listing of all events planned for Friday, April 3rd. You can also download a program grid for Friday (64KB .pdf) or the full weekend (127KB .pdf).

Schedules for the rest of the weekend are listed here, or jump directly to Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday.

We will be updating this list as major changes occur, until the convention opens. This list is current as of Mar. 30, 2015.

Minecraft is coming… to Norwescon 38! We are proud to present Norwescraft on the first floor of the Rotunda! Come create, explore, quest and do battle on the Norwescraft server and meet special guests from all over the world at the virtual con, using either one of the provided computer portals or via our wifi access and your laptop!

Norwescon Open Gaming is gearing up for 38! Open Gaming will be on the 2nd floor only of the Rotunda this year. Bring your boards, books, cards and best scenarios to meet up with others for a quick game at the con!

Come sign up for a game run by our DMs or check out games from our lending library. We have RPGs, computer games, LARPs, card games, board games, and so much more! Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs.

All weekend there are dealers and game developers running demos of games in Maxi’s Salon. Come up and see the latest and greatest games and talk to game developers.

A piece yet to be determined. – Rated PG

Harold Gross

A new AI Search Engine has been developed to search the real world. You. You suddenly have the compulsion to scan your environment for images to represent the key words that have been entered into your computer brain interface. Use your discretion to return the best image database you can. The strength of your programing algorithms will be judged on the creativity of your entries. Using your electronic imaging device (whether native or auxiliary) store your results as pictures and return them to the email address provided. Join us on Thursday, Friday or Saturday to get your keyword list in person. Prizes will be awarded on Sunday!

Why isn’t there more science fiction that has grand general focus? Where is the human race going (at least according to SF?)

Brenda Cooper (M), Stephen L. Gillett, Michael Ormes, Nancy Kress

With so much underground or lost and forgotten horror cinema, there are untold gems that a casual horror fan might not be aware of. What are some of those overlooked classics and why should they be sought out?

Jordan B (M), Nathan Crowder, Jude-Marie Green, Bryan Syme

A theory is not a guess or supposition: it is the best model we have of how something works based on current understanding. Join our panelists as they discuss what evolution is and isn’t, and why it is our best understanding of natural diversity.

DameRuth (M), Annie Morton, Janet Freeman-Daily, Loretta McKibben, Dr. Ricky

What do you look for when thinking about making a costume? Where do you start? Sometimes, a blank canvas can be the most daunting hurdle to overcome when planning a new costume. Come listen to our panel of costumers as they talk about how to get started, what they look for when they look at costumes and sources, and how to get a successful start on that new addition to the wardrobe.

Jonna Hayden (M), Tammie L. Dupuis, Anita Taylor, Richard Stephens

You were there for the previous parts, right? Quick! Time travel (or step into the flow now, if you like)! In this part, we go over the plan, figure out the gear, work up a story, write the script, plan the shoot, and pretty much anything else we can think of. That’s right, from soup to nuts, we’re going to make an entire movie here at Norwescon. 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, of course, is good planning! (note – you don’t have to attend all the parts to enjoy the workshop, but attending all the parts gets you the best possible experience!)

Edward Martin III (M), Eric Morgret, Ryan K. Johnson, Brian D. Oberquell

The face of feminism has changed over the decades, from the suffrage struggles of the first wave, the women’s liberation movement of the second wave, and the intersectionality of the third wave. Women are well-represented in local fandom, but a lot of fan media is still a boys’ club. And then there are the comic book heroines with their improbable poses and battle lingerie… What does all this say about the future of feminism? And how do we inspire the next generation of girls to love the same genres we do? How do we overcome issues like the Bechdel test?

Sheye Anne Blaze (M), Rosa Acicularis, Tifa Robles, Meg Elison

Writing a hand weapon combat scene. Two warriors armed with swords face each other. One moves, the other counters. So begins the combat scene, one of the most difficult of writing tasks. Now you can watch two fighters move thru the dance of combat, and write as they move. You can direct their moves in real time, while watching from different angles. Then share your description of the action with other participants and the fighters.

GregRobin Smith (M), Norman K. Moss, Bill Gruner, A.M. Brosius, Ogre Whiteside, Michael ‘Tinker’ Pearce, V Whitlock, Ann Shilling, Alan Paulsen

An interview and Q&A session with Norwescon 38 Science Guest of Honor Amy Mainzer.

Amy Mainzer, Jamala Henderson

HEY! YOU! Feel like you have been sitting still too long? Come and use your energy. Have you ever played volleyball with a balloon, hot potato with a bean bag, or thought up some crazy fun dance move? Come and show it to us! We would love the chance to learn something new from you, while helping you to creatively use your excess energy. This panel involves activities designed to encourage movement of the body.

Amber Witherspoon (M)

Untitled Kensei Sequel – The sequel to Jeremy’s first novel, a tale of young superheroes and the burdens of family legacies. Rated PG

Jeremy Zimmerman

An excerpt from chapter 4 of the novel Memory of Water. Rated G

Emmi Itaranta

Every second, billions of neutrinos are bursting from the sun and streaming through your body. Why doesn’t that blow you to bits? Can neutrinos really travel faster than light? And what the heck is a neutrino, anyway? Let a PhD physicist introduce you to one of the strangest fundamental particles in the particle zoo and answer your questions about the smallest stuff in nature. No physics background required!

Corry L. Lee (M)

From the Halls of Montezuma to far side of the universe? As long as there have been ships there have been warriors specializing in amphibious operations. We’ll review the historical beginnings with sea-warriors from the ancient world leading to the evolution of America’s 911 Force, The United States Marine Corps. We’ll use the Marine Corps modern structure today to predict possible missions and force structures as we venture to the stars.

