Schedule
Each year, our team assembles four days jam-packed with the best in panels, workshops, and events to keep you in geek nirvana.
And now it’s here! The Norwescon 48 schedule of events! Get the rundown of every event happening all weekend long with our full event listings! Time to start planning!
New to Norwescon and not sure where the Cascade, Evergreen, Olympic, or other rooms are? See our maps and directory page to get your bearings and you’ll be navigating the convention like you’ve been with us for years in no time!
Downloads
Use the following options to keep a copy of our schedule on your computer, phone, or tablet, or scroll down a little further on this page for the website version of the schedule.
Guidebook
The mobile app for Norwescon 48 will be available soon! With the Guidebook app, you get access to the most up-to-date information, the ability to build your own schedule, hotel maps, networking tools, notifications, and more.
Coming soon!
Schedule eBook and PDF
For those who wish to have a version of the schedule that does not depend on an active network connection, we offer downloadable (and screen reader compatible) ePub and PDF versions of the schedule. These versions will not be updated as frequently as the web or Guidebook, and your version will only be as current as when you last downloaded a copy.
Last updated March 5 at noon.
Daily Program Grids
Grids are formatted to fit an 11âłĂ17âł size; text will be too small to read easily if printed at standard 8.5âłĂ11âł. We recommend zooming in on a phone or tablet or printing on 11âłĂ17âł.
Coming soon!
Souvenir Program Book and Pocket Programs
Limited quantities of the physical printed souvenir program book and pocket programs will be available at the Information table until supplies run out. When you are done with yours, if you don’t want it as a keepsake, please bring it back to the Information table for recycling!
Coming soon!
Schedule
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This schedule is current as of .
Thursday
2 p.m. PST (6 p.m. EST / 9 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Emily Smiley
Cascade 3, to
Treading Water. Dallas London’s brother is presumed dead after going missing off the coast of Maui. Now back home in San Francisco, Dallas does denial in style: no sleep and a steady diet of stale pizza, cigarettes, and intrusive thoughts about her brother’s decaying body. But when a philanthropist’s son disappears under eerily similar circumstances and Dallas starts seeing demons lurking in the shadows of her apartment, even she can’t pretend she’s fine. Enter: Death. In the form of a snarky, sexy young woman, Death is drawn to Dallas’s issues just as much as Dallas is drawn to Death’s mysterious magnetism. Desperate, Dallas makes a deal with Death: Dallas will find out who is stealing the souls of the drowned in exchange for protection from the demon hunting her. The cost? Dallas must come to terms with her incredible loss, even though it makes her wish she’d been the one to sink in the Pacific abyss. Rated PG.
Emily Smiley (M)
Teen & Tween: Hang Out Time
Cascade 5, to
Relax in the teen room and listen to authors read from their books while you craft, color, build, or just zone out. Bring some age-appropriate tunes to share and show off your creations on the display table.
Reading: Jonathan JD Davenport
Cascade 6, to
Frog vs Trog. A late scene from book 3 of the initial Metaerie trilogy. Every era has to end to earn its name. Sometimes it just happens; sometimes it is intentional. When endings are catastrophic, they almost always require sacrifice. Rated PG.
Jonathan JD Davenport (M)
Traditional Crafts in a Digital World
Cascade 7 & 8, to
With the demise of home ec and shop class in schools and the necessity of double-income households, kids have fewer opportunities to learn basic skills and crafts. Panelists ask: How do we keep crafts and skills alive in a fast-paced world of disposable products and digital entertainment?
Melissa Quinn (M), Scotty McIntosh, Crystal Taggart, Caitlin Jacques, Grace Amundsen Barnkow
Best Mad Scientist Plans
Cascade 9, to
With this invention, I shall take over the world! What are the best fiendish plans from fictional sources, and can the panelists and audience do better?
Summer Ash (M), Michael Brugger, Diana Fedorak, Kaitlyn Casimo, PhD, MEd, Torrey Stenmark
Space Propulsion Systems (Real and Imagined)
Cascade 10, to
Space flight in science fiction has been managed by innumerable different methods, from the realistic to the next-step to the potentially impossible to the downright ridiculous. Panelists will look at the spectrum of propulsion systems, their advantages and disadvantages, and how each shaped their particular universe.
Elsie Raymond (M), Phil L. Swan, Tyler Clark, Ian Shaw
Fantasy as a Unifying Understanding
Cascade 11, to
Panelists will discuss how fantasy stories from different parts of the world unify readers, provide a common experience through escapism, and celebrate the subtle differences that unite us.
Christina Boekeloo (M), Remy Nakamura, Gabriella Buba, Tom Whitmore, Ryan James
Villains: Deconstruct, Diversify, Decolonize
Cascade 12, to
This panel challenges the status quo of villains and cultural toxicity in second-world fantasy/sci-fi. This panel will tackle problems with existing tropes (such as oppressed mages or the âotheredâ or coded villain) and present novel ways to world-build societal toxicity separate from existing phenomena (i.e. racism, misogyny, Judeo-Christian or Eurocentric biases). The panel will seek to provide a framework for deconstructing, rethinking, and building diverse villains without being insensitive to current vulnerable populations or readership.
Alexandra Nica (M), S.C. Mills, Talulah J. Sullivan, Diana Ma, Shiv Ramdas
Speculative Film Festival Block A
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Start the festival off with some dark fantasy from foreign lands: TLSM (North Macedonia), Work from Home (Netherlands), The Screenwriter (Italy), and The Minotaur (Spain).
Shawn Marier (M)
How to Critique
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Has your friend ever shown you their artwork/book/costume, and you had no idea what to say? Our panelists are here to help you! They will guide you through giving feedback that uplifts, encourages, and helps our friends to improve their work. Panelists will also look at when to give critique and how to do so with no hurt feelings.
Ivy Gilliam (M), Dutch Bihary ContoursFx, Alex Crawley, Taylor Tomblin, Meghan D. Lancaster
Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator
Tower Salon, to
Artemis is a spaceship bridge simulator where players assume the jobs of captain, helm, science, communication, engineering, and weapons and work together to defeat alien enemies.
Reading: Megan Lee Bees
Cascade 3, to
One Hundred Thousand Lives After Death. A dead woman lives on with her consciousness stored in a hundred thousand spiders, but when her sister returns years after her death, the threads that held her together begin to break. Rated PG.
Megan Lee Bees (M)
3 p.m. PST (7 p.m. EST / 10 p.m. GMT)
Reading: A. W. McCollough
Cascade 3, to
âThe Animatronicals.â Purps the Octopurps has gone missing, and Big Bear has to find her. He fears the worst, that Little One, the 4-year-old human child he belongs to, has taken her for play time. Little One tends to be hard on her toys. Can Big Bear save Purps from Little One? Are the Programmers real? Is there truly an Outside? Listen and find out. Rated PG.
A. W. McCollough (M)
Reading: GregRobin Smith
Cascade 6, to
A Whisper without WordsâAdding to the Canon of Shakespeare. New works in a Shakespearean style. One of the pieces is a new epilogue for Romeo and Juliet spoken by Nurse. Other poems and short scripts. Rated G.
GregRobin Smith (M)
Sell Your WorkâNot Yourself
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Panelists present a guide to self-marketing for independent publishers of games or fiction, ranging from crowdfunding as a marketing tool to influencer marketing, digital advertising, audience building, and more.
Erica Angeline Solano (M), Rue Dickey, Brigitte Winter, Libby Schultz, Ron Leota
Finding Your Authenticity
Cascade 9, to
While learning to craft stories, it can often feel like you’re just sounding like the authors and stories that inspire you. As part of the journey, you begin to find your own voice, style, and confidence to branch away from known paths into projects that are your own. Panelists will discuss not only the importance of authenticity, but ways to help you find your own.
M. Shedric Simpson (M), Brenda Cooper, Shiv Ramdas, Tegan Moore, Tom Wright
Castles and Fortifications
Cascade 10, to
Not just a big, fancy house, a castle serves many purposes: defensive, economic, political, and more. How do castles and fortifications affect local economies and politics? What changed over the years or varied by culture and geographical regions?
Randy Hayes (M), Jonny, D.L. Solum, Ann Shilling, Jonathan JD Davenport
An Introvertâs Guide to Cons
Cascade 11, to
Cons are full of people and hyperstimulation. As an introvert, how do you make the most of a con? Do you just put on your âextrovert maskâ and collapse when the con is over? Learn how to get the most out of a con without burning out.
D. Scott Thayer (M), Andrew Williams, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti, Ian Shaw, Oz Norberg
L4 Space Habitat Society
Cascade 12, to
Make it so. This is a follow-up to discussions generated by recent Gravity Wells panels. Our group is setting up as a nonprofit to promote research and development for small, private-venture habitats, which could be built perhaps three to four decades from now. It turns out that artificial gravity using tether-spinning of asteroids is feasible, and âshirtsleevesâ environments could be built and sustainably maintained inside them. Commercial launches, robotic construction, and all the necessities are coming along, so let’s stimulate serious planning now.
Judy R. Johnson (M), Eric Taney, Dr. Sean Robinson, Phil L. Swan
Speculative Film Festival Block B
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
This block features speculative fiction from student filmmakers. Uncertainty Principle (Spain), Unknown User (USA), Daybreak (Israel), Lavenza (Canada), and Dealing with Time (U.S.).
Shawn Marier (M)
Lord of the Rings as a Horror Story
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
You may think you donât like horror, but if you like The Lord of the Rings, try re-reading (or watching) the series, paying close attention to Frodo and Samâs journey. With the NazgĂťl hunting them, Smeagolâs evil corruption arc, the Dead Marshes, and Shelobâs lair, one of your favorite fantasy novels might actually be a horror novel in disguise.
Clay Vermulm (M), Rosemary Jones, Dustin Campbell, J.B. Kish, Kris ‘Pepper’ Hambrick
Qigong (Movement Meditation Class)
Grand 2, to
Qigong is a form of movement meditation that cultivates skill with qi (the body’s subtle energy, or life force) to promote robust health, martial prowess, and spiritual insight. These gentle yet profound movements are a perfect way to relax and invigorate both body and mind. Wear flat, comfortable shoes and clothes that allow for ease of movement. Practice is performed standing but can be modified to allow for seated practice. No experience necessary.
Corry L. Lee (M)
Teen & Tween & Youth: Badge Decorating
Olympic 1, to
Bring your new convention badge and jazz it up with trimmings and crafted ribbons.
L.J. Melvin (M), Oliver Huskey
Reading: Cozy Joe
Cascade 3, to
A Wasted Death. While renovating her grandmother Ruby’s spa, a woman discovers a skeleton under a jacuzzi that had been installed in the late â60s. When it turns out to be her grandfather, Cristal Chanda Leare decides she needs to figure out who the real murderer is, in order to save Ruby from going to jail. Rated PG.
Cozy Joe (M)
Reading: Dr. Mark Rounds
Cascade 6, to
This Fine and Pyrrhic Beauty. In the year 1884, Sean O’Herlihy and his comrade, Micheal Flynn, plant a bomb at the Headquarters of the Irish Special Branch of Scotland Yard. The explosion seriously injures Lord Mowbray, Chief Inspector of the Irish Special Branch, and kills his friend, Inspector Ainsley Richland. Follow Sean’s adventures as he and his wife Bridget find a new home among the sands of Mars. Rated G.
Dr. Mark Rounds (M)
4 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST / 11 p.m. GMT)
Reading: David Tucker, Ph.D.
Cascade 3, to
Infamous Chronicles: Scar-Faced Princess of Kivu. An Imperial general with an opportunity, an infamous traitor masquerading as an Imperial lord, and a grotesquely scarred princess at the center of a hidden rebellion. Rated PG.
David Tucker, Ph.D. (M)
Teen & Tween & Youth: Easter Pinata Decorating
Cascade 5, to
Decorate an Easter-themed pinata. All materials provided.
L.J. Melvin (M), Oliver Huskey
Why Wonât Zombies Die? The Answer Is in the Question
Cascade 6, to
From Night of the Living Dead to The Last of Us, zombies have evolved from shambling corpses to complex metaphors. The panelists explore how they represent consumerism, disease, and social decay, and why they just won’t die.
Timothy W. Long (M), A. W. McCollough, Natalie Leif, Dustin Campbell, Gwen Callahan
Wit and Witticisms
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Come discuss the intricacies of humor writing, how it works, and the powerful usefulness of comedians as truth tellers in narrative that both amuse and inform readers.
Curtis C. Chen (M), Randy Henderson, Shiv Ramdas, Tara Campbell, Tori Sharp
Myths as a Structure
Cascade 9, to
Panelists discuss the structure of myths that make them resonate throughout the ages and what tools authors can take from them that will enable them to deepen this mythic quality in their own work.
Kate Ristau (M), Peter Adrian Behravesh, Ben Thompson, Remy Nakamura, Erin M. Evans
Artificial Intelligence and Economics
Cascade 10, to
Remember when the AI promised to change the world, take over the mundane tasks, and free people to reach new heights of creativity and productivity? How is that working out? Come help our panelists scrape the last few years to find trends for the next few.
Dr. Corey Frazier (M), Andrew Williams, VA7LON, Libby Schultz, Luis E. Torres
High School Is Hell: High School Heroes and Villains
Cascade 11, to
High school is featured in many YA stories. What are the common heroes and villains of these schools? How do you accurately write them?
Camden Rose (M), Larina Warnock, Lily Meade, Miranda Levi, Terra Caldwell
Human Parasitology vs. Mutualism
Cascade 13, to
Bug fu, gonna put it on you, bathing wonât help, no matter how hard you scrub…. Panelists discuss your biome and why you need it…and when it goes bad.
Marnee Chua (M), Rue Dickey, Alan Andrist, Darren McKinty, RVT
What Did They Just Say?
Cascade 12, to
Terms and how to say them: military edition. Audiobooks are great until a term is mispronounced and jolts the listener out of the story. Learn about military terms, abbreviations, and acronyms.
D. Scott Thayer (M), Travis Partington, Sam Stark, Diana Fedorak, Russell Ervin
Speculative Film Fest Block C
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
This block features dystopian science fiction in settings too close to our own. Furnaces (U.S.), Afterlife (U.S.), Les Autres (France).
Shawn Marier (M)
Firearms in Film and Television
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
This panel examines how firearms are portrayed on screen, contrasting cinematic tropes with real-world use. Panelists will discuss accuracy, symbolism, and the impact of these portrayals on storytelling and audience perceptions across film and television.
Emily C. Skaftun (M), Alan Paulsen, John Lovett, Brian D. Oberquell, Dr. Mark Rounds
Regency Era Dance Workshop
Grand 2, to
Ever wanted to learn to dance like Elizabeth and Darcy? Nowâs your chance. Try some historical English country dancing! The workshop is very beginner-friendly; no experience needed. Most dances use a walking step so itâs not too strenuous, and accommodations for those with mobility issues are available. Come as you are, costume not required. This workshop is hosted by South Sound English Country Dance.
Theresa Barker (M), Taylor Tomblin
Youth: Fun with Fabric
Olympic 1, to
Bring an old shirt or pillowcase and give it new life with tie-dye and fabric paint. Bandanas will be available for those without.
Jenny Shafer (M), Grace Amundsen Barnkow
Speed Friending
Olympic 2, to
Want to get to know other congoers, but the idea of striking up a conversation with a stranger has you thinking about running the other way? One, welcome! Youâre in a lot of good company when it comes to meeting new people. Two, we have a solution to feeling alone in a crowd. Similar to speed dating, you will sit down with someone and talk for up to two minutes about easy topics, such as: Have you been to Norwescon before? What events sound interesting this year? What are your fandoms? If the two of you want to talk further, you can exchange info. Otherwise, hey, you still met someone! And every few minutes, you both switch to someone new and start again. Find some of your future friends here.
Tabby Rose (M)
Meetup: Northwest Science Fiction Society (NWSFS) Cookies in Hyperspace
Presidential Suite 1360, to
Members and prospective members of Northwest Science Fiction Society (NWSFS) will be gathering to socialize, network, and maybe do a bit of event planning. Bring cookies!
Lakeside Open Gaming
Rotunda 1 & 2, to
Lakeside Gaming will be open all day Thursday starting at 2 p.m. Feel free to bring your own game or check one out from Dragonflightâs lending library. As a reminder, Lakeside Gaming is only accessible by way of the second-floor skybridge via the first or second concourse.
How to Pattern the Weird Stuff
Tower Ballroom, to
Making patterns for stuffies, cosplay accessories, or decor pieces doesn’t have to be daunting. In this workshop, the panelists will make a pattern for a set of cosplay horns and teach the general principles to pattern all kinds of things. Whether you’re ultimately working in leather, foam, metal, fabric, or some other material, these general techniques will get you started on the road to the finished product you’re looking for. Limit 10 participants. Signup is at the info table.
SunnyJim Morgan (M)
Concert: Cathy McManamon
Tower Lounge, to
Cathy is a professional musician and multiple Pegasus Award-winner with a slim Ovation guitar and a warm, expressive voice who will take you on a journey about the road and runes, featuring real-life songs from her most recent album, Gemini.
Cathy McManamon (M)
Reading: Josef B. Wilke
Cascade 3, to
âI Don’t Want to be A Writer Any More.â A wannabe writer takes a trip to the Stanley Hotel for inspiration only to find the hotel is run by ghosts of former writers, all none too happy to find out he uses ChatGPT to write his fiction. Rated R.
Josef B. Wilke (M)
5 p.m. PST (9 p.m. EST / midnight GMT)
Reading: Alexander James Adams
Cascade 3, to
The first or second short story in a series of eight, featuring the author’s personal perspective of the Turning of the Seasons and the yearly Wheel of Life. Rated G.
Alexander James Adams (M)
Literary Agents in the Modern Publishing Landscape
Cascade 6, to
Literary agents have traditionally been the first gate toward publication for authors. But in a world where so many authors self-publish, where small presses are make more of an impression, and trad publishers seem more out of reach for writers than ever before, what is an agentâs role today? What do they bring to the table, and how do they make a difference to a writer’s career? Is finding and acquiring an agent the right move for you?
Kate Ristau (M), Erik Grove, Tori Sharp, Gabrielle Harbowy, Jack Skillingstead
Wigginâ Out
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Top off that costume with a customized wig. Bring your questions and get ready to discuss historical, traditional, and modern wig styling techniques.
Melissa Quinn (M), Caitlin Jacques
Getting Started Writing Horror
Cascade 9, to
What scares you? How do you turn that into something that will scare everyone elseâor at least compel them to read to the end? Join experienced short- and long-fiction writers in a discussion of how to navigate tropes, set the right pace for the emotional beats of a scary story, seed your narrative with subtle unease, and dig into your own deep fears to write the best horror fiction you can.
Tegan Moore (M), Clay Vermulm, Bradley Englert / Orbit Books, J.B. Kish, Thomas Ha
Presented by BritCon: The Discworld books of Terry Pratchett
Cascade 10, to
What is it about the books that so many love? Is it the satire, the great characters, the inventive world-building? What motivates his readers to read them over and over? So many fans use their time, energy, and creativity to run conventions; create music, films, costumes; and create their own written works, when so few other authors have the same kind of dedicated readers.
Dawn Shaw (M), Judy R. Johnson, Berlynn Wohl, Richard Stephens, Matt Youngmark
Modern Tools
Cascade 11, to
In an age of increasing programs and resources, panelists discuss the current ones available to us that can be good resources. Conversely, what tools are distractions and how to minimize those. This is not a panel on AI and utilizing AI into oneâs toolset.
Josh Storey, Sandra Rosner, Richard Flores IV, Cyrus Amelia Fisher
Different Views: Storytelling 301
Cascade 13, to
Managing multiple perspectives is a complicated, nuanced skillset that can either elevate or derail a story quickly. Join panelists as they approach why selecting specific POVs are important and how to weave them together to deepen the readerâs experience without causing confusion.
G.R. Theron (M), Randy Henderson, Curtis C. Chen, Terra Caldwell, Corry L. Lee
The Realities of Consumer Space Travel Today
Cascade 12, to
What are the potential consumer-based space tourism options anticipated in the future? Whatâs up with Virgin Galactic, specifically? Is Delta really going to fly in time to generate revenue before funds run out? Are we close to glory, or close to a two-decade-long pipe dream finally ending?
Hugh S. Gregory (M), Dr. Sean Robinson, Dr. Corey Frazier, Eric Taney, Phil L. Swan
Speculative Film Festival Block D
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
End the afternoon with a mixture of martial arts and animation. Spirit Slayer: Rise of the Apprentice (Singapore), Fathoming Dinner (Lithuania), My Lovely Beast (Ukraine), Back to You (Chile), Burnout (U.S.).
Shawn Marier (M)
The Psychology of Dueling
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Fighting as a spectator sport dates back to at least 700 BCE and has been popular throughout Europe ever since. In some places and eras, it was the only way to enforce consequences on criminals or other miscreants and hooligans. Today, many one-on-one sports could be considered dueling, from MMA to pool, bowling, and NHRA drag racing, to name a few. Elite duelers compete as much with their minds as weapons, fists, or bodies. How can thoughts change an outcome for the winner? These and other questions will be explored.
Ann Shilling (M), D.L. Solum, Carmen Beaudry, Brian D. Oberquell, S.C. Mills
Youth: Make a Lantern
Olympic 1, to
Make a rip-and-stick lantern out of a recycled container and an electric candle.
Jenny Shafer (M), Susie Fox
Daggerheart
Olympic 2, to
Want to learn to play the Daggerheart tabletop role-playing game by Critical Role? GMs are hosting a special event for you to learn to play this wildly popular system. Up to 25 players can participate in this night of adventure and fun with this narrative tabletop game.
Concert: Andrew Ross
Tower Lounge, to
A master of parody, satire, and wit who has been cranking out new songs almost daily since 1997, Andrew is a delightful performer with a well-deserved best composer Pegasus Award to his credit.
Andrew Ross (M)
Doors Open for Opening Ceremonies
Grand 3, to
Come in and grab a seat for opening ceremonies.
6 p.m. PST (10 p.m. EST / 1 a.m. April 3 GMT)
Opening Ceremonies
Grand 3, to
Join us for the grand kickoff of Norwescon 48! Our opening ceremonies feature interviews with our esteemed guests of honor and set the stage for an exciting weekend.
Lydia K. Valentine (M), T. Kingfisher, Geneva Bowers, Summer Ash, Bradley Englert / Orbit Books, Dutch Bihary ContoursFx
7 p.m. PST (11 p.m. EST / 2 a.m. April 3 GMT)
Reading: Dean Wells
Cascade 3, to
The Quantum Mechanicals. When a mad goddess deems the human race a stain upon mechanized perfection, a disparate collective of humans and non-humans alike race to save mankind from oblivion. Rated PG.
Dean Wells (M)
Teen & Tween: LARPing Scavenger Hunt
Cascade 5, to
Explore the far reaches of DoubleTree, meet other teens, and complete the hero’s journey as you return to your own teen programming room (Cascade 5) with treasure. Led by a LARPing pro and teen track volunteers.
Lydia Randall (M), Oliver Huskey
What Would a Future Military System Look Like?
Cascade 6, to
Our modern military systems have their genesis in 17â18th century models. Most European and North American systems are similar, but what would a future military systemâintegrating alien allies and influenced by differing culturesâlook like?
