Thursday Schedule

What follows is a listing of all panels and events planned for Thursday, March 28th.

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

We will be updating this list as major changes occur, until the convention opens. Last updated Mar 18, 2024 @ 2:06 pm.

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

Link to this itemNerf Firing Range
Grand 2
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Come test out your aim with a provided assortment of Nerf blasters against a variety of targets! Underage players must have a parent present to check in. Shoes are required. Badges are not necessary for this event.

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

Link to this itemReading: Kurt Cagle
Cascade 3
2–2:30 p.m.
Storm Crow. Rated PG.
Kurt Cagle (M)
Link to this itemThe Fantastic Beast That Is TikTok
Cascade 5 & 6
2–3 p.m.
TikTok has it all, from people explaining jet parts by comparing them to different scenes of The Lord of the Rings movies, to movie reviews for every genre, to costuming DIY for anything you can think of, just to name a few. How has TikTok affected the geek lifestyle?
Birdie (M), Brittany Torres, J.P. Barnett, Anne Stewart
Link to this itemServing Cold Tales at the Vengeance Bar
Cascade 7 & 8
2–3 p.m.
Revenge and reckoning are thematic pillars of the horror genre, and SFF has its vengeance stories as well. Tales like “And Now His Lordship Is Laughing” by Shiv Ramdas, The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, and “We, the Ones Who Raised Sam Gowers from the Dead” by Cynthia Chang pull at readers’ insides, connecting us with bitter emotions. How do writers design their tales to achieve this effect? What is the relationship between catharsis in the writer and in readers? Is catharsis always the goal? Writers of revenge tales will exchange recipes for the dish that’s best served cold.
Celeste Wakefield (M), Shiv Ramdas, Sara A Mueller, Amanda Cherry
Link to this itemNuclear Reactors in Space
Cascade 9 or on Twitch Twitch logo
2–3 p.m.
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 are being tested that should be safer. Is this the way to complete a trip to Mars and back?
Dan Dubrick (M), Mike Brennan, Andy Dykes, Dr. Sean Robinson, Dave Davis, Howard Davidson
Link to this itemAll Ages Open Gaming
Cascade 11
2 p.m.–midnight
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.
Link to this itemGame Lending Library
Cascade 12
2 p.m.–midnight
Come check out games from our lending library. We have RPGs, card games, board games, and so much more! An official state driver’s license or state ID is needed to check out games. This space has tables to play the games you borrow or 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.
Link to this itemViolence as a Tool in Storytelling
Evergreen 3 & 4
2–3 p.m.
How to write believable, purposeful violent scenes and use them to advance the story and develop characters. Are your characters capable of interpersonal violence?
Metaerie (M), Gwendolyn N. Nix, Russell Ervin, Jim Butcher, Sandra Rosner
Link to this itemThe Chill Lounge
Maxi’s Lounge
2–4 p.m.
Need a quiet space to just be for a while? Want to read a book? Looking for a space to run a long game of Twilight Imperium that isn’t noisy? We’ve set this space aside for just that.
Link to this itemArtemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator
Maxi’s Salon
2–10 p.m.
Artemis is a spaceship bridge simulator where players assume the jobs of captain, helm, science, communications, engineering, and weapons and work together to defeat alien enemies.
Link to this itemAll Ages Scheduled Games
Rotunda 1 & 2
2 p.m.–midnight
Come sign up for a game! We have Pathfinder Society, Adventurers League, RPGs, card games, and so much more! After scheduled 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 & 2 are located down Concourse 1 or 2 on the first and second floors.
Link to this itemReading: Dr. Mark Rounds
Cascade 3
2:30–3 p.m.
In 1884, Sean O’Herlihy plants a bomb at the Irish Special Branch. The explosion injures Lord Mowbray. Sean escapes to Ireland. Mowbray alerts Scotland Yard. The IRB send Sean and wife to Mars for protection. Follow their adventures crossing the void to their new home.
Dr. Mark Rounds (M)

