NWC37 Saturday Banner

What follows is a listing of all panels and events that we will be streaming through our virtual platform (marked with the Airmeet logo (Airmeet Logo)) throughout the convention weekend. All of this content is free for anyone to enjoy!

Individual times are listed in Pacific Daylight Saving Time (PDT). For the convenience of those joining us from elsewhere, headers marking Eastern Daylight Saving Time (EDT) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) are included.

Jump directly to the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday schedule.

Full programming schedules for the rest of the weekend are listed here.

We will be updating this list as major changes occur, until the convention opens. Last updated Apr 14, 2022 @ 11:42 pm.

Thursday, April 14

3 p.m. PDT (6 p.m. EDT / 10 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemGo, Flash, Go! Flash Fiction for Writers
Streamed on Airmeet
3–4 p.m.
Flash fiction (usually 1, 500 words or less) is a form of fiction that is attractive to writers and readers alike for its extreme brevity. How can you tell a story in such limited space? How does a writer build a world, let alone a character, in 1, 500 words? Who are the great practitioners and how are they successful? Panelists will recommend their favorite stories, along with markets where flash fiction can be submitted.
Cat Rambo (M), Brianna Tibbetts, Izzy Wasserstein, Bruce Taylor

4 p.m. PDT (7 p.m. EDT / 11 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemCreating Diverse Fantasy Cultures
Streamed on Airmeet
4–5 p.m.
A trope of old fantasy stories is that all creatures of the same species are culturally alike. How unrealistic is it? When (if ever) is it excusable? What tricks can authors use to diversify monolithic cultures without derailing the story or the world they want to build?
K Tempest Bradford (M), Amanda Hamon, Eva L. Elasigue

5 p.m. PDT (8 p.m. EDT / 12 a.m. April 15 GMT)

Link to this itemCostuming for Those Who Don’t Sew
Streamed on Airmeet
5–6 p.m.
Can’t tell a sewing machine from a Dalek? Break out in hives at the thought of threading a needle? Come talk to our panelists and see costumes that don’t require more than an imagination, some time, and the willingness to experiment. Minimal sewing, assembling found items, and some judicious gluing can make some great costumes.
Wm Salt Hale (M), Christopher Corbitt, Zamesta Cosplay, Janet Borkowski

6 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. EDT / 1 a.m. April 15 GMT)

Link to this itemGeek OUT!
Streamed on Airmeet
6–7 p.m.
Conventions are great and all, but they only happen a handful of times a year, and that’s really not enough, don’t you agree? Let’s talk to people who fly their geek flag out and proud all year! From Star Trek in the Park to video game vocal ensembles, from podcasting to culture-specific geek websites to nerdlesque burlesque, there are lots of opportunities to share geekdom with others. Learn from the pros about how to be a part of the action, and how you can get your own geek OUT!
Kris “Pepper” Hambrick (M), Kassey Castro, Wm Salt Hale, Victoria Shaffer, Christopher Corbitt, Fox Squire

7 p.m. PDT (10 p.m. EDT / 2 a.m. April 15 GMT)

Link to this itemOpening Ceremonies
Streamed on Airmeet
7–8 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies is the official kickoff to Norwescon 44! Enjoy interviews with our guests of honor, get a preview of events and essential information, and enjoy general shenanigans and merrymaking.
Fox Squire (M), Cat Rambo, Rob Carlos, Patrick Swenson, Connor Alexander, Lydia K. Valentine

8 p.m. PDT (11 p.m. EDT / 3 a.m. April 15 GMT)

Link to this itemThursday Dance: Solarpunk
Streamed on Airmeet
8 p.m.–1 a.m.
Come join us for the Thursday dance: Solarpunk. Warning: flashing lights.
AR Mayor “Panda” (M)

9 p.m. PDT (12 a.m. April 15 EDT / 4 a.m. April 15 GMT)

Link to this itemGlitch! Gamer Improv: Last Legend
Streamed on Airmeet
9:30–11:30 p.m.
Big Red Button Improv returns to the Norwescon with the Glitch! Gamer Improv series, where scene cues come from someone playing a classic video game. In this edition, they turn their controllers to the classic NES game Final Fantasy. Will the Light Warriors survive their quest to rescue the fair princess from the evil (Judy) Garland?
Miss Violet DeVille (M), Adrian Cerrato, Beverly Poole, Jenn Caswell, Jordan Miles

