Sunday Schedule
10 a.m. PDT (1 p.m. EDT / 5 p.m. GMT)
Cascade 3
10–10:30 a.m.
10–10:30 a.m.
The Drowned Horse Chronicle Vol 1 & 2. In the Arizona territory there was a cursed town populated by inner demons that manifested into actual monsters and the brave, albeit insane, settlers who stood between the dark and the light. Rated PG.
David Boop (M)
Cascade 5 & 6
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
Learn all about the game show where being interesting is more important than being right. Presented by BritCon.
Gina Saucier, Payne Haynes, Thursday, Andrew Williams, Dawn Shaw
Cascade 7 & 8
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
Women have worn armor in the past and wear armor as re-enactors now. Are there suits of armor especially tailored for women? Find out from a jouster and shield maiden.
Ann Shilling (M), Peter Fuller, Clayton Mann
Cascade 9 or on Twitch
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
From The Castle of Otranto (1764) to Wednesday (2022), the Gothic aesthetic and Gothic tropes have influenced books, paintings, comics, films, fashion, music, television, and video games. What makes a work “Gothic”? How has the genre changed over time? What are the reasons for its enduring appeal?
Evan J. Peterson (M), B. Zelkovich, Richard Stephens, Laura Cranehill, Julie McGalliard
Cascade 10
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
With a focus on visual arts and literary works, this panel will explore how to protect copyright, the benefits of registration, and the mechanics (and general costs) of licensing and enforcing copyright (including against unauthorized uses).
Ethan Vodde (M)
Cascade 11
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Want to set up your own game? Cascade 11 has space for your RPG, board, or card games. Check one out from Dragonflight’s Lending Library or bring your own.
Cascade 12
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Come check out games from our lending libraries. We have RPGs, card games, board games, and so much more! An official state license or state ID is needed to check out games. This space has tables to play the games you borrow or ones you bring yourselves. There will also be some scheduled games here. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs.
Cascade 13
10–11:30 a.m.
10–11:30 a.m.
In this generative writing workshop, we’ll explore three ways of creating new worlds: defamiliarizing common expressions, drawing inspiration from poetic forms, and unlocking the power of deliberate paradox.
Tara Campbell (M)
Evergreen 1 & 2
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
Let’s talk about the masquerade! This one is primarily for the entrants.
Evergreen 3 & 4
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
Recognition, respect, and the (r)evolution of neurodiversity. Why the future is neurodiverse and how we can create that future.
Kurt Cagle (M), Liz Coleman, A.W. McCollough, Clara Ward
Grand 2
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
Heists and con jobs have high stakes and plenty of conflicted, lovable rogues who “stick it to the Man” and ensemble casts with internal romances and disputes. What factors make a heist or con story work? Are there standard plot structures or character archetypes to use, or to avoid? What kinds of twists do writers give these archetypes in science fiction? This is a great chance for writers to learn more about this story type, including sources to use for further research. Readers who want a look behind the curtain of stories like Inception, Cindy Pon’s Want, and David Levine’s The Kuiper Belt Job will likewise enjoy.
David D. Levine (M), Kat Richardson, Dr. Raychelle Burks, Steven Barnes
Maxi’s Lounge
10 a.m.–noon
10 a.m.–noon
Today’s the day we shoot Alien Invaders from Planet Malbad. Unfortunately, the director left the script at Denny’s this morning, but he swears it will go just fine, because he also wrote it and he remembers how it goes. Basically. But he wouldn’t mind some help from his actors, whoever they are—he also lost the cast list. So whoever shows up, you get a part! He trusts that, if he gives you basic direction, you’ll come up with something great. In other words, ICFTLLLS is a minimum-mechanic role-playing game that lends itself really well to a LARP/Critical Role sort of experience. You do NOT have to play/act to participate! Being an audience is perfectly fine—just come and enjoy the live insanity. We’ll also need stunt doubles, actors who only get one line to make the most of, and extras to occasionally move/sit/pretend to talk.