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

Link to this itemReading: Tara Campbell
Cascade 3
3–3:30 p.m.
Invisible Cities meets sentient gargoyles in Campbell’s cli-fi novel City of Dancing Gargoyles, a journey through a future U.S. where wolves float, bonfires sing, and devils gather to pray. When sentient stone gargoyles E and M flee their abandoned church in search of water, they meet a mother-daughter duo of climate refugees seeking safety. They join forces to search for a mysterious new city of gargoyles—but is it the key to a more sustainable future, or could it destroy everything they know? Rated PG.
Tara Campbell (M)
Link to this itemGaming for All Ages
Cascade 5 & 6
3–4 p.m.
Gaming used to target the teenage years, but that’s not true at all these days. Our gaming panelists discuss the differences (and similarities) in designing games for kids vs. teens vs. adults vs. all ages.
Jason Nelson (M), Ron Lundeen, Mike Kimmel, Stan!
Link to this itemWhat Is Belly Dance? A Brief Overview of Styles, Culture, and Misconceptions
Cascade 7 & 8
3–4 p.m.
Join a very brief overview of modern and historical belly dance styles, the influence of western culture on the perception of belly dance, portrayal of it in modern fiction, and a brief history of origins.
Siyrren (M)
Link to this itemPreparing Your Writing for a Comic Adaptation!
Cascade 9 or on Twitch Twitch logo
3–4 p.m.
Do you have a story that would make a great comic? Learn how to prepare your writing to work with an artist and write a comic book script.
G.R. Theron (M), David Boop, Eric L Vargas, Elizabeth Guizzetti
Link to this itemThursday Afternoon Poetry
Cascade 10
3–4 p.m.
“Poetry?” I hear you cry. Yes, poetry, aimed at your SF/F sensibilities. Come listen to our panelists or bring your own favorites to share. We promise you’ll be out in time for the Opening Ceremonies.
Mike Brennan (M), GregRobin Smith, Kurt Cagle, Eva L. Elasigue
Link to this itemMaking It Pretty: Self-Editing and Revision
Cascade 13
3–4 p.m.
So you’ve finished the first draft and it’s… well… it’s rough. Where do you start revising and how do you decide what to keep and what to throw out? Come to the workshop and get some ideas and tips for how to start wrangling that manuscript into shape. Limit 15 participants. Signup will be at the info table.
Kat Richardson (M)
Link to this itemFlashback: 80s Anime
Evergreen 1 & 2
3–4 p.m.
It’s the 1980s again. Technology is developing faster than ever. The NES and SEGA Genesis have shown us what gaming can do. The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi are changing the way we see science fiction. In Japan, Otaku culture is exploding with content: Bubblegum Crisis, Castle in the Sky, Dirty Pair, Dragon Ball, Gundam, Captain Harlock, and many others. Let’s take a trip back to the 1980s for the golden era of science fiction in anime, and explore the hows and whys of how it came to be. (Leijiverse fans welcome!)
Birdie (M)
Link to this itemWorlds to Come Home To
Evergreen 3 & 4
3–4 p.m.
Fictional worlds offer teen readers a place to call their own, a place that stays with them even after they leave. If the world is built well, they’ll come back to it, sure as Seanan McGuire’s Wayward Children yearn for their magical lands. For the writer, building worlds well isn’t just a matter of maps, languages, histories, and cosmologies. It’s the connections between theme, world, and story that make the setting feel real. We’ll talk about world-building and what themes resonate especially well for teens, with input from readers in the audience.
Kate Ristau (M), Tom Llewellyn, Kate Alice Marshall, Lish McBride, Kendare Blake
Link to this itemI Wrote a Song for My Story!
Olympic 2
3–4 p.m.
Authors like Tolkien have been putting songs in their books for years. Can you still do that? If so, how? And what if you want to use a song written by someone else? Get answers to all these questions and more in this panel. This is a tween and teen-friendly panel.
Amanda Cherry (M), Metaerie, Karen Eisenbrey, Tyrean Martinson
Link to this itemMaking a Showgirl Boa Tail & Bridle
Maxi’s Ballroom
3–4:30 p.m.
Ever thought of looking like a showgirl with a big, fluffy, feathery tail and bridle? In this workshop you will learn the skills of wire bending and knotting to assemble the tail and bridle frames. All the frame materials will be provided, along with boas, ostrich feathers, and strapping to complete your bridle in this workshop. If you own a glue gun, please bring it. Limit 12 participants and those people who just want to watch. Adults only. Signup will be at the info table.
RAND the vampire (M)
Link to this itemPercy Jackson Meetup
Presidential Suite 1360
3–4 p.m.
Are you a fan of the Percy Jackson Series? Come and discuss the books, series, and movies with other fans.
No moderator. Kathy Bond will be there to get things started.
Link to this itemReading: D.L. Gardner
Cascade 3
3:30–4 p.m.
Sword of Cho Nisi: Rise of the Tobian Princess. Sword of Cho Nisi is a high fantasy series with island magic, romance, and a dragon. With one fleeting mistake, her dreams were lost. Now she must fight to win them back. Rated PG.
D.L. Gardner (M)

