Saturday Schedule

What follows is a listing of all events planned for Saturday, April 4th. You can also download a program grid for Saturday (63KB .pdf) or the full weekend (127KB .pdf).

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

Outer Darkness – A decidedly nonurban urban fantasy, from a new collection, as yet untitled. Rated PG

Susan DeFreitas

If you plan to enter the Masquerade, you must attend this meeting if you DID NOT attend the Friday night meeting. You will be provided all the info you need to compete and we will be there to answer any questions you have. Please make sure to bring your music to turn in. We will also have a computer for you to sign up online to compete if you haven’t already done so.

From miraculous cures being suppressed by Big Pharma to proof that the earth is actually flat, charlatans and con men have been pushing nonsense for centuries in the hope of parting the credulous from their cash. Join our panelists as they discuss pseudoscience, its impact on society and how you can tell good science from bad.

Gregory Gadow (M), Janet Freeman-Daily, Dr. Ricky, DameRuth, Vickie Bligh

Folks with genuine and/or absent talent alike take note. Our little gong show is going to be the halftime at the Masquerade. Signup and show us what you have or haven’t got. Someone will win, someone will lose. We all will have fun! If you are interested in participating please join us for this panel to make sure tech needs are met, and that you know how to get where you need to go. Attendance is Mandatory! Yes, this means you.

Dara Korra’ti (M)

You can demonstrate so much about a culture through the clothes that its inhabitants wear. We peer into the different realms and kingdoms of Westeros to review the unique and iconic fashion styles in Game of Thrones to see how different design choices help to define regional identity.

Cymbric Early-Smith (M), Bethany Roullett, Richard Stephens

Administrators and nominees for this year’s award discuss the PK Dick Award and the legacy of Philip K. Dick.

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

Metal, plastics, even flesh: 3d printing seems only limited by the imagination, and it seems to print up new ones of those every couple of months, too. Is this tech the path to Replicators, or just an entertaining toy?

Michael McSwiney (M), G. David Nordley, Alan Boyle, Stephen L. Gillett

It’s the art of fuzzy embellishment! Learn to felt your own Mario mushroom or Metroid. $10 materials fee for felt and needle. Recommended for ages 10+.

Vandy Hall

You were there for the previous parts, right, where we figured out what we needed and planned this movie all out? Quick! Time travel! Or, drop in anyway and become a Valued Actor Person. In part 4, we shoot like mad weasels, because there’s not much time and if we’re going to make a movie at light speed, then we have to move like light! So, don’t be late, or you’ll just see red-shifted versions of us. The key to making a movie, of course, is to get the footage in the can! Or, “box”, actually, because we’re shooting video. But you know what we mean. (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), Ryan K. Johnson, Brian D. Oberquell

Pros tell you what not to do. Come for the juicy tales of angst, stay for the useful advice on what to do instead.

Laura Anne Gilman (M), Simon R Green, Jack Skillingstead, Nicole Dieker

Hands-on demo. Participants, equipped with wooden swords, spears, and shields, will learn & practice basic Norse weapon combat skills in a safe, non-contact environment. What is it like standing in the shield wall? Instructors will provide training swords, shields, and spears to be shared by groups of 20 participants.

Bill Gruner (M), A.M. Brosius, V Whitlock, Norman K. Moss, GregRobin Smith, Joseph Malik, Michael Ormes, Mir Plemmons, Maj. James Franklin (Ret.)

Norwescon 38 Spotlight Publisher Random House gives us a tour of the great new titles coming soon!

Anne Groell, Tricia Narwani

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), Christina Coonradt

Hero Corps: competitive questing. The guild seeks twenty potential heroes willing to pursue the challenges of becoming a champion. The god of time has commissioned hero corps to retrieve his lost controller. Heroes will need to use their wits, cunning and prowess to be this god’s champion. So grab your bag of tricks and prepare to face challenges on an epic quest to earn the title Champion!

15 adventurers can sign up here before the con, and we’ll complete the roster at the event.

New work, as yet untitled. – Rated G

Nancy Kress

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!

Epic fantasy is different — but why? What makes it epic? Is it the immersion in a new world, or just the sheer weight of the book? Come join us as we talk about this massive subgenre of fantasy and what makes it tick.

Simon R Green, S. A. Bolich, B. D. Kellmer

Fanfiction generally is the exploration of a group of characters from a TV series, a movie series, or a series of novels… until someone decides to add a second (and sometimes even a third or fourth) world setting and/or characters. Why do authors want to mix up their fandoms and universes? Why does it work sometimes and not work other times? We’ll discuss the specific tradition of Crossover stories, the worlds that tend to be crossed, and what happens when the Avengers go to Hogwarts.

Berlynn Wohl (M), thatworldinverted, Rachael Sabotini, Tartan

How to break into the enjoyable and rewarding hobby of wargaming, while knowing what you are getting into. Panelists will recount their beginnings and give advice and tips for those interested in getting started.

Christopher Bodan (M), Dylan S., Michael McSwiney, Doug Staudt

Dystopian futures seem very prominent in science-fiction literature and film right now. Is this a modern trend, or is this simply a byproduct of the increased attention that high profile scifi franchises are receiving these days? What is the allure of the catastrophic? Why are we drawn to futures that depict our near destruction? What works have done it well, and which poorly?