Russell Ervin (M), Doug Staudt, Bart Kemper

For absolute beginners. If you know what a podcast is (or even if you’re not entirely sure) and think you want to make one, this is the panel for you!

Matt Hammond (M), Mickey Schulz, Rachel Edidin, Ogre Whiteside

Discuss how pace and description can incorporate rich colorful phrasing and the senses, while avoiding purple prose.

Carol Berg (M), Jack Skillingstead, Keffy R. M. Kehrli

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.

Sar Surmick (M), Luna Lindsey, Gregory Gadow, Lilith von Fraumench, Christina Coonradt

From the science fictional to the scientific, explore the history and current state of the art of space.

Jeliza Patterson-McGuire (M), Arthur Bozlee, Jeff Sturgeon

It’s often necessary to stretch the truth when writing fiction, but how much is too much? Do your characters get blisters? What is that magic “waybread” made of? How much can that backpack hold? Let’s compare the appearance of reality in fantasy with the real thing.

Nina Post (M), Renee Stern, Esther Jones, Rhiannon Held

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), Bill Gruner, Norman K. Moss, Joseph Malik, A.M. Brosius, V Whitlock, Ann Shilling, GregRobin Smith

An interview and Q&A session with Norwescon 38 Writer Guest of Honor George R.R. Martin.

George R.R. Martin, Leslie Howle

Standing up to bullies can be tough. Learn how bullies operate – both by words and acts – and learn how to deal with confrontation without making things worse for you or the other kid. Have a friend that’s being bullied and don’t know what to do? Come and ask our local girls how to turn being bullied into finding friends to help stand up with you. We encourage you to bring your own ideas to share with us. Parents are also encouraged to attend.

Camin Bradbury (M), Gina Clark, Mhari McKinnion-Bradbury, Cora Booth

Owl and the Japanese Circus – Ex-archaeology grad student turned international antiquities thief, Alix – better known now as Owl – has one rule. No supernatural jobs. Ever. Until she crosses paths with Mr. Kurosawa, a dragon who owns and runs the Japanese Circus Casino in Las Vegas. He insists Owl retrieve an artifact stolen three thousand years ago, and makes her an offer she can’t refuse: he’ll get rid of a pack of vampires that want her dead. A dragon is about the only entity on the planet that can deliver on Owl’s vampire problem – and let’s face it, dragons are known to eat the odd thief. Rated PG

Kristi Charish

One of our Philip K. Dick nominees reads from their work.

Meg Elison

Do you have to write AND draw your own comics? How do you get paid? What goes into creating the fantasy worlds we love to inhabit? It used to involve reams of paper and white out, now there are Wacom tablets and Manga Studio.

Rachel Edidin (M), G. Willow Wilson

The splendor of ancient Egypt continues to fascinate and inspire us today, the clothing, the jewelry, the make-up and the art. The Land of the Nile has had profound impact on cinema and fashion and we show how you can dress as a fair pharaoh/

Ieva Ohaks (M), Richard Stephens, Deborah Strub

Fanfiction and fanart have a elegantly intertwined connection; they each influence the other. Fabulous pieces of fanart have inspired stories to be written and fabulous stories have inspired fanart to be created. Fanfiction also provides income for artists as fanfic authors often end up commissioning artists to create images and illustrations from the stories they write. Artists and writers both will talk about the joys of sharing our two different forms of art and the wonderful things that can come to fruition as a result!

Mimi Noyes (M), Jamie Bort, Laurie Noel, Lee Moyer

Ever want to push the ignition button on a rocket of your own design and watch it soar thousands of feet skyward at hundreds of miles an hour? The tools are out there, and are amazingly affordable. These are not the Estes rockets you flew as a kid, they are sophisticated aerospace vehicles with advanced electronic systems and state of the art engines. No, we will not tell you how to make a ballistic missile to quiet that noisy neighbor, but small price to pay, doing it the right way is more fun….

Dave Davis (M), Cathy Plesko, Dr. Dana Andrews

Political squabbles occupying the leaders while the climate changes, crops no longer grow where they used to, and populations shift. Sounds like the basis for an exciting story.

Brenda Cooper (M), Mike Brennan, Stephen L. Gillett

A discussion about the rising sun of the gamer, and all the different ways that this generation who grew up on video games has changed with how the world works. This will cover both the good and the bad.

Donna Prior (M), Elizabeth Sampat, David J. Peterson, Jonny Nero Action Hero, C0splay

Whether your problems are physical or psychological, there’s no denying that being creative and creating art is difficult to almost impossible when a disability stands in your way. Come learn how different artists and writers work with, past, or through their personal disabilities and limitations to create their art.

Amber Clark (M), Liv Rainey-Smith, Jeff Sturgeon, Shubzilla

Robert Heinlein published Starship Troopers in 1959. Are we any closer to the sort of powered battle armor he wrote about?

Greg Hallock (M), Michael ‘Tinker’ Pearce, Adrienne Carlson

As well as those who love it a little too much. How to get noticed online without being That Guy, wasting all your time, or going bankrupt.

Lola Watson (M), Annie Bellet, Diana Copland, Nicole Dieker

Tips and tricks used by the pros when designing a new world for their stories. It’s a crash course for both new and experienced authors.

Brenda Carre (M), Pat MacEwen, Simon R Green, Grant Riddell, Django Wexler, Jennifer Brozek

An interview and Q&A session with Norwescon 38 Spotlight Publisher representatives from Random House — Anne Groell, Executive Editor at Del Rey, and Tricia Narwani, Editorial Director for Del Rey.