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

Link to this itemReading: G. David Nordley
Cascade 3
4–4:30 p.m.
Selection from “Titan of Chaos.” In Titan’s Kraken Mare, submarines and their crews have gone missing and foul play is suspected. Hartigan O’Reilly is the chief law enforcement official in the Saturn system; his long-ago ex is on a sub swallowed by a giant Kraken Mare worm and has called for help. Rated G.
G. David Nordley (M)
Link to this itemProduction Tools for Indie Publishers
Cascade 5 & 6
4–5 p.m.
Indie novelists of all ages and backgrounds have one thing in common: they’re publishers. If you’re self-publishing, this means you are heading up your own production department, and you’ll need solutions for problems such as: How do I get cover art? How do I handle book design? What formats should I publish in, and what steps do I take to make that happen? Come learn about your tactical options as an indie author. You’ll walk away with notes on digital tools, as well as tips on formatting, editing, book covers, blurbs, and reviews.
Shahid Mahmud (M), Neil Clarke, Elliott Kay, Anastasia Wilde, Talulah J. Sullivan
Link to this itemWhere’d You Find That?!?
Cascade 7 & 8
4–5 p.m.
Costuming usually starts with shopping, so let’s share all the wacky and wonderful places we’ve found the components for our creations.
Ieva Ohaks (M), Ms. Purple Pearl, Andrew Williams, Torrey Stenmark, Garth Stubbs
Link to this itemMetaphors of Neurodivergence
Cascade 9
4–5 p.m.
Many fans are drawn to nonhuman characters like Data and Spock because they can relate to their “alien” experience among “normal” humans. What other metaphors of neurodivergence are out there? How can neurodivergent writers share their experiences with the neurotypical world? Moving beyond the sociopathic genius and the childlike savant—how do we write neurodivergent characters who are compelling and reflect reality?
Liz Coleman (M), Tom D Wright, Clara Ward, Danielle Gembala, Craig Jackson
Link to this itemThat’s What She Said
Cascade 10
4–5 p.m.
Explore the art of writing authentic dialogue, pluses and minuses of using popular slang, and how to find your unique writing voice.
K.G. Anderson (M), Jennifer Brozek, Richard Sparks, Lezli Robyn, J.P. Barnett
Link to this itemA Call to Adventure: Crafting Fantasy Starts (Fantasy Writing 201)
Cascade 13
4–5 p.m.
Dive into the unique elements that define the beginnings of fantasy stories. Our authors will guide you in identifying these crucial components and demonstrate practical ways to apply them to your own work.
G.R. Theron (M), Kate Ristau, Randy Henderson, Travis Baldree, Brenda Carre, Carol Berg
Link to this item60th Anniversary of Doctor Who Updates
Evergreen 3 & 4
4–5 p.m.
Doctor Who’s first season was in 1963-1964. Join us for a sweeping remembrance of 60 years of Doctor Who. Presented by BritCon.
Bryanna Cross Bean, Attorney at Law, Jessica Rae Bergamino
Link to this itemHow to Make Animals in Your Story Believable
Olympic 2
4–5 p.m.
We all know that almost every Disney creature ends up acting like a dog in the end. What should you do to make sure that your animals are believable in your work? And how do you know what creature to include or not include? Learn from writers about how they chose their animals and what research was needed to represent them properly, even if the animals were mythical! This is a tween and teen-friendly panel.
Jake McKinzie (M), Julie McGalliard, D.L. Gardner, Tegan Moore, Sara A Mueller
Link to this itemReading: Kara Swanson
Cascade 3
4:30–5 p.m.
Dust. The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale. Ever since her twin brother was stolen away as a child, Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real. Now Claire’s desperate search points to London… and a boy who shouldn’t exist. Meanwhile, Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins. The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan—and herself. Rated PG.
Kara Swanson (M)

