Norwescon31 PR Alpha Report
March 20-23, 2008
Location: DoubleTree Hotel Seattle Airport 1.206.246.8600 Bell, Book and Dragon Persistance of Vision Post Con Report
Norwescon30 “Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements” -Napoleon Hill
Norwescon30 Persistance of Vision Post Con Report Chairman’s Post-Con Report and an extremely generous guest of his time, talent and good by Tracy Knoedler humor. We would also like to thank Rafa Martinez from Norma Editorial for making Luis Royo’s visit such a great I can hardly believe it’s over. The 30th anniversary of success; spending four days interpreting and facilitating for Norwescon was the best- attended Norwescon I have ever Luis is a monumental feat of patience and we are very grateful. been to, topping over 3,000 people. The panel rooms seem to be filled as well as the Dealer’s room and Art Show. I want to The heart and soul of the Art Show is our attending and mail- give a big thank you to our wonderful Guests of Honor, Kim in artists. We had a wonderful group this year that brought Stanley Robinson, Luis Royo, Donna Shirley, and Gordon the best of themselves and their work to Norwescon. We Van Gelder for their help in celebrating our anniversary year. would like to thank them for their time and talent that they have shared with Norwescon. Pat and I have really enjoyed As I sit here, a few weeks later, writing this up, I realize that working with each one of them. we could never have made this happen if it were not for all of our wonderful volunteers. One name I would like to highlight None of this is possible without the tremendous help of our is Dawn Kaufman for stepping in and helping translate for volunteers. First we would like to thank our Art Show staff. our Artist Guest of Honor, Luis Royo. She was a big help to First a very special thank you to Lori ‘Shaughnessy’ Burtis all of us. Thanks Dawn! who took us under her wing and taught us so much. We would also like to thank Melissa Kell and Shelly Stephens for This year I awarded the Lifetime Member Award to Shawn managing the Artist Alley; they did a great job. E.J. Fadgen Marier for all his devoted years to Norwescon. He has spent took on the ever-daunting task of bag check and did a brilliant many years volunteering for Norwescon in all areas of the job. LouAnna Valentine worked on our docent program this convention. Congratulations Shawn! You deserve it and now year, and we really appreciate all of her efforts. We would we’ve got you forever! also like to thank Alex Popiel our IT wizard who kept our computers running and saved our derrieres more than once; Please watch our website for news on Norwescon 31. We as well as Rory Clark our Art Show programmer for all of should be up and running by September, 2007. his hard work supporting the Art Show computer systems. Business Report for Norwescon 28 Thank you also to our wonderful finance team of Betty Claar, Melissa Kell and Mike Orosz. And a huge thank you to Walt Budgeted Actual Thomas, our construction chief. Without his hard work and Chair 6,015.00 6,812.45 patience there would be no Art Show. And last but never least, Vice Chair 16,392.00 14,961.17 Ali Grieve who did a wonderful job in planning and executing Business 16,630.00 16,362.15 our first Artists’ Reception, an outstanding event that we look Publications 40,100.00 21,854.71 Programming 9,925.00 5,844.31 forward to repeating next year. Member Services 3,890.00 3,211.09 The other group that we want to thank are our at-convention Convention Services 18,870.00 17,617.41 Personnel 9,565.00 7,973.45 volunteers. We are very grateful for them taking the time out Special Events 2,485.00 2,053.64 of their convention experience to come and help us. Without Capital Expense 9,780.00 10,559.03 them it would have been a harder and longer weekend for all Total In 137,083.73 of our staff. We truly want all of them to know they are part Total Out 107,249.32 of our team and we appreciate everything they all did to help. They are: Angela Lande, Nicholas Strickland, Kat Mercan, 29,834.32 Jane Patterson, Jim Cox, Joyce Palmer, Gayle MacArthur, Dawn Jackal, Diane Wahlborg, Richard Stuer-Wooden, Mike Hardin, Carline Westra, Carmen Sumption, Marlene Norwescon 30 Art Show Helm, Laura Penty, Mathew Robertson, Stanley Leghorn, by Doug and Pat Booze Stacy Mardin, Nate Austin, Nick Jones, Leonard Burstiner, It was an amazing year; there are so many wonderful things J.D. Maynard, David Todd, Peter Eng, Alan Misten, Angela that happened over this last year and so many people to thank Horde, Katie Cagle, Shawn Lum, Eric Wilson, Viola Todd, that it is hard to know where to start. Victoria Scanlon and Audrey Penty who was awarded our Norwescon Art Show Apprentice Award this year for being It would not be an Art Show without our artists. First we an outstanding volunteer. would like to thank Luis Royo for traveling almost as far as you can to attend our convention. He is an amazing artist
Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report v Thank you to everyone for attending and participating in to expect from Norwescon. We were so honored to have great this year’s Art Show. We look forward to seeing all of you Guests; Kim Stanley Robinson, Luis Royo, Donna Shirley, next year. Gordon Van Gelder, and Rafa Martinez. Thanks to them for helping to set the tone of the convention. Snippets from our Norwescon 30 Art Show Awards GoH’s: Donna talking about managing Martians, Gordon Judges awards speaking on publishing bloopers, Rafa introducing us to the international experience, Luis drawing a fantastic picture, Best in Show: and Stan explaining how to reduce our footprint on the Cory and Catska Ench In the Garden of Gaea Earth while keeping our eyes on Space. [My most fascinating moment? Out in the Atrium on Saturday afternoon, First Place: the fifteen minutes of banter and humor as Greg Bear Jeff Sturgeon Power Place interviewed Stan and Gordon at the taping session for Closing Second Place: Ceremonies. You’ve got to see the interview… jet noises and H. Ed Cox Brown Leaf Fairy everything in the background. Wow!]