Friday, April 15

10 a.m. PDT (1 p.m. EDT / 5 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemThe Changing Perceptions of AI in Science Fiction
Streamed on Airmeet
10–11 a.m.
From Frankenstein to Murderbot, artificially created life has been a mainstay of science fiction. With technological advances threatening to turn AI fiction into AI fact, how have authors’ and artists’ depictions changed? The panel will discuss the earliest depictions of artificial life and how they might or might not have presaged current technology.
David D. Levine (M), Dr. Sean Robinson, Eva L. Elasigue

11 a.m. PDT (2 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemThe Evolution of Representation in Star Trek
Streamed on Airmeet
11–noon
Gene Roddenberry said Star Trek “was an attempt to say that humanity will reach maturity and wisdom on the day that it begins not just to tolerate, but take a special delight in differences in ideas and differences in life forms.” His vision challenged social mores, but couldn’t be fully realized in the 1960s. How has Star Trek evolved over the past 50 years, from the original series to Discovery? Has the representation of race, gender, orientation, ability, and neurodiversity matured? What would Gene think?
Brooks Peck (M), Kris “Pepper” Hambrick, Curtis C. Chen, Christopher Corbitt, Erin Wilcox
Link to this itemInterview, Reading, and Q&A With Lydia K. Valentine
Streamed on Airmeet
11–noon
Come to an interview and Q&A session with Special Guest of Honor Lydia K. Valentine. Lydia will also read selections from her poetry collection, Brief Black Candles.
Benjamin Gordon (M), Lydia K. Valentine

Noon PDT (3 p.m. EDT / 7 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemGood God, Holmes, You Never Cease to Astound Me!
Streamed on Airmeet
noon–1 p.m.
Were the original Sherlock Holmes stories steampunk or straight-up detective stories? What about The Hound of the Baskervilles? Horror or supernatural mystery? What is it about Sherlock Holmes that allows the great “consulting detective” to slip in and out of so many genres? Let’s discuss the many books of science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, etc. that use Sherlock Holmes as a character.
Tom Whitmore (M), Gabe (G.S.) Denning, Kris “Pepper” Hambrick, K.G. Anderson
Link to this itemInterview and Q&A with Rob Carlos
Streamed on Airmeet
noon–1 p.m.
Come to an interview and Q&A session with Rob Carlos, our artist guest of honor.
Brittany Torres (M), Rob Carlos

1 p.m. PDT (4 p.m. EDT / 8 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemWhere the Wild Things Are
Streamed on Airmeet
1–2 p.m.
Magical stories often have magical beasties. But magical beasts need to fit your narrative in organic and fantastic ways. Who writes the best beasts? Why do we like them so much?
Mark Teppo (M), Gabe (G.S.) Denning, Mikko Azul, Julie McGalliard
Link to this itemInterview and Q&A with Patrick Swenson of Fairwood Press
Streamed on Airmeet
10–11 a.m.
Come and meet Norwescon 44 Spotlight Publisher Representative Patrick Swenson of Fairwood Press.
Patrick Swenson

2 p.m. PDT (5 p.m. EDT / 9 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemCharacter Illustration
Streamed on Airmeet
2–3 p.m.
How do you create an iconic character visually? What can you tell a viewer about their history, status, skills, or motivations? From costuming and props to colors and poses, learn how artists create characters with depth.
Rob Carlos (M), Eric L. Vargas, Brittany Torres
Link to this itemInterview and Q&A with Cat Rambo
Streamed on Airmeet
2–3 p.m.
Come and meet our writer guest of honor Cat Rambo and learn about her work and process.
Jennifer Brozek (M), Cat Rambo

4 p.m. PDT (7 p.m. EDT / 11 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemThis Artoo Unit Has a Bad Motivator
Streamed on Airmeet
4–5 p.m.
Characters need to have motivations that make sense to readers. Without realistic motivations, your characters can come off as flat or cliche. How do writers make readers connect with a character through motivation? Does every character in a story need a motive? How can a writer tell if their characters have relatable motivations or not?
Lydia K. Valentine (M), Benjamin Gorman, Gabe (G.S.) Denning, Carol Berg
Link to this itemPainting Demo with Rob Carlos
Streamed on Airmeet
4–5 p.m.
Artist guest of honor Rob Carlos will share his 20-minute painting technique. Pitch him your suggestions and watch as he paints live on stage.
Rob Carlos (M)
Link to this itemConcert: Starlight
Streamed on Airmeet
4–5 p.m.
With a mix of filk, rock, country, blues, blended with dreams and a healthy dose of humor and harmony, Starlight Filk Band is sure to have something to please everyone.
J. Grace McKelvy (M), Starlight, Stephanie Weippert, John R. Gray III, Starlight, Starlight, Nick Hagen