Teresa Drag (M), Russell Ervin, Mike Brennan, Travis Partington, Clayton Mann
Small Fries
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Not all stories are longâsome are bite-size. Panelists talk about the shorter side of stories, and how they can be just as satisfying as their longer counterparts (for both the writer and readers!).
M. Shedric Simpson (M), Cyrus Amelia Fisher, Emily C. Skaftun, Thomas Ha, Koji A. Dae
The Ultimate Superpower for Your Main Character: Giving Them Agency
Cascade 9, to
How do you give your YA characters agency when so many big life decisions are controlled by the adults in their lives? Listen to panelists discuss the agency of YA characters.
L.J. Melvin (M), Lish McBride, Karen Eisenbrey, Amy Sundberg, Tori Sharp
Disability and Body Horror
Cascade 10, to
More authors than ever have been finding ways of using body horror to explore and express their disabilities.
Evan J. Peterson (M), Megan Lee Bees, Natalie Leif, Rue Dickey, Laura Cranehill
Professional IP Writing vs. Fanfic
Cascade 11, to
Professional IP work both is and is not like getting paid to write fic. What are the differences, and how does experience in one area translate to the other?
Margaret Owen (M), Sandra Rosner, Amanda Cherry, Atlin Merrick, Janna Silverstein
aUI: The Language of Space Workshop
Cascade 13, to
aUI, the Language of Space, will be introduced and described: its background, purpose, and unique characteristics that set it apart from other created languages. Secondly, the basics of aUI will be taught. The audience will be challenged to memorize its 31 symbols, sounds, and meanings within the time it takes to briefly describe them. Then basic words and phrases will be practiced in an interactive session. aUI is built on a set of proposed universal semantic primes that all cultures, including extraterrestrial, might have in common.
Andrea Weilgart (M)
Reading Other Peopleâs Poetry
Cascade 12, to
Panelists and interested audience members are invited to bring their favorite poems by other writers (ideally speculative, but not a requirement!) to introduce to everyone else (audience members are welcome to read their contributions or have a panelist do it!). Please plan on sharing between one and five minutes (with possibility for more depending on number of participants).
Thursday (M), GregRobin Smith, Brian U. Garrison, Larina Warnock, Brianna Malotke, Sierra Branham
Speculative Film Festival Block E
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
This block includes movies made in the Pacific Northwest. Firecrow (Canada); Sticky Buns, Ravioli, and White Cake (U.S.); The 2400 (Canada); Earwig (U.S.); Before the Sky Took Him (U.S.); and We Look Like You (U.S.).
Shawn Marier (M)
The World as a Character
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
In a fantasy setting the reader not only joins the characters, but is drawn into a world other than their own. What is the importance of the story world and its themes? How does the setting in fantasy inform the reader of what to expect?
Elsie Raymond (M), Randy Henderson, Leah R Cutter, Carol Berg, Peter Adrian Behravesh, Gregory Amato
Thursday Lazer Tag
Grand 2, to
Come on down and have a blast playing open Lazer Tag/Nerf. This event is Lazer Tag with a twist: BYON (bring your own Nerf). Voting will determine whether the 20-minute games will be Nerf or Lazer Tag. Eye protection must be worn during Nerf and Blaster.
Figure Drawing Class
Tower Ballroom, to
Panelists have some costumed models, tables, and a timer. Sprinkle in some people with drawing materials and voilĂ ! A figure-drawing class!
Larry Lewis (M), Richard Stephens, Eric L Vargas, Camille Meehan, Melissa Quinn, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti
Reading: Ryan James
Cascade 3, to
The Last Galaxy. Ryan James will read a selection from his novel. Rated PG.
Ryan James (M)
8 p.m. PST (midnight EST / 3 a.m. April 3 GMT)
Reading: Leigh Harlen
Cascade 3, to
Join Leigh Harlen for a reading from their work. Rated G.
Leigh Harlen (M)
The Audiobook Production Pipeline
Cascade 6, to
Turning a book into a polished audiobook involves more than just reading aloudâitâs a carefully coordinated process from manuscript to finished product. Authors and narrators walk through each step of the audiobook production process, including preparing the manuscript, working with narrators and producers, recording, editing, mastering, and distribution. Panelists will share best practices for collaboration, common pitfalls to avoid, and tips to ensure your audiobook meets professional standards. Looking to improve your workflow? Learn how to bring your story to life in audio.
Sam Stark (M), Gary Bennett, Megan Lee Bees, Diana Fedorak
20 Years of Bending
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Avatar: The Last Airbender debuted in 2005, and since then bending has shown up on the big screen, in comics, and live action reboots. Come discuss why this world and its characters have quietly stood the test of time.
Jack Samm (M), Gina Saucier, Nicole Glover, Matt Youngmark, Gabriella Buba
Power Blowing in the Wind
Cascade 9, to
The tech for using the wind to do work is both very old, and not yet mature. Whenever it looks like we have it nailed down, we change the work we want done, or the technology, or both. Join our panelists at they talk about wind power past, present, and future, in reality and fiction.
Mike Brennan (M), Dr. Mark Rounds, Jay Donnaway, David Tucker, Ph.D., Jonny
Extinction vs. Survival
Cascade 10, to
Bad luck or bad genes? If you are at the touchdown point of a large asteroid, none of it matters!
Charlotte Lewis Brown (M), Shiv Ramdas, Darren McKinty, RVT, Dr. Ricky
Putting Your Fanfic Online
Cascade 11, to
So you’ve written your first epic fanfic, and now you want to share it with the rest of fandom. What platforms exist and what are the guidelines (tagging systems, etc.) to keep in mind? Geared towards beginning writers, teens, and tweens.
Scotty McIntosh (M), Berlynn Wohl, Anne Stewart, Kathy
Return of Scifaiku Showdown
Cascade 12, to
Bring your best 17-syllable brain and go head-to-head with panelists and audience members constructing haiku around randomly pulled promptsâyou might take home a fabulous prize!
Ann Shilling (M), Larina Warnock, Ellis Bray, Cecilia Eng
Speculative Film Festival Block F
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Time to cross the toxic wastelands! Enjoy Ignis Oppidum (U.S.), New Human (U.S.), and Ekelbrode (France).
Shawn Marier (M)
Artists vs. Writers
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Watch writers read a description from their books and artists bring those descriptions to life.
Tara Campbell (M), Natalie Leif, Eric L Vargas, Brianna Malotke, Josef B. Wilke, Larry Lewis
Introduction to Fandom Dancing
Grand 3, to
Ever wondered how to do the Time Warp? The unspoken etiquette behind Rasputin? Just how do you do the Macarena? Come join this class where teachers go over the basics of dances you’ll see at most fandom conventions. Theyâll end with a dance party!
Michelle Morrell (M), Michael Hanscom, Wm Salt Hale
Stitch & Bitch and Costume 911
Tower Ballroom, to
Still working on something to wear in the halls, in the masquerade, or just for a project? This is your place! Bring your items to work on, and enjoy good company and the opportunity to get help if needed.
Dave OâNeillâs SF&F Pub Triva Extravaganza
Tower Lounge, to
The definitive SF&F trivia pub quiz experience! Dave provides multiple rounds of classic SF&F trivia from the worlds of media, fantasy, SF, and more, including a sound round, a picture round, and other surprises. Exciting and not-so-exciting prizes will be on offer! Teams of four are preferred. Use of electronic devices, external brains, or telepathy is strictly forbidden. A no-host bar is available.
Dave O’Neill (M)
9 p.m. PST (1 a.m. April 3 EST / 4 a.m. GMT)
Friends of Bill W.
Cascade 3, to
Intro to BDSM
Cascade 11, to
BDSM is an umbrella term for a wide range of sexual practices. Many people enjoy building trust and intimacy with their partner through intentional power exchange. The kink community has its own traditions and cultural norms, but at the core it focuses on communication and consent. Come learn more!
Hazel (M), Susie Fox, Sar Surmick, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti, Ian K. Hagemann, MSW
Speculative Film Festival Q&A
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
This is a time to ask attending filmmakers whose work is in the festival any burning questions you might have about their films. If you have ever wanted to run a festival, the festival director will also answer questions about the process.
Shawn Marier (M)
Open Filk Circle: Thursday Night
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Filkâs origins come from folk circles at conventions, which mutated because of a typo and the sort of people who must enshrine a joke. The rules were simple: Everything was filkâan original song, a filk song, a popular song, or an interpretive dance. Everyone who chose to was allowed to perform and shown respect. Otherwise, simple civility ruled the day. Bring your instruments and voices to share your songs! Everyone and every type of music are welcome.
Cathy McManamon (M), Eric Distad, Paul Kwinn
Thursday Night Dance: First Contact Galactic Gala with DJ WĂźdi
Grand 3, to
Leap into the cosmos and celebrate the thrill of discovery! Dress stellar, dance interstellar. You can even send in your song suggestions now!
DJ WĂźdi (M)
10 p.m. PST (2 a.m. April 3 EST / 5 a.m. GMT)
Advanced BDSM 18+
Cascade 11, to
So youâve explored some kinks and have a better idea of what you likeâwhat next? Whether your fantasies include edge play, consensual non-consent, intoxication, or something else, there are probably others who can provide guidance. Come explore the nuances of new scenes, spaces, and partners with our panelists. Restricted to 18 years of age and older.
Sar Surmick (M), Izzy G, Sam Stark, Hazel, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti, Ian K. Hagemann, MSW
Free the Goblin City
Grand 2, to
This is a high-energy, live-action quest with swordplay and sorcery set in the realm of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. For teens and adults.
Midnight PST (4 a.m. April 3 EST / 7 a.m. GMT)
Lakeside Open Gaming
Rotunda 1 & 2, to
Lakeside Gaming will be open Thursday night starting at midnight. Feel free to bring your own game or check one out from Dragonflightâs lending library. As a reminder, Lakeside Gaming is only accessible by way of the second-floor skybridge via the first or second concourse.
Friday
7 a.m. PST (11 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. GMT)
Friday Lazer Tag
Grand 2, to
Free play will open with Lazer Tag. Rules for each session will be posted. Underage players must have a parent present to play. Equipment is provided at the play area.
9 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST / 4 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Elsie Raymond
Cascade 3, to
Hollow Pines. A woman moves to the suburbs and enters into an involuntary and unholy agreement with the haunted forest behind her house in order to carry a child to term. Rated PG.
Elsie Raymond (M)
Action Scenes: Storytelling 302
Cascade 13, to
Panelists discuss how to write action scenes more interesting than a technical readout of blow-by-blow fight scenes, or battles that leave the reader skimming pages instead of feeling the importance of the moment.
Alexandra Nica (M), Erik Grove, Gregory Amato, Sebastien de Castell, D.L. Solum
Youth: Friday Cartoons and Coloring
Olympic 1, to
Start your day with some coloring sheets and cartoons.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Reading: Jennifer Brozek
Cascade 3, to
âCitizen, Scion, Savior, Singularity.â After following a mysterious signal into the Void, Citizen Sophia Nyland discovers her world is much larger than she could have ever imagined. Now she is needed to save not only this new place, but the entire world. Rated G.
Jennifer Brozek (M)
10 a.m. PST (2 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Liz Argall
Cascade 3, to
Mad art and safety in fandom! Liz explores the intersection of madness and fandom and how our fandoms create safer spaces. Rated PG.
Liz Argall (M)
Teen & Tween: Hangout Time
Cascade 5, to
Relax in the teen room and listen to authors read from their books while you craft, color, build, or just zone out. Bring some age-appropriate tunes to share and show off your creations on our display table.
Teen & Tween: Podcast Setup
Cascade 6, to
Everyone talks about the importance of âequipmentâ and âroom tone,â but what does that actually mean? Learn how to create a home recording setup that actually sounds professionalâwithout emptying your wallet. In this hands-on workshop, youâll learn how to choose gear, optimize your space, and use basic recording software. Equipment will be provided for live demonstration, so you can see and hear exactly how it all comes together. For teens and tweens only!
Sam Stark, Elizabeth Guizzetti/Elizabeth Greyrose, John Godek
Letâs Make a Movie: Plan It!
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Norwescon’s original movie-making workshop (begun in 2000) will show you how to make a movie on a shoestring in just a few hours! But first, the basics: What equipment do you need to make a movie (hint: it might already be in your pocket!), and how can you make it look better? Learn tips ânâ tricks our pros have picked up over the years. Then, the audience will come up with an idea, develop it into something doable at a con, plan the shoot, do some quick casting, and do pretty much anything else our pros can think of. This is your chance to be a part of this unique workshop and learn how to make a movie on a budget so tiny that calling it âtinyâ makes people who are tiny feel insulted. The key to making a movie, of course, is good planning. If you want to get in on the action tomorrow, you’ll want to be here.
Ryan K. Johnson (M), Edward Martin III, Brian D. Oberquell, dQ Kaufman
FanficâNot Just Training for Going Pro
Cascade 9, to
While many professional authors built their skills writing fanfiction, not everyone has toâor wants toâgo pro. There are pro writers who still write fanfiction as well as their original fiction. What is fanfiction good for? What does it do better than original fiction, even beyond the obvious value of getting to play with someone else’s characters (which pro-fic also does, in its own way). This can range from giving space for queer fiction and stories that are âunmarketableâ for whatever reason (too dark, too fluffy, not enough plot). Fanfic exists in a different community space than original fic.
Anne Stewart (M), Julia Laurel, Berlynn Wohl, Janna Silverstein, Amanda Cherry
Laser Weapons, Reality or Myth
Cascade 10, to
Where are the laser weapons? They work nicely in science fiction, but why donât we hear about them on the modern battlefield? Do the science fiction writers even get it right? Our panelists will talk about lasers, their history, how they’re made, and why they sometimes catastrophically self-destruct, very much like a bad launch at Cape Canaveral. Panelists will also explain how to build a laser; it’s not as difficult as one might think. No equations!
J. L. Doty (M)
Terraforming vs. Adaptation: Changing Worlds or Changing Ourselves?
Cascade 11, to
Should we try to reshape alien worlds to suit human biology, or use genetic engineering and cybernetics to adapt ourselves to new environments? What are the technical, ethical, and evolutionary implications of those choices? And what happens when we have to broaden the definitions of what it means to be âhuman?â
Bryana Bean (M), Hugh S. Gregory, Diana Fedorak, Jonny, Phil L. Swan
Micro and Flash Fiction: The Art of Brevity
Cascade 13, to
Micro fiction, or flash fiction, is the craft of telling a complete story in (usually) less than 500 words, or sometimes as few as 100. Youâll learn how to take a story with both an internal and external arcâcomplete with setting, character, voice, conflict, plot, resolution, and even world-buildingâand distill it down as much as possible, but no further. Attendees may leave with a tightly crafted opening sentence for their own micro fic, an outline for the rest, and maybe even a complete story. Open to anyone from novice writers to published authors.
S.C. Mills (M), Kaitlin Schmidt
Masquerade 101
Cascade 12, to
Come receive tips and guidance from seasoned competitors about making your participation in a masquerade or cosplay competition a positive and fun experience.
Richard Stephens (M), Meghan D. Lancaster, Rue Dickey, Melissa Quinn, Melissa Nichols
Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher, on Retellings, Adaptations, and What Moves the Dead (Live Recording with the Ink to Film Podcast)
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Author Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher, joins the Ink to Film podcast for a live episode recording to discuss her novel What Moves the Dead, its connection to The Fall of the House of Usher, and what makes for an effective and entertaining retelling. Theyâll also talk about favorite film adaptations and thoughts on her novels making the transition to the screen, and theyâll finish by taking questions from the audience.
Luke Elliott (M), T. Kingfisher, James Bailey
World-building Series 201: Geography
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
The foundation of world-building is in terrain, places, cities, weather, and landscapes through which characters travel or are placed. Explore the techniques to establish these things clearly for the reader.
Dean Wells (M), Mir Plemmons, Leah R Cutter, Larry Lewis, Peter Adrian Behravesh
Art in Action: Lizzy D. Hill
Grand 1, to
Lizzy D will paint whimsical mushrooms and night creatures while you watch, using gouache on black paper.
Lizzy D. Hill (M)
Fantastic 80s
Grand 2, to
From Legend to Ladyhawke, there is no disputing that the 1980s were a truly glorious decade for fans of magical adventures on the big screen. Come discuss your favorites or learn about hidden gems you may have missed.
Marnee Chua (M), Leslie Lutz, Jack Samm, Andy Quinn, Sean K. Reynolds
Interview and Art with Geneva Bowers, Artist Guest of Honor
Grand 3, to
Come join an interview with Norwescon 48âs artist guest of honor, Geneva Bowers. Ask your own questions during the Q&A!
Geneva Bowers (M)
Youth: Fun Grown-Up Jobs
Olympic 1, to
Some grown-ups get to do cool things for a living: making video games, art, books, and so on. Come learn how they do it and what you can do now to get started.
Jenny Shafer (M), K.G. Anderson, David Tucker, Ph.D.
Speed Friending
Olympic 2, to
Want to get to know other congoers, but the idea of striking up a conversation with a stranger has you thinking about running the other way? One, welcome! Youâre in a lot of good company when it comes to meeting new people. Two, we have a solution to feeling alone in a crowd. Similar to speed dating, you will sit down with someone and talk for up to two minutes about easy topics, such as: Have you been to Norwescon before? What events sound interesting this year? What are your fandoms? If the two of you want to talk further, you can exchange info. Otherwise, hey, you still met someone! And every few minutes, you both switch to someone new and start again. Find some of your future friends here.
Tabby Rose (M)
Lakeside Gaming: All-Ages Scheduled Games
Rotunda 2, to
Come sign up for a game! You can play Pathfinder Society, other role-playing games, card games, and more. After gaming closes, this area is available for open games. Lakeside Gaming is accessible by way of the second-floor skybridge via the first or second concourse.
Hello ShodoâYour First Brush with Japanese Calligraphy
Tower Ballroom, to
Shodo artist Shoryu (A.W. McCollough) presents an introduction to an exciting and meditative Japanese art. A form of meditative writing, Shodo is an art form that was practiced by scribe and samurai alike, and brings benefits of meditation, discipline, and artistic expression. In this one-and-a-half-hour workshop, you will learn about the Four Treasures, practice the Eight Principal Strokes, decide on a kanji (character) to practice, and make a piece of art to take home with you. If you have ever wondered about Japanese calligraphy, or if you just want to write Blue Sun čćĽ, this is your chance to experience a brush with Shodo. Limited to 20 participants. Cost $25 each, cash only. Sign-up will open at the Info Table the day before the panel.
A. W. McCollough (M)
Concert: Gary Davis
Tower Lounge, to
Gary is a professional guitarist, vocalist, and pillar of the Norwescon music community who performs a wondrous variety of songs. He is also a Navy veteran and active in the Society for Creative Anachronism.
Gareth Davis (M)
Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator
Tower Salon, to
Artemis is a spaceship bridge simulator where players assume the jobs of captain, helm, science, communication, engineering, and weapons and work together to defeat alien enemies.
Reading: Thomas Ha
Cascade 3, to
Join Thomas Ha for a reading of his works. Rated R.
Thomas Ha (M)
11 a.m. PST (3 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Lauren C. Johnson
Cascade 3, to
The West Façade. In Paris, at the dawn of the bubonic plague, the statues that guard Notre Dame Cathedral are forbidden from experiencing human pleasures, even during the wakeningsâthe one night of life they receive each month on the new moon in exchange for protecting the cathedral. The statue of Sainte Genevièveâs quiet existence changes irrevocably when a grieving woman places a citrus fruit in her hands as an offeringâan offering Geneviève canât resist eating. Eating awakens Geneviève to her desires: To climb down the wall, explore Paris, understand her human makers, and to love. Geneviève wants to be more than an object on a cathedral wall. She wants to live for herself. But when Geneviève gets what she wants, she must choose between accepting mortality or returning to the cathedral, where she will become a statue again and spend eternity watching others live. Rated G.
Lauren C. Johnson (M)
Teen & Tween: Keeping it Fun for Everyone
Cascade 5, to
How do you make sure your role-playing or combat game inspires a good time for all? Learn negotiating and communication skills to align everyone’s expectations before you start your awesome quests and adventures.
Lydia Randall (M), Oliver Huskey
Recording Booth Setup
Cascade 6, to
Everyone talks about the importance of âequipmentâ and âroom tone,â but what does that actually mean? Learn how to create a home recording setup that actually sounds professionalâwithout emptying your wallet. In this hands-on workshop, youâll learn how to choose gear, optimize your space, and use basic recording software. Equipment will be provided for live demonstration so you can see and hear exactly how it all comes together. Perfect for beginners ready to start recording with confidence.
Travis Partington (M), Sam Stark, Cool Nerd Mark
Imposter Syndrome and Progress
Cascade 9, to
Explore the nature of imposter syndrome as a necessary part of progress. Our panelists provide perspectives on how to utilize this emotion as a strength instead of an anchor that holds you back.
Amy Sundberg (M), Alex Crawley, Sandra Rosner, Randy Henderson, J.P. Barnett
Using TTRPGs to Enhance Your Novels
Cascade 10, to
For years, authors have been inspired by tabletop role-playing games, used game rules to determine the outcomes of fights, or even written novels inspired by the game worlds they create as gamemasters. These days thereâs a whole subgenre for this: LitRPG. Whatâs the secret sauce that makes role-playing games a useful tool for an author? Join our panelists and level up!
Randy Hayes (M), Jeff Grubb, Erin M. Evans, Erik Scott de Bie, Shanna Germain
Mercenaries and Contractors
Cascade 11, to
A look at who fights for whom and why, including historical and present examples as well as future extrapolation. How do mercenaries and contractorsâor could theyâfit into story telling? Do sci-fi examples use mercenaries as a comment on society, or as a way to sidestep the complexity of a full-blown military?
Teresa Drag (M), Clayton Mann, Susan R. Matthews, Russell Ervin, Morgan Smathers
Romantasy: YA or Nah?
Cascade 13, to
There is a lot of confusion between romantasy and romance in teen speculative fiction books. How are they different and similar? Engage with our panelists discussing romantasy and romance in YA, then stay for the YA Romantasy Workshop: YAH!
Camden Rose (M), Kendare Blake, Marta Murvosh, Miranda Levi, James L. Sutter
Do Your Damn Job
Cascade 12, to
Writers have all worked a few day jobs, whether that be kitchen work, customer service, construction, medicine, therapy, archaeology, or whatever else. That means many writers have experienced the sensation of reading a drastic misrepresentation of their craft or profession in a work of fiction. Panelists discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly in terms of representations of real-world jobs. Panelists will also break down ways to represent real-world professions well in your writing.
M. Shedric Simpson (M), Rosemary Jones, Kaitlyn Casimo, PhD, MEd, Clay Vermulm, Timothy W. Long
The Art of Moonlighting
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
The art industry can be fickle, so many artists supplement their income from other sources. For others, their art is their âhobby jobâ and they have professions completely removed from the arts. How can you balance life and multiple career paths? What job skills overlap, help, and hinder each other? Come listen to artists and other creatives with multiple professions talk about their experiences and the transition to creating art full time.