Maxi’s Salon
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Artemis is a spaceship bridge simulator where players assume the jobs of captain, navigator, pilot, science officer, communications officer, engineer, and tactical officer and work together to defeat alien enemies.
Rotunda 1 & 2
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Come sign up for a game! We have Pathfinder Society, Adventure League, RPGs, card games, and so much more! After gaming closes, this area is available for open games. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs. Rotunda 1 is located down Concourse 1 or 2 on the first floor.
Cascade 3
10:30–11 a.m.
10:30–11 a.m.
“Shiplah’s Eyes.” Much is asked of a princess when a conqueror leads his horde to the gates of her city. Rated PG.
Agathon McGeachy (M)
11 a.m. PDT (2 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. GMT)
Cascade 3
11–11:30 a.m.
11–11:30 a.m.
The author reads from her novel Gret of Roon. Rated G.
Brenda Carre (M)
Cascade 5 & 6
11 a.m.–noon
11 a.m.–noon
Learn all the secrets to good convention photography for Norwescon cosplayers: lighting, composition, posing, and details that can really make con photos pop. Plus, we’ll talk about photography etiquette, staying safe, and do’s and don’ts for people on both sides of the camera.
Andrew Williams, Torrey Stenmark
Cascade 7 & 8
11 a.m.–noon
11 a.m.–noon
A place of meditation and discussion, contemplation, and thought for those who have passed since the last Norwescon. Honor those who have passed on with a thought, memory, or a simple prayer to whatever you wish. Leave the name of someone you remember.
Tom Whitmore (M)
Cascade 9 or on Twitch
11 a.m.–noon
11 a.m.–noon
As artificial intelligence, ubiquitous access, and autonomous robotic systems become the norm, how will this change the shape of economies? What happens when remote work becomes the norm? Will capitalism as we know it become capitalism as we don’t? Is a basic living stipend (BLS) likely? Will financial inequality be the defining characteristic of the 21st century? What happens to those who fall through the cracks (or chasms)? This is a panel focusing on your inner economist.
Jon Lasser (M), Tom D Wright, Kaylea Champion, Norman K. Moss, Shahid Mahmud
Cascade 10
11 a.m.–noon
11 a.m.–noon
Your reader doesn’t owe you one second of their attention. How do you grab them by the lapels? Should your hook be a memorable line or more transparent prose that drops the reader into the middle of the action? Learn to craft an opening line that makes the right promises for your story and pulls readers in for that first fateful page, then the next one.
Dean Wells (M), Ellis Bray, Nancy Kress, Daryl Gregory, Bethany Jacobs
Evergreen 1 & 2
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
See the award winners and some of the other best short films from this year’s festival. As a bonus, we will be showing the Let’s Make a Movie final film for Norwescon 46.
Edward Martin III, Ryan K. Johnson, Shawn Marier
Evergreen 3 & 4
11 a.m.–noon
11 a.m.–noon
Fantasy’s roots extend deep into alternative, magical versions of our world. Join our panelists as they explore urban, portal, dystopian, and modern myths and discuss the origins, evolution, and current expressions within the genre.
Rashida J Smith (M), Kat Richardson, Rhiannon/R.Z. Held, Ken Bebelle, Jim Butcher
Olympic 1
11 a.m.–noon
11 a.m.–noon
Interested in longer stories? Come hear the first chapters of some chapter books.
Jenny Shafer (M), Sam Stark
Olympic 2
11 a.m.–noon
11 a.m.–noon
We all do it—write fanfiction, that is. And we shouldn’t be ashamed! Come learn about the world of fanfiction writing, including techniques, avenues for sharing, and where to grow from there. This is a tween and teen-friendly panel.