Anne Groell, Tricia Narwani, Marta Murvosh

Elysium – A computer program etched into the atmosphere has a story to tell. It’s the story of two people… of a city lost to chaos… of survival and love… but the data has been corrupted. Rated PG

Jennifer Marie Brissett

Zeus Is Dead: A Monstrously Inconvenient Adventure – Discover a world where reality TV heroes slay actual monsters and the gods have their own Twitter feeds in Zeus Is Dead: A Monstrously Inconvenient Adventure!. Rated PG

Michael G. Munz

Richard Hescox talks in depth about his work in the show and shares his thoughts about selected other works as well. Come enjoy an artist’s perspective on the Norwescon Art Show!

Richard Hescox

Having a working knowledge of geography and mapmaking assists greatly in world-building. Coming up with the name for a place often gives a strong sense of the culture and the history of that place. Cultures and powers who made the maps were able to control the world, not to mention the structures of religion, politics, and finance. Join us as we talk about how we as writers can use this tool to improve our work.

Brenda Carre (M), Grant Riddell, Lee Moyer, Michael McSwiney

By altering the outcome of history’s significant military events we’ll measure the impact on how our world might have been different. We’ll look at impacts on many development vectors through social, political, economic, and many other lenses. We’ll divide into groups to examine historical Western, Asian and Aboriginal scenarios and to speculate on possible and probable outcomes. Expect lively, free-wheeling discussions.

Russell Ervin (M), Bill Gruner, Joseph Malik, Alan Paulsen

Are you designing, or thinking about designing a tabletop RPG? Are you stuck? Unclear how to begin? Need feedback? Let our panelists help you through the design process.

Ogre Whiteside (M), Jeff Combos, Eric Cagle

The oldest form of geek music at SF conventions is a branch-off from folk called “filk.†It has an intentionally open and deeply participatory culture, and isn’t just folk-derived, despite the origins. This panel is your introduction to fandom’s oldest tradition of participatory geek music. Come on out and play!

Nicole Dieker (M), David Nasset Sr., Wednesday (Nessie) Phoenix, Mickey “Meowse” Phoenix

A national health organization has identified an emerging health threat that is contagious and deadly. What will we do?

B. D. Kellmer (M), Nina Post, Vickie Bligh

You have a passion that you want to share with the world. You know there are other people out there with similar interests, but how do you find them? Share and learn tips on building your passion into a community.

Mike Robles (M), Tifa Robles, Donna Prior, G. Willow Wilson, Elizabeth Sampat

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), Lilith von Fraumench, Mickey Schulz, Camin Bradbury

Our nearest neighbor in space is a world in its own right with its own geological history and surprises. Is there water on the Moon? Are their economically useful minerals? What geological mysteries remain to be solved? Our panel of experts exposes some of the mysteries of our neighboring world.

Stephen L. Gillett (M), Cathy Plesko, Dave Davis, Greg Hallock, Dana Andrews

It’s pretty darn hard to write about a life form completely outside of our experience. No matter how good an SF story is, if you come across an alien that’s either “just a guy in a suit” or too far from out current understanding of physics, it can throw you out of the story. So what does it take to create a believable alien?

Sar Surmick (M), Pat MacEwen, Luna Lindsey, Arinn Dembo, Dr. Ricky

Join Norwescon 38 Writer Guest of Honor George R.R. Martin for a special solo signing session. Please be aware: Due to time constraints, we can only permit one signature per person, no personalization, and a strictly-enforced maximum of 375 people in line so everybody gets a chance to meet our GoH. Miss this session and the previous one? We have a joint Guest of Honor signing on Saturday at 12:30pm.

George R.R. Martin

Need a quiet place where you can release your babies from confinement and let them socialize while you relax? Drop in for an hour and let your little ones roam free in the room.

Protect and Serve – A retired New Orleans cop faces a hidden threat to his city during a Katrina-level storm. Rated PG

Renee Stern

Don your best mad scientist outfit and come create marvelous monsters and creative chimera! We will take cute fluffy stuffed animals and hack them into 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. There will be a $5 materials fee per participant to cover the cost of DNA splitters, splicers, and experimental specimens.

Mimi Noyes (M), Berlynn Wohl

Time Wars Tales: The Child – In the 161st Century, Humanity is embroiled in a Time War. But the Time Corps of the Human Republic is asked to step up in a new way, in their own time, when a terrible crime is committed on the capitol-in-exile, the planet Alta Munda; a crime which threatens to unravel thousands of years of Human progress. Rated PG

Bijhan Valibeigi

An overview of heraldry in clothing of the middle ages and applications in costuming.

Cymbric Early-Smith (M), Deborah Strub, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat, Anita Taylor

Whitewashed covers, hyper-sexualized female characters, and the all-straight-cis-white-able-bodied cast… how can we make our genre genuinely inclusive, both as members of “otherized†groups or as allies?

Dennis R. Upkins (M), Cat Rambo, Luna Lindsey, Keffy R. M. Kehrli, Mir Plemmons

In 1120, Hugues de Payens approached the Christian King of Jerusalem with a plan to form a monastic order to protect European pilgrims in the Holy Land. With a few knights, he obtained a headquarters on Temple Mount, and became The Poor-Fellow Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon or Knight Templar. The Templars grew to a powerful economic force with hundreds of chapters all across Europe. But it all came to a fiery end starting on Friday the 13th, 1307. What forces destroyed this immense and pervasive state-within-a-state?