LA Wildsun Bradley (M), Julia Laurel, andyvanoverberghe, Michael Brugger, Ellis Bray
Romance in Fantasy and Why It Resonates
Grand 2, to
The rise of romantasy, as a recent term, has roots dating back to the themes of romance in the very first fantasy stories. Come discuss how romance and themes of love remain as powerful today as ever for audiences.
Claire E. Jones (M), Rhiannon/R.Z. Held, Gabriella Buba, Corry L. Lee, Rashida J Smith
Interview and Q&A With Spotlight Publisher Orbit, Featuring Bradley Englert
Grand 3, to
Come join an interview with Norwescon 48âs spotlight publisher Orbit, featuring Bradley Englert, and get a chance to ask your own questions during the Q&A.
Bradley Englert / Orbit Books (M)
Tour of Norwescon
Lobby Photo Area, to
New to Norwescon? Having a hard time finding something? Norwescon Chair Rob Stewart and Vice Chair Shawna Batty will take you on a tour of the convention. After the tour, you’ll know how to find the Tower Ballroom, Lounge, and Salon; Lakeside Gaming; the Oasis Lounge and Convention Lounge; and a few special locations you might not find otherwise.
Rob Stewart (M), Shawna Batty
Youth: Magical Mushroom Making
Olympic 1, to
The con needs a magical mushroom landscape! Create glow-in-the-dark mushrooms and take a few home.
Jenny Shafer (M), Michelle Morrell, Alex Demboski
Winning the Peace: Building Benevolent Society After Reform
Presidential Suite 1360, to
In his Locus Award-nominated novel The Ministry for the Future, Kim Stanley Robinson defines âPlan Aâ as the status quo. If you want to portray a successful revolution or major reform, you need a âPlan B.â At this meetup, you will discuss what a benevolent revolution that wins the peace could look like.
Reading: Virginia Black
Cascade 3, to
Incendiant. War witch Joan Matthews uses spellcraft to fight against vampires. Leigh Matthews is hiding a dangerous secret. When the truth comes out, theyâll need to forge new alliances to defeat the powers wanting to destroy their home. A sapphic paranormal romance. Rated PG.
Virginia Black (M)
Art in Action: Sorrel Fields
Grand 1, to
Sorrel will sew a text block together while teaching you about bookbinding.
Sorrel Fields (M)
Noon PST (4 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Jeff Sturgeon
Cascade 3, to
âThe Flying Dutchman.â Jeff reads a short story from his anthology Jeff Sturgeonâs Last Cities of Earth from Wordfire Press. Rated PG.
Jeff Sturgeon (M)
Teen & Tween: Imagining Bright Futures
Cascade 5, to
Panelists talk about using our imaginations and our hope muscles during hard times. What are some different ways to approach creating optimistic futures and exercise our capacity for hope and action? How can we find seeds of hope in the present day and develop them forward to a further flung future?
Amy Sundberg (M), Sonja Thomas, L.J. Melvin
Editing Anthologies
Cascade 7 & 8, to
The best anthologies are journeys through places none of us have been before. But how are these volumes produced? From concept development to story solicitation, content selection to a final table of contents, and from finance and contracts to marketing and sales, this panel will help you understand how an editor shapes a successful anthology from start to finish.
Atlin Merrick (M), Jennifer Brozek, Peter Adrian Behravesh, Shannon Page, Lezli Robyn
The Wheres, Hows, and Whats to Being a Vendor
Cascade 9, to
Come learn the tricks and tips for working as a vendor, including where to look for shows, how to work with customers, and what to do to make a booth/table with a beautiful display and layout.
Li Harrison (M), Ellis Bray, Lizzy D. Hill, Elizabeth Guizzetti/Elizabeth Greyrose, Natalie Leif
Stage Makeup
Cascade 10, to
Applying makeup for stage, screen, and photography can be very different from your daily makeup routine. Our panelists will discuss age and contour techniques, color theory, and much more.
Erica Angeline Solano (M), Dutch Bihary ContoursFx, Ben Honeycutt, Andrew Williams
Presented by BritCon: Best Adaptations of Shakespeareâs plays
Cascade 11, to
Many writers have adapted the plays of Shakespeare for film and television. Which adaptations are your favorites? What excites you most about themâthe interpretation from the stage to film, the style of the director, the production values, or other reasons?
Dawn Shaw (M), Richard Stephens, Emily C. Skaftun, Marlow Weaver, Luke Elliott
YA Romance Workshop: YAH!
Cascade 13, to
In this interactive workshop, attendees build a YA romance story together. Youâll focus on the YA protagonist, the romantic interest(s), and the world around them. Come to the a.m. Romantasy: YA or Nah? panel directly before this workshop to make it an immersive experience!
Camden Rose (M), Marta Murvosh
Being Neurodivergent in School
Cascade 12, to
We spend a huge chunk of our formative years in school. It shapes who we are for good or bad. How can neurodivergent students figure out their needs, advocate for themselves, and not feel so alone?
Caren GS (M), Thursday, Scotty McIntosh, Kit Vander Voort, Terra Caldwell
Energy After the Apocalypse
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Survivors will have to get creative. Multiuse devices may be key! Imagine a stored energy device that works all day before providing security by night. Whether it is a gravity storage gate, an electrified fence, or flywheels flinging flechettes, who wouldnât exchange a few hours of labor in the morning to repel an overnight attack? That thermal battery holding solar-heated oil could be great for cooking, warm showers, or repelling invaders. For more peaceful times, elevated water storage can generate power and irrigate crops, windmills repel birds, and how about worms eating garbage? Yum!
Jay Donnaway (M), Jonny, Crystal Lloyd, Morgan Smathers, David Tucker, Ph.D.
Biology and Evolution of the Dog
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Humanâs best friend, best companion, best creation⌠what was the path to becoming dogs, and are we the worst thing to happen to wolves?
Charlotte Lewis Brown (M), Melissa Nichols, Darren McKinty, RVT, Alan Andrist, Tegan Moore
Shooting Things in Space Is Hard
Grand 2, to
If a sci-fi story has more than one spaceship, itâs a good bet that at some point theyâll find a reason to shoot at each other. But at huge distances and tremendous speeds, shooting things is HARD! Come join our panelists as they draw a bead on the problems and opportunities presented by space combat.
J. L. Doty (M), John Lovett, Mike Brennan, Eric Taney, Luis E. Torres
Interview and Q&A with Summer Ash, Science Guest of Honor
Grand 3, to
Come join an interview with Norwescon 48âs science guest of honor, Summer Ash, and take the chance to ask your own questions during the Q&A.
Summer Ash (M)
Norwescon Little Free Library Silent Reading Meetup
Presidential Suite 1360, to
Grab a book from the Norwescon Little Free Library book table or bring one of your own and join us for some silent reading time.
Single Pattern Contest
Tower Lounge, to
Itâs Show & Share time for the single pattern contest, to showcase the participantsâ amazing entries. Learn directly from their talented creators and pick your favorite for the peopleâs choice award. The winners will be announced during this panel.
Reading: D.L. Solum
Cascade 3, to
Peg O’My Heart. A reading from his forthcoming novel about the life, times and struggles of a trollish barkeep in Seattle, as the unofficial mayor of Belltown. Rated PG.
D.L. Solum (M)
1 p.m. PST (5 p.m. EST / 8 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Brigitte Winter
Cascade 3, to
The Normal Monster Club is a cozy sapphic horror romance set in a cryptid-obsessed small town where two exes, a paranormal podcaster and a stubborn skeptic, must reunite to save a missing child as part of an investigation into an unsolved mystery from their childhood. Rated PG.
Brigitte Winter (M)
Teen & Tween: aUI, the Language of Space Workshop
Cascade 5, to
Come explore aUI, the Language of Space! Learn the theory and history of its symbols and practice sending and decoding messages in a workshop just for teens and tweens.
Andrea Weilgart (M)
The Art of Sound Design
Cascade 6, to
Great sound design can elevate a podcast from good to unforgettable. In this panel, editors and sound designers break down how music, ambience, and sound effects (SFX) shape mood, clarify storytelling, and guide the listenerâs attention. Learn the fundamentals of selecting and layering SFX, creating smooth transitions, and using the most overpowered tool in the toolbox: silence. The panel will also explore practical/affordable equipment and debate the most effective digital audio workstation (DAW).
Sam Stark (M), Jake, Reilly, Ron Leota
Creating Alternative History
Cascade 7 & 8, to
How, why, and when do you change history to tell your story? Verisimilitude isnât possible, but what makes the story believable?
Alex Crawley (M), Daphne Singingtree, V Whitlock, Lawrence Watt-Evans, Nick Fraser
Everyone Should Write Poetry (Yes, You)
Cascade 9, to
Writing poetry can benefit literally anyone. Whether youâre dealing with writer’s block, scripting a scene, feeling anxious about living through yet another apocalypse, or just want to get out a silly idea, poetry is an invaluable tool. Come talk about the ways poetry can benefit you as a creative, a collaborator, and a human being.
Tara Campbell (M), Larina Warnock, GregRobin Smith, Laura Cranehill, Brenda Cooper
Crowdfunding Projects for Creatives
Cascade 10, to
How do you get a Kickstarter project going? Are you curious about the steps from beginning to end? Our panelists discuss crowdfunding projects and field your questions.
Geneva Bowers (M), Leah R Cutter, Erica Angeline Solano, Josef B. Wilke, Jeff Sturgeon
An Hour of the Strange, Unusual, Creepy, and Downright Real
Cascade 11, to
Ewww!!!! Gross!!!! WTF?!?!! Yep, all of this stuff is real. And some is common in your backyardâŚ
Marnee Chua (M), Leigh Harlen, Darren McKinty, RVT, Shiv Ramdas, Dr. Ricky
Write a Fairy Tale Fanfiction
Cascade 13, to
What happens after a traditional fairy tale ends? Is it different from the standard âhappily ever after?â Does Cinderella prefer to hang out in the palace kitchen rather than the great hall? Can Princess Kaguya return to Earth from the Moon to visit her friends? Does Sleeping Beauty go back to bed for another hundred years? Will the Bremen Town Musicians finally get an album deal? The possibilities are endless, and fun! Teens and Tweens only.
Virginia Black (M), Anne Stewart
Other Forms of Intelligence
Cascade 12, to
Most aliens in SF, whatever their forms, think much like humans. But what other forms of intelligence might there be? Even on Earth, plants and microorganisms can react as a group via chemicals, and weâre programming machines to âthinkâ in ways not matching ours. What possibilities has SF explored?
A.W. McCollough (M), Nancy Kress, Kaitlyn Casimo, PhD, MEd, Liz Coleman, Megan E. O’Keefe
Food in HistoryâThe Impact of Spice
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
The spice must flow! Trade routes have been established and wars fought over access to spices. Letâs talk about the use of spice in regional dishes, how they impacted trade between countries, and more.
Remy Nakamura (M), Wolfcat, Gabriella Buba, LA Wildsun Bradley, Dr. Mark Rounds
Under the Boot: Explorations of Fascism
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
What has SF literature said about totalitarianism? (Aside from that it is bad?)
Erik Grove (M), Susan R. Matthews, Corry L. Lee, J. L. Doty, William Boulanger
Art in Action: Belsac Leather Art
Grand 1, to
Belsac will walk you through his process for leather carving, from start to finish.
Belsac (M)
But Is It Romantasy?
Grand 2, to
Romantasy is a hot new buzz word in publishing but what, exactly, is it? Defining your work accurately and delivering what you promise can make the difference between selling your manuscript or staying unpublished. Break down this popular portmanteau with our pros, learn when to apply it to your own stories, and gain a better understanding of how the industry uses certain genre terms.
Amanda Cherry (M), Rashida J Smith, S.C. Mills, Kendare Blake, Shiromi Arserio
Interview and Q&A with Dutch Bihary, Special Guest of Honor
Grand 3, to
Come join an interview with Norwescon 48âs special guest of honor, Dutch Bihary, and ask your own questions during the Q&A.
Dutch Bihary ContoursFx (M)
Youth: Costume Prop Making
Olympic 1, to
Costume craft hour! Let’s make tails, tiaras, belts, hats, and other accessories using techniques like gluing, simple sewing, and stapling. Small children will need assistance.
Jenny Shafer (M), Meghan D. Lancaster, Richard Stephens
Bookdun Writer Group Mixer
Presidential Suite 1360, to
Want to find a writing group that helps you get your writing done? Bookdun is an on-topic writing community focused on helping our members not only write their novels but complete them! This group offers regular gamified writing events, workshops, and writing group mixers. They encourage writers of all flavors, from hobbyist to publication-bound. At the heart of their server is their Bookdun Writing Challenge, in which members join a team to compete against themselves and others to finish their novel in six monthsâ time. Come meet some members of this community and join today!
Kanzashi: Fabric Folded Flowers
Tower Ballroom, to
Originating in Japan, âKanzashiâ is typically used to refer to hair ornaments made from layers of folded cloth used to form flowers. In this workshop, participants will turn fabric scraps and remnants into a wearable brooch or hair clip. Basic hand sewing skill required. $20 kit fee. Signup at the info table.
Janine (M)
Reading: L.J. Melvin
Cascade 3, to
L.J. Melvin reads selections from the Curd Immunity seriesâcozy YA climate fiction. Rated G.
L.J. Melvin (M)
2 p.m. PST (6 p.m. EST / 9 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Brenda Cooper
Cascade 3, to
When Mothers Dream. Brenda will read selections from When Mothers Dream, a collection of work about our environmental crisis and how strong women might move through it, including science fiction, fantasy, and poetry. Rated G.
Brenda Cooper (M)
Medieval Warfare Tactics
Cascade 6, to
How did different cultures in the Middle Ages conduct war? From single combatant challenges, to guerilla ambushes, knights, yeoman, and moreâhow did they view and wage war?
Randy Hayes (M), D.L. Solum, Alan Paulsen, Ann Shilling, Peter Fuller
Cosplay Design for Accessibility and Inclusivity
Cascade 7 & 8, to
How can costumes be altered to make them easier to wear, whatever your personal circumstances?
Melissa Quinn (M), Grace Amundsen Barnkow, Rue Dickey, Li Harrison, Kit Vander Voort
Spaceships, Colonists, and Castaways: Small Isolated Communities In SF
Cascade 9, to
Often one can achieve more insight into the human condition looking at small groups of humanity rather than at the scale of cities or entire civilizations.
Curtis C. Chen (M), Nancy Kress, Daniel H. Wilson, Susan R. Matthews, Clay Vermulm
Intellectual Property and Nerd Art: A Primer
Cascade 10, to
Whether as a visual artist, writer, or developer, those who create their own IP almost always use othersâ IP in some way. This primer in intellectual property covers copyright, trademark, and patent rights, protection, registration, and enforcement in the United States. Whether youâre new to creating or a seasoned veteran looking to brush up on Americaâs intellectual property landscape, this presentation should have information relevant to your art. Presented by an intellectual property attorney who is not going to give legal advice but loves to provide legal education. So bring your qâs!
Ethan Vodde (M)
What is PNW Gothic?
Cascade 11, to
Thereâs Southern gothic and Appalachian gothic, but what would a gothic genre anchored to the Pacific Northwest look like? What would the aesthetics be? What would distinguish it from other subgenres? Come join the panelists in outlining the hazy boundaries together!
Thursday (M), Michelle Morrell, Anne Stewart, Shannon Page, Leigh Harlen
The Business of Writing Horror
Cascade 13, to
How do todayâs horror writers turn dark ideas into a thriving career? Horror isn’t just about monsters and jump scaresâitâs a way to make a living. Small presses and self-publishing give today’s horror writers more paths than ever. In this panel, experienced authors share what really sells, how to build a loyal audience, and how to balance creativity with the realities of making horror a sustainable career.
Emily Smiley (M), Bradley Englert / Orbit Books, Brianna Malotke, J.P. Barnett, Timothy W. Long
When Your Social Life is All Online
Cascade 12, to
For young and old alike, the internet has revolutionized how we interact. For some, this has expanded their social world for the better. How does the online world affect our ability to make deep and meaningful relationships?
Mona West (M), Dr. Kaylea Champion, Cecilia Eng, Andrew Ross, Wm Salt Hale
So, You Got into a Sci-Fi /Fantasy Convention Art Show! What Now?
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Get tips and advice from experts on how to prepare for your first art show, what to expect, and other things like how to build a community by networking to make connections with other artists and potential clients. As well as how to take your art to the next level!
Michael Brugger (M), Geneva Bowers, Alex Demboski, Camille Meehan
Strong Starts: Storytelling 201
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Using a traditional three-act structure as a common starting point, our panelists will discuss the function of the first act. Join them as they identify crucial components to hook a reader, lay the foundation of a story, and guide you in applying these techniques to your own work.
Phoenix Bourgeois (M), G.R. Theron, Sebastien de Castell, Kate Ristau, Lezli Robyn
Fantasy and Horror Sitting in a Tree
Grand 2, to
Fantasy and horror often sit on a sliding scale within speculative fiction, each finding its way into the base of how we understand the story. Join our authors as they discuss horror in fantasy and fantasy in horror. Why does this happen, and how can you effectively blend horror and fantasy in your own work?
Remy Nakamura (M), Rosemary Jones, Camden Rose, Kendare Blake, Cyrus Amelia Fisher
Interview and Q&A with Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher, Writer Guest of Honor
Grand 3, to
Join an interview with Norwescon 48âs writer guest of honor, Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher. Ask your own questions during the Q&A!
T. Kingfisher (M)
Youth: Slime!
Olympic 1, to
Everyone loves slime! Make some in a bag to take home.
Jenny Shafer (M), Cool Nerd Mark, Oz Norberg
Submariners Assemble
Presidential Suite 1360, to
This meetup is an opportunity for submarine veterans to get together and share.
Mike Brennan (M)
Concert: Paul Kwinn
Tower Lounge, to
Paul Kwinn has been involved in filk for about 35 years. A significant portion of his repertoire is made up of songs written for various filk song writing contests, and he has won a Pegasus Award. When not filking, heâs been working as a video game programmer for 40 years.
Paul Kwinn (M)
Reading: Carol Berg
Cascade 3, to
Extraordinary Assassination. Hue de Paien, constable of Bardeu, has been convinced in most painful and explicit terms that he must never use the unsanctioned talent for magic that lies hidden inside him. But when his employer, a minor baron, summons him to solve a murder within the lord’s own family, the evidence points explicitly to some serious magical wickedness. Rated G.
Carol Berg (M)
Art in Action: andyvanoverberghe
Grand 1, to
Andy will demonstrate his unique âArt on Woodâ style.
andyvanoverberghe (M)
3 p.m. PST (7 p.m. EST / 10 p.m. GMT)
Reading: K.G. Anderson
Cascade 3, to
âThe Dancer from Dark Waters.â This New England dark fantasy story revisits the Cthulhu mythosâfrom another perspective. Rated PG.
K.G. Anderson (M)
Teen & Tween: Teens Rule the World
Cascade 5, to
What books do it well? What books do it not-so-well? What ingredients make for a satisfying teen-igarchy?
Kate Ristau (M), Camden Rose, Leslie Lutz
Best Indie Sci-Fi Fantasy Movies
Cascade 6, to
You donât always need a big budget to tell big stories! Letâs talk about the best-of-the-best when it comes to sci-fi fantasy passion project films.
Nick Fraser (M), Matt Youngmark, Timothy W. Long, Andie Penn Romine, Jake Samm
All About the Philip K. Dick Award
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Presented annually at Norwescon, the Philip K. Dick Award recognizes 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. Come and learn all about it.
Gordon Van Gelder (M), Koji A. Dae, William Alexander, Thomas Ha
Breaking the Silence: How Do You Say Hello to Something That Might Not Even Recognize You as Alive?
Cascade 9, to
Establishing first contact assumes we can establish communication, and Star Trek convinces us that most alien life wouldnât just have the same sense organs we do, but be more-or-less human. But we don’t actually know that yet. What if aliens operate on completely different sensory modalities, timescales, or concepts of existence? How do we prove our intelligence to beings that might perceive reality through magnetic fields, chemical gradients, or quantum states? Our panelists will explore mathematical universals, physical constants, and pattern recognition as potential bridges, and examine things like octopus cognition, generative AI, and Earthâs other âalienâ minds to see what they can teach us about this kind of challenge.
Summer Ash (M), David Tucker, Ph.D., Larry Lewis, Kaitlyn Casimo, PhD, MEd, John Jensen
Queer/Trans Representation 101
Cascade 10, to
Everything you want to know about queer and trans representation in speculative fiction, but are too afraid to ask. Do you want to include queer characters in your stories, but you arenât sure exactly how? What counts as âgoodâ representation? Whatâs up with pronouns? What does âqueernormâ mean? What the heck is the âbury your gaysâ trope and is it always bad to kill off an LGBTQ+ character? Do you need a sensitivity reader? Is it okay to include charactersâeven main charactersâwho have identities that arenât yours? Let’s talk representation, starting at the very basics!
Alex Crawley (M), Cyrus Amelia Fisher, Evan J. Peterson, Claire E. Jones, S.C. Mills
Neurodiversity 101
Cascade 11, to
Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more! What does it mean to be neurodivergent or neurotypical? What could a neurodiverse society look like?
Liz Coleman (M), Liz Argall, Caren GS, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti, Dr. Sean Robinson
Critiques to Help You and Your Art Grow
Cascade 13, to
Showing your art, which you hold close to your heart, to a group of artists can be terrifying! In this panel you will have the chance to talk to one or two artists at a timeâartists who are understanding and want nothing more than to see you gain confidence and grow your artistic abilities. You will also get to watch other artist reviews. Bring your sketchbook, portfolio, or even one particular piece youâve been struggling with, and let these panelists help you grow!
Lizzy D. Hill (M), Camille Meehan, Michael Brugger, Dutch Bihary ContoursFx, Ivy Gilliam, Jeff Sturgeon, Belsac
Quiet Horror: Unease to Terror Without Gore
Cascade 12, to
Explore how to write quiet, unsettling horror that lingers, with stories built on dread, ambiguity, and emotional tension. Panelists will discuss pacing, character-driven fear, and the importance of narrators, both reliable and unreliable. Theyâll touch on notable examples from literature, podcasts, and film, and offer practical tips for crafting slow-burn terror.
Elizabeth Guizzetti/Elizabeth Greyrose (M), Steven Barnes, Josef B. Wilke, Neena Viel, Gordon B. White
Teen Engagement Root Beer Float Meet-n-Greet
Convention Lounge, to
Calling all teens (13â18 years old) to come for root beer floats in the Convention Lounge (room 7106). Meet other teens and hear about this yearâs achievements in The Shire, our teen engagement program.
From Campaigns to Contracts
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Youâve waged your campaign, and written your storyâbut how do you break into the business of literary RPG fiction publishing? This panel brings together professional authors whoâve made the leap from the gaming table to the bookshelf, as well as the editors who acquire their work. Panelists will share insights on pitching, contracts, and the realities of working in licensed universes.
Amanda Cherry (M), Rosemary Jones, Shanna Germain, James L. Sutter, Monte Lin
Service and Citizenship
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
How does the concept of voluntary service versus compulsion inform and affect a military and the society it comes from? Panelists discuss the merits of volunteer forces versus draft in the U.S., British Navy impress gangs, all-citizen service requirements such as in South Korea or Switzerland, or the âserve to be a citizenâ mandate in Starship Troopers.