Third Place: I always worry when we try something slightly different. This Luis Royo Subversive Beauty (1) year we decided to start panel programming at 1:00 p.m. on Best 3-D: Thursday afternoon. I guess I shouldn’t have worried though. Stephen Lestat Time Machine The rooms were filled and paneling was perking along right on time. With well over 200+ pros on hand to participate in Best Jewelry: the panels during the weekend I hope you found the topics Elizabeth Fellows 30th Anniversary Jewelry Set you wanted to see. Flashes from panels; the audience helping Best Color: the Let’s Make a Movie Guys make the feature “Man Slugs, Mark Roland Sunflower Steve Barnes speaking about developments in LifeWriting, Alexander James Adams’ concert premier at NWC, how Best Black and White: to poly-form armor at StarWars Fashion Show and Tell, Luis Royo Mother Earth promises of a recipe book from To Serve Man, the generation Best Mix: gap at Women in the Military, and Chris Bruscas on being a Theresa Mather Amber Dragon Geek Gaming God. [My moment of discovery? That there are people out there even more into gardening than I am while at the Fannish Gardening panel . . . ?!] People’s Choice awards Norwescon Programming would not occur without the Best in Show: help of many people: Sunny Jim in the Pro Suite; Becky in Cory and Catska Ench In the Garden of Gaea Workshops; Denise in Traditional Events; Sally, Jo, Margorie, Best Sci-Fi: & Sprite in the Greenroom; Alan, Chris, and Joel in Media Stephen Lestat Time Machine Services; Keith in Movie Previews; Mindy in GoH Relations; Kevin in Stage Management; Jordan, Elizabeth, Walt, and the Best Fantasy: rest of his tech crew; thanks guys! I especially want to thank Todd Lockwood Dragon Fire Lori and Alisa for their help and support during the never- Best Horror: ending grind of Track Programming. You guys are the best! Todd Lockwood War of Angels Thank you!!! Best Humor: BTW, for all of you who might be wondering, Donna Shirley’s Sarah Clemens Joyride grandson was born about 2 weeks after the con. His name is Grayden Thomas. He was 8 lbs 8 oz & 20 inches in length at Programming Report – NWC 30 birth and currently growing like a weed. Congratulations to by William Sadorus Nana Donna and to the proud parents! What a monumental weekend! Huge crowds, big names, and If you think Norwescon 30 was a blast, just wait until next 30 years of Norwescon! year . . . Norwescon 31 is gonna knock your socks off. See you soon!! Staying true to our theme “Persistence of Vision”, we had a great time giving you the kind of experience that you’ve come
v Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report Norwescon 30 Programming Statistics She also wants to thank all the people who helped with Total Number of Tracks of Programming: 28 Hours decorations and opening number. Breakdown of Hours of Programming She also was in charge of the midnight movies. This year we (does not include Special Events): expanded to 3 nights of movies. On Thursday we showed Buckaroo Banzai and had Judith Herman who worked on Programming the movie give a little talk about her experiences. On Friday Education Filk Readings GoH Total we did our traditional Rocky Horror Picture Show with the Thursday 71.0 4.0 4..5 3 82.5 VTC giving a show which I’m sure the audience will never Friday 148.5 11.5 10.5 6.5 177.0 forget. Finally on Saturday night for its 25th anniversary we Saturday 139.0 8.0 10.5 11 168.5 showed Shock Treatment. Sunday 62.5 2 4.5 1 70.0 Totals 421.0 25.5 30.0 21.5 498.0 Peggy was in charge of the Masquerade. To put on the Masquerade, Peggy and her staff worked all day long getting everything setup so that you could all enjoy the show. It was Pro Breakdown: an exciting year as it was the first Masquerade for us with a Invited 360 ramp. Backstage it was a huge hit. It was used by lots of entries and made it safer and easier for many of them. The ramp is Declined 51 definitely the wave of the future for Norwescon. No Answer 78 Cancelled 17 She wants to give thanks to all the people that helped Attending 214 Master of Ceremonies- Master Payne Day Passes 28 Sound- Keith Johnson