5 p.m. PDT (8 p.m. EDT / 12 a.m. April 16 GMT)

Link to this itemA Newbie’s Guide to Publishing
Streamed on Airmeet
5–6 p.m.
There are so many different ways to publish, which one should you choose? What are some of the ups and downs of the types of publishing? How are the processes different? Do you have to pick just one?
Mark Teppo (M), Patrick Swenson, Rhiannon Held, J. Komp
Link to this itemInterview and Q&A with Connor Alexander
Streamed on Airmeet
5–6 p.m.
Come and meet Special Guest of Honor Connor Alexander and learn about 2022 Nebula Award-nominated role-playing game Coyote and Crow.
Connor Alexander
Link to this itemConcert: Blue Flamez Band
Streamed on Airmeet
5–6 p.m.
Scott Kalama was born and raised on the Warm Springs Nation in central Oregon. With the tragic passing of his older brother, a healing ceremony took place where he derived the name Blue Flamez for his musical project. A career sparked which led to winning the 2016 Native American Music Award (NAMA) for best music video – Rez Life! Despite his success, Blue Flamez decided to stay on his home turf of the Warm Springs Nation. It has been his passion for helping others, inspiring resilience, and empowerment which fuels the blue flames in Scott Kalama’s heart.
J. Grace McKelvy (M), Scott Kalama

6 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. EDT / 1 a.m. April 16 GMT)

Link to this itemMaking Role-Playing Games Welcoming to New Players
Streamed on Airmeet
6–7 p.m.
As the role-playing game and story gaming hobby grows, we need to know how to create a warm, inviting, and safe atmosphere for new players. How do we do our best to make sure these players have fun and come back?
Amanda Hamon (M), Sar Surmick
Link to this itemConcert: Alexander James Adams
Streamed on Airmeet
6–7 p.m.
A professional musician of over forty years, Alec has always used magic in his performances to transform and inspire his listeners into states of being and realms of desire. He creates places where the audience can find their unspoken secrets and address them with new inspiration. Heir to the music and legend of Heather Alexander, Alec performs her music, and his own with a style that goes beyond reality. It is his deepest desire to inspire his audience to find their inner truth and bring it into life, realize their dreams and empower their own personal magic.
J. Grace McKelvy (M), Alexander James Adams

7 p.m. PDT (10 p.m. EDT / 2 a.m. April 16 GMT)

Link to this itemAdding Technology to Your Costume
Streamed on Airmeet
7–8 p.m.
Join us as we discuss going beyond adding basic lighting and blinking to costumes to the use of embroidery machines, 3D printing, tablet screens, arduino programming, and more to get the effect you want.
Zamesta Cosplay (M), Wm Salt Hale, Melissa Quinn, Vandy H. Hall
Link to this itemPhilip K. Dick Awards
Streamed on Airmeet
7–8:30 p.m.
The Philip K. Dick Award is presented annually at Norwescon with the support of the Philip K. Dick Trust to recognize distinguished science fiction published in paperback original form in the United States. The award is sponsored by the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society. The award ceremony is sponsored by Norwescon and the Northwest Science Fiction Society.

8 p.m. PDT (11 p.m. EDT / 3 a.m. April 16 GMT)

Link to this itemConcert: The Faithful Sidekicks
Streamed on Airmeet
8:30–9:30 p.m.
The Faithful Sidekicks are an award-winning comedic geek folk-pop/filk duo who write and perform original catchy songs about fandoms, gaming, and technology. The Sidekicks, winners of the 2021 Best Performer Pegasus award, have been delighting audiences at conventions, clubs, and coffeehouses around the U.S., Canada, and Germany since 2014. Whether it’s an indie-rock song about board games, an upbeat pop song about Han Solo, or a love song written in SQL code, the Sidekicks have something fun for every fan. They have released four CDs, including their latest, Sales of Interest.
J. Grace McKelvy (M), Eric Distad, Jen Distad