Marta Murvosh (M), Russell Ervin, Nancy Kress, Jason Bourget, Mir Plemmons

And media. And games. And… Why is it important that our books, media, games, and cultures are diverse? Why isn’t the status quo good enough? The goal is to empower people of all stripes and diverse experiences, and to show characters and role models that don’t make us feel like they need to be a part our fandoms. http://weneeddiversebooks.org/

Sheye Anne Blaze (M), Keffy R. M. Kehrli, G. Willow Wilson, Tifa Robles

You have a concept, you have a format, now what? What options are out there for recording and producing? How do you make the best show you can and get it in the ears of the listening public? Tips from experienced producers on making it all work.

Matt Hammond (M), Rachel Edidin, Jonny Nero Action Hero, Gregory A. Wilson

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.

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

Twenty participants, each equipped with wooden gladius (sword), and regulation scutum (shield) will learn & practice basic Roman Legionary combat skills in a safe, supervised environment.A Learn what is it like to stand in the Roman line. Instructors will provide training swords and shields, to be shared by groups of 20 participants.

Bill Gruner (M), A.M. Brosius, V Whitlock, Norman K. Moss, GregRobin Smith, Michael Ormes, Maj. James Franklin (Ret.)

A reading of original fiction by Norwescon 38 Writer Guest of Honor George R.R. Martin.

George R.R. Martin

Cn u rd ths? Do you change the subject when you see or hear “P911″ or “CDP”? Did we lose the complete sentence in texting, in favor of emoticons, and acronyms? So where did they come from? What do they mean? And how are they used to talk privately to, and about the people we know? What are your resources to find out what those letters your friends are texting you mean? This panel is aimed at Young Adults who are just learning the new expression of language that comes with texting.

Camin Bradbury (M), Christina Coonradt

The Bullet Catcher’s Daughter – Elizabeth Barnabus lives a double life — as herself and as her brother, the private detective. She is trying to solve the mystery of a disappearing aristocrat and a hoard of arcane machines. In her way stand the rogues, freaks and self-proclaimed alchemists of a travelling circus. But when she comes up against an agent of the all-powerful Patent Office, her life and the course of history will begin to change. And not necessarily for the better… Rated PG

Rod Duncan

Entrants in the competition will register and present their entries to the panel of judges. Entries are all based on the same pattern.

(And how do we stop it?) Early comic ads showed boys and girls reading comics of all types, including superhero or action comics. However, in the last five or so years we’ve had a population of increasingly angry male fans telling women and girls to get out of a[euro]oetheira[euro] fandoms. What happened? And how does a comics loving girl combat it?

Mickey Schulz (M), Rachel Edidin, Minim Calibre, Dennis R. Upkins, Meg Elison

Do you love a costume from a movie or a comic or a book cover? Unsure of how to translate that from the media to your body? Come and learn how to assess the major components of a particular costume, assess proportion, decorative elements, and then fit it to your particular shape! Learn techniques for taking flat images and making them fit your 3D self!

Jonna Hayden (M), Kat Marier, Carmen Beaudry, Bethany Roullett

It has been about 50 years since The Pill brought contraception into the technological age. What is available now? How do science, religion, and politics interact to determine what will be available in the future?

Sar Surmick (M), Morgue Anne, V Whitlock

Whether you write with an outline or fly by the seat of your pants, story blueprints are a powerful tool to help you get unstuck.

Tori Centanni (M), Stephanie Herman, G. Willow Wilson, Patrick Swenson, John (J.A.) Pitts

You may be a straight or white or cis-gendered or able-bodied person (or any combination) who means well, but somehow you just seem to keep putting your foot in it while trying to be supportive. What does it mean to be an ally to groups you don’t actually belong to? What can you do to help without silencing others or co-opting their message?

Lilith von Fraumench (M), Gwen Yeh, Shubzilla

What book/film/TV show planted the hook of spaceflight deep in your soul? Audience participation encouraged!

Jude-Marie Green (M), Marta Murvosh, Dan Dubrick, David Shoemaker, Amy Mainzer

What can artists do to create new and unusual life forms? How does our understanding of human biology and animal biology help us take the known and twist it to create the unknown? Come meet some artists who excel in making realistic creatures that do not actually exist and make us believe that they could.

Margaret Organ-Kean (M), Bryan Syme, Annie Morton

Games publishers both large and small have discovered that Kickstarter is a low risk way to publish games. Is Kickstarter the new direct marketing? What are the actual risks involved? What should you know before attempting to Kickstart a game? What are the alternatives? Does Kickstarter culture have mores and taboos? Come find out.

Julie Haehn (M), Mike Selinker, Wolfgang Baur, Jeff Combos, David Fooden

Do you know what a Hugo Award is? Do you know how the nominees are chosen? Do you want to be among the first people to know who is nominated for this year’s award, to be given out at Sasquan, the Worldcon in Spokane? Come to this event and find out.

See and feel how hand weapons changed and developed from late roman times until the Renaissance. All weapons will be explained, and presented for safe handling by the participants. This experience will be like a museum where you can touch the artifacts. Handouts will be available.

Bill Gruner (M), Norman K. Moss, William Elder, Michael Ormes, Joseph Malik, Ogre Whiteside

It’s the songwriting workshop! Write lyrics to an existing tune, write a tune for original lyrics, find the right rhythm for your beats, find the right hip for your hop — bring your unfinished work and let’s see if we can’t help you find where it needs to go.

