Daily ’Zine – Norwescon

Each year during the convention, we produce Norwescon’s official ’Zine, a daily news sheet full of announcements, reminders, interactive columns and general fun.

This year, the ’Zine is called “Nebula Notes” and you can find it every morning of the convention weekend posted here on the website and in the Guidebook app. You can also see it in person, displayed on a monitor at the Information Table in the convention lobby.

During the convention, a link to that day’s ‘Zine was posted above.

’Zine Overflow!

Where you’ll find extra ‘Zine-ness! We didn’t want you to miss out on the photos and news we received for the ’Zine that didn’t fit in the standard edition.

Photos!

Masquerade

Dances

Black Light Ball

A person in a large unicorn costume glowing in under the black lights. — Tonya Clark, Special Events director, glowed brightly as a unicorn under the black lights.

Star Trek vs Star Wars

Dancers wearing Star Trek uniform costumes — Trek uniformed dancers with DJ Wudi (Science GoH Tracy Drain delighted all as a science officer)

Opening Cermonies

We introduced our Guests of Honor with a fun and interesting Q & A session, led by moderator Lydia K. Valentine.

On stage were (left to right, below) Catherynne M. Valente, Wayne Barlowe, Tracy Drain, Jenny Jarzabski, Mike Kimmel, Isis Asare and Lydia K. Valentine. (photos by Pat White)

Norwescon 47 opening ceremonies with guests Catherynne M. Valente, Wayne Barlowe, Tracy Drain, Jenny Jarzabski, Mike Kimmel, Isis Asare, and moderator Lydia K. Valentine.

Catherynne M. Valente and Wayne Barlowe seated on stage.

Tracy Drain on stage.

Jenny Jarzabski and Mike Kimmel on stage.

Isis Asare on stage.

Isis Asare and Lydia K. Valentine on stage.

Wayne Barlowe and Tracy Drain on stage.

Mike Kimmel, Isis Asare and Lydia K. Valentine on stage.

Behind the scenes!

Move-in Wednesday at Norwescon 47 – getting things ready for you in the Grand Ballroom and the Art Show. (photos by Pat White)

More news (and photos)!

Single Pattern Contest

All entries were produced using the same Simplicity sewing pattern – and fun, fantastic imagination took it from there. The judges, Ieva Ohaks, Theresa Halbert and Melissa Quinn, unanimously determined that every contestant deserved an award. Everyone had a great time! (photo credit: Thom Walls)

The winners:

~ Best in Show & Audience’s Choice: Cosmic Karen, by Sue Renhard
~ Judges’ Choice: Ivy Vibes, by Amanda Hart
~ Most Terrestrial: Spring & Fall, by Laura Honeycutt
~ Best Group, for Tenacity, Persistence (and Best Use of Pockets): Aliens, by Decinaty
~ Most Practical Supersuit: Saint Rage Supersuit, by Karen Eisenbrey
~ Best Workmanship: Cozy Scrappy Sweater, by Hazel
~ Best use of the convention theme of “Through the Cosmic Telescope”: Teen Space Angst, by Crystal Lloyd

The Simplicity tracksuit patterns the contestants used. — The patterns

The three Single Pattern Contest judges — The judges

Single Pattern Contest entrant in a dark sweatsuit covered in multichrome stars and planets — Cosmic Karen

Single Pattern Contest entrant in a hoodie sweatsuit composed of multiple green hued patterns. — Ivy Vibes

Single Pattern Contest entrant in a sweat shirt with spring flowers on the top and autumn leaves on the bottom. — Spring and Fall

Single Pattern Contest entrant in a purple fleece fabric hooded sweatsuit, with a furry alien baby. — Aliens

Single Pattern Contest entrant in a dark, caped hoodie with a blue and purple spiral tie-dye pattern on the front and the cuffs. — Saint Rage Supersuit

Single Pattern Contest entrant in a long-sleeved tunic made of pieced-together knitted squares and rectangles. — Cozy Scrappy Sweater

Single Pattern Contest entrant in a silvery reflective rainbow tracksuit. — Teen Space Angst

First Page Idol – new & improved

The popular First Page Idol panel, where the first page of unpublished works are read and reviewed in real time, is back and improved. This year the audience gave direct feedback during the readings. Congratulations to Sierra Cross and the whole panel for making this the most engaging version yet.

Special thanks to our Guests of Honor

Writer GoH Catherynne Valente interviewed by author Jessie Kwak

Artist Guest of Honor Wayne Barlowe standing by his art — Artist GoH Wayne Barlowe stands with art in the Art Show

Science Guest of Honor Tracy Drain being interviewed at Norwescon — Science GoH Tracy Drain (right) tells Marta Murvosh about the watermelon Death Star created for a NASA party.

Special Guest of Honor Isis Asare standing by her book vending machine — Special Guest of Honor Isis Asare and her Sistah SciFi book vending machine

Panels, workshops, etc.

People at a beading workshop — Beading workshop

A woman making a feather boa in a class workshop — Boa-making workshop

Stacks of books available at the Little Free Library — Con goers enjoyed selecting books from the always popular Little Free Library

A woman in an elaborate Vulcan costume — Norwescon was visted by the Vulcan Teresek, who found the con facinating (photo by Jon Lavinder)

The Philip K. Dick Awards

Welcome from Michael Hanscom (PKD Award coordinator), Rob Stewart (Norwescon chair) and Gordon Van Gleder (PKD Award administrator).

Three PKD nominees attended Norwescon!

City of Dancing Gargoyles author Tara Campbell — *City of Dancing Gargoyles* author Tara Campbell

Your Utopia: Stories author Bora Chung — *Your Utopia: Stories* author Bora Chung

Triangulum author Subodhana Wijeyeratne — *Triangulum* author Subodhana Wijeyeratne

Readings at the Philip K. Dick Awards

Sign up for gaming in person

If you want to play a game and see that the online Warhorn sign-ups are now closed, all is not lost!

Gaming instructions:
1. Follow the signs from Dragonflight Games Con club desk to Lakeside Gaming.
2. Find the volunteer/sign-up desk.
3. Check the schedule for games with open spots. Check the Quest board for other interesting games.
4. Sign-up (TIP: set yourself a reminder in Guidebook for scheduled games).
5. Need help? Ask a volunteer where the game is located.

If you don’t see your favorite game or TTRPG, considering running it for others to enjoy! We have Dragonflight Cons board game library, and the Alexandria RPG library on site to lend you what you need to show others your favorite games.

Just request a sign-up sheet on floor two of Lakeside Gaming and hang it on the Quest Board, you can also use the Norwescon Discord #games to advertise.

Lights, music, action — it’s Friday night!

Shake off the serious and embrace the spotlight at Maxi’s! Whether you’re a rockstar in the making or a diva at heart, DJ #CSharp hosts an electrifying karaoke extravaganza starting at 8 p.m. And don’t worry – liquid courage will be available.

Not into singing? No problem! Slide into the glow of the Blacklight Ball with mc300baud at 9:30 p.m. in Grand 2 & 3. Dance your heart out under neon lights!