V Whitlock (M), Ann Shilling, Adrienne Carlson, Alan Paulsen, Russell Ervin

It’s one thing to read a script and imagine epic space battles across thirty five planets, seven historical periods, three different kinds of airship, and an underground lizard-man lair. It’s quite another to break that script down and figure out exactly what needs to happen to go from paper to “Okay, roll camera!” Our experts walk you through the process using examples from their own movies and maybe something we make up just for this event! (note – you don’t have to attend all the parts to enjoy the workshop, but attending all the parts gets you the best possible experience!)

Eric Morgret (M), dQniel Kaufman, J.E. Ellis, Brian D. Oberquell

A casual inspection of the surface of the Moon tells us it has been bombarded by countless impacts ranging in size from microscopic to hundreds of kilometers across. We do not see similar scars on Earth because erosion eliminates them over time, but Earth is a target. How do we search for potential impactors and what can be done to eliminate the threat they pose?

Cathy Plesko (M), John Cramer, Stephen L. Gillett, Loretta McKibben, Amy Mainzer

Joseph Campbell explored what historically went into stories and revealed the monomyth. Let’s take a look at the Hero’s Journey and see how it can be used to create rich stories that readers will automatically relate to without stumbling into tired tropes.

Steven Barnes (M), GregRobin Smith, Susan DeFreitas, Leslie Howle, Dean Wells

HAES is not about diets or losing weight – it’s about exercising and eating well with the goal of health, not size. It’s about learning: How to work out without hurting yourself, what foods your body wants and needs to keep you going, how to avoid sacrificing your mental health for an arbitrary definition of fitness, and how to be comfortable in your skin instead of living by a number on a scale. Come share your stories and discover how this health movement is the opposite of giving up.

Jen K (M), Mickey Schulz, Sheye Anne Blaze

Chesley award winning artist (and Norwescon 36 Artist GOH) Lee Moyer presents a slideshow showcasing his recent work, followed by a Q&A.

Lee Moyer (M)

A singing workshop! Does what it says on the tin. Beginners welcome – no experience necessary, because this is where you start to get some.

Leith McCombs (M), Leannan Sidhe, Jonny Nero Action Hero

Creating a magical system isn’t easy. What are some good sources to pull from for the underpinnings of your magic? What can be borrowed from history, mythology or religion that will make your magical system more believable?

Laura Anne Gilman (M), Django Wexler, Rosa Acicularis, B. D. Kellmer, Corry L. Lee

The Maze of Games – The Maze of Games is an interactive puzzle novel set in 1897 England and fantastical points beyond. Mike will read sections of the book interspersed with passages from the audiobook narrated by Wil Wheaton. Rated G

Mike Selinker

It has been less than 60 years since the first pacemaker was implanted in a person, starting humanity on a path that will inevitably lead to the Borg. Just kidding. Maybe. Join our panelists in discussing where we are and where we are likely to go before we are assimilated.

Vickie Bligh (M), David Shoemaker, Matt Hammond

Body shaming is rife in cosplay circles, with constant cries for bigger fans to play “body appropriate” characters… because there are so many of those to choose from? What do you do if you don’t have the body type of your favorite character? We’ll show you why it’s okay to be a plus size Wonder Woman, Power Girl or Superman.

Jess Allen (M), Jonna Hayden, Richard Stephens

Novels may get more attention, but short fiction has many advantages, and much of the best fiction, both inside and outside of the genre has been short. Join us as we look at some of the best short fiction of recent years and how the Internet has revitalized the market for short fiction.

Cat Rambo (M), Alex C. Renwick, Jeremy Zimmerman

Actors. They are the heart and soul of your production and yet they also have feelings and desires and needs to make their own mark, too. In between tyranny and chaos lies the perfect balance of working well with your actors, and our panel of distinguished Directors will walk you through how they went from a character on paper to a Terrifying Screen Presence. (note – you don’t have to attend all the parts to enjoy the workshop, but attending all the parts gets you the best possible experience!)

Eric Morgret (M), dQniel Kaufman, J.E. Ellis

Women are reclaiming their place in pop culture, and Horror is no exception. With Women in Horror Recognition month getting bigger each year, what is it about the genre that leads itself to strong, capable women? Are these characters powerful role models, or just bimbos covered in blood? From Linea Quigley to Shannon Lark, join us as we discuss the role of women in horror, how it became a movement, and why you should care.

Kate Jonez (M), Amber Clark, Arinn Dembo

Why are Captain Marvel and her younger protege, Ms. Marvel, so popular right now? Why do they resonate so deeply with female comic fans? The writing and art are solid, but the Carol Corps seems to be a new phenomenon in comics fandom: a fandom by women, consumed by women, and celebrated by women. And Black Widow got some of the loudest cheers from the women in the audience during Avengers and Capt. America 2. What about these characters so engages even non-nerd girls?

Minim Calibre (M), Torrey Stenmark, G. Willow Wilson, Mickey Schulz, Tifa Robles

Or are we just plain sexist? While Thor wears magical armor, female superheroes are mostly portrayed wearing the (pointless) equivalent of armored bikinis, with magical attachment points. Why? And how do we successfully affect a wardrobe change for her, while collectively changing the demeaning attitude that most women characters in comic books, graphic novels, and on book covers must be dressed in a sexually provocative manner in order to hold the viewer’s attention? Bring your costuming and/or armoring ideas and we’ll draw them out.