9 p.m. PDT (12 a.m. April 16 EDT / 3 a.m. April 16 GMT)

Link to this itemConcert: Celt Check
Streamed on Airmeet
9:30–10:30 p.m.
Celt Check was formed from a jam session at a Renaissance faire. They have played The Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire and the Seattle Scottish Highland Games, as well as Folklife Festival. This will be Celt Check’s fifth year performing at Norwescon.
J. Grace McKelvy (M), Darcy Davis, Gareth Davis, Ari Stolar, GregRobin Smith

Midnight PDT (3 a.m. April 16 EDT / 7 a.m. April 16 GMT)

Link to this itemGlitch! Gamer Improv: After Dark
Streamed on Airmeet
midnight–2 a.m.
TBD
Miss Violet DeVille (M), Adrian Cerrato, Beverly Poole, Jenn Caswell, Jordan Miles

Saturday, April 3

10 a.m. PDT (1 p.m. EDT / 5 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemAll Aboard the U.S.S. Space Opera
Streamed on Airmeet
10–11 a.m.
Space opera, originally rooted in serial storytelling (movie, television, print), has a long history of capturing readers’ imaginations and blending the best parts of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure. Join our panel to discuss what makes a space opera, the importance of the genre in speculative fiction, and why it endures through the decades.
Rhiannon Held (M), David D. Levine, Brenda Cooper, Nancy Kress
Link to this itemRoman Legionary Gladius and Scutum
Streamed on Airmeet
10–11:30 a.m.
This is a hands-on combat demonstration. Teams of 20 or more participants, each equipped with wooden gladius (sword) and regulation scutum (shield), will learn and practice basic Roman legionary combat skills in a safe, supervised environment. Learn what it’s like to stand in the Roman line. Instructors will provide training swords and shields for participants. Legionaries will be attacked by barbarians.
Maj. James Franklin (Ret.) (M), Agathon McGeachy, Sven Red Beard

11 a.m. PDT (2 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemDames, Damsels, & Dynamite
Streamed on Airmeet
11–noon
The young ladies of young adult literature are seldom well-behaved. What empowers these budding women? What are the secrets to their success? It’s more than just dynamite or lacing up combat boots. This panel will help tell us what makes these women explode out of the pages and into our hearts.
Heather S. Ransom (M), Jay Boyce
Link to this itemBroadsword Basics: How to Stand, Walk, Turn, Block, and Cut Like a Real Knight
Streamed on Airmeet
11:30–12:30 p.m.
A hands-on class taught by an SCA knight with more than 30 years of experience. We’ll review armor, weapons, defenses, and attacks. How does the weight of your armor affect your posture and stance? How can a 2-4 pound broadsword move quickly enough to defeat your opponent? How hard do you have to strike to penetrate armor? Where does that power come from?
D.L. Solum (M), Agathon McGeachy, Sven Red Beard

Noon PDT (3 p.m. EDT / 7 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemRepresenting Disability in Fantasy
Streamed on Airmeet
noon–1 p.m.
From Game of Thrones to The Lord of the Rings to How to Train Your Dragon and beyond, panelists will examine how disability is dealt with in fantasy settings and discuss the types of representation they would like to see to show that disability is just one life among many.
Annie Carl (M), Adrienne Dellwo, Joseph Malik, Zamesta Cosplay

1 p.m. PDT (4 p.m. EDT / 8 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemSetting the Stage for a Great Campaign—Session 0
Streamed on Airmeet
1–2 p.m.
There are lot of things that go into a fun and successful tabletop role-playing game campaign, including a good story, preparation, and good players. The one thing you really need is a good start. Setting up the world, the characters, and expectations make the players introduction into the world much easier and makes the GM’s life way easier when it comes to managing players, introducing content, and managing inevitable conflicts. Join our panelists for a discussion on what to include, how to bring it up, and tools you can use.
Amanda Hamon (M), Connor Alexander, Sar Sumick
Link to this itemThe World According to Cat Rambo
Streamed on Airmeet
1–2 p.m.
Cat Rambo talks about her writerly journey, how a lifetime of gaming and reading F&SF has shaped that trek, what her volunteer work in the F&SF community has led to, and why Seattle is one of the best cities in the world for writing speculative fiction.
Cat Rambo (M)