5 p.m. PDT (8 p.m. EDT / 12 a.m. March 29 GMT)

Link to this itemReading: Dean Wells
Cascade 3
5–5:30 p.m.
Flash fiction readings from Queer Sci Fi’s flash fiction anthology series: “A Flacon of Ink” and “It Came from Atom City.” Rated PG.
Dean Wells (M)
Link to this itemIn the Mouth of Madness: Mental Illness in Horror
Cascade 5 & 6
5–6 p.m.
Where would the horror genre be without deranged psycho killers and unhinged lunatics who have escaped from nightmarish asylums? But the way horror uses “crazy” as a shorthand for “violent” can perpetuate the stigma around mental health. Is it possible for horror to handle mental illness better? What are some good examples? Some bad examples? What would we like to see in the future?
Camden Rose (M), Liz Coleman, Laura Cranehill, Ellis Bray, Brian Callahan
Link to this itemBiology Fought the Law, and the Law Won
Cascade 7 & 8
5–6 p.m.
What happens when belief trumps science? Is society doomed?
Bryana Cross Bean, Attorney at Law (M), Jon Lasser, Howard Davidson, Julie McGalliard, Colette Breshears
Link to this itemFirearms in Fiction and Gaming
Cascade 9 or on Twitch Twitch logo
5–6 p.m.
Many writers and game designers have only an academic knowledge of modern weapons, much of it drawn from movies and TV and either wrong or impractical. Come listen to our panel of veterans and other experts dispel some of the myths that continue in fiction.
Bill Gruner (M), Clayton Mann, D.L. Solum, John Lovett, Teresa Drag
Link to this itemCaptain, They’ve Broken Our Code!
Cascade 10
5–6 p.m.
Fiction is full of clever spies who know secrets about codes and can crack them in days. Messages are tampered with between friends or enemies, sowing chaos. Super-intelligent computers can break any code. Stories often revolve around ideas like these. But what about the real world? What can you do with encryption? Why is it safer if everyone knows your code inside and out? Is there an unbreakable code and, if so, why don’t we use it all the time? What is a “quantum computer” and what does it mean for our society? Join us as we explore the secrets of encryption!
Dr. Sean Robinson (M), Travis Partington, Cait Alvarez, Michael Ormes, Andrew Williams
Link to this itemLet’s Draw Some Mecha!
Cascade 13
5–7 p.m.
Do you like mobile suits, valkyries, powered armor, and super robots? Come join in with suggestions and a drawing pad of your own (if you want to draw too). We’ll talk about the thought process that goes into designing a mecha, whether in the “real” robot or super robot genres. Then we’ll take input from the audience and design a custom mecha. We’ll also discuss how to justify mecha existing in your setting and how to make them match your pilot’s personality or the story’s theme. From pile bunkers to rocket punches, let’s have fun with it!