Cymbric Early-Smith (M), Ieva Ohaks, Victoria Shaffer, Anita Taylor

A vast number of terrific 19th century fantasy paintings are never seen because the same famous ones are always reprinted in books. Obscure paintings by artists you know and many by artists you should know.

Richard Hescox (M), Jeliza Patterson-McGuire

Not quite New York, not quite indie. What are the new, hybrid publishing models all about and what can they do for your career as an author?

Tod McCoy (M), Michael G. Munz, Stephanie Herman, Annie Bellet, Kurt Cagle

An interview and Q&A session with Norwescon 38 Artist Guest of Honor Julie Dillon.

Julie Dillon, Donna Prior

The oldest form of geekmusic at SF conventions is a branch-off from folk called “filk.†It has an intentionally open and deeply participatory culture, and ALL forms of geekmusic are welcome! This two-hour workshop sets up a moderated circle to give everyone not only an introduction to filk circle etiquette, but also a turn at playing or singing should they so desire! Bring your instruments, your voice, or just your curiosity and watch what happens!

Mickey “Meowse” Phoenix (M), Wednesday (Nessie) Phoenix, David Nasset Sr., Nicole Dieker

Bring your pre-washed T-shirt or square of fabric and learn how to make wearable art from it. This class is MESSY. Gloves and Plastic Bags will be used to help protect the clothing of the participants. All dyed articles will leave the workshop in sealed Zip lock bags with instructions for finishing the project at home. This activity requires a Parental or Guardian Consent to attend. Class size is limited to 15, Sign up for this class is required. Recommended ages 6 – 17

Christina Coonradt (M), Camin Bradbury

The Last Condo Board of the Apocalypse – When hundreds of fallen angels and dimension-hopping monsters take over a highrise condo building, a down-on-her-luck bounty hunter must team up with an unlikely group of allies to prevent the apocalypse. Rated PG

Nina Post

Sarah Beauhall and the Bivalve Beatdown – Urban Fantasy story set in the Black Blade Blues world. Rated PG

John (J.A.) Pitts

We’ve seen galaxy-spanning civilizations in many great SF series (and some not-so-great). How practical are they? What might they look like? And how will their star-spanning (even galaxy-spanning) nature affect how they work (or perhaps don’t work)?

Bijhan Valibeigi (M), Simon R Green, J.E. Ellis, Adrienne Carlson

Writers, looking to fine-tune the details of your story? Our panelists will take your questions about biology, evolution, language, medicine and more!

Alan Andrist (M), David J. Peterson, Stephanie Herman

Many well known and respected authors started off as fanfiction authors. Some authors have even gone as far as to remove the serial numbers, as it were, from their fan fiction and release it as original fiction, or used parts of it in their novels. But are there skills that you need to write original fiction that you don’t learn through writing fan fiction? What can you learn from fan fiction and fannish writing communities that is important and useful for writing in general?

Diana Copland (M), Laura Anne Gilman, Rosa Acicularis, Rachael Sabotini

The key to writing about the military is authenticity. Come learn from military veterans and writers how to find, filter and ‘vet’ your sources, aligning your story with a workable military ethos. Validate your stories before submission to avoid false myths, falsehoods and common mistakes. We’ll look at both the masters and some spectacular failures. Come with your questions — this is an interactive panel focused on improving your believability.

Russell Ervin (M), Bart Kemper, S. A. Bolich, Jennifer Brozek, Joseph Malik, Elliott Kay

Members of the Broad Universe, a network of female writers, read short excerpts from current works. There will be chocolate.

Marta Murvosh (M)

Game ideas come from everywhere. During this panel, panelists will take 1-2 topics from the crown and playstorm a campaign setting and overview

Jordan B (M), Eric Cagle, Jeff Combos, Ogre Whiteside, Dylan S.

Models in costume will do a variety of short and medium length poses (3 to 10 minutes). Everyone is welcome to come and sketch or paint. Please bring your own drawing and painting supplies. An excellent follow-up panel to the Figure Drawing Workshop.

Margaret Organ-Kean (M), GregRobin Smith, Lee Moyer, Torrey Stenmark

The sport of man, horse, shield,and arms took many different forms over the centuries. There will be a comparison of the historic forms to what modern jousters are currently doing. Items of jousting equipment will be available for examination.

Ann Shilling (M), Alan Paulsen, Michael McSwiney, A.M. Brosius

The terrifying art of adding flour to and removing eggs from that cake you’ve already baked.

Dean Wells (M), Susan DeFreitas, Rhiannon Held, Jack Skillingstead, Tim McDaniel, Renee Stern, Anne Groell

We celebrate the great mythos of several world cultures and see how costumers have interpreted creators, tricksters, life givers and the guardians of the dead.

Richard Stephens (M), Ieva Ohaks, Melissa Quinn, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat, Bethany Roullett

Entanglement – A loose sequel to THE KUNDALINI EQUATION, ENTANGLEMENT is a love story set against the apocalypse..or the story of a woman’s desperate attempt to protect her autistic son from unknown and relentless danger. Rated PG

Steven Barnes

The Stone Heart – An exerpt from a story about some intelligent dinosaurs who survived the KT impact for a while, and the paleontologists that found their bones..and artifacts. Rated PG

G. David Nordley

The potent images of fire and ice constantly inspire costumers and form almost a compulsion to create- join this creative discussion on the shapes, embellishments texture details that will help make your creation hot, hot ,hot, or totally cool!!!

Bethany Roullett (M), Richard Stephens, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat

A biracial Spider-Man, a Pakistani-American Ms. Marvel. Is this diversity new to the genre, or has it always been lurking in the background? People of color have been part of comics since at least the 60s with Storm, Luke Cage, Black Lightning, and John Stewart as Green Lantern. But what’s different about this new round of diverse characters?