D. Scott Thayer (M), Ben Honeycutt, Alexandra Nica, Russell Ervin, Clayton Mann
Youth: Map-Making
Olympic 1, to
Come to this panel to learn a little geography and make a map for your own world.
Jenny Shafer (M), Mir Plemmons
Norwesconâs Bibliophiles Discussion of Outlaw Planet by M.R. Carey
Presidential Suite 1360, to
Join us for a lively discussion of the Philip K. Dick nominated Outlaw Planet, by M.R. Carey. This is a book club-style discussion and there will be spoilers as well as strong opinions. Whether you’ve finished the book or are just curious, all are welcome. Norwesconâs Bibliophiles is Norwesconâs official book club, open to all book lovers. It meets year-round for lively discussions of science fiction and fantasy books. Look for our group page on Facebook!
Concert: The PDX Broadsides
Tower Lounge, to
Nerd-pop powerhouse trio The PDX Broadsides sing about fandoms and feelings with great vigor and harmony! From nerdy love ballads to science songs to odes to fandoms and feelings, you will be laughing and singing along!
Christian Lipski, Dr. Jess Hebert, Hollyannam McCollom
Reading: Talulah J. Sullivan
Cascade 3, to
Reading from Raven Mocker. When Jo Buchanan inherits her uncle’s horse farm in the Scottish borderlands, it seems a dream come true. Her grandmother Caroline believes in dreams and moves with Jo to the borderlands. Both have reasons to uproot their lives on the Oklahoma reservation. Both are searching for answers within the cultural tangles of their past. That past will catch them up in ways they never would have guessed, as ancient and fearsome legends stalk their new home. Rated PG.
Talulah J. Sullivan (M)
Feather Fascination
Tower Ballroom, to
Take home a feather arrangement to use as a costume accent (brooch, fascinator, etc.), learning feather working techniques along the way. Panelists will cover which feathers are suitable for which applications, how to shape and affix them, and where to source them from. Cost is $10. Limit of 15. Sign up will be at the Info Table the day before.
Crystal Taggart (M)
4 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST / 11 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Daphne Singingtree
Cascade 3, to
Expeditions: A Time Travel Journey. In this sequel to Circle for the Earth, survivors of the 21st century struggle to build a new world after being cast back to 1792. Drawing from Indigenous knowledge, resilience, and community, Expeditions follows their journey down the Mississippi River as they seek allies, resources, and meaning in a transformed past. Join author Daphne Singingtree for a reading that blends speculative fiction, history, and the enduring hope of rebuilding in harmony with the Earth. Rated G.
Daphne Singingtree (M)
Teen & Tween: Help Teens Rule the World
Cascade 5, to
Create your own kingdom or planet in this workshop. Learn from panelists about the basics of a society and how to make a protagonist that is ready to run it. Then, put pencil to paper and create your own world to rule.
L.J. Melvin (M), Leslie Lutz, A. L. Kaplan, Erin M. Evans, Liz Argall
Shouldnât We Be Remaking BAD Movies?
Cascade 6, to
Rather than remaking classics, shouldnât we be remaking (and improving) failures? What remakes have improved the original? What âbadâ things should be remade? (The panel title is a quote from John Huston, who knew a thing or two about remaking bad movies, such as the third version of The Maltese Falcon.)
Nick Fraser (M), Gareth Davis, James Bailey, Meghan D. Lancaster, Kris ‘Pepper’ Hambrick
Representation in Young Adult (YA) Compositions
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Listen to panelists discuss different kinds of representation in YA compositions and the representation they wished they saw more of.
Marta Murvosh (M), Sonja Thomas, Diana Ma, Miranda Levi, Lily Meade
Star Wars and MarvelâRetire or Reinvent?
Cascade 9, to
Sometimes when money talks fans want to walk. Come decide if these two staples of speculative storytelling need a break, a reboot, or maybe just an ending.
Jack Samm (M), Caitlin Jacques, Nicole Glover, Torrey Stenmark, Andie Penn Romine
Space and Space Travel in Steampunk
Cascade 10, to
When writing about space travel in steampunk literature, do you use the Victorian concepts of space or modern ones? What did the Victorians believe about space and other planets?
Dean Wells (M), Peter Adrian Behravesh, Dr. Mark Rounds, Phil L. Swan
Freelancing 101
Cascade 11, to
Our gaming industry professionals give their advice and tips on how to break into the gaming industry as freelance writers. What are the steps to becoming a role- playing game freelancer?
Rue Dickey (M), John Godek, James L. Sutter, Luis Loza, Sean K. Reynolds
Writing as a Craft and Journey
Cascade 13, to
Progress as an author can feel stagnant and the advice confusing. In this workshop, youâll explore the creative process, hear context for the advice being given, and learn how to define for yourself a useful structure for your own journey. Hosted by G.R. Theron.
G.R. Theron (M)
Making it Gay, Trans, Neurodivergent, and More
Cascade 12, to
People with power tend to speak for those with less. In a media world that too often does not represent women, queer, BIPOC, neurodivergent, or disabled people, it’s no wonder fanfic writers choose to represent themselves or their desires in the fanfic they write. This panel isnât about why we take cishet characters and make them gay, trans, or a dozen other things; itâs about why we should and the freedom and joy that goes with knowing we can.
Sar Surmick (M), Scotty McIntosh, S.C. Mills, Virginia Black
Thatâs Not How This Works, Thatâs Not How Any of This Works
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Panelists discuss the worst misuses of science in both current and past science fiction and fantasy.
Summer Ash (M), T. Kingfisher, Dr. Ricky, Melissa Nichols, Shiv Ramdas
Who Would Win?
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
There can be only one! Join a well-meaning, entertaining debate between characters chosen by the moderator and audience to see who would win in various contests.
Ryan James (M), Kit Vander Voort, Sandra Rosner, Natalie Leif, Erik Scott de Bie
Art in Action: Crystal Smith
Grand 1, to
Crystal will discuss the ancient art of fore-edge painting onto books.
Crystal Smith (M)
Youth: Make Some Noise!
Olympic 1, to
Make a music maker and have a jam session.
Jenny Shafer (M), Cool Nerd Mark
Concert: Alexander James Adams
Tower Lounge, to
The legendary Faerie Tale Minstrel (and heir to Heather Alexander) returns to Norwescon with new music, storytelling, and expert performance that will take you on a magical, musical journey of wonder.
Alexander James Adams (M)
Reading: Tom D Wright
Cascade 3, to
Fang, PI: A Scent of Malice. A sci-fi detective story featuring an enhanced, artificially-intelligent canine private investigator, forced by a sequence of devastating events to partner with a young woman who has more potential than he realizes to solve a mystery. As their hunt leads to a threat of truly biblical proportions, they’ll be pushed to their limitsâand if they’re lucky, they might even survive. Rated G.
Tom D Wright (M)
5 p.m. PST (9 p.m. EST / midnight GMT)
Reading: Ellis Bray
Cascade 3, to
âElegy for the Nameless Man.â An obituary told entirely in footnotes. Rated PG.
Ellis Bray (M)
Teen & Tween: Sewing Machine Basics
Cascade 5, to
Learn the basics of setting up and using a sewing machine and then make or begin a project with help from our panelists. Feel free to bring something youâre working on. Teens and tweens only.
L.J. Melvin (M), Melissa Quinn, Grace Amundsen Barnkow, Karen Eisenbrey, Taylor Tomblin
Predator/ Alien
Cascade 6, to
From cinemas to the small screen these extraterrestrial-led franchises have seen a recent resurgence in both quality and popularity. Come discuss your favorite (and least favorite) installments and explore the lore of these beloved baddies.
Curtis C. Chen (M), Luke Elliott, Neena Viel, Emily C. Skaftun, Shiromi Arserio
Speculative Poetry: Every Universe in Your Pocket
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Specpo 101! If youâve never heard of speculative poetry, or if you think poetry is just for old white guys who like talking about clouds and flowers, come in and hear about the ever-expanding world of science fiction, fantasy, and nerd poetry, and the ways itâs being led by a diverse collection of poets (even old white guys sometimes) writing on an infinity of topics (occasionally even clouds and flowers).
Brian U. Garrison (M), Kate Ristau, GregRobin Smith, Larina Warnock, Brianna Malotke
Raising Steam
Cascade 9, to
People have been using steam to turn heat into work for about 250 years, and those years have been exciting ones. Why has steam been so important, what is the future of steam, and how can it be used to make your writing more exciting?
Mike Brennan (M), Jonny, David Tucker, Ph.D., Alan Andrist, Morgan Smathers
Veterinary Husbandry of Mythical Creatures
Cascade 10, to
What are some things you may need to know to care for your hippogryph? How do I treat an injured owlbear? Can someone PLEASE tell me how to get my displacer beast to stop stepping on the sofa! Our panelists discuss the theoretical challenges and solutions to caring for mythical beasts.
Darren McKinty, RVT (M), Melissa Nichols, Jay Donnaway, Charlotte Lewis Brown
Negotiating Contracts in Tabletop
Cascade 11, to
Join freelancers in tabletop role-playing games and board games to discuss what to expect when discussing pay rates in the industry, including ceilings/floors, advances, and royalties.
Virginia Black (M), John Godek, Erin Roberts, Gabrielle Harbowy, Monte Lin
Mutual Aid 101
Cascade 12, to
So, youâve got a casual community of friends. How do you turn that into a community that helps each other get through hard times?
Marnee Chua (M), Andrew Williams, Li Harrison, Susie Fox, Scotty McIntosh
Hello. I Am C-3P0, Human Cyborg Relations
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Looking at the relationship between human and mechanical intelligences as explored in SF literature, ranging from robot âslaveryâ to equal status to machine domination.
Izzy G (M), Nicole Glover, Daniel H. Wilson, William Boulanger, Libby Schultz
Humor and Horror: Not Such Strange Bedfellows
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
In Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, Shaun of the Dead, and What We Do in the Shadows, and books like David Wong’s John Dies at the End, You Suck by Christopher Moore, and My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix, the line between horror and comedy can often be combined while nailing the tropes of both genres. Both rely on timing, tension, and knowing exactly when to let the audience breathe. Our panelists discuss why the two genres are secretly siblings, and how humor can make horror hit even harder.
Perla X. Caballero (M), Lawrence Watt-Evans, Emily Smiley, Alexandra Nica, J.P. Barnett
Labyrinth Featuring Shadow Cast!
Grand 3, to
Come to a shadow cast screening of the cult-classic fantasy Labyrinth! The film will be shown on screen while live performers shadow the action, bringing the magic, music, and the Goblin King to life.
Youth: Watercolor Paint-Along
Olympic 1, to
Paint a watercolor landscape.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Learn to Play Magic: The Gathering
Olympic 2, to
Join The Shire for an introductory session on Magic: The Gathering (MtG). Whether you’ve never heard of MtG, or want to meet some new friends to play with, this beginner’s class will teach you how to play one of the most popularâand most complexâcard games around. Cards and play mats will be provided, so come ready to learn and have fun!
Esperanto Meetup
Presidential Suite 1360, to
Opportunity for people who are interested in Esperanto to gather and share. All levels of fluency are invited: from those just curious about Esperanto to advanced speakers.
Reading: Laura Cranehill
Cascade 3, to
Wife Shaped Bodies. An excerpt from a weird mycological queer horror novel coming out from Saga Press on April 14th. Rated R.
Laura Cranehill (M)
Art in Action: Camille Meehan
Grand 1, to
Camille will enthusiastically tell (and show!) attendees how she creates digital art.
Camille Meehan (M)
Crafting Music with Intention
Tower Lounge, to
From initial inspiration to finished production, how does a songwriter craft mood, message, and arrangement to create an intentional effect on their listeners? Come hear how our panelists manage this feat, what does and doesnât work, and pick up some tools and tricks to use in your own songwriting and music composition.
Cathy McManamon (M), Alexander James Adams
6 p.m. PST (10 p.m. EST / 1 a.m. April 4 GMT)
Reading: Thursday
Cascade 3, to
Speculative Poetry and Prose. A Norwescon baby brings some of their original writing to share. There will be laughs, potentially some cringes, and many superheroes, vampires, monsters, nerd references, and queerness! Rated G.
Thursday (M)
Consulting, Sensitivity, and Culture
Cascade 6, to
How do you successfully include cultures that aren’t your own in your games?
Luis E. Torres, Peter Adrian Behravesh, Luis Loza, Rue Dickey
Which Workshop Is Right for You?
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Writing workshops and classes can be a good way to level up your writing, meet potential peers, work with writers you admire, and find writing or critique buddies. From MFAs to online classes: How do you decide which one is right for you? What makes them unique? What do you look for and what can you avoid? Writers with experience at some of the major and local speculative workshops and educational programs discuss what what to look for, what to avoid and what makes each one unique. Youâll leave with a better understanding of the role workshops can play in your writing.
Elsie Raymond (M), Rashida J Smith, Tara Campbell, Caren GS, Monte Lin
R.I.P. Joannâs: Now Where Do I Shop?
Cascade 9, to
Where can you shop for fabric and other materials now that Joannâs has gone the way of the dodo? Panelists will offer their insights for sourcing materials online and in the real world.
Gina Saucier (M), Crystal Taggart, Taylor Tomblin, Richard Stephens, Caitlin Jacques
Scams, Solicitations, and AI
Cascade 10, to
Is that agent in your email inbox for real? How about that publisher offering you professional publication for just a small fee? Scammers have always sniffed around authors seeking publication, but now, with AI, they’re finding new ways to take advantage of writers who don’t know any better. Learn how to recognize scams and how to keep your rights and your money in your own pocket.
Terra Caldwell (M), Shahid Mahmud, Gregory Amato, J. L. Doty, Josh Storey
History Misuse in Media
Cascade 11, to
Beyond anachronistic fashion choices, what do the movies and shows get most wrong about history? Bring your favorite examples to discuss.
Meghan D. Lancaster (M), Daphne Singingtree, Alan Paulsen, Nick Fraser, Rhiannon/R.Z. Held
Generating Unique Ideas for Weird Horror Fiction
Cascade 13, to
We all know how it feels to be struck by inspiration at the worst possible times: in the shower, at 3 a.m., or during a teeth-grinding dinner with your in-laws! But how many of those brilliant ideas we envision make it to the page, a finished draft, or publication? Hopefully, with the tools discussed in this panel, you can start to change that tendency to finishing, shopping, and selling those ideas as completed stories! Led by talented, local horror author Gordon B. White, this panel will walk you through Gordonâs brainstorming and idea generation techniques which have led to hundreds of short story publications in professional markets.
Gordon B. White (M)
First Page Idol
Cascade 12, to
Does your hook grab your target readers? Are you sure? Try out your opening on a live audience with the help of professional voice actors. Our audiobook narrators will read a stack of first pages out loud. Audience members will raise their hands when they lose interest. As the author, youâll stay anonymous while getting feedback from readers. To submit work, email your first page with genre designation at the top to idol@norwescon.org.
Rebecca H. Lee (M), Gary Bennett, Sam Stark, Shiromi Arserio, Evan J. Peterson
Speculative Film Festival Block G
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Start your evening off with a selection of science fiction films: Star Crossed (U.S.), Emotional Anomaly (Spain), I Made The Invisible Man (U.K.), and Memoria Obscura (U.S.).
Shawn Marier (M)
Polyamorous Community
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Our panelists discuss building a polyamorous community.
Sar Surmick (M), John Jensen, Jonathan, Hazel, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti
Friday Night Magic: Two Draft Events!
Olympic 2, to
1: With the Mystery Booster 2 Magic draft, you can let chaos reign! With its limited release and hard-to-find cards, this is a rare chance to experience a truly chaotic draft. Limited to eight players at $50 per person. 2: With the Edge of Eternities Magic draft, blast off into Magicâs space-fantasy set! Chart a course through the Sothera system to explore distant planets, wield dazzling magic, and wage war with alien factions. Limited to 24 players at $25 per person. Sign-ups for both are available on Warhorn pre-con and alongside general gaming registration in Lakeside Gaming.
Book Edge Painting Party with Author Gabriella Buba
Tower Ballroom, to
Customize your bookshelf! Attendees will be creating gorgeous custom copies of author Gabriella Bubaâs Stormbringer Saga books 1 or 2. No experience is needed; just bring your enthusiasm, and panelists will provide all the materials you need! Gabriella will guide you in creating your very own edge-painted copy of her Aldiss Award-nominated epic fantasy duology featuring Saints of Storm and Sorrow and Daughters of Flood and Fury. This workshop includes the purchase of one signed copy and two hours of step-by-step instruction on how to edge paint and customize your book. You will also receive a printout listing the basic supplies youâd need to continue your edge painting journey at home, and a step-by-step guide. The cost is $35, cash only. Limited to 20 sign-ups at the info table.
Gabriella Buba (M)
Reading: Corry L. Lee
Cascade 3, to
Weave the Lightning. It has been decades since magical storms have been seen in Bourshkanyaâs skies. Their return should be Celkaâs greatest momentâgiving the resistance the weapons they need to overthrow the tyrannical Stormhawkâbut after a lifetime of hiding her gift from the State, sheâs had too little training. Hazy lessons from a father lost to the secret police arenât enough, and calling down magical lightning with no clue how to control it is too reckless, even for herâŚ. Rated PG.
Corry L. Lee (M)
7 p.m. PST (11 p.m. EST / 2 a.m. April 4 GMT)
Reading: Larina Warnock
Cascade 3, to
Monsters, Myths, and Mental Landscapes. Fantastical poems exploring mental illness, trauma, and the search for meaning. Rated PG.
Larina Warnock (M)
Teen & Tween: Table Read
Cascade 5, to
Are you interested in voice acting? Ever wondered what a table read is like? Want to find out? Come hang out with some professional voice actors and take turns playing parts in an original script! Panelists will select a small group to read together for 5 minutes guided by one of our voice actors, and then they will switch and choose another group. Reading time will vary on attendance. Bring all your best character voices! Teens and tweens only!
Sam Stark (M), Oz Norberg, Erica Angeline Solano
Youâre Going to Sell Your Soul. What Would You Want for It?
Cascade 6, to
Maybe you figure you’re already damned. Maybe the reward is worth it. This panel will ask the audience what their price is. (Norwescon is not responsible for any actual transactions.)
M. Shedric Simpson (M), Ben Honeycutt, Carlos Cabrera, Ethan Vodde, Jake McKinzie
Where is the Foot Soldier?
Cascade 7 & 8, to
With spaceships, drones, and AI-guided missiles, are foot soldiers still necessary in sci-fi battles? Do armies of the future still need ground troops? Would they become unnecessary with technological advances, or is there a cultural/societal need for ground fighters aside from technology? What are examples from sci-fi books and movies?
Randy Hayes (M), Jonathan JD Davenport, John Lovett, Peter Fuller, Dr. Mark Rounds
Scare the Characters, Support the Players
Cascade 9, to
Join our panelists in a discussion about horror in tabletop role-playing games and how to limit information in a way that keeps the mystery alive but doesn’t risk alienating or actually frightening players. How safety tools and lines/veils can actually expand the topics you explore in horror by setting guard rails and opening new avenues.
Rue Dickey (M), Shanna Germain, Sean K. Reynolds, Lydia Randall, Luis Loza
Rocky Horror: Five Decades of Absolute Pleasure
Cascade 10, to
The Rocky Horror Picture Show turned 50 in 2025. Let’s give ourselves over to this absolute pleasure and talk about what made RHPS stick: the DIY aesthetic, the punk sensibility, the adventure into taboo gender and sexuality. How did this tiny, bizarre, queer-as-hell stage play become the undisputed titan of interactive cinema? And what of the sequels, such as Shock Treatment or Magdalene Visaggio’s new graphic novel? Let’s do the âTime Warpâ again (and again and again).
Richard Stephens (M), Amanda Cherry, Berlynn Wohl, Taylor Tomblin, Evan J. Peterson
Thrifting for Costumes
Cascade 11, to
Thrifting and upcycling are terrific, budget-friendly ways to get started with costuming. Come learn where to shop and how to identify what you find.
Ms Purple Pearl (M), Grace Amundsen Barnkow, Gina Saucier, Caitlin Jacques, Melissa Nichols
How to Get Started in Designing Your Own Graphic Novel
Cascade 13, to
Always wanted to make your story into a graphic novel but don’t know where to start? Come learn from our experienced artists and see how they approach making their stories into visual works of storytelling art.
Tori Sharp (M), Geneva Bowers, Eric L Vargas, Liz Argall, Larry Lewis
Raising Them Right: Kids and Horror Media
Cascade 12, to
Horror isnât just about scaresâit sparks imagination, resilience, and connection. But how can parents share their love of horror films and books in ways that respect childrenâs ages and boundaries? This panel explores strategies for introducing young fans to spooky media, from early âgatewayâ stories to scarier content as they grow. Panelists discuss helping kids set their own limits, recognizing readiness for more intense material, and celebrating the genre together. Join them for insights on raising the next generation of horror loversâwithout the nightmares.
Dustin Campbell (M), Josef B. Wilke, Kendare Blake, J.P. Barnett, Lish McBride
Speculative Film Festival Block H
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
With alien invasions, bug hunts, exploration of planets, and ghosts in the machine, this block has all the tropes of science fiction: Invasion â53 (U.S.), 2042 (Italy), Downsized (U.K.), Pale Blue Dot: A Tale of Two Stargazers (Italy).
Shawn Marier (M)
Radiation in Truth and Fiction
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Many people learned about radiation from comic books, so what they know is wrong. Others learned about it from people with political agendas, and a lot of that is wrong, too. What is real about radiation? How has it affected your life? And how has it shaped the world you live in? How can it be used in that story you are writing?
Mike Brennan (M), Morgan Smathers, VA7LON, David Tucker, Ph.D., Michael Brugger
Philip K. Dick Award Ceremony
Grand 2, to
Presented annually at Norwescon with the support of the Philip K. Dick Trust, this award recognizes distinguished science fiction published in paperback original form in the United States. The award is sponsored by the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society and tPresented annually at Norwescon with the support of the Philip K. Dick Trust, this award recognizes 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 itself is sponsored by Norwescon. Join us to nibble on light desserts, listen to readings of selections from the nominated worksâsome read by the authors themselvesâand find out who wins this year’s award!he Philip K. Dick Trust, and the award ceremony itself is sponsored by Norwescon.
Michael Hanscom (M), Gordon Van Gelder, Thomas Ha, Koji A. Dae, William Alexander
Youth: Letâs Go Camping!
Olympic 1, to
Enjoy a âcamping tripâ with campfire fun and activities.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Reading: Laura Anne Gilman
Cascade 3, to
Untitled. Laura reads a selection from a fantasy work in progress. Rated PG.
Laura Anne Gilman (M)
8 p.m. PST (midnight EST / 3 a.m. April 4 GMT)
Reading: Erik Scott de Bie
Cascade 3, to
Inferno. An excerpt from Erik Scott de Bieâs superhero novel Inferno, book 4 of the Justice/Vengeance series. Rated R.
Erik Scott de Bie (M)
Teen & Tween: Flashlight LARP
Cascade 5, to
Illuminate the way in an after-hours LARP quest led by a LARP-ing pro.