Nicole Dieker (M), Jonny Nero Action Hero, C0splay

The Zaanics Deceit, by Nina Post. When Cate Lyr’s vengeful sisters take control of the family empire and threaten to expose the secrets that her ancestors have safeguarded for centuries, Cate must learn the family’s constructed language, evade dangerous secret societies, and team up with a childhood friend to set things right. Featuring the Væyne Zaanics language co-created by David J. Peterson (Game of Thrones, Defiance, Dominion) and Nina Post. Rated PG

David J. Peterson

Join Norwescon 38 Artist Guest of Honor Julie Dillon and Writer Guest of Honor George R.R. Martin for an autograph signing session — your last chance at the convention. 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 GoHs.

George R.R. Martin, Julie Dillon

Lee Moyer 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!

Lee Moyer

Fate’s Arrow – Fate’s Arrow is a six-book series that blends epic fantasy with soft SF, pitting mortals against the artificial gods of a long-lost colony of Earth. It’s tough to create a messiah from a man who doesn’t believe in gods–but Fate is certainly going to try. Rated PG

S. A. Bolich

Countless novels have been set in the intertwined worlds of monarchy and fantasy; often involving epic battles. Given that many fantasy novels are set in worlds drawn from medieval Europe, it’s no surprise to see so many stories based around monarchies — kings and queens, tyrannical emperors, and long-lost heirs to the throne. How much of fantasy’s appeal is grounded in this familiar setting, and how can this long-standing tradition be updated or refreshed; or should it be abandoned entirely?

Sonia Orin Lyris (M), Leslie Howle, Kevin Radthorne, William Elder

East meets West, North meets South, and all points in between. Come join our panel of creative costumers as we talk about the fusion of unlikely cultures and genres together into new and imaginative ways.

Kat Marier (M), Deborah Strub, Julie Zetterberg, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat

What were those spooky seeds that turned you into the horror geek that you are today? What works or authors lit that dark fire of imagination?

Arinn Dembo (M), Simon R Green, Gordon Van Gelder, Mike Robles

DNA and RNA form the basis of all known life on Earth. What are these amazing molecules and how do they work? What are the chances that alien life would also use them, and what else might serve as a genetic blueprint?

Annie Morton (M), DameRuth, Jessica Hebert, Keffy R. M. Kehrli

GMO is all well and good, but how about printed food? And when will we have vat-burgers? What’s with vertical farms? And what the heck is a locavore?

Mike Brennan (M), Jim Kling, Dr. Ricky, Michael McSwiney

There have always been tales of the female warriors. Who were these women? What about women combatants in the Roman arena, and women who took up arms in medieval times?

V Whitlock (M), Loretta McKibben, Adrienne Carlson, Carmen Beaudry, Ann Shilling

The European Space Agency has put the Rosetta spacecraft in orbit around Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, and landed a probe on its surface. Everyone expected the surface of a comet to be a strange place, but no one was quite prepared for how strange it really turned out to be.

Dan Dubrick (M), Cathy Plesko, Alan Boyle, Chris Vancil, Dana Andrews

Do you love to write but don’t get as much writing done as you’d like to? Conquer your fears… and your rough draft.

Nina Post (M), Jennifer Brozek, Stephanie Herman, Kevin Scott, Harold Gross, Gregory A. Wilson

See and feel how body armour evolved and developed from late roman times until the Renaissance. Various types of armour will be displayed and described. Participants will be able to freely handle real pieces of armour and modern replicas. This experience will be like a museum where you can try on the artifacts. Handouts will be available.

Bill Gruner (M), Norman K. Moss, Michael Ormes, Joseph Malik

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.

“Finn Fancy” Fun Time with Randy – Randy will read a bit from his new novel from TOR, titled FINN FANCY NECROMANCY, do a little dance (Q&A), make a little love (PRIZES!), and get down tonight (TREATS!). Finn Fancy is a dark and quirky contemporary fantasy set in Port Townsend, with sasquatch mercenaries, mobster gnomes, and more. Randy might also read a new Framdar story, demonstrate miraculous powers, or at least juggle. It’s not just a reading, it’s Finn Fancy Fantastic Fun Time!. Rated PG

Randy Henderson

Every budding mad scientist needs to start somewhere… and this is where! We will take cute fluffy stuffed animals and hack them into pieces only to reassemble them into marvelous monsters and creative chimera! Please bear in mind that to attend this workshop, one must be capable handling scissors and needles safely and if you cannot personally sew together your monster’s various bit and pieces you must bring a minion (aka “parent”) to do the dirty work for you! 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. WARNING! Only adults serving as minions will be allowed to attend!

Mimi Noyes (M), Berlynn Wohl

Falling From Grace, Book 3 of The Gift of Grace Series – Rated PG

Esther Jones

Need help with your butterfly and dragonfly wings for your faerie creation or developing a spider queen with extra legs and compound eyes? This panel is for you!! From antennae and carapaces, to mandibles and pincers, our talented team of panelists will help inspire your insect designs and make them reality.

Ieva Ohaks (M), Julie Zetterberg, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat

From Anne McCaffrey to George R.R. Martin, the Dragon remains popular in work old and new. Dragons have been the subject of art and stories throughout history in nearly all cultures around the world. Dragons appear in paintings and sculpture, pottery and poetry, on land, in the air and in the sea. What is it about dragons that has so captured the collective imaginations of all cultures throughout the ages? What are the best of the new crop of stories?

Craig English (M), Frances Pauli, Leslie Howle, Jeff Sturgeon

American Horror Story, Supernatural, Constantine, Walking Dead, Hannibal, Dracula, Penny Dreadful – what does the landscape of televised horror look like these days, and where is it heading next? Is it a golden age of horror on the small screen, or is that bubble doomed to pop?