2 p.m. PDT (5 p.m. EDT / 9 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemAdvanced Character Creation
Streamed on Airmeet
2–3 p.m.
Character-creation templates, which new writers can download and use, are everywhere on the internet. But what actually goes into making you feel a character’s wounds and triumphs? How do working writers approach character creation? How do you develop a character hook and do you proceed from there?
Shweta Adhyam (M), Nancy Kress, Louise Marley, Sara A Mueller
Link to this itemFairwood Press: A Look Back and a Look Ahead
Streamed on Airmeet
2–3 p.m.
Publisher and editor Patrick Swenson will share the history of Fairwood Press and Talebones magazine, and titles that will be released soon. You might even score a Fairwood title as a parting gift!
Patrick Swenson (M)

3 p.m. PDT (6 p.m. EDT / 10 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemReading: Cat Rambo
Streamed on Airmeet
3–4 p.m.
Writer Guest of Honor Cat Rambo will read for the first time ever from Devil’s Gun, the sequel to her 2021 novel, You Sexy Thing. Rated PG.
Cat Rambo (M)
Link to this itemConcert: Betsy Tinney
Streamed on Airmeet
3–4 p.m.
Betsy Tinney is a cello storyteller. Using her cello and an electronic looper, she weaves rich, colorful, and varied tapestries of sound. Her original cello compositions paint pictures and tell tales, from thunderstorms and skeletal mice to dancing elephants and humpback whales. She and her cello will transport you to places you hadn’t dreamed could exist and won’t want to leave.
J. Grace McKelvy (M), Betsy Tinney

4 p.m. PDT (7 p.m. EDT / 11 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemMusic in Writing
Streamed on Airmeet
4–5 p.m.
Music is a powerful storytelling tool on the big screen, but what about on the page? Can reading about music evoke the same emotions that hearing it does? What are different ways to use music in fiction? Panelists discuss their experiences and share their techniques for hitting the right notes in your writing.
Adrienne Dellwo (M), Joseph Malik, Patrick Swenson
Link to this itemConcert: The PDX Broadsides
Streamed on Airmeet
4–5 p.m.
The PDX Broadsides, a Portland, Oregon pop-folk trio, have been playing music together since 2011. They have become known for their harmonies and clever writing about fandoms and feelings, and have been nominated for the prestigious Pegasus Award for excellence in filk three times. They have been on several tours in the U.S. and Canada, and love bringing their special brand of musical nerdery to cons big and small.
J. Grace McKelvy (M), Dr. Jess Hebert, Christian Lipski, Hollyannam McCollom

5 p.m. PDT (8 p.m. EDT / 12 a.m. April 17 GMT)

Link to this itemFrom Flying Cars to Autonomous Vehicles… and Beyond!
Streamed on Airmeet
5–6 p.m.
The future of personal transportation has long been “just around the corner,” especially in the minds of science-fiction writers. The 2020s are here, but the thing being sold as a hoverboard has wheels and consumer jetpacks are tethered a short distance above bodies of water. What is the current state of these technologies? What far-future imagined devices should we now be holding out hope for?
Brenda Cooper (M), Dr. Sean Robinson, Agathon McGeachy
Link to this itemLydia K. Valentine: Unmasked
Streamed on Airmeet
5–6 p.m.
How being a Black, autistic, queer, book-inhaling geek prepared me for being a director, dramaturg, educator, editor, poet, and playwright.
Lydia K. Valentine (M)
Link to this itemConcert: Laser of The Doubleclicks
Streamed on Airmeet
5–6 p.m.
Laser is a folk-pop singer-songwriter who “challenges the patriarchy, champions marginalized voices, and finds emotional resonance in everything from robots to breakfast foods.” They have toured the U.S., Australia, and Europe as front person of the Doubleclicks, and have racked up over 4 million YouTube views amongst their large and beautiful grassroots audience. Laser’s latest project, Billboard-charting musical concept album Teaching a Robot to Love, is a sci-fi story about the trans experience.
J. Grace McKelvy (M), Laser of the Doubleclicks

6 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. EDT / 1 a.m. April 17 GMT)