Lydia Randall (M), Oliver Huskey
Pre-Masquerade Meeting
Cascade 7 & 8, to
If you plan to enter the masquerade, you must come to one of the pre-masquerade meetings to get all the information you need to compete and turn over your music. If you have not already registered online, a computer will be available for you to do so. If you are just curious and have some questions, you can get answers here.
Doll (M)
Northwest Speculative Reading: Norwescon 2026
Cascade 9, to
Northwest Speculative returns again for this exciting reading event, featuring a wide-ranging group of authors reading excerpts from their newest work.
G.R. Theron (M), Kate Ristau, Phoenix Bourgeois, Dean Wells, Tara Campbell, Lauren C. Johnson, Megan Lee Bees, Richard Flores IV, Cyrus Amelia Fisher, Neena Viel, Remy Nakamura, A. L. Kaplan, Diana Ma, Libby Schultz
You Say âMad Scientistâ and âEvil Plansâ Like Itâs a Bad Thing
Cascade 10, to
Interest leads to knowledge, knowledge leads to obsession, obsession leads to world dominationâŚ. Simple logic, Pinky.
Jake McKinzie (M), VA7LON, Jay Donnaway, Torrey Stenmark, Dr. Ricky
So I’ve Got this PlayerâŚ
Cascade 11, to
Everyone comes to a con wanting to complain about âthat playerâ in their game who is a problem, but for some reason, they canât figure out what to do about them. Our panelists will discuss and commiserate with the audience about different types of âbad actorsâ at the game table and possible solutions.
Sean K. Reynolds (M), Ben Thompson, John Godek, Erin M. Evans, Scotty McIntosh
Letâs Draw Space Pirates
Cascade 13, to
YAAR!! As a group, the panelists will come up with designs for a space pirate crew and design their ship and other mecha if time allows. Audience participation expected, and be sure to bring your drawing pads!
Eric L Vargas (M)
Sci-Fi Fantasy at the Oscars
Cascade 12, to
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King stunned with its best picture win, but genre films have largely been shut out of Hollywood’s biggest night. Come discuss the exceptions and snubs from the vast canon of worthy sci-fi and fantasy movies.
Janna Silverstein, Gina Saucier, Luke Elliott, Brian D. Oberquell
Speculative Film Festival Block I
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Time to get scared! From cosmic horrors to aliens to forest spirits, theyâre all out to get you. This block includes Amira (Spain), Leshy (Poland), Dead Air (U.S.), Hide (U.S.), and The Other (France).
Shawn Marier (M)
Presented by BritCon: The QI Game Show
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
This panel mimics the popular British Quiz show QI, which stands for Quite Interesting. In keeping with Norwesconâs theme, up to four panelists will attempt to answer questions related to illumination and light. Unlike standard quiz shows, scoring is arbitrary and it is generally more important for panelists to be humorous and entertaining in how they answer the questions.
Dawn Shaw (M), Andrew Williams, Liz Argall, Liz Coleman, Berlynn Wohl
Stitch & Bitch and Costume 911
Tower Ballroom, to
Still working on something to wear in the halls, in the masquerade, or just for a project? This is your place! Bring your items to work on, and enjoy good company and the opportunity to get help if needed.
Karaoke
Tower Lounge, to
Get ready to unleash your inner rock star, diva, or disco queen in Maxiâs! Join for an unforgettable evening of karaoke, where the only rule is to have fun! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a shy shower singer, this stage is your playground.
DJ #CSharp (M)
Reading: ELK
Cascade 3, to
The Book of Kings: Star-Crossed. It wasn’t how he imagined he’d become king, but in fairness, Gerick had never really thought about it. Even in the deepest depths of a mad crusade, King Ragnvaldr seemed timeless to the crown prince, yet in a flash, the great was no more. With large shoes to fill, Gerick soon finds there is perhaps more to Ragnvaldr’s descent than meets the eye. Dragged into a prophecy of cosmic proportions, Gerick must see his people, his kingdom, and his love life succeed and survive. There’s only one problem: Gerick is doomed to fail. Rated PG.
ELK (M)
9 p.m. PST (1 a.m. April 4 EST / 4 a.m. GMT)
Friends of Bill W.
Cascade 3, to
How to Flirt with Geeks
Cascade 11, to
What defines flirting, and how does it benefit the con community? How is flirting and meeting people different at con compared to out in the real world? Many geeky people have always felt awkward in other settings but find their place here. Panelists explore the many safe and consensual ways to flirt with your fellow geeks!
Hazel (M), John Jensen, Wm Salt Hale, Ian K. Hagemann, MSW
Speculative Film Festival Block J
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
This block features movies to make your skin crawl, scary monsters, vampires, wendigos, and insects: Hunger (U.S.), Are You There (U.S.), Necrosectos (Spain), and Roberta (U.S.).
Shawn Marier (M)
Filk Circle Etiquette
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
From the way chairs are arranged in a circle, to different types of filk circles and regional preferences, to anchoring skills and inviting everyone to participate (and preventing âfilk hoggingâ)âit all matters! Whether you break into any circle easily with your instrumental intros, struggle to be recognized as an a capella singer, or take on the lucky responsibility of managing a circle, learn how to make everyone feel welcome and included.
Cathy McManamon (M), Gareth Davis, Anne Stewart, Cecilia Eng
Open Filk Circle: Friday Night
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Filkâs origins come from folk circles at conventions, which mutated because of a typo and the sort of people who must enshrine a joke. The rules were simple: Everything was filkâan original song, a filk song, a popular song, or an interpretive dance. Everyone who chose to was allowed to perform and shown respect. Otherwise, simple civility ruled the day. Bring your instruments and voices to share your songs! Everyone and every type of music are welcome.
Griff the Filker, Cecilia Eng, Andrew Ross
Friday Night Dance: Black Light Rave With mc300baud
Grand 3, to
Glow under the neon lights and dance wild through the night. You can even send in your song suggestions now!
mc300baud (M)
Midnight PST (4 a.m. April 4 EST / 7 a.m. GMT)
Lakeside Open Gaming
Rotunda 1 & 2, to
Lakeside Gaming will be open Friday night starting at midnight. Feel free to bring your own game or check one out from Dragonflightâs lending library. As a reminder, Lakeside Gaming is only accessible by way of the second-floor skybridge via the first or second concourse.
Saturday
7 a.m. PST (11 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. GMT)
Saturday Lazer Tag
Grand 2, to
Come on down and have a blast playing open Lazer Tag/Nerf. This event is Lazer Tag with a twist: BYON (bring your own Nerf). Voting will determine whether the 20-minute games will be Nerf or Lazer Tag. Eye protection must be worn during Nerf and Blaster.
9 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST / 4 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Gabriella Buba
Cascade 3, to
Saints of Storm and Sorrow. In this fiercely imaginative Filipino-inspired fantasy debut, a bisexual nun hiding a goddess-given gift is unwillingly transformed into a lightning rod for her people’s struggle against colonization. Perfect for fans of The Poppy War and The Jasmine Throne. Rated PG.
Gabriella Buba (M)
Tone and Absence: Storytelling 302
Cascade 13, to
Together the panelists will explore the qualities of tone, how the negative space of what is left out is as important as what is kept in, and techniques for achieving your desired reader experience.
Christina Boekeloo (M), Erin M. Evans, Jack Skillingstead, Erik Grove, Cyrus Amelia Fisher
Youth: Saturday Cartoons and Coloring
Olympic 1, to
Start your day with some coloring sheets and cartoons.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Reading: Shannon Page
Cascade 3, to
Orcas Aliens. The second book in the Tales from the Berry Farm series, set on Orcas Island, Washington. Rated G.
Shannon Page (M)
10 a.m. PST (2 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Alexandra Nica
Cascade 3, to
âDepartment of Reintegration.â Welcome to the Department of Reintegration, where we help you come back to the mundane world after your cursed existence. Take a number and you will be called up shortly. Rated PG.
Alexandra Nica (M)
Found Items Costume and Props
Cascade 5, to
Bring a thrift store treasure youâd like to transform OR start something new with the help of our panelist pros and an assortment of recycled materials.
L.J. Melvin (M), Sam Stark, Crystal Taggart, Janine, Wolfcat
Superman and Good Guys Who Are Good
Cascade 6, to
Antiheroes and moral grayness have their place, but sometimes the audience just wants superheroes to save the darn cat! Come discuss why the world needs some good good guys again.
Kris ‘Pepper’ Hambrick (M), Matt Youngmark, Randy Henderson, Scotty McIntosh, Jack Samm
What Is a Mind, and More Importantly, How Do You Control It?
Cascade 7 & 8, to
You are getting sleepier, and sleepierâand you want to give the panelists your Social Security number, routing number, and the keys to your Prius…. Never mind, theyâll walk.
Jake McKinzie (M), A. W. McCollough, Sar Surmick, Kaitlyn Casimo, PhD, MEd, Liz Coleman
Plagues and Pestilences
Cascade 9, to
Explore the famous Black Death, as well as lesser-known plagues, both ancient and modern. What were the short- and long-term effects?
V Whitlock (M), Ann Shilling, Terra Caldwell, Bryana Bean, Jonny
Whatâs Going on Here? The Weird in PNW History
Cascade 10, to
Cryptids! UFOs! Serial killers! Ghosts! Whatever flavor of spooky you’re into, the PNW has got in its backyard (or woods). Come hear stories, explore causes, and consider the ways the local culture has been shaped by these shades and shadows.
Anne Stewart (M), Thursday, Berlynn Wohl, Kat Richardson, Jae Steinbacher
Mobility Devices and Cosplay
Cascade 11, to
Panelists discuss ways to decorate and integrate mobility devices of all kinds into costumes.
Rue Dickey (M), Richard Stephens, Ms Purple Pearl
Deep Impressions: Letterpress Printing Art and Craft
Cascade 13, to
The art and craft of letterpress printing was the standard method of printing text from its invention by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century through the 19th century. It has survived until today as an art form, as well as a practical way to produce beautiful books, broadsides, and more. Get a glimpse into this art and craft through a presentation illustrating the experience of a new practitioner. You’ll see different kinds of presses, get a look at the process, and hear about ways you can learn this storied art.
Janna Silverstein (M)
How to Interview Guests of Honor
Cascade 12, to
Ever wished you were the person to interview the guest of honor at a convention? Well, this panel will help teach you how. Professionals with experience in interviewing will show you how to make the guest comfortable, ask the right questions, pivot when needed, and handle audience Q&A, among other things.
Marta Murvosh (M), John Godek, Jennifer Brozek, Dr. Jess Hebert, Tom Whitmore
Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Integrity
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Some people say that AI is not, perhaps, all that it could be. Some say that the way AI can lie, cheat, and steal is a problem. Others say it learns that by stealing from humans (and other AIs), and others say that doesnât make it better. Join our panelists as they sort out all the problems with AI.
VA7LON (M), Dr. Corey Frazier, Izzy G, Dr. Sean Robinson, Dr. Kaylea Champion
Letâs Make a Movie: Shoot It!
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
You were there for the previous part, right, where everyone figured out what was needed and planned this movie all out? Quick! Time travel! Or, drop in anyway and become a Valued Actor Person. Today, itâs time to shoot like mad weasels, because there’s not much time, and if youâre going to make a movie at light speed, then you have to move like light! So, don’t be late, or you’ll just see redshifted versions of these pros. The key to making a movie, of course, is to get the footage in the can! Or, âbox,â actually, but you know what they mean. Itâs two hours of madness but always worth it in the end!
Ryan K. Johnson (M), Brian D. Oberquell, dQ Kaufman, Edward Martin III
Art in Action: Brittany Otto
Grand 1, to
Brittany will show the audience how she creates hand-cut layered paper artwork.
Brittany Otto (M)
Autograph Session
Grand 2, to
Guests of honor and attending professionals are available to sign autographs. PLEASE NOTE: So that as many fans as possible can participate, a three-items-at-a-time (or single-sketch) autograph limit will be enforced.
T. Kingfisher, Geneva Bowers, Summer Ash, Bradley Englert / Orbit Books, Dutch Bihary ContoursFx, Koji A. Dae, William Alexander, Thomas Ha, A. L. Kaplan, Alexander James Adams, Amanda Cherry, Andie Penn Romine, Andrea Weilgart, Brenda Cooper, Brianna Malotke, Carol Berg, Curtis C. Chen, Daniel H. Wilson, Daphne Singingtree, Dean Wells, Diana Ma, Dr. Mark Rounds, Erik Scott de Bie, Evan J. Peterson, Gabriella Buba, Gordon B. White, GregRobin Smith, J. L. Doty, Jack Skillingstead, Jeff Grubb, Jeff Sturgeon, Josef B. Wilke, K.I. Tolles, Kendare Blake, L.J. Melvin, Laura Anne Gilman, Lauren C. Johnson, Lawrence Watt-Evans, Leslie Lutz, Lily Meade, Lish McBride, Liz Argall, Lizzy D. Hill, Margaret Owen, Megan E. O’Keefe, Miranda Levi, Nancy Kress, Neena Viel, Nicole Glover, Perla X. Caballero, Remy Nakamura, Rhiannon/R.Z. Held, Rosemary Jones, Sandra Rosner, Sean K. Reynolds, Sebastien de Castell, Shanna Germain, Steven Barnes, Susan R. Matthews, Timothy W. Long, Tori Sharp, Virginia Black, William Boulanger, Diana Fedorak
Pre-Masquerade Meeting
Grand 3, to
If you plan to enter the masquerade, you must come to one of the pre-masquerade meetings to get all the information you need to compete and turn over your music. If you have not already registered online, a computer will be available for you to do so. If you are just curious and have some questions, you can get answers here.
Doll (M), Donde Groovily
Youth: Picture Book Storytime
Olympic 1, to
Come get cozy and listen to stories. Coloring and quiet toys will be available.
Jenny Shafer (M), Kit Vander Voort, Mir Plemmons, Sonja Thomas
CATAN Championship Qualifier
Olympic 2, to
Norwescon is hosting an official CATAN United States National Championship Qualifier tournament. We will have three preliminary rounds followed by a final round. There will be 28 seats available. The Qualifier winner will win a guaranteed seat at the 2026 CATAN United States National Championship tournament!
Lakeside Gaming: All-Ages Scheduled Games
Rotunda 2, to
Come sign up for a game! You can play Pathfinder Society, other role-playing games, card games, and more. After gaming closes, this area is available for open games. Lakeside Gaming is accessible by way of the second-floor skybridge via the first or second concourse.
Cosplay Photography Workshop
Tower Ballroom, to
Come work with a veteran photographer and a veteran cosplayer to learn tips and tricks for doing great cosplay photography in a hands-on environment! The panel will involve walking to a few different settings and learning how to take the best photos in each one, based on lighting, costume considerations, and more. Bring your phone, your camera, or your cosplay, and come ready to get some great photos! Cosplayers and photographers are all welcome, at any level of skill and equipment.
Andrew Williams (M), Torrey Stenmark
But Itâs Not Mine
Tower Lounge, to
There are writtenâand unwrittenârules and etiquette about covering, performing, and recording other people’s music. Discover what you need to know about what you can and can’t do, what permissions you need (or not), and how to do it without ruffling feathers or incurring legal consequences.
Cathy McManamon (M), Cool Nerd Mark, Gareth Davis, Cecilia Eng, Ethan Vodde
Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator
Tower Salon, to
Artemis is a spaceship bridge simulator where players assume the jobs of captain, helm, science, communication, engineering, and weapons and work together to defeat alien enemies.
Reading: Libby Schultz
Cascade 3, to
Win Condition. Enter the world of Char, where everything has a price and power is a game. A global crypto token manipulated by wealthy magnates and sentient trading AI sort haves from have-nots, squeezing citizens and leaving them to fight over the remains. Anyone can challenge the world order by competing in Char’s lethal gaming tournament, but elites rigged the outcome so that the winners join them or die. When Arrow, a hacker and rags-to-riches gaming champion, and Sage, an exiled scion from the ruling class, are recruited by a disillusioned military general to claim the token for themselves, their victories bring turmoil and ruin to the citizens of Char. To preserve their humanity and their lives, they must find a new way to play war. Rated PG.
Libby Schultz (M)
11 a.m. PST (3 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Camden Rose
Cascade 3, to
âWhat Iâm Made Of.â Camden Rose will read a fantasy story about grief and mud familiars published in Inner Worlds. Rated PG.
Camden Rose (M)
Inspiration in Art
Cascade 6, to
Come feel inspiration as you hear what inspires the artists on the panel. Is it nature, music, an emotional moment, or the kitty that sleeps on their artwork as they work? Let’s find out!
M. Shedric Simpson (M), Ellis Bray, Brittany Otto, andyvanoverberghe, LA Wildsun Bradley
Neurodivergent Families
Cascade 7 & 8, to
What happens to family dynamics when one or more people are neurodivergent? How can people support their differently-brained family members? And what can families look like when we expand beyond the nuclear family?
Kit Vander Voort (M), Megan Lee Bees, Kathy, Tom D Wright, Richard Stephens
The Little EV That Could
Cascade 9, to
What if the path to the electric-powered transportation future isn’t replacing gasoline powered cars with electric cars, but replacing muscle-powered transportation with electric bikes, scooters, and other? What are the promises and problems? Panelists will help untangle the issues of small EVs.
Crystal Lloyd (M), Wm Salt Hale, Jay Donnaway, K.I. Tolles, VA7LON
Zap: Lightning Science
Cascade 10, to
Beautiful and deadly, lightning has long amazed, awed, and been an awesome superpower. But how does it work? What would happen if you were struck by lightning? Does lightning occur on other planets? Can you make your own lightning? In this interactive talk with a Ph.D. physicist, discover the science (and fiction) of lightning. No science background necessary!
Corry L. Lee (M)
From Page to Podcast
Cascade 11, to
Writing for audio is its own art formâintimate, immersive, and driven by the power of voice. Come and listen to how these podcast writers, hosts, and creators craft compelling narratives designed to be heard. Learn how to structure an episode, build tension, and shape character arcs, how to ask questions that spark genuine dialogue, or structure interviews so that they flow smoothly but are still engaging. Whether you’re developing a fiction series, a documentary or interview-style show, or anything in between, you’ll leave with practical insights to elevate your audio storytelling.
Luke Elliott (M), Steven Barnes, Ron Leota, Clay Vermulm, Sandra Rosner
Crafters Meetup
Cascade 13, to
Join your fellow crafters for an hour of creativity. From sewing to embroidery, origami, and coloring, all crafts are welcome. Show off what youâre working on or learn something from your fellow crafters. Bring your materials and your creativity. Please do not bring paints, glitter, or anything that needs cleanup.
Michelle Morrell (M), Carmen Beaudry, Belsac, Travis Partington
Making Space at the Table
Cascade 12, to
Join our panelists in a discussion about representation in TTRPGs from an intersectional perspective. How can you make your games more inclusive and welcoming to people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities?
Sar Surmick (M), Luis E. Torres, Rue Dickey, Brigitte Winter, Virginia Black
World Building Series 202: What Isn’t Seen
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Beyond the visible world around characters, there exists the depths of myths, magic, and history that deepen the experience of the reader and provide richness to the conflicts of the story. Together, the panelists will explore how to interlace these together and provide continuity and depth while avoiding confusion and muddled lore.
Dean Wells (M), Laura Anne Gilman, Shanna Germain, Ryan James, Sierra Branham
Youth: All About Unicorns
Olympic 1, to
Unicorns are amazing! Listen to unicorn stories and make a unicorn craft.
Jenny Shafer (M), Camille Meehan
From Circle to Stage
Tower Lounge, to
There’s a big difference between playing in a casual music circle and performing on the stage. What do you need to know about making that transition? How do you get a concert at a con? Get the inside info from musicians who have performance experience and who have run concert tracks.
Erica Angeline Solano (M), Eric Distad, Dr. Jess Hebert, Gareth Davis, GregRobin Smith
Reading: Celeste Wakefield
Cascade 3, to
Harriet, or, A True Account of the Death of Percy Bysshe Shelley. An alternate history poem, in which the first Mrs. Shelley gets 186 lines to howl. Rated R.
Celeste Wakefield (M)
Art in Action: Rob Carlos
Grand 1, to
Rob Carlos will host an acrylic painting demo called âItâs Dragon Time!â
Rob Carlos (M)
Youngling Lightsaber Training
Grand 2, to
Padawans, do you feel the call of the Force? Join the Jedi and Sith of Kamino Temple and learn how to use a lightsaber! Take your first steps into a larger world. Ages 4â12 with parental supervision.
Torrey Stenmark (M)
Noon PST (4 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. GMT)
Reading: William Alexander
Cascade 3, to
Sunward. A novel about the perils of raising young robots in a turbulent solar system. Rated G.
William Alexander (M)
Teen & Tween: Author Readings
Cascade 5, to
Teens and tweens are invited to come relax and listen to authors read just for them.
L.J. Melvin (M)
YA Is for Everyone?
Cascade 6, to
The YA genre is technically for teens, but the profit comes from adults buying YA. How has this influenced the genre? What does this mean for what can and cannot be discussed in YA?
A. L. Kaplan (M), Margaret Owen, Kendare Blake, L.J. Melvin, Lish McBride
2D to 3D Design
Cascade 7 & 8, to
How do you unravel that gorgeous illustration into a wearable work of art? Our panel of experts will share their strategies for breaking down what’s in the resource image and making up what isn’t to complete the look.
Melissa Quinn (M), Caitlin Jacques, Taylor Tomblin, Melissa Nichols, Grace Amundsen Barnkow
Self-Publishing 101
Cascade 9, to
You’ve written your book and you’re ready to release it into the world. You want to go the indie publishing route but have no idea where to start or what to do next. These indie-published writers and editors walk you through the steps to self-publicationâediting, cover art, book layout, marketing, and moreâexplaining the process and the costs, and warning you about the pitfalls.
Janna Silverstein (M), Shannon Page, K.G. Anderson, Jonathan JD Davenport, Gregory Amato
Horrible Histories: A Way to Make Learning about History Fun
Cascade 10, to
A discussion about shows, podcasts, and other media that help make learning about history funâit isn’t just lists of numbers and names! How do you take that dry text and make it engaging enough to reach an audience who isn’t necessarily interested in history?
Erin M. Evans (M), Ben Thompson, Ann Shilling, Alan Andrist, Marta Murvosh
Robots in Space
Cascade 11, to
Modern autonomous systems and extreme environments like space and space-launch seem like a perfect match. Are they? What could robotic factories and agents, or von Neumann probes do for humanity? Should we be trying to send these systems now to prepare the red carpet for humanity? Or should we be wary of creating a potentially hostile form of life?
Eric Taney (M), Dr. Sean Robinson, Daniel H. Wilson, David Tucker, Ph.D., Phil L. Swan
The Poetry Workshop Panel
Cascade 13, to
Time to talk about all of it! How to gather inspiration; how to self-edit and how to collaborate with others; where to send your work, how to construct a good cover letter, and how to deal with (so many) rejections; copyright pitfalls to avoid, and more! Do you have questions about the poetry world? Bring them to this panel!