Eric L Vargas (M)
Link to this itemSpeculative Film Festival—Block A
Evergreen 1 & 2
5–7 p.m.
Start your convention with a celebration of science fiction and fantasy short films from around the world. Films: “All Eyes,” “Archive & The Storyteller,” “Bird Drone,” “FOREIGNER,” “Ghost Song,” “Promise Me,” “Scrum Wars • Episode 1: A New Sprint,” “The Path of the Greys,” “The Right Vintage,” and “Will Ye No Come Back Again?”
Link to this itemCozy Dystopia: A Softer Apocalypse?
Evergreen 3 & 4
5–6 p.m.
Look, we all know things aren’t great: climate change, political upheaval, virulent new diseases, mass extinctions, ecological collapse. But does looking into the future have to mean staring into the void? What if we’re not quite certain about the optimism of Solarpunk, but still want to read about futures that don’t make us fall into despair? Let’s talk about “cozy dystopia”: who’s writing it, who’s reading it, and why. Is it a way to cope, or just copping out?
Tara Campbell (M), Shiv Ramdas, Kathy, L.J. Melvin, Brenda Cooper
Link to this itemYouth—Open Craft Time and Button Making
Olympic 1
5–7 p.m.
Come do supplied crafts, make buttons, or work on your own stuff.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Link to this itemHistorical Fantasy Dance: Etiquette & Steps
Grand 2
5–6 p.m.
Attending a historical or fantasy ball? Wondering how to up your etiquette and dancing game so you can act as fabulous as your costume looks? Unsure of how to ask someone to dance? Do you know who should lead in a same-gender, gender-neutral, or gender-fluid dancing couple? Come find answers to these questions and more, and learn two to three fun historical-based dances which are easy and fun! By the end you’ll be ready to dance the night away with confidence at the Fae Ball.
Link to this itemPainting Minis—Kids & Teens Session
Maxi’s Ballroom
5–7 p.m.
Want to learn how to paint minis? Teens and tweens can learn from professional mini painter JD Wiker, Man of 1,000 Minis, with a guided tutorial on how to get started in the hobby. Participants even get to take their mini home! Special thanks to WizKids for sponsoring this workshop. Limited to 24 participants. Signup will be at the info table.
JD Wiker (M)
Link to this itemNewcomers: Welcome to Norwescon
Lobby Photo Area
5–6 p.m.
First time at Norwescon? Returning after a long absence? Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here! The convention’s chair and/or vice-chair will orient you to Norwescon, fill you in on where to find the fun stuff, and answer your questions about the convention.
SunnyJim Morgan, Rob Stewart