Link to this itemThe Stuff that Dreams are Made Of: Fantasy and Noir
Streamed on Airmeet
6–7 p.m.
From vampire assassins to wizard private eyes to undead thugs, noir and crime has been mixing it up with fantasy for years. What is it about the seedy underbelly of society that makes us want to pair it with the fantastic? Which fantasy writers portray noir, crime, and fantasy well?
Mark Teppo (M), Carol Berg, D.L. Solum, Camden Rose
Link to this itemThe Rest of the World in Space
Streamed on Airmeet
6–7 p.m.
A concise summary of the most significant events in space operations from the rest of the world, with lots of pictures! A perennial Norwescon favorite presented by Dan Dubrick. The room is sure to fill up, so come early to get a good seat!
Dan Dubrick (M)
Link to this itemMasquerade, Part 1: Participant Showcase
Streamed on Airmeet
6–6:30 p.m.
Join us at the pinnacle event for Saturday evening, the Norwescon 44 Masquerade. Watch our fabulous contestants bring their hard work to the stage! Will your favorites match the judges’ favorites? Whether they do or not, we know the show will be amazing.
Richard Stephens (M), Johanna Mead
Link to this itemSci-Fi Fantasy Variety Show
Streamed on Airmeet
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Sparkle and Doom Productions presents an evening of science fiction and fantasy-themed acts for your masquerade half time entertainment, emceed by the one and only David Demers. This show is for all ages! We look forward to seeing your lovely faces!
David Demers (M), Tiphany Starr, Menage a Troi, Michelle, Mercury Divine, Savannah Demers, Fox Squire, Samandra, Nova Haze

7 p.m. PDT (10 p.m. EDT / 2 a.m. April 17 GMT)

Link to this itemWomen in Horror: Hear Us Roar
Streamed on Airmeet
7–8 p.m.
We scream, we fight, and we survive. Women have long been the cornerstone of horror films and books. Now we will celebrate the characters and films we love, as well as recognize the real-life women whose voices are making an impact in the genre.
Jennifer Brozek (M), Cait McKinzie, Mimi Noyes, Erin Wilcox
Link to this itemMasquerade, Part 2: Awards and Announcements
Streamed on Airmeet
7:30–8 p.m.
Join us for the finale of the pinnacle event for Saturday evening, the Norwescon 44 Masquerade. Will your favorites match the judges? Now is the time to find out! The masquerade finale also includes awards for Single Pattern Contest and the announcement of next year’s convention guests of honor.
Richard Stephens (M), Johanna Mead

8 p.m. PDT (11 p.m. EDT / 3 a.m. April 17 GMT)

Link to this itemBroad Universe Rapid Fire Reading
Streamed on Airmeet
8–9:30 p.m.
Come and find your new favorite author at this fast-paced reading featuring excerpts from stories and novels written by members of Broad Universe. As always, we will have chocolate and drawings for books. Broad Universe is a nonprofit organization that accepts members from all genders and has supported women who write, edit, and publish speculative fiction since 2000.
Marta Murvosh (M), Carol Berg, K.G. Anderson, Rebecca A. Demarest, Jude-Marie Green, Debora Godfrey
Link to this itemSaturday Dance: Cyberpunk
Streamed on Airmeet
8 p.m.–1 a.m.
Come join us for the Saturday dance: Cyberpunk. Warning: flashing lights!
AR Mayor “Panda” (M)

9 p.m. PDT (12 a.m. April 17 EDT / 4 a.m. April 17 GMT)

Link to this itemBurlesque: Ripped From The Pages—A Comic Strip
Streamed on Airmeet
9:30–11 p.m.

Once upon a time,
There was a showgirl who liked to read
Those books of many colors
Full of fantastic heroes and mighty worlds
With pages of news pulp filled with adventure, nightmare, and humor
To Seattle, she came
Flying through the air on a crimson cape
Dazzled with crystals and tassels

Behold our ode to the comics’ joy, the terror, and hope
With ecdysiasts eclectic and friends filled with love
With favorite heroes and protagonists to spare
Books in plastic bags and novels of graphics
These performances will be
Ripped From The Pages—
A Comic Strip (Ages 18+).