Thursday (M), Larina Warnock, Brianna Malotke, Brian U. Garrison, GregRobin Smith
Presented by BritCon: Classic Doctor Who
Cascade 12, to
What are peopleâs favorite memories, characters, villains, stories, and of course, Doctors from Classic Who? Why does the original show still resonate with todayâs audience? Even with its small budgets, production values, special effects, lack of refinement, and seasons before the advent of color, people still watch. With some contemporary viewers proclaiming that New Who is too âwoke,â which stories and situations from the classic show evoke valuable themes?
Dawn Shaw (M), Tim Sorensen, Kris ‘Pepper’ Hambrick, Marlow Weaver, William Boulanger
Frankenstein Never Dies
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
After 200 years, directors like Maggie Gyllenhaal and Guillermo del Toro are keeping Mary Shelley’s story alive with film after film, not to mention comics, games, and traditional print. What makes Frankenstein such an entrancing fable? Panelists will discuss the endless, eternal life of this genre-establishing story.
Summer Ash (M), Evan J. Peterson, Clay Vermulm, Sam Stark, Gina Saucier
What Is Your Why
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Join authors as they discuss the reasons they write and the importance of how to stay true to one’s core motivation while navigating this discipline and industry.
Claire E. Jones (M), Laura Cranehill, Tegan Moore, J.B. Kish, Curtis C. Chen
Audiobook Publishing Meetup
Presidential Suite 1360, to
Authors, narrators, producers, publishers, or anyone working in the audiobook industry: Meet other like-minded folks for networking and trading tips on audiobook production and marketing.
Rebecca H. Lee (M)
Epic Movie Themes and Composers
Tower Lounge, to
From the first notes behind the opening credits to the closing theme of a movie, we are moved by movie soundtracksâwhether we realize it or not. This will be a healthy discussion of favorite movie and character themes, favorite composers, and why the music grips us and stays with us long after the closing credits.
Crystal Lloyd (M), Sunnie Larsen, Alexander James Adams, Peter Adrian Behravesh, Cool Nerd Mark
Reading: Karen Eisenbrey
Cascade 3, to
Tales from Deep River. Tales from Deep River is a cozy fantasy adventure series full of magic, sweet romance, and personal stakes. The author will choose an excerpt from A Quest for Hidden Things (book 1), Deep River Rising (book 2), or Promise Stones and Grannyâs Bones (book 3). Rated G.
Karen Eisenbrey (M)
Adult Lightsaber Choreography Class
Grand 2, to
Kamino Temple of Saber Guild International welcomes all prospective Jedi and Sith! Come learn the basics of stage lightsaber combat and develop your first choreographed performance. Come dressed to move; loaner lightsabers will be provided. Ages 13+.
Torrey Stenmark (M)
1 p.m. PST (5 p.m. EST / 8 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Koji A. Dae
Cascade 3, to
Casual. Valyaâs neural implant, CASUAL, has stabilized her mood and helped her get pregnant, but new laws forbid her from using the device when sheâs the sole caregiver for her infant. Her only options are to attempt solo parenting without CASUAL or install a minimally tested device in her vulnerable child. Casual is a glance at a near future that looks uncannily like our present, exploring themes of bodily autonomy and the struggle for mental health in a world increasingly divided. Rated R.
Koji A. Dae (M)
Teen & Tween: Drawing Fantastic Creatures
Cascade 5, to
Our artist pros will show you some techniques for designing and drawing sci-fi and fantasy creatures. Show off what youâve been working on and get advice to overcome your barriers. Weâll have drawing supplies. Bring a device if you wish. Teens and tweens only.
Erica Angeline Solano (M), Larry Lewis, Lizzy D. Hill, Camille Meehan
Timeless or Nostalgic?
Cascade 6, to
Culture moves fast, so how do you decide what to keep of the âtrendsâ? Do you make a YA character who uses Instagram or TikTok? Do you invent something completely new? Learn from panelists how to make an authentic character while preserving a timeless or nostalgic approach.
Lish McBride (M), Lily Meade, Sonja Thomas, Gabrielle Harbowy, James L. Sutter
Indigenous Fandom
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Indigenous members of fandom talk about their experiences.
Mir Plemmons (M), Talulah J. Sullivan, Scotty McIntosh, Daphne Singingtree
Clever Concepts with Small Budgets
Cascade 9, to
Cosplay doesnât always need to be a budget buster. Sometimes a great idea and a couple of choice pieces can be just as fun.
Kit Vander Voort (M), Carmen Beaudry, Ben Honeycutt, Crystal Taggart
Donât Train on Me
Cascade 10, to
The publishing world is pushing back against the unlicensed use of copyrighted works to train large language models. As authors, publishers, and writers unions file lawsuits and change contracts to protect their work, the pace of technological evolution makes the fight more challenging than ever. What are the legal arguments in play, whatâs the scale of the alleged damages to authors, and what can writers do to protect their interests? What would an AI licensing agreement that values copyrighted work look like?
Dr. Corey Frazier (M), Ethan Vodde, Gordon Van Gelder, Marta Murvosh, Russell Ervin
All Dressed Up with Nowhere to Go: The Realities of Interstellar Travel
Cascade 11, to
The reason many sci-fi authors posit wormholes, faster-than-light drives, and so on, is the staggering distance involved in travel between star systems, let alone galaxies. But then again, relativity âcuts both waysââfrom the perspective of the space travelers, time and distance also contract. Where could we really get to within a single human lifespan? Can we hope that humans will be landing on the nearest habitable planets anytime soon?
Hugh S. Gregory (M), Phil L. Swan, David Tucker, Ph.D., Bryana Bean, Shiv Ramdas
Workshop by Brittany Otto: Bound
Cascade 13, to
Forcing limitation frees imagination. This workshop explores the topic of how creativity and inspiration can be found and fed through restriction or limited materials. Sometimes having too many options can create decision paralysis or a creative roadblock, but limitation can inspire creative solutions.
Brittany Otto (M)
Women in Combat
Cascade 12, to
Historical sources, legends, modern examples, and sci-fi examplesâhow do these portrayals of women characters reflect the culture being written about? Or do they inadvertently reflect the culture and assumptions of the author? How do we ground our women characters and make them believable without being tied to current conventions?
Teresa Drag (M), V Whitlock, Diana Fedorak, Alexandra Nica, Morgan Smathers
Branches from a Fantasy Tree
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Fantasy boasts many subgenres, each with distinct tropes that make them stand out and allow the stories to find their target audience. We will explore what those subgenres are and how to use them to find your own audience.
Rhiannon/R.Z. Held (M), Rashida J Smith, T. Kingfisher, Lawrence Watt-Evans, Nicole Glover
There and Back AgainâSeriously?
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
How believable should your rate of transportation be in a story? What impact is there in trying to force-march men or draft animals with heavy gear? Can they really keep up long hard journeys without stops for food, water, or other care? Just how fast or far could various historical means of travel go? From Hannibalâs elephants, the Pony Express, Roman legionnaires, the Huns, and more, what could be learned to help keep jarring inaccuracies from happening in stories or shows?
Wolfcat (M), Judy R. Johnson, Susan R. Matthews, Darren McKinty, RVT, Clay Vermulm
Art in Action: Jeff Sturgeon
Grand 1, to
Jeff will paint an original piece, in acrylic on canvas.
Jeff Sturgeon (M)
Youth: Codes and Ciphers
Olympic 1, to
Secret codes are fun! The panelists will teach simple codes and ciphers and provide messages to decode.
Jenny Shafer (M), K.I. Tolles, Izzy G
Endeavour Award Preliminary Readers
Presidential Suite 1360, to
The Endeavour Award is a juried award given to books published by Pacific Northwest authors. This meetup is for our preliminary readers, either current volunteers or anyone who might be interested in becoming a reader. Readers score books on criteria such as plot, characterization, theme, and setting, and the top five scoring books will be named as finalists. Interested in learning more? Come join this meetup.
Dark Forest Pompom Mushrooms
Tower Ballroom, to
Come learn how to make pompom mushroomsâthe perfect accessory for the Saturday dance.
Peggy Stewart (M)
Concert: Faerie Born
Tower Lounge, to
Faerie Born is a beloved and feared fantasy duo who recently released their debut album, Morally Grey. Come be enchanted by their exquisite vocals!
Reading: Steven Barnes
Cascade 3, to
Sigil. An outcast teen discovers a legacy left to him by the father he thought long dead: the secret of an almost magical fighting art that will transform him into something transhuman. Rated G.
Steven Barnes (M)
2 p.m. PST (6 p.m. EST / 9 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Daniel H. Wilson
Cascade 3, to
Hole in the Sky. Hole in the Sky is a story of Native first contact with an alien entity. Rated G.
Daniel H. Wilson (M)
Identity: Choosing and Defining Your Labels
Cascade 6, to
Have you ever used a nickname or changed your pronouns? Finding our own intersectional identity and communicating that to others shapes many of our interactions and connects us with niche communities. However, labels mean different things to different people, and many choose not to use them at all. Join our panelists in a discussion about everything labels.
Liz Argall (M), Sar Surmick, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti, Jonathan, Jae Steinbacher
Where My Gargoyles At? Sidekicks in the Center
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Gargoyles (and grotesques) have been a source of worldwide fascination for thousands of years. From foo dogs (or shishi) to cathedral gargoyles, stonemasons have been carving guardian statues for centuries. And yet, gargoyles in pop culture tend to be only side characters, playing bit parts in other heroesâ stories (Disneyâs Hunchback of Notre Dame, talking statues in Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell). What does our enduring need for stone sentries reveal about our collective imagination and the stories we tell ourselves? And what tales would gargoyles tell if they were allowed to tell their own?
Tara Campbell (M), Lauren C. Johnson, Rosemary Jones, Mir Plemmons, Meghan D. Lancaster
Where They Start
Cascade 9, to
The utility of commonly understood places, such as taverns, crossroads, and farms, are an often-utilized trope in fantasy. This panel will explore why they are used, what other options achieve the same broad appeal, and ideas for how to bring readers into a strange land without making them feel lost.
G.R. Theron (M), Bradley Englert / Orbit Books, K.G. Anderson, Dean Wells, Tom Whitmore
Prop Design and Materials
Cascade 10, to
Ever wonder how to build a six-foot-long sword that will fit in your checked luggage? Or how to take the wobble out of a wizard staff? Panelists will discuss some basic design concepts, tools, and materials.
Richard Stephens (M), Belsac, Ben Honeycutt, A. L. Kaplan, Melissa Nichols
AI Versus Human Narrators
Cascade 11, to
AI in narration is a touchy subject, but important to talk about. Panelists will discuss the ethical considerations in using AI voices, as well as how human creativity, emotion, and interpretation remain vital in connecting with listeners. Whether you are curious or cautious, love AI narration or hate it, this panel will offer some insight.
Sam Stark (M), Sebastien de Castell, Shiromi Arserio, Rebecca H. Lee, Gary Bennett
Workshop by Ellis Bray: How to Use Procreate
Cascade 13, to
Want to try out the Procreate art app but feel overwhelmed by all the fancy bells and whistles? Come join Ellis Bray as he helps show how easy it can be to navigate Procreate. If you have been on it for a while, you might learn a new trick or two. Please feel free to bring your tablet to follow along, or come learn and observe. All are welcome!
Ellis Bray (M)
Cozy Gaming
Cascade 12, to
Join our panelists for a discussion on why these lighter themes emphasizing nonviolence and relaxation have gained in popularity. You might pick up on some tips as to which onesâfrom video games to tabletop games and role-playing gamesâare worth checking out.
Scotty McIntosh (M), Shanna Germain, Megan E. O’Keefe, Sean K. Reynolds, Ron Leota
Whose Science Is It Anyways?
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Play the game where the science doesnât matter, the points arenât real, and the theories are perfectly, absolutely hilarious… to the panelists at least.
Jake McKinzie (M), Dr. Jess Hebert, Dr. Ricky, Kaitlyn Casimo, PhD, MEd, Charlotte Lewis Brown, Darren McKinty, RVT
90s Horror: Screams and Slashers
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Screams, Slashers, and CGI were part of the horror revolution of the 90s, the genreâs awkward adolescence caught between the practical effects of the 80s and the digital scares of the 2000s. From Screamâs meta-commentary to The Blair Witch Projectâs DIY realism, were the 90s the end of practical horror, or the birth of the modern era of computer-generated terror?
Timothy W. Long (M), Gwen Callahan, Dustin Campbell, Perla X. Caballero, J.B. Kish
Broadsword Basics
Grand 2, to
This panel will teach you the very basics of how to swing a broadsword effectively, focusing on footwork, range, breathing, and finally, good form and power. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and are encouraged to bring their own not-sharp training swords. Some training weapons will be available.
D.L. Solum (M)
Youth: LARP for Littles
Olympic 1, to
Interested in role-play? Letâs act out a story together!
Jenny Shafer (M), Lydia Randall
Norwescon Little Free Library Silent Reading Meetup
Presidential Suite 1360, to
Grab a book from the Norwescon Little Free Library book table or bring one of your own and join us for some silent reading time.
Teen & Tween: Paper Airplane Derby
Tower Ballroom, to
Make a paper airplane and test it out while teens cheer you on. Which one goes farthest? Stays aloft longest? Does acrobatics? Looks the most awesome? Come to play or to cheer the aviators on. Enjoy fabulous prizes and the admiration of your friends.
L.J. Melvin (M), Summer Ash, Eric Taney, Oliver Huskey
Concert: Cool Nerd Mark
Tower Lounge, to
Cool Nerd Mark is a one-nerd band who performs original songs inspired by sci-fi, comics, classic movies, and geek culture. Blending catchy indie rock, storytelling, and elements drawn from several genres, he delivers high-energy solo shows with guitar, vocals, and sometimes full backing tracks.
Cool Nerd Mark (M)
Reading: Nancy Kress
Cascade 3, to
âSilent Partner.â Join Nancy Kress for a reading of her short story. Rated PG.
Nancy Kress (M)
Art in Action: Wire Zoo
Grand 1, to
Elizabeth will show us how she weaves and twists her wire sculptures.
Elizabeth Berrian (M)
3 p.m. PST (7 p.m. EST / 10 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Gordon B. White
Cascade 3, to
Join Gordon B. White for a short story of horror or weird fiction. Rated G.
Gordon B. White (M)
Realism as It Relates to Fear
Cascade 6, to
Join our panelists for a discussion on realism in dark fiction. How important is it for the speculative elements of your story to be believable? Do we put too much emphasis on this and lose track of entertainment value? Or can anything even be scary if we cannot believe it? How do you, as a creative, achieve a satisfactory balance between these crucial storytelling elements?
Clay Vermulm (M), Emily Smiley, Josef B. Wilke, Perla X. Caballero, Neena Viel
Shining a Light on the Topic
Cascade 7 & 8, to
How important is it for authors to engage with other people as part of any research done on their story? What is important ârealismâ when writing sci-fi? Where does one find a âsubject matter expertâ?
Randy Hayes (M), Jason Bond, Peter Fuller, Susan R. Matthews, Ann Shilling
Subgenres of YA: Dystopian, Romantasy, and More!
Cascade 9, to
YA holds many different types of genres, such as dystopians, romantasies, and coming-of-age stories. What other genres does YA tend to explore? Where is the crossover between the genres within YA?
Miranda Levi (M), Karen Eisenbrey, Sonja Thomas, Kendare Blake
The Importance of Navigation
Cascade 10, to
If you canât find the enemy, you canât conquer them or trade with them. How did improvements in maritime technology change trade between nations? What similarities are there, if any, between the Vikings and Phoenicians, Minoans, and other early sailors? Or the Pacific Islanders or the Asian and Indonesian sailors? How has navigation continued to change through the Industrial Age, and how might this affect exploration of the stars and galaxies beyond?
Jonny (M), Alan Andrist, Gina Saucier, Jonathan JD Davenport, Alon Newton
Defining Success
Cascade 11, to
When will you have âmade itâ as a creative? Is it making money? Critical acclaim? Personal artistic fulfilment? Our panelists will discuss different types of success and how the strategies for pursuing them vary.
Lizzy D. Hill (M), Brittany Otto, Geneva Bowers, Ivy Gilliam, Jeff Sturgeon
Producing and Distributing Your Podcast
Cascade 13, to
Have a great podcast idea but unsure how to bring it to life or how to get it into listenersâ ears? This panel brings together experienced podcasters and audio producers to walk you through the essentials: the basics of hosting platforms, distribution strategies, and how to grow and understand your audience. Whether youâre launching your first podcast or improving an existing one, youâll walk away with practical tips, insider know-how, and a roadmap for getting your voice out into the world.
Travis Partington (M), Ron Leota, Tori Sharp, Luke Elliott, Kris ‘Pepper’ Hambrick
Cool to Be a Gay Nerd
Cascade 12, to
Science fiction often gets credit for inspiring real-life scientists, but genre fiction is often ahead of its time on social issues too. Whether itâs Willowâs same-sex kiss on Buffy, Elf Questâs ethical nonmonogamy, or the dismantling of transphobia in Dirty Pair, the history of nerds is pretty freaking gay.
Jack Samm (M), Thursday, Emily C. Skaftun, Virginia Black, Anne Stewart
Reading: Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Angel & Devil. A retired angel and a retired devil solve crime in a small town. Rated PG.
T. Kingfisher (M)
Avoiding a Saggy Middle: Storytelling 202
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Utilizing a traditional three-act structure as a basis, our authors will examine the second act, or middle act(s). Join our panelists as they move on from the foundations of strong starts and discuss the techniques and elements that make the middles of stories resonate with readers.
Phoenix Bourgeois (M), G.R. Theron, Carol Berg, Josh Storey, Nancy Kress
Dargarth: Full-Contact Fantasy Combat LARP 16+
Grand 2, to
Come try Dargarth! We are a combat-focused player-driven fantasy LARP. We engage in full-contact boffer fighting and have a lightweight class system that fits on an index card. Can you and your party survive our dungeon crawl? Come test your mettle. For more information, including our upcoming event schedule, visit dargarth.org. Ages 16 and over.
Wm Salt Hale (M)
Youth: Open Jewelry Making
Olympic 1, to
Letâs make some jewelry! Guided projects are available or make up your own.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Writers Chat & Chill
Presidential Suite 1360, to
If you’re looking for a chill time hanging out with like-minded writers and readers, please come by! Cascade Writers holds an annual Milford-style weekend workshop for writers in Bremerton, Washington. Aside from the annual workshop, Cascade Writers has sponsored events throughout the years, including author readings and signings, one-day workshops on the craft of writing, and critique sessions at regional conferences. Over the years, hundreds of writers have participated, and many have gone on to become published or established professionals within the writing community. Learn more at Cascade Writers.
Beginnings of Bookbinding
Tower Ballroom, to
Delve into the basics of bookbinding: folding, cutting, creating signatures, and putting your text block into a cover. This is a hands-on workshop in which you’ll make a small sample-sized blank book, while learning about other non-adhesive based bookbinding techniques. Limited to 20 participants. Sign up at info table.
SunnyJim Morgan (M)
Reading: Tara Campbell
Cascade 3, to
All the Wayward Angels: Dream Sestinas. Readings from this poetry chapbook published through Bottlecap Features will dive into a world in which angels fall, stars snarl, candles sob, foxes build temples to unfathomable gods, and sailors follow the pull of golden keys toward treasures under the sea. Yes, there are rough and shining beasts, skeletons in dark barns, and ghosts swirling amidst dismal laughter, but thereâs also liberation through transformation, peaceful hands rejecting pistols in favor of flowers, and women âusing hope to dowse for rain.â Rated PG.
Tara Campbell (M)
Reading: Sebastien de Castell
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Our Lady of Blades. Sebastien de Castell reads from a novel of sword duels, intrigue, and secret identities. Rated PG.
Sebastien de Castell (M)
4 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST / 11 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Timothy W. Long
Cascade 3, to
The Dark Lord’s Guide to Hostile Corporate Takeover. Moments from defeat, a Dark Lord flees into the body of an ordinary Seattle man. Now powerless, he must survive modern life: doctors, insurance, cubicles, and a CEO he’s inconveniently falling for. As old powers flicker back at a painful cost, he realizes conquering Earth might be harder than ruling the Abyss. Rated G.
Timothy W. Long (M)
Teen & Tween: The Light of the Te’h Fa’jin
Cascade 5, to
The city of Fallen Leaves has been plunged into a mystical darkness, and all signs point to the flooded crypts below the city. Follow clues and dive into the mystical depths to save the city before it’s too late! 5th Edition D&D adventure for up to six teen and tween players.
Lydia Randall (M)
What Would You Really Do with Superpowers?
Cascade 6, to
You develop powers beyond those of normal humans. Now what? Crime is illegal. So is vigilante justice (which also pays terribly). Our panelists discuss how best to combine the various super abilities in the comics with your imagination.
Evan J. Peterson (M), Nicole Glover, Steven Barnes, Diana Fedorak, Jonathan
How Has Science Fiction Informed Your Politics
Cascade 7 & 8, to
From the collective utopia of Star Trek to the self-contained settlers of Heinlein, science fiction societies take many forms. How does our fiction inspire us to make the best society possible?
Marnee Chua (M), Amy Sundberg, Daphne Singingtree, Kit Vander Voort, Dr. Kaylea Champion
Freelancing 201
Cascade 9, to
So, you got that freelance gig. How do you work with a publisher, and how do you parlay that into future work with them or other publishers?
Jennifer Brozek (M), Luis Loza, John Godek, Shanna Germain, Erin Roberts
Creating a DIY Demo
Cascade 10, to
Whether youâre auditioning for audiobooks, commercials, or voiceover work, your demo is your calling card. But you donât need a professional studio to get started. In this panel, experienced narrators and voice actors share step-by-step guidance for creating a strong, effective DIY demo. Learn how to select material, record clean audio at home, edit for clarity, and highlight your unique vocal strengths. Panelists will also cover common mistakes to avoid and tips for presenting your demo to voice acting agents and publishing companies.
Sam Stark (M), Erica Angeline Solano, Oz Norberg, Shiromi Arserio, Gary Bennett, Rebecca H. Lee
Werewolf Torts and Undead Tax Liabilities
Cascade 11, to
Itâs that time again! Time to bring your wackiest legal hypotheticals to our panel of legal experts so that we can dole out advice and give you the lawyerâs favorite answer: âIt depends.â Topics will likely range from âCan we set up courts for the undead?â to âCan I still collect my pension as a lich ?â
Kathy (M), Ethan Vodde, Gina Saucier, Bryana Bean, Leigh Harlen
Cosplay Brainstorming
Cascade 13, to
Are you stuck on your latest build? Do you have a concept rattling around in your brain and it’s just not gelling? Bring your quandaries to our panel of experienced costumers.
Janine (M), Carmen Beaudry, Taylor Tomblin, Caitlin Jacques, Darren McKinty, RVT
Animation across Generations
Cascade 12, to
Some of the most beloved genre works for all ages have come out of the world of animation, from DCâs Young Justice to The Clone Wars, and even originals like Avatar: The Last Airbender. Come debate whether Kevin Conroy is historyâs greatest Batman or help make the case that Arcane is the best show on Netflix.
ELK (M), Andie Penn Romine, Andy Quinn, Matt Youngmark, andyvanoverberghe
Dueling Artists and Scientists
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Charades meet science meets art meets hilarity!