6 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. EDT / 1 a.m. March 29 GMT)

Link to this itemReading: Dilman Dila
Cascade 3
6–6:30 p.m.
Where Rivers Go to Die. The story of a child, might be human, grieving the death of their mother, which they caused, and discovering their true identity and purpose. Rated G.
Dilman Dila (M)
Link to this itemSurfing the Future Shockwaves
Cascade 5 & 6
6–7 p.m.
How do SF authors and futurists determine what trends are likely to be important? What differentiates a megatrend from a transient fad? Why do marketed trends seem to fail so spectacularly… and so consistently? Why is the future so hard to read?
Crystal Lloyd (M), Kurt Cagle, Brenda Cooper, Jon Lasser, Kaylea Champion
Link to this itemVampires Etc. Among Us
Cascade 7 & 8
6–7 p.m.
Several modern animals live on blood. Griffins and dragons may have been inspired by the bones of dinosaurs. What are other possible biological inspirations for mythological creatures?
Colette Breshears (M), Ellis Bray, Gwendolyn N. Nix, Brian D. Oberquell, Darren McKinty, RVT
Link to this itemWriting for Video Games
Cascade 9 or on Twitch Twitch logo
6–7 p.m.
While we all recognize how great the graphics or gameplay are in our favorite video games, what would any game be without the writing? Our panelists discuss the process of writing for a video game and what role(s) the writing plays in making a game memorable and successful.
Evan J. Peterson (M), Sandra Rosner, Jeff Grubb, Monte Lin
Link to this itemRemakes—For Better… or Worse?
Cascade 10
6–7 p.m.
It’s a fact of popular media—old shows will get made into new shows, old movies into new movies. The question in these cases is always the same: why? Is there a good reason to remake them, or is it just about banking on a familiar name? Is the new show better than the original? Are the stories the same or different? Let’s take a look at the movies and television shows that have been created and recreated to see why they were redone and whether the end result was worth it.
Kathy (M), Luke Elliott, Nick Fraser, Kris “Pepper” Hambrick, Richard Stephens
Link to this itemHow Do You Become an Audiobook Narrator?
Evergreen 3 & 4
6–7 p.m.
Our panel of professional audiobook narrators will give you advice and answer your questions.
Sam Stark (M), Gary Bennett
Link to this itemYoung Adult vs. Middle Grade
Olympic 2
6–7 p.m.
What’s the difference between the young adult and middle grade genres? Learn from writers and readers of both about the differences and similarities, the trends in each, and what to know if you want to write in these spaces. This is a tween and teen-friendly panel.
Marta Murvosh (M), Camden Rose, L.J. Melvin, Tom Llewellyn
Link to this itemFairy Ball Dance Practice
Grand 2
6–7 p.m.
Come learn some dances that will be done at the fairy ball on Saturday night! Medieval dances from Italy and England will be taught.
Link to this itemSpeed Friending
Maxi’s Lounge
6–7 p.m.
Want to get to know other congoers, but find that the idea of striking up conversation with someone you don’t know makes you think about running the other way? First of all, welcome! You’re in a lot of good company. Second, we have a solution to feeling alone in a crowd! This is similar to speed dating. You sit down with someone and each of you talks for up to two minutes about easy topics: 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, 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 tribe here!
Link to this itemReading: Clara Ward
Cascade 3
6:30–7 p.m.
Be the Sea. In November 2039, marine scientist Wend Taylor heaves themself aboard a zero-emissions boat skippered by elusive nature photographer Viola Yang. Guided by instinct, ocean dreams, and a shared birthday in 1972, they barter stories for passage across the Pacific. Aljon, Viola’s younger cousin, keeps a watchful eye and an innovative galley. Story by story, the trio rethink secrets, flying dreams, their own minds, and a calling to Be the Sea. Rated G.
Clara Ward (M)
Link to this itemOpening Ceremonies: Doors Open
Grand 3
6:30–7 p.m.
Doors open for Opening Ceremonies.

7 p.m. PDT (10 p.m. EDT / 2 a.m. March 29 GMT)

Link to this itemOpening Ceremonies
Grand 3 or on YouTube YouTube logo
7–8 p.m.
The official kickoff to Norwescon 46, featuring interviews with our guests of honor, a taste of things to come, and general shenanigans.
Lydia K. Valentine (M), Dr. Raychelle Burks, Jim Butcher, Kate Alice Marshall, Neil Clarke, Charles Vess

8 p.m. PDT (11 p.m. EDT / 3 a.m. March 29 GMT)