Bella La Blanc (M), Miss Violet DeVille, Mercury Divine, Aurora Darling, Silver Kitsune, Mercy Stackhouse/Beau NusHole, Fox Squire

10 p.m. PDT (1 a.m. April 17 EDT / 5 a.m. April 17 GMT)

Link to this itemConcert: Raichyl Sinversa
Streamed on Airmeet
10–11 p.m.
Raichyl Sinversa is a solo singer/songwriter who challenges the status quo. Her music elevates and empathizes. She writes subconsciously and claims only to be “the medium through which songs come to life …” Stylistically versatile, she is “pop with an edge” but crosses over into many other genres. Her sound has an alluring musical luster, like an angel with a metronome.
J. Grace McKelvy (M), Raichyl Sinversa

Sunday, April 17

10 a.m. PDT (1 p.m. EDT / 5 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemTropes in Young Adult Fiction
Cascade 9 & 10 / Streamed on Airmeet
10–11 a.m.
The chosen one. The love triangle. The rebel who overthrows an unjust ruler. The spunky or snarky voice. The Mary Sue. First-person, present-tense narration. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, these are the tropes of teen books. Let’s explore why they are used, what strengths they can give a story, what weaknesses they have, which books take the tropes and twist and turn them just right, and what else writers should consider when writing a young adult book to help your work stand apart. And let’s ask ourselves if the reputation of these tropes might be a tad overstated.
Benjamin Gorman (M), Marta Murvosh, Lydia K. Valentine, Adrienne Dellwo

11 a.m. PDT (2 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemVampires vs. Werewolves Smackdown!
Streamed on Airmeet
11–noon
It’s become common in horror and paranormal fiction to depict vampires and werewolves as rivals or enemies. Where does this trope come from? When does it work or not work? And, most importantly, which one would really win in a fight?
Julie McGalliard (M), Xander Odell, Leigh Harlen

Noon PDT (3 p.m. EDT / 7 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemThe Anxious Convention Pro
Streamed on Airmeet
noon–1 p.m.
Being a pro at a convention can feel like the next big step in being recognized for your craft. But what if you’re an anxious, shy sort? How do you move past the anxiety to take that next step? Join these pros as they share their tips for dealing with that annoying little sidekick: anxiety.
Cat Rambo (M), Zamesta Cosplay, Jay Boyce
Link to this itemNorwescon’s Fannish Feud
Streamed on Airmeet
12:30–2 p.m.
Play our fannish version of the popular television iconic trivia game show, based on real survey responses! Each question has multiple answers, but the top answers selected most frequently by the survey respondents provide the most points. Play or watch Norwescon’s Fannish Feud to hear the most popular responses from fellow fans to survey questions. Compete to win bragging rights!
J. Grace McKelvy (M)

1 p.m. PDT (4 p.m. EDT / 8 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemThe Surface Design Rundown
Streamed on Airmeet
1–2 p.m.
There are many ways to add interest to your costume fabrics. Learn from our panelists how to use dye, paint, trim, and even some unexpected materials to make a fabric more exciting.
Julie Zetterberg (M), Alicia Faires, Janet Borkowski, SunnyJim Morgan

2 p.m. PDT (5 p.m. EDT / 9 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemHypersleep vs. Generation Ships
Streamed on Airmeet
2–3 p.m.
Even if faster-than-light interstellar travel isn’t possible, we’re still going, right? Or someone will. Humans are like that. But how? The two most popular notions are hypersleep (also known as suspended animation, the idea we’ll just take a nap until we get there) and generation ships (self-contained, self-supporting ecosystems like a huge sealed-glass garden). How would you prefer to go?
Peter N. Glaskowsky (M), Michael “Tinker” Pearce, Dr. Sean Robinson

3 p.m. PDT (6 p.m. EDT / 10 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemDrag Academy Showcase
Streamed on Airmeet
3–4 p.m.
The Norwescon draglings have spent the weekend learning how to get all dolled up and dragged up. Now what?! It’s time to put on a show, that’s what! Join instructor Mercury Divine and the draglings as they put to work everything they’ve learned during their time at the drag academy! Get ready to cheer, clap, yell, and maybe even throw some dollar bills, because this is going to be a show to remember.
Mercury Divine (M)

4 p.m. PDT (7 p.m. EDT / 11 p.m. GMT)

Link to this itemClosing Ceremonies
Streamed on Airmeet
4–5 p.m.
Come send off Norwescon 44’s guests of honor with fanfare. We’ve made it through another year and will celebrate the good times we’ve had.
Rob Stewart (M), Cat Rambo, Rob Carlos, Patrick Swenson, Connor Alexander, Lydia K. Valentine