G. Willow Wilson (M), Dennis R. Upkins, Bijhan Valibeigi, Rachel Edidin

How do you build (and maintain) an intricate fantasy world that holds up to intensive fan interrogation?

Brenda Carre (M), Carol Berg, B. D. Kellmer, Kim Ritchie

The era of private spaceflight has arrived via companies like Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, SpaceX and XCOR AEROSPACE. But is it safe? What happens when the first accident happens? And does the development of commercial aviation in the first half of the 20th Century offer any reliable guidelines?

Dan Dubrick (M), Arthur Bozlee, Dave Davis, Chris Vancil, David Shoemaker

Cosplayers have become increasingly vocal about the abuse they endure from fans and media at conventions. From “news crews” for vlogs posing insulting and sexually aggressive questions, to being groped, having their bodies rudely commented on, the slut and size shaming, not to mention the constant cries of “Fake Nerd Girl!” What is a cosplayer to do? How you should act toward cosplayers, and why it isn’t okay to treat them poorly.

Morgue Anne (M), Tifa Robles, Victoria Shaffer

With so much dystopian and apocalyptic future sf out there, is the idea of a positive future gone forever? Is this just a trend? Will we see the cycle come back around to positive futures again? Soon?

Alex C. Renwick (M), Brenda Cooper, Nancy Kress, Jennifer Brozek, Mir Plemmons

There’s more than talent to making a living as an artist. Health insurance, taxes, marketing, organization, selling yourself, portfolios — where do you find the time to do all that and still make art?

Rob Carlos (M), Liv Rainey-Smith, Bryan Syme, Jeff Sturgeon

David Peterson, language creator for HBO’s Game of Thrones, discusses the languages he’s created for the show, including Dothraki, High Valyrian and Low Valyrian.

David J. Peterson (M)

His latest short story, for the upcoming Origins 2015 anthology on space. – Rated PG

Gregory A. Wilson

If you plan to enter the Masquerade, you must come to this or the Saturday meeting (10-11am) to get all the information you need to compete and turn over your music. If you have not already registered online, we will have a computer available for you to do so. If you are just curious and have some questions, we will have the answers.

How do you handle the agony of Nope? Along with its friends Meh Sales, 1 Star Reviews, Crickets, and Never-Seem-to-Get-Invited Disease, denial is an inevitable part of the writing life. Pros offer perspective on staying (relatively) sane and even gleaning lessons from rejection, instead of letting it silence you.

Nathan Crowder (M), Keffy R. M. Kehrli, Suzanne Brahm

What does it take to make that bustle bustle? Why does Thor’s cape look so heroic? More often than not, the foundation of a costume is just as important as the costume itself.

Tammie L. Dupuis (M), Melissa Quinn, Jonna Hayden, Carmen Beaudry

The other two-thirds. If there’s anything that marks out an amateur movie production as amateur, it’s the lighting and the sound. A simple lighting setup done right can do more for a mood than all the scary music in the world. Come join our filmmakers for a hands-on demonstration of lighting tricks, a chat about good sound versus bad sound, and answers to almost every question you might have. (note – you don’t have to attend all the parts to enjoy the workshop, but attending all the parts gets you the best possible experience!)

Eric Morgret (M), dQniel Kaufman, Ryan K. Johnson

Time and again a great killer ravaged the ancient and medieval world. What was this killer and what were the results when it appeared to do its deadly work?

Alan Andrist (M), Adrienne Carlson, V Whitlock, Nina Post, Kurt Cagle

Coal, diamond, nanotube, graphine, buckyballs, and that’s without adding other elements. Join our panelists as they consider the coolness of carbon and contemplate its complicated elegance.

Greg Hallock (M), Michael McSwiney, Stephen L. Gillett, Torrey Stenmark, David Nasset Sr.

Join award winning author John (J. A.) Pitts as he explores his writing career in context of your questions. This is an interactive workshop where you posit questions about craft, publishing, career, etc. John will give you insight into how he made his first sales, sold his novels and about anything you can imagine. This is your chance to ask all those questions you’ve been wondering about from a guy who has no problem sharing his successes and failures. Bring an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask your question. All questions are valid.

John (J.A.) Pitts (M)

The zombies and vampires of today are a different breed from those a hundred years ago. Do monsters have to evolve to remain fresh, or is it the nature of horror storytelling itself that is changing?

Arinn Dembo (M), Kate Jonez, Peter Dennis Pautz

The pulp tradition of eye-catching paintings of adventure, which started with the cheap magazines of the 20s, provided the most iconic visuals of science fiction for most of a century. Let’s look at some great moments in pulp art, and artists who are keeping the tradition alive.

Jeliza Patterson-McGuire (M), Marta Murvosh, Bryan Syme, Jeff Sturgeon

Mother Of Stones – A spelunker discovers a hidden world of gods and warriors. Rated G

Jude-Marie Green

To the Gods of Time and Engines, a Gift – A young girl desperately tries to gain the attention of her mechanized gods, not realizing they’ve been watching her all the while.. Rated PG

Dean Wells

What’s up with wind power? Why is it succeeding now, when it failed in the past? What is blowing in the future of wind power, and what cool stories could be written about it?

Bart Kemper (M), Mike Brennan, Corry L. Lee

Costuming isn’t just for the young and svelte. Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t make and wear kick-ass costumes and still look great!