Nina Post (M), Jason Bourget, Amber Clark, Eric Morgret

Asimov’s robots don’t lend themselves very well to military science fiction, but the Terminator sure does. And today’s drones and battlefield robots seem to be pointing toward the latter. How does science fiction handle this trend? Does it make the average soldier obsolete in science fiction? How might robots star in modern character-based military science fiction without simply being “the bad guy?” Join us as we talk about one possible future for military SF.

Bart Kemper (M), Michael ‘Tinker’ Pearce, Adrienne Carlson

On the big screen, Marvel is ascendant and DC continues to struggle, while on TV, DC is building a successful and expanding empire and Marvel barely has a foothold. What about the two universes lends themselves to movies or TV?

G. Willow Wilson (M), Cole Hornaday, C0splay, Erik Scott de Bie, Jonny Nero Action Hero

Writing characters that aren’t all good or all evil.

Phoebe Kitanidis (M), Frog Jones, S. A. Bolich, Kristi Charish, Diana Copland

Do you fondly remember the first time you heard Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” or Blue Oyster Cult’s “Godzilla”? Do you love GWAR just because they claim to be from outer space? Have you mocked black metal bands for their misuse of Orcish? If so, join us for a discussion of the use of science fiction and fantasy themes within the metal genre. Whether your interest in metal is recent or long-lived, occasional or die-hard, there’s something for every lover of the fantastic and loud!

Lilith von Fraumench (M), David J. Peterson, Christian Lipski

Norwescon 22 Artist Guest of Honor Richard Hescox returns to share a presentation of his varied career of science fiction and fantasy art. Artwork created for books, comics, films and computer games, as well as his recent personal fine art fantasy paintings.

Richard Hescox (M)

WTF #GamerGate

Mickey Schulz (M), Elizabeth Sampat, Arinn Dembo, Rachel Edidin, Gwen Yeh

Hip hop has long held the tradition of the cypher, a freestyle get-together of rappers who get together to practice their art for practice, for polish, and just for fun. Come listen to some of our attending pros talk about this tradition in a nerdcore environment – what’s different, what’s not, and why does it look surprisingly similar to a housefilk?

Shubzilla (M), MC-3PO, Lex Lingo, Kadesh Flow

Our Attending Professionals are available to sign autographs. PLEASE NOTE: So that as many fans as possible can participate, we will be enforcing a three-items-at-a-time (or single-sketch) autograph limit.

Dennis R. Upkins, Cat Rambo, Kate Jonez, Patrick Swenson, Brenda Cooper, Carol Berg, Cymbric Early-Smith, Bijhan Valibeigi, Dean Wells, G. David Nordley, Jennifer Brozek, John Cramer, Jude-Marie Green, Keffy R. M. Kehrli, Kurt Cagle, Lee Moyer, Nancy Kress, Rob Carlos, Simon R Green, Stephen L. Gillett, Wolfgang Baur, Morgue Anne, Jack Skillingstead

Come help build and then the monsters bring down all we have built! Grab the materials to make your best monster masks and wings. Add to the city that is in process of being built. Then lurk around, waiting for the signal to go and destroy it.

Patrick McKinnion (M), Jess Allen

Bryan Syme 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!

Bryan Syme

A new piece, yet to be decided. – Rated G

Lauren Dixon

From a work in progress. – Rated G

Kim Ritchie

Avengers, Captain America, Thor, the Dark Knight, Guardians of the Galaxy — right now is a great time to be a comic nerd. Or is it? How do you reconcile changes in canon made to broaden the appeal of a franchise? On one hand it’s great that superhero merchandise is out there and widely available, however, on the other hand a Rocket Raccoon shirt no longer indicates a fellow hard core nerd. How does that make comics fans and producers feel?

Minim Calibre (M), Matt Youngmark, Dennis R. Upkins, Dylan S.

From making simple fabrics work to developing stunning trim, embellishing a costume doesn’t have to break your budget.

Kat Marier (M), Julie Zetterberg, Anita Taylor, Tammie L. Dupuis, Jonna Hayden

The history of fanfiction is a long and involved one and as such, the community has developed their own lexicon of catch-phrases, terms, and identifiers. If you are a newbie fanfic reader, we will help you traverse through such obscure tropes and terms, as OTP, OT3, H/C, MPreg, AU, Whump, OC, Mary Sue, WIP, Drabble, Gen, PWP, RPF, UST and many more!

thatworldinverted (M), Rachael Sabotini, DameRuth, Tartan

Yes, they’re making music with GameBoys and Sega Genesises; yes, they’re rapping about hobbits. From the Blip Festival to PAX, chiptunes are the native sound of electronic gaming, and nerdcore forms their anthems. Interested? Come find out more.

C0splay (M), Morgue Anne, Shubzilla, Jonny Nero Action Hero, Lex Lingo, MC-3PO, Kadesh Flow

In the three most recent manned spaceflight fatal accidents — Challenger, Columbia, and the Spaceship 2 — there were warnings, some stretching back years, that had they been acted on could have prevented the accident and loss of life. Why were the warnings wasted? Are we doing space the wrong way?

Bart Kemper (M), Alan Boyle, Dan Dubrick, Chris Vancil

Feeling brave and bold? Send us your novel’s first page to be read aloud and critiqued by a panel of pros. (Email to: idol@norwescon.org)

Phoebe Kitanidis (M), Susan DeFreitas, Kate Jonez, Cat Rambo, Tod McCoy, Patrick Swenson

Have you ever had a reading or viewing historical or 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 or historical fiction setting so it becomes real to the reader. How to make rich texture while avoiding cliches and faux pas.