Berlynn Wohl (M), Brianna Tibbetts, Scotty McIntosh, Amanda Cherry, Janna Silverstein
Maxi’s Ballroom
11 a.m.–noon
11 a.m.–noon
Assemble some costumed models, tables, and a timer. Sprinkle in some people with drawing materials, and voilà! A figure drawing class!
Douglas Herring (M), Liz Argall, Sven Red Beard, Lizzy D. Hill, Kris “Pepper” Hambrick
Presidential Suite 1360
11–1 p.m.
11–1 p.m.
Come and decompress before you go home. We’ll open with a few minutes of chatter as a welcome. The remainder of the time will be spent silently reading our individual books of choice. That’s it! Just a designated time and space to read with others who want to read. Feel free to bring a blanket or pillow or your favorite reading comfort item.
Cascade 3
11:30 a.m.–noon
11:30 a.m.–noon
The author will read selections from the YA science fiction Curd Immunity series, a four-book chronicle about life after the release of the Curd, a bio-engineered super-food that altered the course of climate change and human civilization. Jorge lives in Pelago, a string of quarantine cities connected by a shining solar railway. Flynn lives in a camp for people whose brains have been damaged by the Curd. Ova lives in a self-replicating desert habitat with her own symbiont partner. Val is a castaway on a floating island that grows among the refuse of the seas. They all have one thing in common: the Curd has altered life on earth and they are all immune. Rated G.
L.J. Melvin (M)
Grand 2
11:30 a.m.–noon
11:30 a.m.–noon
The Queen of Summer’s Twilight. Published in September 2022 by NewCon Press, this contemporary novel is set in Scotland (and the realms of Faerie) and is based on the ballad “Tam-Lin.” Rated PG.
Charles Vess (M)
Noon PDT (3 p.m. EDT / 7 p.m. GMT)
Cascade 3
noon–12:30 p.m.
noon–12:30 p.m.
Alma will be reading from her book Newly Banned in Florida or her work-in-progress novel. It will be the audience choice. Rated G.
Alma Alexander (M)
Cascade 5 & 6
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
How do we raise kids whose brains work differently from ours?
Kathy (M), Danielle Gembala, Tom D Wright, Payne Haynes
Cascade 7 & 8
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
How far do you have to go? What will the reader deal with? Do you explain in detail (Asimov) or do you deal in generalities (Foster)? How consistent with this should you be? Are some sciences easier?
Rhiannon/R.Z. Held (M), Jim Kling, Tom Llewellyn, Colette Breshears, J.P. Barnett
Cascade 9 or on Twitch
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
High fantasy, sword and sorcery, urban fantasy, historical fantasy, so many flavors! How do you tailor a game’s setting and rules to bring out the type of fantasy you want?
Jason Tondro (M), Stephen Radney-MacFarland, Jeff Grubb, Sean K. Reynolds
Cascade 10
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
Fic writers face the same challenges as other writers: where do you get your ideas? How do you keep yourself focused? How does writing fit into your daily schedule? Other concerns are more specific: Do I post this story as a work-in-progress or wait until it’s finished? Where should I post it? How do I react to readers’ comments? Our panel of seasoned fic writers will talk about their solutions for writing productively.
Berlynn Wohl (M), Clara Ward, B. Zelkovich, Elliott Kay
Cascade 13
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
Zine culture has been around for decades and has hugely influenced internet culture and fandom. This panel is geared towards younger people who want to explore new ways to express themselves and their interests. Topics will include production (physical and digital), ethical considerations, distribution, and more. There will be time for attendees to put together their own mini-zine.
Thursday (M), Marta Murvosh, Larry Lewis, Julie McGalliard
Evergreen 3 & 4
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
Crafting compelling dialogue is an often-overlooked skill in fantasy writing. Our panelists will explore the nuances of dialogue within the genre, discussing how to infuse personality into characters and maintain authenticity in fantastical settings. Gain practical tips on finding the right balance between natural speech and the unique elements of your fantasy world.