Jake McKinzie (M), Eric L Vargas, Larry Lewis, Summer Ash, John Jensen, Natalie Leif, LA Wildsun Bradley
The Editorial Relationship
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
An editor can help make your stories shine or use the lightest touch, offering only grammatical and technical support. One way or another, every writer needs an editor, and every editor can offer insight, advice, and technical support in ways that not even the most skilled beta reader can (remember, beta readers are not editors). These editors shine a light on their training, their skills, their experience, and the kinds of editorial input an editor can provide.
Laura Anne Gilman (M), Gordon Van Gelder, K.G. Anderson, Lezli Robyn, Terra Caldwell
Art in Action: Shanta Frisbee
Grand 1, to
Shanta will paint an original acrylic art piece.
Shanta Frisbee (M)
Youth: How to Draw a Dragon
Olympic 1, to
Learn to draw dragons and other fantasy creatures with a real artist.
Jenny Shafer (M), Dutch Bihary ContoursFx, Lizzy D. Hill
Concert: MĂŠnage Ă Trio
Tower Lounge, to
This amazingly fun and talented trio featuring cello, viola, and violin/fiddle creates music in the moment as the band improvises tunes based on audience prompts.
Sunnie Larsen, Betsy Tinney, Geli Wuerzner
Reading: Brianna Malotke
Cascade 3, to
Fashion Trends, Deadly Ends. Body horror poetry inspired by historical fashion trends. Think rib removals for smaller corseted waists, sewn eyelashes without anesthesia, radium poisoning for watch painters, and ballet tutus catching fire. Rated PG.
Brianna Malotke (M)
5 p.m. PST (9 p.m. EST / midnight GMT)
Reading: Curtis C. Chen
Cascade 3, to
Kangaroo Forward. The fourth novel in the bestselling Kangaroo series of funny science fiction spy thrillers. Rated PG.
Curtis C. Chen (M)
Childrenâs Masquerade Pre-Meeting
Cascade 6, to
If you have a little one who wishes to enter the Childrenâs Masquerade, please come to this panel. Panelists sign up your little one and lead you all down to the masquerade when the time is right. Children go on first to accommodate their early bedtimes.
KidLit: Middle Grade, YA, and Children’s Books
Cascade 7 & 8, to
What is KidLit? What are the distinct differences and things you should know? Listen to panelists discuss the aspects of the broader genre.
M. Shedric Simpson (M), Lily Meade, L.J. Melvin, Sonja Thomas, Tori Sharp
The Power of Contrasting Perspectives
Cascade 9, to
Together, panelists discuss the dynamic of two characters being opposite sides of the same coin and how that can explore the depths of meaning, symbolism, and morality.
Ryan James (M), Kendare Blake, Brenda Cooper, Jeff Grubb, Erin M. Evans
So, Weâve Made First Contact
Cascade 10, to
It finally happened. Beings from outside of Earth have finally made contact. Weâre not alone in the universe? Hell. What do we do now?
Teresa Drag (M), Russell Ervin, Nancy Kress, Daniel H. Wilson, Miranda Levi
Nuclear Reactors in Space
Cascade 11, to
With current space technology, getting to Mars and back will require a large amount of fuel. A rocket using nuclear reactor technology would be able to complete the mission with less fuel and spend less time in space. New nuclear technologies called small modular reactors, currently being tested, are a potentially safer alternative. Is this the way to complete a trip to Mars and back?
Dr. Sean Robinson (M), Hugh S. Gregory, Morgan Smathers, Mike Brennan, David Tucker, Ph.D.
Digital Accessibility for Your Publications
Cascade 13, to
Whether youâre publishing your own work or someone elseâs, making sure your documents and promotional websites are accessible to people with disabilities is important. Get the basics of creating accessible documents with assistive technology and make sure that all your potential readers can read your publications. Also handy for anyone working in convention publications or marketing to make sure your convention is reaching all potential members. Google Drive folder with presentation material.
Gen, Romance, and Erotica: Does Fanfic Need Sex? 18+
Cascade 12, to
Some writers can make a kiss last for five breathless chapters, while others enjoy writing the full gamut of the physical for their characters, including sex. Many want to write romance but donât know where to start. This panel discusses what makes a story hot (spoiler: just about everything) and asks, Does your story need sex? (Spoiler again: nope, not if itâs not your jam… but there are ways to go there without going there). Restricted to 18+ years of age and older.
Atlin Merrick (M), Kathy, Berlynn Wohl, Susan R. Matthews, S.C. Mills
Writing for the Ear
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
So, youâve written a book. Congratulations! But will it survive being read aloud? In this panel, authors, narrators, and audio pros share both the joys and horrors of turning prose into performance. Learn why certain sentences make narrators weep, how some character names become tongue twisters, and what pacing works best when heard instead of read. Get ready for quick, practical tips for crafting dialogue that sparkles, descriptions that donât derail listeners, and stories that won’t send your narrator to therapy!
Sam Stark (M), Sebastien de Castell, Shiromi Arserio, Gary Bennett, Ben Honeycutt
Darkness Thrives Where the Evergreens Never Die
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Thereâs a reason horror feels right at home in the Pacific Northwest. The rain never stops, the forests go on forever, and every fog bank looks like itâs hiding a secret. Twin Peaks, The X-Files, The Ring, The Blair Witch Project, and The Cabin in the Woods: the region has inspired a whole new flavor of fearâpart folk horror, part cosmic dread, all Cascadia Gothic. Panelists discuss how rain-soaked streets, isolation, and environmental tension blend into a unique PNW vibe.
Neena Viel (M), T. Kingfisher, Jennifer Brozek, Clay Vermulm, Gwen Callahan, Josef B. Wilke
Youth: Puppet Making
Olympic 1, to
Make and decorate your own puppet.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Charades: The Star Trek Edition
Olympic 2, to
Boldly go where no mime has gone before. In this fast paced, laughter filled game of Star Trek Charades, fans team up to act out iconic moments, characters, episodes, and technobabble from across the Trek universeâwithout saying a single word. Whether youâre a seasoned Trek expert or just here for the fun, this interactive panel promises big laughs, friendly competition, and plenty of surprises.
Genevieve Faye (M)
Robert Grieve Memorial
Presidential Suite 1360, to
Come celebrate the life of lifetime member Robert Grieve. Robertâs favorite pastime was fishing. With that in mind, bring a fishing lure. We will be collecting them to build a tackle box in his name.
Concert: Vixy & Tony
Tower Lounge, to
Vixy and Tony have been performing together since 2005 and have multiple Pegasus Awards and nominations for songwriting and performance. They are polished, dynamic, and top-tier entertainers. We are thrilled to have them here at Norwescon.
Sunnie Larsen, Betsy Tinney
Reading: Evan J. Peterson
Cascade 3, to
Posthuman. Evan J. Petersonâs latest game, Posthuman, is an all-text, hybrid interactive fiction role-playing game about superhumans saving the world… again. In this reading, the author will narrate an excerpt while inviting the audience to choose what path the first- or second-person protagonist will take. Do you like your heroes to be pure and upstanding, or do you prefer gritty mercenaries who get the job done by any means necessary? And which of the 25 available superhuman powers will the hero possess? Rated PG.
Evan J. Peterson (M)
Hat Rehab
Tower Ballroom, to
Hat making can be expensive and difficult, but if you start with a thrift store vintage hat, the hard part has already been done. Come learn how to choose a good hat for rehab, break it down, reblock it, and trim it to create the perfect accent for your sci-fi/fantasy costume. Includes a hands-on demo so you can try what you learn. Limit 20 people. Sign up at the info table the day before.
Crystal Taggart (M)
6 p.m. PST (10 p.m. EST / 1 a.m. April 5 GMT)
Reading: A.L. Kaplan
Cascade 3, to
Star Touched. Sometimes itâs hard to be who you are meant to be, especially when your powers can get you killed. 18-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earthâs population. Rated G.
A. L. Kaplan (M)
Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property
Cascade 7 & 8, to
As AI becomes a ubiquitous aspect of geek culture, creatives struggle with the balance between AI-authored and assisted works and their own (and othersâ) intellectual property. This panel discusses the use of AI in science fiction and fantasy art, gaming, fiction, non-fiction, and media, all with a particular view as to how it affects IP rights and abilities to exploit IP.
Ethan Vodde (M), Sam Stark, Luis E. Torres, Dr. Corey Frazier, Izzy G
Who Wants to Live Forever?
Cascade 9, to
As we search for the fountain of youth, what would that mean? How would society survive? Brain in a jar or a 330-year-old who looks 30 (not sure which of those is creepier, really)?
Sar Surmick (M), A. W. McCollough, Kaitlyn Casimo, PhD, MEd, Diana Fedorak, Alan Andrist
Market Research: The Surest Path to Sales
Cascade 10, to
Writers want their work to find readers, yet many research the market only when they’re ready to send a piece out. The ideal time is far sooner, many would say, before youâve started drafting at all. Writers and editors representing different corners of the spec fic marketplace share tips on how to conduct efficient, effective market research.
Terra Caldwell (M), Leah R Cutter, Bradley Englert / Orbit Books, Celeste Wakefield, Shahid Mahmud
Drizzling Dread
Cascade 11, to
The use of Gothic themes continues to find a place that resonates and draws in audiences. Join our panelists as they discuss the themes and tropes that differentiate Gothic stories from horror.
Ryan James (M), Laura Cranehill, Talulah J. Sullivan, Leigh Harlen, Megan E. O’Keefe
How to Recognize and Avoid Burnout
Cascade 13, to
Burnout happens when we get overwhelmed and just canât go on. Find out how to recognize the early warning signs and stop burnout from destroying your motivation.
Julia Laurel (M), Sierra Branham, Caren GS, Liz Argall, LA Wildsun Bradley
Stephen King on Screen
Cascade 12, to
The master of horror has also been a master of Hollywood for decades. Come discuss the best and worst of his on-screen works.
Jack Samm (M), Neena Viel, Luke Elliott, Kris ‘Pepper’ Hambrick, James Bailey
Who Controls Ceres, Controls the Inner Solar System
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
The dwarf planet Ceres has lots of accessible water, and nowhere else even comes close. Who will control it? China is interested.
Dr. Sean Robinson (M), Hugh S. Gregory, Eric Taney, Shiv Ramdas, Bryana Bean
Artist Pictionary
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Laugh and have fun as artists compete in the wonderful game of Pictionary.
Lizzy D. Hill (M), Eric L Vargas, Camille Meehan, Larry Lewis, Ellis Bray, Brittany Otto
Doors Open for Masquerade
Grand 3, to
Come on in and find a seat.
Saturday Night Magic: Two Draft Events
Olympic 2, to
1: The Bloomburrow draft is cute, cozy, and full of chaos. Set in a magical world inspired by Redwall, Bloomburrow brings new, powerful mice, frogs, bats, birds, and more woodland creatures to the table. Three-pack draft, 40-card deck. Limited to 24 players at $20 per person. 2: With the Khans of Tarkir draft, travel back to a beloved 2014 Magic set filled with fierce clans, powerful synergies, andâof courseârampaging dragons. Four-pack draft, 40-card deck. Limited to 10 players at $30 per person. Sign-ups for both are available on Warhorn pre-con and alongside general gaming registration in Lakeside Gaming.
CSz Seattle: B-Rated!
Tower Lounge, to
B-Rated! is two shows in one: an improvised original movie, acted out on stage and based on your suggestions; and an improvised live commentary track full of jokes and wisecracks. Our performers make fun of the movie while theyâre making it up! If you love the kind of unforgettable popcorn movies you watch and riff on with your friends, family, or robot pals, B-Rated! is the show for you. House opens at 6 p.m. Show starts at 6:15.
Reading: Cyrus Amelia Fisher
Cascade 3, to
âP OV: Iâm The Dead Wife In Your Flashback.â Cyrus Amelia Fisher reads from her evocative story with passages like this one: âBeing carved down to the purest distillation of someone elseâs desire is kind of my specialty. I’m just worried you donât appreciate how difficult it is to be your Smiling Dead Wife Under The White Bedsheets.â Rated R.
Cyrus Amelia Fisher (M)
Masquerade
Grand 3, to
Join us for the highlight event of Saturday evening at Norwescon 48: the masquerade! Witness our talented contestants showcase their incredible costumes and cosplays. Will your favorites win over the judges? Whether or not they do, youâre guaranteed an unforgettable show. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting promptly at 6:30. Donât miss out on this dazzling display of creativity and craftsmanship!
Donde Groovily (M)
7 p.m. PST (11 p.m. EST / 2 a.m. April 5 GMT)
Reading: Rashida J. Smith
Cascade 3, to
Join Rashida Smith for a reading of her work. Rated G.
Rashida J Smith (M)
Broad Universe Rapid-Fire Reading
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Join Broad Universe for a fun, fast-paced group reading to showcase the work of women and nonbinary authors who will read a short snippet from a recent work. Discover new writers, enjoy chocolate, and enter a drawing for a book, all while you support women and nonbinary people working in speculative fiction. Broad Universe is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to expand the awareness of and promote women and other underrepresented gender identities in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Learn more at www.broaduniverse.org. Broad Universe currently requires readers to mask during Broad Universe convention activities.
Marta Murvosh (M), K.G. Anderson, Megan Lee Bees, Tara Campbell, Andrea Weilgart, Brigitte Winter
Applying Cross-Discipline Skills
Cascade 9, to
Looking beyond the traditional writing discipline, our panelists explore storytelling techniques and standards in other mediums and trades that can be useful to add to oneâs proverbial toolkit.
Claire E. Jones (M), William Alexander, Atlin Merrick, Josh Storey, Monte Lin
Fungi in Space: Science and Fiction
Cascade 10, to
From Eleanor Cameronâs 1954 classic The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet to current research on the astronaut-protecting potential of radiation-resistant mycelium, fungi continue to fascinate scientists and SF writers. While fantastic authors have explored fungal implications here on Earth, our panelists want to talk about fungi in space: from the malfunction-causing infestation on Russiaâs Mir station to the spore drive and mycelial plane in Star Trek Discovery. Panelists explore the ways fungi have shown up in sci-fi: as provider, predator, protector, propulsion, plot twist, and more.
Teresa Drag (M), L.J. Melvin, Marnee Chua, Megan E. O’Keefe, Charlotte Lewis Brown
What Makes a Good Game Designer?
Cascade 11, to
Youâve run hundreds of games for your friends, created your own world, and even created a few custom magic items, monsters, or even subclasses for your gaming group. Now you want to take your design one step further and design for a wider audience. This panel will discuss best practices and the skills you should hone when youâre considering designing games or game material, whether you plan to be an independent game designer or design for a game publisher.
Randy Hayes (M), Carlos Cabrera, Erin Roberts, John Godek, Luis Loza
Self-Care Workshop
Cascade 13, to
Self-care is more than just bubble baths. Our panelists will help you identify your needs and come out with a list and ways to work them into your routine.
Liz Coleman (M)
Poetry Deathmatch
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Bringing back the fan favorite throw down of metaphors! Participants (panelists and interested audience members) will write poems based on randomly pulled prompts featuring various topics, styles, and lengths, all for bragging rights (and a magnificent trophy).
Thursday (M), Larina Warnock, Ellis Bray, Jonathan
What Goes Around
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
From ancient slings to future space stations, the art and science of making things go around fast has lots of present-day applications. Join our panelists as they spin some things around, spin some other things around, and talk about spinning things around (almost certainly without letting any of them go flying off).
Mike Brennan (M), Phil L. Swan, Jay Donnaway, John Jensen, Jonny
Youth: Movie Night!
Olympic 1, to
Come to a âslumber partyâ (no slumber expected) to watch a movie, make friendship bracelets, and unwind from the day.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Reading: S.C. Mills
Cascade 3, to
âThe Lady Lynx of the Desert Sky.â Life changes forever for a lonely woman on a remote mining colony when a spaceship crashes outside town. Rated R.
S.C. Mills (M)
Impossible Loves
Tower Lounge, to
This panel improvises a paranormal romance on the spot, using your suggestions. Want the fun and spice of romantasy, set in your own neighborhood? Come see these panelists! Originally developed by a bunch of geeks at Unexpected Productions. Rated PG-13.
8 p.m. PST (midnight EST / 3 a.m. April 5 GMT)
Reading: Brian U. Garrison
Cascade 3, to
âPessimisms and Anti-Pessimisms.â Robots are dead. / The sun is eclipsed. / Honey is sweet, / but thereâs none to be found with Earth so thoroughly apocalypsed. Rated PG.
Brian U. Garrison (M)
Smashing History
Cascade 9, to
One of the least expensive and most beloved souvenirsâfrom places as diverse as the Kennedy Space Center, the Washington State Fair, and landmarks around the worldâis the smashed penny. Discover the technology that enabled its creation, how and when elongated coins began, where theyâve been, and where theyâre going. See samples of rare and unusual smashed coins.
Janna Silverstein (M)
The Reality of Steam Punk Technology
Cascade 10, to
The technology of the 1880s and the steam age is fascinating and far more capable than we realize. This panel will discuss the realities of steam punk technology, Charles Babbageâs difference engine, and other inventions of the golden age.
Dr. Mark Rounds (M), V Whitlock, William Boulanger, Mike Brennan, Phil L. Swan
Best Franchises That Should be a TTRPG
Cascade 11, to
Many of the tabletop gaming products out there are based on someone elseâs IP, be it a popular movie or TV series, fictional book series, or even a video game series. Our panelists discuss some of the franchises that successfully made the jump to an RPG, as well as the ones theyâd really like to see developed into the next great RPG.
Izzy G (M), Erik Scott de Bie, Carlos Cabrera, Luis Loza, Matt Youngmark
Storyboarding/Thumbnails
Cascade 13, to
Learn about the importance of planning in art. Panelists lay out ideas for illustrations, comics, and animations.
Ivy Gilliam (M), Tyler Clark, Michael Brugger, andyvanoverberghe, Eric L Vargas
Consent Is Sexy 18+
Cascade 12, to
Negotiation and consent are so important, but these concepts don’t have to be boring or dry. Talking about and asking for what you want is sexy, and saying no is just as sexyâthen you know yes means yes. Being confident around consent enables mutual respect for new experiences. Join our panelists in a discussion around this crucial topic. Restricted to 18+ years of age and older.
Hazel (M), Sam Stark, Sar Surmick, Mir Plemmons, John Jensen
Fighting in Fiction: Writing a Knockout Scene
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
This presentation uses live demonstrations to discuss the realities of fighting, including how and why people lose consciousness, surviving group attacks, weapons disarming, and errors often portrayed in Hollywood. With over 30 years in and out of dojos, and holding a formal rank in eight different fighting systems, Jason uses his experience and skill to break down the realistic expectations of what to expect in a real fight. A balance of expertise and humor keeps this presentation lively and fun!
Jason Bond (M)
All Ages Drum Circle
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Bring your drums, shakers, and other percussion makers for this very loosely facilitated, creative, collaborative drum circle. All ages and abilities are welcome. If you donât have your own instrument, there will be a few available to borrow.
Cathy McManamon (M), GregRobin Smith
Monster Mash for Mature Mad Scientists
Tower Ballroom, to
Don your best mad scientist outfit and come create marvelous monsters and chimera. Panelists take cute stuffed animals, hack them to pieces, then reassemble them in wholly unnatural ways. Warning: not for the easily distressed or children. Panelists will be using scissors and needles, so only mature mad scientists can participate. The only skills required are basic sewing skills (plush is very forgiving) and a sick sense of humor. Limited to 35 participants. $5 per participant, cash-only materials fee to cover the cost of DNA splitters, splicers, and experimental specimens. Sign-up is available the day before the panel at the info table.
Travis Partington (M), Brianna Malotke, Natalie Leif
Gaggle of Geeks: A Geeky Comedy Showcase
Tower Lounge, to
Itâs time to experience the funniest nerds in Seattle! Gaggle of Geeks is a comedy showcase celebrating voices often overlooked in both comedy and geek culture. This funny bunch of comics, who also happen to be nerds, will bring you their best jokes and deepest cuts. Brought to you by Geeky Comedy Seattle.
9 p.m. PST (1 a.m. April 5 EST / 4 a.m. GMT)
Friends of Bill W.
Cascade 3, to
Teen & Tween: Spooky Tales
Cascade 5, to
Listen to some spooky tales told by professional podcasters, authors, and voice actors. Teens and tweens only, please.
Oz Norberg, Leslie Lutz
Elements of Slash 18+
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Writing adult material is a skill, much the same as writing any other genre, and adult-oriented slash fanfiction is no exception. This panel examines what makes slash goodâand fun! For writers and readers. Restricted to 18+ years of age and older.
Berlynn Wohl (M), Kris ‘Pepper’ Hambrick, Atlin Merrick, Megan Lee Bees, Virginia Black
Horror Trivia Deathmatch
Cascade 10, to
Think you know your slashers from your specters? Prove it or perish! In this high-stakes horror movie trivia showdown, contestants will battle for survival one question at a time. Each player begins with a single life, and the clock is ticking. Answer the question correctly and live to see another round. Answer wrong and youâre dead! If the timer runs out with no answer, fate will claim one random soul from the audience. Questions will crawl from all creepy corners of horror, from classic monster movies to folklore to video gaming frights.
Beginning Bondage Workshop 18+
Cascade 12, to
Maybe youâve thought about trying out some recreational bondage or decorative Shibari but don’t know where to start. Come learn some basic ties and safety tips so you can build a solid foundation. Restricted to 18+ years of age and older.
Hazel (M), Izzy G
Open Filk Circle: Saturday Night
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Filkâs origins come from folk circles at conventions, which mutated because of a typo and the sort of people who must enshrine a joke. The rules were simple: Everything was filkâan original song, a filk song, a popular song, or an interpretive dance. Everyone who chose to was allowed to perform and shown respect. Otherwise, simple civility ruled the day. Bring your instruments and voices to share your songs! Everyone and every type of music are welcome.
Gareth Davis, Griff the Filker, Cathy McManamon
Saturday Night Dance: The Goblin Ball with DJ #Csharp
Grand 2, to
Enter the realm of fantasy and mischief where masks, magic, and music collide. You can even send in your song suggestions now!
DJ #CSharp (M)
10 p.m. PST (2 a.m. April 5 EST / 5 a.m. GMT)
DnDprov: Made Up Misadventures
Tower Lounge, to
A live, in-person improv show inspired by Dungeons and Dragons, where you can influence the story. Enjoy this mix of narrative comedic improv with D&D. Player improvisers will have one character they play the whole show. Helper improvisers will be all the other characters in the story and help the host when needed. The host improviser will help guide the story to a satisfying ending. Affect the story by inspiring the quests, the villains, and the chaos. If you love laughter, fantasy, and improvised magical problem-solving, this is the show for you. Suitable for General Audiences. No host bar is available.
Midnight PST (4 a.m. April 5 EST / 7 a.m. GMT)
Lakeside Open Gaming
Rotunda 1 & 2, to
Lakeside Gaming will be open Saturday night starting at midnight. Feel free to bring your own game or check one out from Dragonflightâs lending library. As a reminder, Lakeside Gaming is only accessible by way of the second-floor skybridge via the first or second concourse.
Sunday
9 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST / 4 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Erik Grove
Cascade 3, to
The Long Red Tomorrow. Reading a short selection from The Long Red Tomorrow, coming soon from Podium Publishing. Rated R.
Erik Grove (M)
Youth: Easter Fun!