Adrienne Carlson (M), A.M. Brosius, William Elder, V Whitlock, Alan Andrist, Maj. James Franklin (Ret.)

If you enjoy NPR’s weekly quiz show “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” you’ll enjoy our version of this popular show. We will test audience members’ knowledge against a panel of pros as Science Fiction Museum curator Brooks Peck and Clarion West workshop director Les Howle exhibit books, zines, film/TV screen shots, and art from the 1940s ’til now and asks contestants to answer our questions. Prizes for the winners!

Brooks Peck (M), Leslie Howle, Jack Skillingstead, Nancy Kress, Lee Moyer

What is polyamory? Why would anyone want more than one partner? How does everyone interact so everyone’s needs are met and no one gets hurt? How do more conservative family members react to these plural relationships? Should you, shouldn’t you? What are the pros and cons?

Sar Surmick (M), Burton Gamble, Wednesday (Nessie) Phoenix, Amber Clark, Jeliza Patterson-McGuire

Our Attending Professionals are available to sign autographs. PLEASE NOTE: So that as many fans as possible can participate, we will be enforcing a three-items-at-a-time (or single-sketch) autograph limit.

Jeff Sturgeon, Django Wexler, Randy Henderson, G. Willow Wilson, Kristi Charish, Frog Jones, Richard Hescox, Darragh Metzger, David J. Peterson, Esther Jones, Jeremy Zimmerman, John (J.A.) Pitts, Kevin Radthorne, Laura Anne Gilman, Michael G. Munz, Rhiannon Held, Leannan Sidhe, Steven Barnes, Tim McDaniel, Mike Selinker

Hollow Is The Heart – A dark fantasy story. Rated PG

Simon R Green

A new short story. – Rated PG

Keffy R. M. Kehrli

Thinking about making your love of creating costumes into a full-time or part-time business? Launching out, these days, is an even riskier proposition than it has ever been and there’s more to a business than just creating fabulous things. Join our panel of self-employed costumers as we discuss everything from time management to how to pay yourself what you’re worth. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of both separate and home based studios. Whether you’ve already taken the plunge or are in the planning stage, this panel will have many nuggets of wisdom based on real world experience.

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

There are many different types of cancer, each with its own cause and treatment. Our experts will draw on their knowledge and personal experiences to present the facts and counter the fictions of cancer.

Janet Freeman-Daily (M), Rachael Sabotini, Jessica Hebert, Jim Kling, Kurt Cagle

The relationship between canon, fanon, and fanfiction is a curious one. Just how far can you stray from canon and still remain true to the characters and the world? Is fanon as, or more, important than canon when writing fanfiction? Can you read (or more difficult, write?) fanfiction where you don’t know the canon? We will discuss how all of these things interact, influence, and change our perceptions of the fandoms they explore.

Berlynn Wohl (M), Rosa Acicularis, DameRuth, Tartan

Over the decades, Space Opera has inspired millions with a love of adventure, the wide open spaces between the stars, and impossible civilizations. But it also has a lot to say about human resilience, and the social and political ramifications of other species. Come and join our panelists as they talk about space opera and what you shouldn’t miss.

Jordan B (M), Patrick Swenson, B. D. Kellmer, Simon R Green

A society determines the military it can make, the military shapes the society that comes from. How has this happened in the past? How is it happening now? What does the future hold?

Mike Brennan (M), Bart Kemper, Russell Ervin, S. A. Bolich, Joseph Malik, Alan Paulsen, Maj. James Franklin (Ret.)

Look beyond the basics. Plot structure can assume more than one shape. Discuss how that can work to your characters’ advantage.

Steven Barnes (M), Gregory A. Wilson, Susan DeFreitas, Matt Youngmark, Mike Selinker

Let’s explore moving beyond “scantily clad figure with object” without losing the magic.

Rob Carlos (M), Julie Dillon, Lee Moyer, Lola Watson

Come paint the miniature showcased in Mini Painting 101 with our painting experts then take it home with you. Paints and minis will be provided as well as instruction and tips for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike.

Julie Haehn (M), Dylan S., Michael McSwiney

XCOR Aerospace is testing the Lynx, a two seat suborbital spacecraft that will reduce the price of space access to the point where great numbers of people and institutions can fly in space. Art Bozlee, who will fly as flight engineer during a test flight this year, tells us about the vehicle and the future in space.

Arthur Bozlee (M), Mark Street

You’ve decided that poly is the way to go, so now what? How do you go about blending households, finances, and lives? What about negotiating (and re-negotiating) boundaries? How do you plan for the long term, and do you need a lawyer? And what if you figure out it’s just not working? Our panelists have a wide variety of experiences, observations, and suggestions to share.

Sheye Anne Blaze (M), Eva Phoenix, Sar Surmick, Jeliza Patterson-McGuire

Illustrating the Subterranean Press edition of “A Clash of Kings”. Keeping a bestselling author happy while upholding your own vision. Creating a large body of related illustrations and making them work together as a whole.

Richard Hescox (M)

Annals of the Twinned Souls – Book Two: The Janus Bridge – Rated G

Cymbric Early-Smith

The Salt Wife. – Historic fantasy about the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah. Rated PG

Tod McCoy

Jeff Sturgeon 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!

Jeff Sturgeon

Come and see the competition entries as the competitors introduce their entries. Your votes will decide the winner of the Fan Favorite award.