G.R. Theron (M), Patrick Hurley, Travis Baldree, Amanda Cherry, Sara A Mueller
Olympic 1
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
Sing along as we listen to favorite songs from Disney shows.
Jenny Shafer (M), Scotty McIntosh
Olympic 2
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
If you came to any teen/tween panels this year and have feedback, come to this meeting! The track lead is ready to talk about what worked well, what didn’t, and any panel ideas you may have for next year. This is for teens and tweens only.
Camden Rose (M)
Grand 2
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
Twelve Months. Jim Butcher will read one chapter from his upcoming Dresden book, Twelve Months. Rated R.
Jim Butcher (M)
Maxi’s Ballroom
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
Learn about the use of leather in art throughout history.
Sven Red Beard (M), Belsac, Bill Gruner
Lobby Photo Area
noon–12:30 p.m.
noon–12:30 p.m.
“My life tattered. The vision threadbare. All that remains are memories. I remember a time of chaos… ruined dreams… this wasted land. But most of all, I remember the Thunderdome Prom.” This is a costume photo shoot open to anyone dressed in postapocalyptic formal. The group photo will be at 12:15pm.
Peggy Stewart (M)
Cascade 3
12:30–1 p.m.
12:30–1 p.m.
“Belonging.” The author reads an excerpt from her upcoming memoir A Different Drum: A Black, Autistic, Polyamorous, Mentally Ill, Former Fundamentalist Christian/Cult Member and Breast Cancer Survivor WHO JUST WANTS TO FIT IN. The title of the book gives away what her story is about, just like the Gilligan’s Island and The Brady Bunch theme songs. Rated PG.
Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti (M)
1 p.m. PDT (4 p.m. EDT / 8 p.m. GMT)
Cascade 3
1–1:30 p.m.
1–1:30 p.m.
Intrigue Among Vampires. In 1685, two noble-born Huguenot sisters escape the Dragonades. France has turned against them, but they find sanctuary with two vampires who need assistance with the new rules of etiquette. Historical family drama with vampires. Rated PG.
Elizabeth Guizzetti (M)
Cascade 5 & 6
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
Whether you are making steam by burning something, nuclear power, or magic, steam power is more complicated than turning the key and driving off. How was it done? How could it be done with different tech (or magic)? Join our panelists as we puff along about steam.
Mike Brennan (M), Norman K. Moss, Howard Davidson, Agathon McGeachy
Cascade 7 & 8
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
Within geek culture we value intelligence over appearance. We are body-positive and believe all sizes and abilities can be beautiful. But everyone needs exercise in their life, particularly if we have sedentary tech jobs and indoor hobbies. Fitness doesn’t have to look like the spandex gym-rats or sports fans, or be about weight loss. Learn about the many kinds of physical activities that appeal more to the geeky community.
Hazel (M)
Cascade 9 or on Twitch
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
In the last decade more nations have been working towards putting people into space. This includes the USA, Russia, China, India, and Europe. Is this the beginning of a new race to the moon, Mars, and asteroids?
Dr. Sean Robinson (M), G. David Nordley, Hugh S. Gregory, Philip L. Swan
Cascade 10
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
The way your characters speak and the descriptions you write create your fictional world. If you want a world that is not patriarchal or a world that works just like ours does, your language must reflect that. Language is an essential part of worldbuilding.
David D. Levine (M), Joseph Malik, Talulah J. Sullivan, Cait Alvarez, Sandra Rosner
Cascade 13
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
It’s more than a Doctor Who thing. We are obsessed with fitting more things in smaller footprints. Tents in Harry Potter, the suitcase from Fantastic Beasts, Dungeons & Dragons’ Bag of Holding, and rental trucks for conventions are a few examples. Presented by BritCon.
Julie Zetterberg
Evergreen 3 & 4
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
More than just barkeeps or innkeepers, more than just quest givers, NPCs are the supporting cast that populate your adventure. Our gaming experts discuss what makes an NPC stand out and how to create a character that players will talk about long after the campaign ends.