Carmen Beaudry (M), Deborah Strub, Melissa Quinn, Richard Stephens, Victoria Shaffer

Have you heard about fanfic but only in the worst ways? Is your idea of fanfic that it’s a bunch of drivel, written by talentless hacks? This panel is here to prove a point – that like all forms of creative endeavors, be they novels, movies, or television shows, there is The Bad and The Ugly, but there is also The Good. Our panelists will read short excerpts from some of their favorite fanfic stories, each passage selected to represent The Good: the talent, the skill, and the artistry to be found in fanfiction.

Diana Copland (M), Rosa Acicularis, Rachael Sabotini, Jamie Bort

It’s 2015 and most films (and many books) still fail the Bechdel test. Are there any good female role models in science fiction? Or are they still relegated to being damsels in distress? A discussion of both weak and strong female science fiction characters in modern SF and how authors can (and do) give them life and agency of their own.

Jonnalyhn Wolfcat (M), Esther Jones, Luna Lindsey, Annie Bellet, Kristi Charish

Why is it important to have a good prototype? Will skimping now make your game worse? Come find out.

Julie Haehn (M), David Fooden, Eric Cagle

As a part of their world building, some SFF writers create new languages. Most are used as naming languages or to flavor insults and courtesies; a small few become entities themselves, with thousands of speakers and an impressive body of translated and original literature. Join us as we discuss what is involved in creating your own language, and how much work is needed to get the results you want.

Gregory Gadow (M), David J. Peterson, Kurt Cagle, Eva Phoenix, Nina Post

What’s the difference? Why do comic book superheroes look like that? How do things like the male gaze effect how comics are drawn and marketed. Why does Emma Frost dress that way? And why do Nightcrawler and Gambit have such rabid fanbases?

Mickey Schulz (M), Cole Hornaday, Ogre Whiteside

Making their very first appearance on a Norwescon stage, Bards of a Feather are an unapologetically jolly duo, with someone I’m fairly certain is an actual orc on guitar, and how that goes with “jolly” I can’t honestly tell you. And yet, it works! Ain’t filk grand? C’mon by.

Your assignment is due on Monday? Well this is the time and space for you! We have helpers available to talk through the problems that are driving you nuts. Don’t have an assignment but want to trade an old book for a new one? This is also the time and space for you — we would love to hear what you have been reading about.

Mir Plemmons (M), Camin Bradbury

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 and the Northwest Science Fiction Society.

Gordon Van Gelder (M), Emmi Itaranta, Jennifer Marie Brissett, Meg Elison, Rod Duncan

The Demon’s Deadline – 16-year-old Nicolette finds herself working for a demon after a near-fatal car accident. Rated PG

Tori Centanni

The Wayfinders – Two chapters from a young adult contemporary fantasy about a kid from a magical family in a mountain town in Colorado. Rated G

Catherine Cooke Montrose

Most of us are familiar with the basic major looks of the Middle Ages. But within that long stretch of history there were many regional and subcultural fashion oddities that add a surprising variety and richness to the whole tapestry of the Medieval Era. We showcase some of our favorites and offer up how you might incorporate some of these looks and techniques into your own garb or fantasy wear.

Cymbric Early-Smith (M), Carmen Beaudry, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat

From Homer to our guest of honor, who writes fine military fantasy stories? What advantages does military fantasy have over military SF? Which more blatantly neglects the role of logistics? How is The Lord of the Rings as a war story? Why aren’t there any orc Rommels? Come join us to discuss the pros and cons as well as the ins and outs of military fantasy stories.

Russell Ervin (M), Michael McSwiney, Joseph Malik, B. D. Kellmer

Recognizing positive examples of race, gender, and sexual identity in popular media.

Dennis R. Upkins (M), Sheye Anne Blaze, Donna Prior

Armored vehicles add a focus and solidity to a battle field that otherwise is lacking. Join our panelists to discuss what is, was, will be, and might have been with fighting vehicles.

Maj. James Franklin (Ret.) (M), Bill Gruner, Michael ‘Tinker’ Pearce, Bart Kemper

Congratulations on your first steps into Fandom! This may be a scary yet exciting adventure and we want to make you feel welcome. This panel is about all the benefits as a member of a convention and how your continued support/volunteering can ensure the success for future new members.

Whether you’re married, available, gay, straight, queer (or all that and more) this workshop is for you. We’ll explore the rules of social engagement between sentient beings and how to break them — the rules, not the sentients. Starting with the terror of “hello” we’ll dive into taking risks, making mistakes, rejection, and how these are stepping stones to success.

Sonia Orin Lyris (M)

Many of the most commercially successful novels are series. Authors talk about how (and whether) they planned to write a series. How do you avoid repetition while keeping the setting and characters consistent from book to book?

Laura Anne Gilman (M), Rhiannon Held, Esther Jones, Simon R Green

Between 13,000 and 15,000 years ago a massive ice dam in Western Montana ruptured and poured countless cubic miles of water into Eastern Washington forming a unique geological feature, the Channeled Scablands. There exists abundant evidence for such a massive flood, but oddly there are very similar features found on Mars, a planet which is today cold, dry and windy, hardly the sort of place where you would expect to find floods. So what happened?

Cathy Plesko (M), Stephen L. Gillett, Kurt Cagle, Chris Vancil

A little bit sweet, a little bit spooky, and always telling a story if you’re clever enough to hear it, Norwescon regulars Leannan Sidhe are back again from the wilds of faerie, bringing a new set of of bittersweet fairytale folk music to Friday Filkfest.