When building a religion for your world, how do you make it balanced and plausible without riffing off of existing religions? How will myth and religion impact your plot and motivate your characters? Why should there be several types of belief systems on a world?

Wolfgang Baur (M), Carol Berg, Christopher Bodan, B. D. Kellmer

Whether you have a large yard or a small apartment balcony, you can create a safe, welcoming space for wildlife. Join our experts as they talk about what you can do to help bees, bats, ladybugs, sparrows and other critters. (Kid friendly.)

Annie Morton (M), Stephanie Herman, Christina Coonradt, DameRuth

It’s the end of the world as we know it and I’m dressed fine! The recent spate of dystopian movies has given us a broad peek into visions of our fashion future. We study cut, materials, function and fashion to see what we like and agree with and what we pray will never come to pass.

Melissa Quinn (M), Ieva Ohaks, Julie Zetterberg

Personal infantry weapons have projected mass over a distance. When Black Powder propelled missiles made the long bow and crossbow obsolete, the battle field changed. When soldiers could reload their firearms in the prone position, the battle field changed again. Have modern weapons caused many changes from 100 years ago? How could energy weapons cause even greater changes on future battle zones?

Bill Gruner (M), Michael ‘Tinker’ Pearce, Michael Ormes, Norman K. Moss, Alan Paulsen, Greg Hallock, Maj. James Franklin (Ret.)

Turing was pretty smart, but a lot has happened since he thought up his Test. What if a machine doesn’t want to be mistaken as a human? Wouldn’t making that choice indicate self-awareness andA free will? What is artificial intelligence, and how will we recognize it?

Sonia Orin Lyris (M), Kurt Cagle, David Nasset Sr., David Shoemaker

Enjoy board games? Love the idea of painting miniatures? Want to know how to find inclusive groups for gaming? How do you create your own gaming meet-ups? Our panelists will give you tips on creating game groups, finding public game meet-ups, and enjoying gaming conventions as a newbie. Want to be a better organizer? We’ll work with you to build positivity in your current groups, how to find new players, and how to encourage their participation.

Donna Prior (M), Elizabeth Sampat, Gwen Yeh, Bijhan Valibeigi, Lola Watson

Our heroines are too often subjected to hypersexualized poses and crimes against anatomy – for reasons irrelevant to their character or kickassitude. Jim Hines’ book cover project, the Escher Girls, and the Hawkeye Initiative are just three of a number of movements humorously deconstructing these problematic images. Let’s point and laugh, and talk about how to fix things.

Jeliza Patterson-McGuire (M), Julie Dillon, Lee Moyer

Knowing how your plot and characters change as the tale moves forward helps a writer to craft more powerful stories. What makes a great character arc, and how can you make your character’s internal change more compelling? What makes a great plot arc and how can you intertwine it with your character?

Nina Post (M), Randy Henderson, Craig English, Nancy Kress, Alex C. Renwick, Susan DeFreitas

Asteroids have interacted with Earth in the past and will continue to do so in the future. These remnants from the solar system’s formation have much to tell us about our origins and evolution. An array of telescopes search the skies each night to track them, while sophisticated computer algorithms sift through the data to predict future encounters.

Amy Mainzer

Alif the Unseen – An excerpt from the world-fantasy award-winning novel Alif the Unseen. Rated PG

G. Willow Wilson

Blame the Bearer – The latest book in the Kingdoms Gone, Fantasy Fairy Tale series. Rated PG

Frances Pauli

If you have a little one that wishes to enter the Children’s Masquerade, please come to this panel where you will get your little one signed up and lead you all down to the masquerade when the time is right. Children go on first to accommodate their early bed times.

Is the next generation being discouraged by dystopian science fiction? Do we need more hopeful themes to inspire scientists and inventors to build a future we want to live in?

Brenda Cooper (M), Michael G. Munz

A wagon train to the stars is a familiar trope in SF. Firefly, Star Trek, Farmer in the Sky, Outland, Cowboys vs Aliens – we see examples of western stories set in space all over the place. The immense distances in space create problems similar those encountered by American settlers colonizing the continent. Come and join in the discussion of this popular form of our genre.

Cathy Plesko (M), Arthur Bozlee, Mir Plemmons, Dave Davis, Greg Hallock

Why do comic book villains look the way they do? Act the way they do? From the Joker to Juggernaut, what is it about these designs that establishes villainy at first glance? Fat, ugly, feminized male and masculinized female villains are all tropes that are used to establish who the audience should hate.

Mickey Schulz (M), Rachel Edidin, Arinn Dembo

When does a franchise transition from horror to something else? When Freddy Krueger no longer scares, does that make the later Nightmare on Elm Street movies adventure/fantasy, or does the genre label persist?

Nina Post (M), Gordon Van Gelder, Nathan Crowder, Mike Robles

How can you tell if your cover design’s a winner? What’s your pricing strategy? Do you format, or pay a service? Self-publishing requires that you pick up secondary skills beyond writing books and Tweeting — we’ll tell you how.