Erik Scott de Bie (M), Patrick Hurley, Luis Loza, Ron Lundeen, Sean K. Reynolds
Maxi’s Ballroom
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
See a demonstration of the making of leather artwork.
Belsac, Bill Gruner
Maxi’s Lounge
1–4 p.m.
1–4 p.m.
Come learn about the style and core concepts of FatChanceBellyDance® Style belly dance with a certified instructor. Get shimmying with this workshop, as we dance through different vocab families and learn the unique joys of group improv belly dance! Please bring a water bottle.
Siyrren (M)
Cascade 3
1:30–2 p.m.
1:30–2 p.m.
TBD.
Andrew Penn Romine (M)
2 p.m. PDT (5 p.m. EDT / 9 p.m. GMT)
Cascade 5 & 6
2–3 p.m.
2–3 p.m.
The Exorcist, released on December 26, 1973, turned 50 last year. The film, a bona fide horror blockbuster, was enormously influential and still tops many lists of “scariest films of all time.” How does it hold up today? Do the themes still resonate? And how about those sequels? Our panelists discuss the film and its impact.
Julie McGalliard (M), Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti, Gwen Callahan , Sam Stark, Ozzie M. Gartrell
Cascade 7 & 8
2–3 p.m.
2–3 p.m.
Nothing is worse than something going wrong with your costume. What should you bring with you to the con to cover any repairs?
Ieva Ohaks (M), Julie Zetterberg, Theresa Halbert, Garth Stubbs, Ms. Purple Pearl
Cascade 9 or on Twitch
2–3 p.m.
2–3 p.m.
This is an introduction to speculative/genre poetry with examples from history (both literary history and anthropology), media (poetry in video games—it’s more common than you think), and around the world. Attendees will hopefully walk away with not just a new awareness of a new (to them) type of writing, but also the role poetry plays in our conception of nerd culture.
Lydia K. Valentine (M), Thursday
Cascade 10
2–3 p.m.
2–3 p.m.
Horses are vital to pre-industrial history in Europe and Asia and have impacted every part of the globe via importation. They pepper myth, fantasy, and folklore. This is a beginner’s class in broad strokes: types of horses, markings, variations of saddles, historical roots, and historical misnomers. If you’ve worked with horses, you may find this a refresher course. If you haven’t any experience, come learn some basics that’ll help you stay out of trouble.
Sara A Mueller (M)
Cascade 13
2–3 p.m.
2–3 p.m.
Do you consider yourself an expert on a geek-related short topic (how magma works, what are story beats, how to make cat ears)? Are you willing to talk about it for 3-10 minutes to an audience? Sign up, then vote for your favorite topics on the lobby board! If there is an image you’d like to be shown on the screen during your talk, please email it to specialevents@norwescon.org no later than Saturday at 5 p.m.
Evergreen 1 & 2
2–3 p.m.
2–3 p.m.
Using high-end laser simulators and electronic sensors, a professional instructor will go over the fundamentals of pistol safety and use. This workshop will help you get a feel for pistols and their proper handling. All safety rules will apply.
Bill Gruner (M), Oliver, John Lovett, Dr. Mark Rounds, Clayton Mann, D.L. Solum
Grand 2
2–4 p.m.
2–4 p.m.
Bring your own blaster and play Nerf games. (We will have some blasters available.) Eye protection is a must! Load up and Nerf on!
4 p.m. PDT (7 p.m. EDT / 11 p.m. GMT)
Evergreen 3 & 4
4–5 p.m.
4–5 p.m.
We’re so glad we had this time together, just to learn and laugh and dance and craft. It seems like we just get started, then before you know it, the time comes for us to thank our guests of honor and end Norwescon 46 on a high note!
Lydia K. Valentine (M), Jim Butcher, Kate Alice Marshall, Dr. Raychelle Burks, Neil Clarke, Charles Vess