Link to this itemProject Managing Your Costume
Cascade 5 & 6
8–9 p.m.
Every costume is a project! Identify its scope: How many pieces of clothing do you need? What accessories are required? For group costumes, what attributes ensure a cohesive look? Determine a schedule and specific milestones: When will you wear it? How much work time will each costume piece take? Does your group need scheduled sessions and presentation rehearsals? Identify a reasonable budget: Do you already own parts or supplies? How many yards of silk do you actually need? Can you recycle existing accessories? Are you buying or making props? Realistic expectations create fantastic results!
Ms. Purple Pearl (M), Theresa Halbert, Siyrren , Gina Saucier
Link to this itemCarrying and Caring for Your Sword
Cascade 7 & 8
8–9 p.m.
So you finally got the sword of your dreams or picked up a rusty blade somewhere. How do you keep it shiny or make it shiny? Do you walk around with it in your hand? Do you stick it under your belt? What are the weapon rules at Norwescon? We have the answers.
Peter Fuller (M), Bill Gruner, Ann Shilling, Joseph Malik
Link to this itemQueering History and Legend
Cascade 9 or on Twitch Twitch logo
8–9 p.m.
Not only has history been portrayed as white, not only has it been portrayed as male, but stories centering queerness are supposedly a “recent occurrence.” Right? SO VERY WRONG. Join us while we explore very real instances of historical LGBTQ2S+ people from varying cultures and learn how to use that as background for crafting worlds that empower queer spaces.
Talulah J. Sullivan (M), Lezli Robyn, S.L. Coney, Anne Stewart, Dilman Dila
Link to this itemThe Best of Let’s Make a Movie
Cascade 10
8–9 p.m.
Relive the best “Let’s Make a Movie” shorts we’ve produced at Norwescon over the past 25 years (and maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of a much-younger you!). We aren’t going to show them all, but there are various favorites, plus more recent efforts will be in the mix. Don’t forget to come to our organizing panel on Friday for this year’s workshop!
Brian D. Oberquell, Ryan K. Johnson
Link to this itemHistory as a Source
Cascade 13
8–9 p.m.
Just as science inspires sci fi, history serves as a wellspring for fantasy. Our panelists will guide you through techniques for researching and distilling historical elements and seamlessly incorporating them into your fantasy work.
Remy Nakamura (M), D.L. Gardner, Shiv Ramdas, Kat Richardson
Link to this itemSpeculative Film Fest—Block B
Evergreen 1 & 2
8–11 p.m.
Even more great science fiction and fantasy short films. “Closing Time,” “Ellipsis,” “Five,” “Genre,” “Spiral to the Center,” “The Astronaut,” “The Indulgence of Viv le Vac,” “The Miners,” and “The Wayfarer.”
Link to this itemOpen Filk Circle: Thursday Night
Evergreen 3 & 4
8 p.m.–1 a.m.
Come join the open filk circle.
Link to this itemFloral Head Wreath Workshop
Olympic 1
8–10 p.m.
Create a floral head wreath for our Fae ball on Saturday using wire, ribbon, artificial flowers, and foliage. It will be durable and adjustable. You can make it as realistic or fantastical as you want. Recommended age 13 and up (sharp tools). Limit 15 participants. Cost $10 cash. Signup at the info table.
Ieva Ohaks (M)
Link to this itemPractical Consent
Olympic 2
8–9 p.m.
Want to know more about how to practice consent? Join us for a series of consent exercises to practice and hone your skills as you enjoy Norwescon. This will be an interactive, noncontact (hands off) workshop and, of course, consensual.
Sar Surmick (M)
Link to this itemStitch & Bitch and Costume 911
Maxi’s Ballroom
8 p.m.–midnight
Still working on something to wear in the halls or the masquerade, or just on a project? This is your place. Bring your items to work on and enjoy good company and the opportunity to get help, if needed.
Scotty McIntosh (M)
Link to this itemThe Chill Lounge
Maxi’s Lounge
8 p.m.–midnight
Need a quiet space to just be for a while? Want to read a book? Looking for a space to run a long game of Twilight Imperium that isn’t noisy? We’ve set this space aside for just that.
Link to this itemReading: Thursday
Cascade 3
8:30–9 p.m.
Thursday reads a collection of nerd poetry. Rated PG.
Thursday (M)

9 p.m. PDT (12 a.m. March 29 EDT / 4 a.m. March 29 GMT)