Matt Youngmark (M), Annie Bellet, Luna Lindsey, Elliott Kay

An entry-level discussion on some of the facets of transgender identities. We’ll discuss terminology, pronoun usage, whether there’s a difference between sex and gender, and when it’s best to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Suggested pre-panel Googling: Not Your Mother’s Trans 101, Gender Binary, Silencing Tactics

Lilith von Fraumench (M), Amber Clark, Gwen Yeh, Bijhan Valibeigi, Keffy R. M. Kehrli, Sar Surmick

Sometimes because there are too many options, writing fanfiction can seem overwhelming. Where do you start? What’s it about? What makes it interesting? However, by putting into place some rules and restrictions you can actually free the mind. Challenges require creative and inventive solutions and help provide a structure from which a story can be crafted. After a brief introduction, we will brainstorm fandoms and different restrictions and then get to writing! During the last 30 minutes, those who wish to can share their stories.

Rosa Acicularis (M), Minim Calibre

Let’s make a movie! You were there for the previous parts, right, where we shot video like crazy? If not, then now’s a great time to master time travelling! In this part, we show you a little about editing, how we put all that crazy footage down and make it into a movie that makes some kind of sense. Actually, we hope it makes some kind of sense. We never really know. If you bought a computer within the past two years, chances are excellent that you have more digital video editing power at your fingertips than has ever been subject to the hands of Ordinary People. Learn about using this power for Good. Or Evil. We don’t care, because we only use it for Fun. The key to making a movie, of course, is editing. (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), Ryan K. Johnson, Brian D. Oberquell

Norwescon 38 Artist Guest of Honor Julie Dillon presents a slideshow and Q&A featuring recent artwork and the creative processes, decisions, and inspirations that made them.

Julie Dillon

Introductory participatory geekmusic — filksinging! — for older kids and young adults.

David Nasset Sr. (M), Eva Phoenix, Wednesday (Nessie) Phoenix

The Subtler Art – A short fantasy story from the BLACKGUARDS anthology. Rated G

Cat Rambo

Cadmium, I Tell You – A mad scientist hires a babysitter for his young daughter, and finds that she can use his help, also. Rated G

Tim McDaniel

 

There are many reasons to conduct tests on animals when developing new drugs, surgical procedures and medical technology. But are they good reasons?

Gregory Gadow (M), Jake McKinzie

What scientific fields deserve more attention in fiction besides quantum mechanics, biology, genetic engineering? Kim Stanley Robinson has done a wonderful job using geology and climatology, for example. We’ll discuss the best exceptions to the rule, and talk about cutting edge science that has yet to be explored in fiction.

Bart Kemper (M), Jim Kling, Russell Ervin, John Cramer, Luna Lindsey

The recipe for a successful space program is simple: Hire the best people, give them a defined task with steady and adequate budgets and get out of their way. But that is not how we have done space since APOLLO. What are we doing wrong and how can we correct it?

Dave Davis (M), Arthur Bozlee, Dr. Dana Andrews

Work with the panelists to define the best game master tricks and methods to create and manage the best games.

David Nasset Sr. (M), Wolfgang Baur, Jeremy Zimmerman, Ogre Whiteside

What makes dialogue effective? What are the challenges and opportunities when approaching dialogue? Discuss how to write dialogue that seems natural, builds character, and advances the plot.

Gregory A. Wilson (M), Simon R Green, Tori Centanni, Cymbric Early-Smith, Carol Berg, Patrick Swenson

 

Alternative history during the California Gold Rush featuring magic and histories underdogs being powerful political players. – Rated PG

Marta Murvosh

Join us at the pinnacle event for Saturday evening, the Norwescon 38 Masquerade. Come and watch our fabulous contestants perform for your entertainment. Will your favorites match the judges? Whether they do or not, we know the show will blow you away. So come and join us as the doors open at 7:00pm and we begin with the Children’s Masquerade followed by the Masquerade and Cascadia’s Got Talent for the halftime show.

A recent work. – Rated G

Brenda Carre

Is the heroine’s journey different from the hero’s? How does gender affect plot and character development? Join us as we talk about how and why a strong female protagonist is not the same as a guy who looks good in a dress.

Catherine Cooke Montrose (M), Laura Anne Gilman, Marta Murvosh

It is a commonly heard lament that Hollywood is out of ideas, but wouldn’t the media landscape be poorer without the new versions of Battlestar Galactica for example? When is it okay to reboot a franchise and what should be left alone?

Matt Youngmark (M), Brian D. Oberquell, Doug Staudt

Whether you’re writing SF or Fantasy, you probably have a world to figure out. How to fit rivers, oceans, mountains, and plains into your fictional landscape.

Kurt Cagle (M), Grant Riddell, Mir Plemmons, Adrienne Carlson

You completed Flirting 101, did the homework, and are ready for more advanced topics. Bi, poly, pan, no-labels, typicals, and aliens are all welcome to this advanced session. Certificates awarded to those who attended both workshops, completed homework, and took the final exam.

Sonia Orin Lyris (M)

Behind every little bundle of love there is a pile of dirty diapers, and behind every new (or old, for that matter) technology there is a pile of waste products. What do we do, what can we do, what should we do? How has Science Fiction informed the discussion of waste, for good or ill?

Mike Brennan (M), Stephen L. Gillett, Bart Kemper

Join author Simon R. Green for a screening of his feature film. A team of professional ghost finders are trapped in an old village hall. The haunting they set out to investigate turns out to be far worse than they anticipated. Who will survive and what will be left of their souls? Winner of Best Film, Bram Stoker Horror Awards. Rated R

Simon R Green (M)

You mean, the IGN-lauded Kotaku-applauded Cannes Film Festival-playing Mega Ran-collaborating rapper, producer, and trombonist from Kansas City, Missouri, making his very first trip to Norwescon and kicking off nwcMUSIC’s Saturday Showcase? Yeah. We got that Kadesh Flow. Be here.