Olympic 1, to
Enjoy an Easter hunt and get some prizes! Divided by age group. Sign up in the youth room.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Reading: William Boulanger
Cascade 3, to
âGood Sushi.â William Boulanger reads the first short story in a collection of shorts, set in the same universe as the science fiction novel The Odds Job. The collection is planned for release by the end of summer 2026. Rated PG.
William Boulanger (M)
10 a.m. PST (2 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Miranda Levi
Cascade 3, to
From A Youth A Fountain Did Flow. Reborn and haunted by lives she canât remember, Scarlet discovers sheâs the source of eternal youthâa living myth cursed to be worshiped, weaponized, and destroyed. Some want her blood. Others want her soul. No one wants her free. Winner of the Page Turner Award for best horror novelâthe acclaimed Fountain of Youth series begins here. Rated PG.
Miranda Levi (M)
Teen & Tween: Black Out Poetry
Cascade 5, to
Bring an old book or use a donated one and create a poem using the words within.
Summer Ash (M), Brian U. Garrison, Larina Warnock
Masquerade Participants Debriefing
Cascade 6, to
Masquerade participants are invited to this debriefing. Any lost and found items from the backstage area will be available at this panel. Any awards that werenât picked up will be here as well.
Doll (M), Donde Groovily
Whatâs About to Be New in Computers
Cascade 7 & 8, to
For the last half-century, the most consistent thing about computers is that there is something right around the corner that will make whatever you have obsolete. What is it this time? Hardware? Software? Conceptual breakthrough? Join our panelists to talk about the Computer Age to come.
Wm Salt Hale (M), Dr. Corey Frazier, V Whitlock, Dr. Mark Rounds, VA7LON
Publishing Dollars and Sense
Cascade 9, to
Authors have more options than ever when it comes to publishing their work: self-publication, small press, major publisher, e-books, audiobooks, and more. And while each method gets a writerâs words to the public, the question of which is the most cost-effective or profitable for any given writer should also be weighed. What are the financial considerations for each method, and how will you find the kind of compensation that would satisfy you as an author?
Elsie Raymond (M), Laura Anne Gilman, Shahid Mahmud, Lily Meade, Gregory Amato
Pour Your Heart Out: Expressing in Different Mediums
Cascade 10, to
Poetry is (in)famous for a focus on emotion, but that may have more to do with the method. Come for a discussion on how different formats, from comics to video games to novels, and yes, to poetry, express or elicit emotion with different structures, and how crossing, braiding, or subverting those structures can improve your writing in any format!
Marnee Chua (M), Natalie Leif, Brianna Malotke, Thursday
Favorite Parties and Why They Worked
Cascade 11, to
Come explore the different parties and ensemble casts that make up beloved works, why those dynamics are effective, and how to use those techniques in your own creations.
Jake, Reilly, Rhiannon/R.Z. Held, William Boulanger
Waffle Syndicate Artist Round Table
Cascade 13, to
A long time ago, at another convention, a group of artists met and started discussing art, drawing art, and, well, being artists. This get-together needed a name, and so the Waffle Syndicate was born! So come, with your drawing materials, your ideas, and maybe waffles, to mingle and relax with other artists.
Michael Brugger (M), Lizzy D. Hill, Eric L Vargas, Ellis Bray, Li Harrison, Ivy Gilliam, Tyler Clark, Camille Meehan, Belsac
Queering Everything
Cascade 12, to
To âqueerâ something means to apply queer theory to it. But what does that mean? Come learn to look at thingsâhistory, art, jelly beans, everythingâbeyond heteronormativity and the gender binary.
Liz Coleman (M), Alex Crawley, Laura Cranehill, Jae Steinbacher, Scotty McIntosh
The Rest of the World in Space
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
This panel will present news, pictures, and sometimes video from the non-U.S. space programs, including, but not limited to, Europe, Canada, China, Russia, India, and Japan. Each presentation is different from the previous one.
Hugh S. Gregory (M)
World-building Series 203: Institutions in Society
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
In this last installment of the world-building series, panelists look at how the institutions of societies shape the narrative for readers and create a dynamic world through which characters navigate their goals. Panelists will investigate these institutions and provide techniques for capturing a complex world without getting mired in too many details.
Dean Wells (M), Carol Berg, Sebastien de Castell, Jeff Grubb, Kat Richardson
You Remind Me of the Babe
Grand 2, to
Can dance moves really save the baby from the goblins? Puzzle it out in an interactive adventure with friends! For everyone.
BattleTech Grinder: Learn to Play Event
Olympic 2, to
Whether youâre brand new to BattleTech or just looking to sharpen your skills, the BattleTech Grinder is the perfect way to jump into the Inner Sphere. Our instructors will guide you step by step, answer questions, and help you get comfortable with the flow of the game. Itâs a friendly, low pressure environment designed for absolute beginners and curious veterans alike. Plus: Giveaways!
Jason Watkins (M)
Lakeside Gaming: All-Ages Scheduled Games
Rotunda 2, to
Come sign up for a game! You can play Pathfinder Society, other role-playing games, card games, and more. After gaming closes, this area is available for open games. Lakeside Gaming is accessible by way of the second-floor skybridge via the first or second concourse.
Intro to Leather Tooling
Tower Ballroom, to
Leather is an incredibly versatile material with huge potential for costuming and geeky crafting. Learn some basic leatherworking techniques on a small leather disc medallion that could be a pendant, hair clip, or belt buckle. Participants will be using very sharp knives, but younger fans are welcome at the discretion of their parents. Tools are provided. The workshop will be limited to 15 people. Sign up at Info Table.
SunnyJim Morgan (M)
Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator
Tower Salon, to
Artemis is a spaceship bridge simulator where players assume the jobs of captain, helm, science, communication, engineering, and weapons and work together to defeat alien enemies.
Reading: Diana Fedorak
Cascade 3, to
Celestial Children. An excerpt from Diana Fedorakâs new biopunk novel. If not released yet, she will choose a piece from an earlier book in the Children of Alpheios series. Rated PG.
Diana Fedorak (M)
11 a.m. PST (3 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Emily C. Skaftun
Cascade 3, to
âA Dirge for the Mirrorbirds.â Maybe reincarnation has its downsides? Enjoy a teaser of Emily C. Skaftunâs latest story to appear in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, plus a selection of her stupid, quirky, or otherwise cursed postcard microfiction. Rated PG.
Emily C. Skaftun (M)
Teen & Tween: Humble Brag
Cascade 5, to
Show off your costumes, crafts, writings, skits, constructions, book and movie reviews, or anything else youâd like to share with other teens.
L.J. Melvin (M)
The Undiscovered Country: In Memoriam
Cascade 6, to
A place of meditation and discussion, contemplation, and thought for those who have passed since the last Norwescon. Honor them with a thought, memory, or simple prayer to whatever you wish. Leave the name of someone you remember.
Tom Whitmore (M), K.G. Anderson
Not Instagram Ready: YA Protagonists That Arenât Always Perfect
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Social media is a stressful part of teensâ lives. How can you represent teens in a way thatâs accurate to the social media generation, including making sure they are all diverse? How do you feature characters who arenât always right or donât do the trending activities?
Lily Meade (M), Sonja Thomas, James L. Sutter, Margaret Owen, Gabrielle Harbowy
What Would a Space Battle Look Like?
Cascade 9, to
Cruisers, carriers, and capital ships: These naval terms are used to reference space transports, but how would they realistically battle in space? What about the space equivalent of jetfighters? Are dogfights in space possible? Necessary? What would they look like?
Randy Hayes (M), Dr. Mark Rounds, Mike Brennan, Jason Bond, Tyler Clark
Here There Be Dragons
Cascade 10, to
Why were medieval maps filled with dragons or other warnings? What might have inspired some of the sailorsâ tales?
ELK (M), Nick Fraser, Ann Shilling, Charlotte Lewis Brown, Kat Richardson
Infusing Wonder
Cascade 11, to
Sometimes a fantasy story feels flat and dull. How might infusing a sense of wonder into even the most mundane of everyday circumstances elevate events into a captivating story?
M. Shedric Simpson (M), Remy Nakamura, Alex Crawley, Sebastien de Castell, Gregory Amato
Designing Introductory Games for Different Ages
Cascade 13, to
Gaming used to target the teenage years, but thatâs not true at all these days. Gaming panelists discuss the differences (and similarities) in designing games for kids versus teens versus adults versus all ages, and especially as an introduction to gaming for those differently aged audiences.
Thursday (M), Carlos Cabrera, Sean K. Reynolds, Lydia Randall
You Ask, We Build
Cascade 12, to
Yeah, this is on the audience: Set the scenario, and the panelists make the story work. There will be humor and sadness and silliness… whose idea was this anyways????
Jake McKinzie (M), Larry Lewis, Susie Fox, Jay Donnaway, Torrey Stenmark
The Art of Geneva Bowers: GDBee, a Retrospective
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
Geneva Bowers will be showing off works from her earlier days all the way up to her latest art. She will discuss themes and favorite pieces of hers, and she will delve into what inspires her. There will be some time for questions as well.
Geneva Bowers (M)
Prejudice Analogies in SF&F
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Science fiction is a genre rife with metaphors for the ills and foibles of the real world. How has it handled human prejudice through the lenses of relationships with aliens, machines, mutants, and others?
Perla X. Caballero (M), Virginia Black, Rue Dickey, Janna Silverstein, Ben Honeycutt
Bards and Jesters and (Drag) Queens, Oh My!
Grand 3, to
Kick off your last day of Norwescon with a dazzling variety show featuring spellbinding lip syncs, out-of-this-world comedy, enchanting dancing, and magical music. Brought to you by Geeky Comedy Seattle.
Miss Jennyâs Quiet Reading Birthday Bash
Olympic 1, to
Itâs Miss Jennyâs birthday! Join her for her favorite things: reading and eating snacks. BYOB (book) or try out one of the ones available.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Textiles through Time: Historic Cloth for Clothes and Otherwise
Presidential Suite 1360, to
An open discussion of textiles of the past and how they were made and used (in dress and otherwise) through history and before. Please bring books and samples (textile or object) you would like to share, along with your personal knowledge and any questions you have that someone else may already know the answer to. Letâs see how many true fiber and fabric geeks there are at Norwescon!
Meghan D. Lancaster (M)
The Faithful Sidekicks
Tower Lounge, to
This Pegasus Award-winning acoustic geek rock comedy duo brings you original songs about everything and anything, like sci-fi, board games, video games, Star Wars (actually âStarâ anything!), and of course, famous sidekicks from many fandoms.
Eric Distad, Jen Distad
Concert: Cecilia Eng
Tower Lounge, to
A singer/songwriter since 1984, Cecilia has performed in England, Canada, and across the U.S., including at the Northwest Folklife Festival at the Seattle Convention Center and at the Tumbleweed Music Festival in Richland, Washington. She is active in both the filk and folk communities and in the Portland FolkMusic Society, where she has introduced filk music and filkers to their events online and in person.
Cecilia Eng (M)
Reading: Diana Ma
Cascade 3, to
Force of Chaos (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Book 1). From the world of Hasbroâs Mighty Morphin Power Rangers entertainment franchise comes an action-packed original YA novel from the point of view of Trini Kwan, the Yellow Ranger. Rated PG.
Diana Ma (M)
Noon PST (4 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Matt Youngmark
Cascade 3, to
The Pilot Episode. Matt Youngmark reads from his upcoming near-future novel set 17 years in the future, when humanity has conquered the stars. Well, not so much conquered as spread throughout the galaxy by figuring out ways to do everything cheaper and worse. It features immigrant heroes and the horrors of late-stage capitalism and shamelessly borrows the plot of the 2000 film Dude, Whereâs My Car? Rated PG.
Matt Youngmark (M)
Teen & Tween: Careers in Media
Cascade 5, to
So you think you might want to work in gaming, podcasting, voice work, or social media? Meet some pros who work in these fields, hear how they got into media (some even as teens!), and discover what you can do right now to get started or get ready.
Erica Angeline Solano (M), Bradley Englert / Orbit Books, Oz Norberg, James L. Sutter, Camille Meehan
These Are the Droids Youâre Looking For
Cascade 6, to
Since the 1950s, mechanical stars have been delighting audiences around the world. Come discuss why robots so often win over audience membersâ frail human hearts.
Jack Samm (M), Gina Saucier, Emily C. Skaftun, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti, Julia Laurel
Under the Midday Sun
Cascade 7 & 8, to
How to reflect fitness for military personnel and explorers in tropical climates in your stories? While panelists discuss how to make your charactersâ physical abilities (or challenges) come through, they will be moving their own bodies. Thereâs no tropical sun in the con, but they can at least move themselves to inform themselves.
Teresa Drag (M), Alan Paulsen, V Whitlock
Building Blocks for the Developing Narrator
Cascade 9, to
Breaking into audiobook narration can feel dauntingâbut knowing the first steps makes all the difference. This beginner-focused panel guides aspiring narrators through the practical side of the audiobook industry. Learn how to set up a simple home studio, create a professional demo, find and approach clients, and navigate platforms that connect narrators with publishers. Panelists will also cover essential business basics, including rates, contracts, and building a reputation in the industry. Whether youâre just testing the waters, ready to launch your first project, or youâve already got a couple of audiobooks out in the wild, this session offers guidance to turn your narration skills into an amazing career.
Rebecca H. Lee (M), Gary Bennett, E.W. Lloyd, Sam Stark, Ron Leota
Sailing, Then and Now
Cascade 10, to
Sailingâs low tech, right? Some cloth on sticks, and let the wind do the work, right? Well, not so much. Sailing was the cutting edge of transportation tech until steam, and much of the math of flight came from figuring out sails. And now, with hydrofoils and vertical wings, a new Age of Sail could be blowing in. Join our panelists in discussing which way the wind will blow for sails.
Mike Brennan (M), John Godek, Jonny, John Jensen, Jay Donnaway
Fanfic Genre Conventions and How to Use Them
Cascade 11, to
Fanfiction has developed a genre language of its own, regardless of the fandom youâre in. Things like the 5+1, the coffee shop, the fix-it fics, hurt/comfort, and many others can be found all across fandoms. Their enduring popularity is worth examining, as is the history of their development. Our panelists will also provide tips about how to use them to their best advantageâeven outside the fanfic arena.
Berlynn Wohl (M), Anne Stewart, Megan Lee Bees, Amanda Cherry, Virginia Black
Reenvisioning Divinity
Cascade 13, to
Humanity has invented a plethora of gods through history, but literature has invented far more. What kind of deities have authors come up with, and what insights do they give into humanityâs actual relationship to divinity?
D. Scott Thayer (M), Susan R. Matthews, S.C. Mills, Steven Barnes, Miranda Levi
Comfort in the Ruins: The Rise of Cozy Apocalypse Horror
Cascade 12, to
As the real world grows more unpredictable, many readers are seeking out stories that mix end-times chaos with unexpected comfort. This panel looks at the growing appeal of âcozy apocalypseâ fiction, tales where the world may be falling apart, but hope, community, and small moments of peace still shine through. Panelists will talk about how to balance fear with warmth, what makes soft horror so effective, and why these gentler takes on the end of the world feel more relevant than ever.
Perla X. Caballero (M), Remy Nakamura, Tara Campbell, Jae Steinbacher, Rosemary Jones
Best of 2026 Speculative Film Festival
Evergreen 1 & 2, to
See the award winners and some of the other best short films from this yearâs festival. As a bonus, the Letâs Make a Movie final film for Norwescon 48 will be shown.
Shawn Marier (M), Ryan K. Johnson
Author Low Points and Failing Foward
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Panelists discuss their low points and the times they thought they should have quit, why or how they continued, and where that lead them.
Elsie Raymond (M), Rhiannon/R.Z. Held, Laura Anne Gilman, Erik Grove, Elizabeth Guizzetti/Elizabeth Greyrose, Richard Flores IV
Ash, Moss, and Bone: The Dark Forest Molds Us Photoshoot
Lobby Photo Area, to
In the forest we drift and fade to be remade of ash, moss, and bone, illuminating the wildwood as we awaken. Bound to the dark woods, we are kin to fungi, lichen, and the forgotten cryptids. This photoshoot is themed around dark forests, dark fairy tales, cryptids, and goblincore. It celebrates the speculative fiction of Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher, and the bright luminosity of Geneva Bowerâs artwork. Think forest meets rave… or not. The choice to luminate is yours. Meet at noon at the lobby photo area. Group photos will be taken at 12:15 p.m.
Peggy Stewart (M)
Concert: Griff the Filker
Tower Lounge, to
Griff is newer to the filk scene and has already released an album of original songs. His beautifully expressive voice and stellar songwriting combine with his smooth guitar into a wonderful musical experience. Donât miss his show!
Griff the Filker (M)
Reading: Erin Roberts
Cascade 3, to
Join Erin Roberts for a reading from her works. Rated R.
Erin Roberts (M)
1 p.m. PST (5 p.m. EST / 8 p.m. GMT)
Reading: Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti
Cascade 3, to
âI Need to Reread âThe Velveteen Rabbitâ Now That My Circumstances Have Changed.â A poignant reflection on rereading The Velveteen Rabbit after a lifetime of change. As a Black, autistic, bisexual, polyamorous elder who has shed the religion she once followed, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti returns to this story to ask what becoming ârealâ means nowâafter queerness, aging, loss, healing, and self-discovery have reshaped her. This piece explores how a childhood tale transforms when we finally become ourselves, revealing tender truths about love, authenticity, survival, and the courage to keep growing deeper! Rated G.
Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti (M)
Teen & Tween: Costuming with Duct Tape
Cascade 5, to
Learn how to make costume patterns, corsets, and hats using duct tape!
Grace Amundsen Barnkow (M), L.J. Melvin
Screaming into the Void: Metal, Mental Health, and Horror Storytelling
Cascade 6, to
Metal and horror both give people a way to confront fear, trauma, and grief. This panel explores why dark stories can be healing, how catharsis works, and why fans of horror and metal gravitate toward emotional honesty beneath all the noise.
Timothy W. Long (M), Dustin Campbell, Bradley Englert / Orbit Books, Josef B. Wilke, Gwen Callahan
Indie Games vs. Traditional Role-Playing Games
Cascade 7 & 8, to
Tabletop role-playing games have traditionally been shared storytelling with crunchy game mechanics and chance assisting in spinning the tale at your table. But on the flipside of that are gaming systems that encourage players to improvise and depend less on the numbers and the dice. Panelists will look at both game styles, name some example games, and discuss what might work best for different types of players.
Josh Storey (M), Jeff Grubb, Luis E. Torres, Brigitte Winter, Monte Lin
Artist Burnout, Recovery, and Support
Cascade 9, to
Tips and advice on how to recognize signs for, recover from, and avoid burnout.
Li Harrison (M), Dutch Bihary ContoursFx, T. Kingfisher, Tyler Clark, Tori Sharp
Cohabitating with Your Hobbies
Cascade 10, to
Makers are like goldfish: Their stash and tools will grow to fill their environment. How do you stay organized AND still have enough space to live AND make whatever your heart desires?
Crystal Lloyd (M), Andrew Williams, Wolfcat, Ms Purple Pearl, Richard Stephens
What About Fusion?
Cascade 11, to
Humankind is at the beginning of the fusion era, and it promises to provide not just power, but propulsion, in quantities that could be enough for real practical space travel. How does the new tech really work? What are the best contenders? And how would this affect solar-system and extra-solar travel?
Dr. Sean Robinson (M), David Tucker, Ph.D., Mike Brennan, VA7LON, Phil L. Swan
Table Read
Cascade 12, to
Are you interested in voice acting? Ever wondered what a table read is like? Want to find out? Come hang out with some professional voice actors and take turns playing parts in an original script! A small group will be selected to read together for five minutes, guided by one of the panelâs voice actors, and then theyâll switch and choose another group. Reading time will vary based on attendance. Bring all your best character voices! Ages 18+ only.
Sam Stark (M), Oz Norberg, Carlos Cabrera, Ben Honeycutt, Ron Leota
Sticking the Landing: Storytelling 203
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Completing the story writing series, join panelists as they look at the final act of the three-act structure. Theyâll focus on how to tie all the threads together into a climactic conclusion that leaves readers thinking about the story long after the final page is read.
Phoenix Bourgeois (M), G.R. Theron, Dean Wells, Sebastien de Castell, Lezli Robyn
Terrible Craft Club
Olympic 1, to
Make something terrible! Choose from projects like âparticipation trophy,â âugly picture frame,â or âbox to put stuff in.â You will use mostly hot glue, plastic gems, glitter, and pom poms. This is a time to just make something, without the pressure of mastering a new skill or doing it perfectly the first time.
SunnyJim Morgan (M)
Creating While Neurodivergent
Tower Lounge, to
What are the unique obstacles, challenges, and advantages to being a creative being while neurodivergent? What strategies can you employ to smooth your creative process? Hear from authors and musicians who do it successfully.
Griff the Filker (M), Cozy Joe
Reading: Susan R. Matthews
Cascade 3, to
The Leylines of Kashgar. Susan R. Matthews reads a scene from the cutting room floor of the sequel to The Wild High Places (by her alter ego Zarabeth Abbey). Fleeing a snowstorm, Jefferji Tamisen and Shikander Beg find sanctuary in a place out of time. Susan thought it was a great scene; pity it turned out to be wrong about basic horse behavior. Rated G.
Susan R. Matthews (M)
2 p.m. PST (6 p.m. EST / 9 p.m. GMT)
Reading: K.I. Tolles
Cascade 3, to
A Gathering of Claws. K.I. Tolles reads a chapter from her novel, A Gathering of Claws. When rogue wolf Arianne is captured by the Stormclaw Pack, she expects executionânot a glowing mate mark and a sentence to survive deadly trials. But no one matches her mark, not even Kael, the cold, scarred alpha forced to watch her. As secrets unravel and whatever it is thatâs between them deepens, Kael and Arianne are forced to confront the terrifying truth: Their bond shouldnât existâbut it just might change everything. Rated R.
K.I. Tolles (M)
Project Management
Cascade 10, to
Youâve got a dream project, but youâre feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Our panel of experts will share their experience with organizing ideas and setting up a construction schedule.
Erica Angeline Solano (M), Ms Purple Pearl, Gabriella Buba, Taylor Tomblin, Caitlin Jacques
Art or Craft?
Cascade 13, to
How do you decide whether something is art or a craft? Is one worth more than the other? How does this distinction affect perceptions of artists and craftspeople?
Meghan D. Lancaster (M), Ivy Gilliam, SunnyJim Morgan, Larry Lewis, Belsac
3 p.m. PST (7 p.m. EST / 10 p.m. GMT)
Closing Ceremonies
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
Come send off Norwescon 48âs guests of honor with fanfare. Weâve made it through another year, and we want to celebrate the good times weâve had.
Rob Stewart (M), T. Kingfisher, Geneva Bowers, Summer Ash, Bradley Englert / Orbit Books, Dutch Bihary ContoursFx
4 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST / 11 p.m. GMT)
Onions and Roses
Evergreen 3 & 4, to
The convention is over. Hereâs your chance to weigh in on what went well, and what didnât. Tell us your favorite and least favorite parts of the convention, so we can try to make it better next year. After allâas a member of Norwescon, this is YOUR convention!