Link to this itemReading: Mitchell Shanklin
Cascade 3
9–9:30 p.m.
“A Testament to Indirection, An Enigma, The Sun Above.” A flash fiction story about rewriting your partner’s life poem. (Very quickly! The brain surgeon is waiting for you to finish). Rated R.
Mitchell Shanklin (M)
Link to this itemResearch for Writing: Fanfic Edition
Cascade 5 & 6
9–10 p.m.
Writing fanfic can be a freewheeling good time, but doing it well often involves research—sometimes a lot of research. You need to know your source canon, but there’s so much more. What type of gun does a British WWII soldier carry? What do 1950s police forensics teams pack in their work kits? How do you actually run a coffee shop? Is your search history going to put you on a government watchlist? It can be overwhelming, but our panelists are here to help with useful resources and effective research techniques.
Berlynn Wohl (M), Anne Stewart, Sam Stark, B. Zelkovich, Birdie
Link to this itemVerily, A New Hope
Cascade 7 & 8
9–10 p.m.
Come listen to/participate in a live reading of scenes from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, but as if Shakespeare wrote it, using the text of Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher. Sign up for a role and pick up a script at the info table, or just come to the reading. We need volunteer actors to have fun with it, and an audience ready to laugh!
Link to this itemThe Titan Submersible and Its Parallels in SF
Cascade 9 or on Twitch Twitch logo
9–10 p.m.
OceanGate was trying to be a disruptor and find ways to build submarines more cheaply. They claimed the rules were favoring the “big guys” and were trying to prevent innovation. This idea has appeared in science fiction over and over, whether it’s the movie Salvage-1 or the portrayal of Belters in The Expanse books and TV show. How would OceanGate have been viewed last year, before the loss in June? Is it wrong to allow experimental crafts, whether underwater or in space? Should formal engineering be required or is it enough to just design stuff?
Dr. Sean Robinson (M), Bart Kemper, Russell Ervin, Philip L. Swan
Link to this itemForensics: Come for the Crime, Stay for the Fun
Cascade 10
9–10 p.m.
Our panelists discuss what actually happens at crime scenes. Helpful for writers and general interest. Goodies will be given away!
Cindy Fangour (M), Dr. Raychelle Burks
Link to this itemNerf Free Play
Grand 2
9 p.m.–2 a.m.
Play Nerf, either with or against your friends! All equipment is provided.
Link to this itemThursday Dance: Fandom Mash with DJ Wüdi
Grand 3
9 p.m.–1 a.m.
It’s the Thursday night dance! On our first evening venturing Into the Wylde, who knows what manner of fantastical beings we will encounter… or we will be? Mix-and-match from whatever outfits you brought for the weekend to create mashup costumes, or wear something to represent your fandom(s), and come down and dance to a mix of dance tracks across eras, convention favorites, and all manner of mashups and oddities, all brought to you by DJ Wüdi! Send in your song requests now!

10 p.m. PDT (1 a.m. March 29 EDT / 5 a.m. March 29 GMT)

Link to this itemFriends of Bill W.
Cascade 3
10–11 p.m.
Link to this itemIntro to Polyamory
Cascade 5 & 6
10–11 p.m.
Sci-fi fans are great at asking “what if” and envisioning different possibilities—so we can also reject the rules, and choose different options in our real lives. Polyamory has been around as a fringe lifestyle for decades but has lately been getting more attention in the mainstream. If you’re wondering if it would work for you, join the panel discussion.
Hazel (M), Craig Jackson, Kate Sherman, Sar Surmick
Link to this itemLet’s Rank Every Sci-Fi Character Ever!
Cascade 9 or on Twitch Twitch logo
10–11 p.m.
Is Captain Kirk more influential than John Carter? Is Ellen Ripley cooler than E.T.? Panelists and audience will discuss, explore, and ultimately rank every science fiction character ever to grace the screen. Or at least as many as we can get to in 45 minutes!
Berlynn Wohl (M), Gina Saucier, Brian D. Oberquell

11 p.m. PDT (2 a.m. March 29 EDT / 6 a.m. March 29 GMT)

Link to this itemAdvanced Polyamory
Cascade 5 & 6
11–midnight
If you have been in the polyamorous community for a while, come discuss some of the nuances and challenges with panelists who have been there. Limited to over 18+ years of age.
Craig Jackson (M), Hazel, Kate Sherman, Eva L. Elasigue

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