Lazer Tag is a live action game. This is played only in the provided area. Those underage players must have a parent present to play. Equipment is provided at the play area.

From a novel in progress. – Rated PG

Patrick Swenson

Torn Pages from the Book of Flesh – A mad king. A mad quest. The scribe and her acolyte must copy a key passage from one of the world’s most sacred books. Important secrets are hidden in the Book of Flesh…but the owner of the Book is a living god. Will he let them read it?. Rated R

Arinn Dembo

Many theories abound about why superhero comics are so appealing. Power fantasies for the powerless? A representation of all that is the best in us? Are they about looking outside of ourselves, or within?

Mickey Schulz (M), Erik Scott de Bie, Matt Youngmark, Nathan Crowder, Dylan S.

No one will disagree that fanfiction has a fair amount of sex in it. After all, it’s an opportunity for both writers and readers to put their favorite characters in all kinds of interesting positions and situations that the MPAA would never allow without an NC-17 rating! But it’s important to not only let free the creative juices, but to be responsible and as accurate as possible about them, rather than be another 50 Shades. Come learn about the different types of sexuality fanfic writers like to explore and where they go when they’re not sure if that particular position is actually physically possible. 18+ only, please.

Berlynn Wohl (M), Elliott Kay, Minim Calibre, thatworldinverted

Research, interviews, alpha readers, oh my!

Grant Riddell (M), Kim Ritchie, Diana Copland, Jude-Marie Green

We’re all here to have a good time, right? Let’s make sure we’re ALL having a good time. Tips and tricks to avoid miscommunication and accidentally hurting someone. 18+ only, please.

Sar Surmick (M), Burton Gamble, Sheye Anne Blaze, Morgue Anne

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.

Fresh off new escapades including a Thanksgiving vs. Christmas Holiday Special, the original ukulele-playing CD-making CD-eating Steven-Fry-bemusing revolving-door-slamming geek-folk monster of YouTube returns for another showcase concert, and we couldn’t be luckier if we had a seven-leaf clover. And neither could you. Everybody wins!

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

Self-taught, Gail’s artistic interests and abilities were part of who she was her entire life. Her love of the natural world and its inhabitants fueled a desire to capture their beauty, while her sense of humor and appreciation of that which is magical and whimsical was also a driving force behind her art. Come celebrate her life and work with her family in a sharing of memories.

Black Swan – When Harold Swan discovers that his best friend has disappeared, he does what any mild-mannered English professor would do—grabs his complete works of Shakespeare and his trusty ÈpÈe and sets out to rescue his friend. But Harold can’t imagine the sinister forces mustered against him. They are ancient beings masquerading as humans, members of the Forbes list of billionaires: they are dragons living among us. Black Swan is a tale of the cold-blooded reptilian acquisition of massive wealth. It is also a story about the heated, joyous, Shakespearian mess of human relationships. Rated R

Craig English

Horrific Burlesque Shorts – A collection of short horror stories based off Morgue Anne’s performances. Rated R

Morgue Anne

Hello everybody! I am DJ Rohkan and I am here to bring you music to lift your spirit, move your feet, and bring you to a whole new elevation of digital life! I c0me h3r3 t0 br1ng y*777o^^u… Loading… Loading… Warning! System Error! Contact technical support to resolve! Virus detected! Virus scan highly recommended! Loading Backup program! Loading… Load successful!

 

Terror is all around if you learn how to look at the world differently. Join us for a discussion and tips and tricks for finding the razor’s edge in every fluffy cloud.

Amber Clark (M), Pat MacEwen, Kate Jonez, Jake McKinzie

So you know the basics of BDSM, maybe you’ve engaged in play or had a kinky relationship. Where do you go next? And what exactly is edge play, anyway? We’ll explain all that, and give suggestions on how to do the edgier things more safely and sanely. 18+ only, please.

Ogre Whiteside (M), Mickey Schulz, thatworldinverted

It’s the end of the world and for many humans, it’s a constant battle just to stay alive, but for this deep-cover team of researchers, it’s not a matter of survival at all. It’s a matter of chronicling the final battle for supremacy among the two greatest tribes of undead — with the future of Humanity the prize! Come catch a sneak preview of the latest feature from Hellbender Media, Guerrilla Productions, and Seattle International Films — the same people who bring you the Let’s Make a Movie workshop every year! Meet filmmakers! Have fun!

Edward Martin III (M)

Smart, delightful, high-energy geek-folk with a spectacular string section, you know them, you love them, we can put anything we want here and you’ll show up because you know they’re just that good — it’s Vixy & Tony in concert!

It’s the last open filk of Norwescon 38! After you’ve partied around a bit, and after the concerts are over, come sing or play whatever you want, alone or with friends, to the most supportive crowd you will ever run into ever anywhere. Bring your instrument, bring your voice, and put some of that participation into participatory culture!

Nerf returns to Norwescon! Shoot your enemies, shoot your friends, shoot your parents, shoot your kids! All ages are welcome to come and enjoy the collection of the Nerf Herders, but no outside blasters allowed.

Look! You have ONE job on Saturday night! It’s stupid, but you?re going to Do it! Okay? Join Tim Taylor, Ellen Ripley, Severus Snape, Adrian Monk, Mr. Morgan, and crewman number six aboard the N.S.E.A. Protector as they take to the stars one more time to fight for the Thermians from the Klaatu Nebula in their fight against Sarris in one of the best Star Trek movies ever made: Galaxy Quest.