 

Time Travel Dinosaur – Choose your own catastrophic time paradox! We’ll be choosing paths by audience vote, so come participate and help break the timestream good. Rated PG

Matt Youngmark

Come sign up for a game run by our DMs or check out games from our lending library. We have RPGs, computer games, LARPs, card games, board games, and so much more! Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs. 21+ ONLY WITH PHOTO ID

The Big Two have Batwoman, Renee Montoya, Northstar, and a relatively small number of other queer characters. However, truly subversive queer comics have been around, well, since comics, slowly gaining traction in mainstream society. How does queer representation by the Big Two differ from indie queer comics?

Mickey Schulz (M), Dennis R. Upkins

You got your horror in my sci-fi! You got your sci-fi in my horror! Let’s talk the delicious combination of the two genres, from haunted spaceships to space zombies.

Jason Bourget (M), Burton Gamble, Bryan Syme, Arinn Dembo

Let’s face it, the current media industry doesn’t tend to offer very much coverage of sexual or gender identification that is not cis or heterosexual. Fanfiction, on the other hand, allows both writers and readers to explore the idea of their favorite characters being more like themselves, in whatever way that might be – homosexual, bisexual, asexual, transgender, gender queer, poly, you name it! In this panel we’ll talk about how fanfiction creates not only a safe place for people to represent themselves and explore these issues, but also how it offers representation to audiences that cannot find reflections of themselves in current popular media.

Minim Calibre (M), Sar Surmick, Jamie Bort, thatworldinverted, Gwen Yeh

Come sign up for a game run by our DMs or check out games from our lending library. We have RPGs, computer games, LARPs, card games, board games, and so much more! Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs.

Join Dan & Wendy as they take you once again through the highlights of the past year in the Whoniverse. Video clips and answers to your questions await on this latest journey through time & space.

Dan Murphy (M), Wendy Murphy

Making their first appearance at Norwescon, this Portland acoustic trio sings songs about the sorts of things you and they both like, such as science, Doctor Who, Hiyao Miyazaki, and programming. They could be geekier, but I’m not sure how. You’ll love them, c’mon out to the show.

Dark pasties, dark tassels. Messenger ecdysiasts bring urgent, sparkly news on rhinestoned feather fans. Your presence is requested before in the Grand Ballrooms on Friday night to receive this urgent missive. Norwescon teams up with highly regarded Purple Devil Productions for an evening of sexy, sassy burlesque inspired by the works of George R. R. Martin. A Game of Aces stars the East Coast burlesque sinsation Bella La Blanc and featuring performances from some of Seattle’s top nerdlesque glitterati including Jesus la Pinga, Maggie McMuffin, Miss Violet DeVille, Minni Bobbins, Nickey Bourbon, Fallon Grey, Whisper de Corvo, and Titania Teaseblossom. Joining us from the Port Angeles burlesque and cabaret is Siouxzie Queen Gypsy.

Do all of your costumes seem to have fit issues? Are sleeves your arch nemesis? Wondering why your hem is never level or why your slacks never achieve that crisp line you’re looking for? Join our panel of seasoned costume veterans as we dissect various issues of fit and why they happen as well as give advice on how to avoid fitting pitfalls.

Jonna Hayden (M), Tammie L. Dupuis, Camin Bradbury

Goat – Friday Night Lights meets Lovecraft. Rated PG

Nathan Crowder

Poison – The start of a hard SF novella appearing in the new quarterly ‘zine Straeon on November 16th…it concerns a doctor dealing with an inbred hillbilly family which produces a mutant form of oxytocin – the hormone/pheromone that can induce labor, or say ‘I love you’ or win your trust when you’re looking to buy a used car from a guy named Honest Abe. It can also say much darker things… Rated G

Pat MacEwen

 

The Eye of Argon is quite possibly the worst piece of genre fiction ever written. Late night readings at cons have a tradition, testing the will and reading ability of fans young and old. Join us in exploring how really, really bad a story can be.

Mike Brennan (M), Mickey “Meowse” Phoenix

Come and meet our fanfic panelists as well as other readers and writers in a fun, low-key social setting!

What does it mean to be sex positive? Where can you find sex positive environments? How can you get involved? Learn more about this movement and what it implies. 18+ only, please.

David Nasset Sr. (M), Burton Gamble, Mickey Schulz, Sar Surmick, Eva Phoenix, Sheye Anne Blaze

Filk band Starlight have been barnstorming the entire Cascadian convention concert circuit for the last two years, and the NASFiC, and they’ve finally made their way back to Seattle. Come listen to them cap off our Friday Filkfest.

Shield of the Summer Prince – The sequel to Shadow of the Winter King, first novel in the World of Ruin series. Rated R

Erik Scott de Bie

Edge of Dark – Edge of Dark is a far future exploration of what it means to be human. Rated G

Brenda Cooper

Interested in BDSM? Want to find out what it’s all about? What are these limits, boundaries, and play people keep talking about? We will endeavor to answer your questions – or if we can’t, we’ll point you to a resource that can. We will also discuss BDSM etiquette and resources for you to find out more. 18+ only, please.

Ogre Whiteside (M), Mickey Schulz, Sar Surmick, thatworldinverted

Come celebrate the culmination of Friday Filkfest by filking the night away! This is where you can come sing or play whatever you want, alone or with friends, to the most supportive crowd you will ever run into ever anywhere. Seriously, you have no idea. Bring your instrument, bring your voice, and put some of that participation into participatory culture!

A tour de force of audio proportions featuring a mix of old and new. From 80s wave to trance and dance with everything in between. He’ll hit the songs from many music generes spanning many different eras with a few adventures thrown in.