Stage Managers- Paula and Berry Curry Head Den Mom- Kate McClure Writer’s Workshop: Den Moms- Audrey Penty, Erik Prill, Ruslund Geyer Submissions 71.0 Front House Manager- Nels Satterlund Participating Pros 148.5 Front House Staff- Tahlia Holt, Jeff Soesbe, Kayla Harrell Head Ninja- Trent Lum Special Events Ninjas- Kelly Forbis, Michelle Roberts, Cameron Wright, by Shawn Marier Toni Forbis, Pamela Wichger, Laura Penty, Martin Irvin, Jason Lum, Pete Powers, Sydney Lamb, This was the first year that Special Events was an exec level Frieda “Bri” Orsborn, Lisa Eldred, Beth “Bethmo” department. This allowed us to spend the time and effort to Mourguard make them “special” once again. When I first got involved Lights/ Tech- Eric Stratton with Norwescon 20 years ago, it was as a DJ. So from the Spot 1- Larry Stratton beginning all the special events have had a special place in my Spot 2- Edge Von Gore heart. So I want to thank Tracy and Cheryl for giving me the Technical Director- Michael Citrak opportunity to run the department. Video- Alan Halfhill I could not have done this job with out the help from my two Photo Op- Thom Walls assistants Tonya Clark and Peggy Stewart. They both were Children’s Masquerade Group- Felice Nightengale The Workmanship Judges- Alisa Green & in charge of multiple areas in the department; and they did a Maria Cooley wonderful job making sure that the people who attended them The Presentation Judges- Don Glover, Lori Edwards & had a great time. Mimi Noyes Tonya was in charge of the dances and she had some great DJs Judge’s Assistant-Vicki Glover working with her this year. They kept the dance floor busy all three nights; so a big thank you goes out to all of them: The Red Dance: DJ Black Maru and DJ Eternal Darkness. The Star Dance: DJ Jammin’ Panda and DJ Bomb The Saturday Night Hoedown: MC 300Baud
Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report v She humbly apologizes if your name was missed, but know This year we had it running all 3 nights and because of this that she thanks you too for your hard work. Everyone worked we had over 200 players. The room was once again run by very hard, from staff to volunteers, and, of course, the entrants Scott Perrin and Elizabeth Fellows who make sure that all to make this a fabulous 30th anniversary Masquerade. the players have a safe but fun time. I don’t think we could do Lazer Tag with out all the hard work and time they put in. If the Masquerade wasn’t enough, she also managed the Fannish Fetish Fashion Show. She brought in Betty Rage who Finally I need to thank the members of Amtgard who came in did a spectacular job of organizing the show, working with on Sunday morning to give us a demo. Think of them as a live the designers and getting all the fabulous performers. Peggy action fantasy role playing using boffers. Norwescon could would like to thank everyone who made it possible, Betty not have done this with out the help of two of their members, Rage, Todd Clark, Timitius, Felice Nightengale, Christopher Matt Ward and Chris Bates. Check out the group’s main web Sumption, Leslie, The Von Foxies, Marci Beaucoup, Miz site for more details: www.amtgard.com Ginger Snapz, Estella E’strange, all the volunteers and, last but not least, the designers, Notorious Curves and Fetishwear. Finally I want to thank the Norwescon Tech and net and their models. Programming departments, we could not have done this with out your help and support. For the Masquerade half time I brought in the Comedy Court Improve Group. This was a very entertaining local group of performers. If you like improve then you should check out Norwescon 30 Daily 'Zine Post-Convention Report their website to see where they are next performing. R'ykandar (Dara) Korra'ti (http://www.comedycourtimprov.com/) We didn’t have the Another year, another convention newsletter, yay! Our only best sound setup for them, so I’m sorry to say that those in the big surprise this year was our sudden discovery that the back might not have heard the whole thing. shop we use for issue duplication suddenly decided to start I also need to thank Pro Roy who ran our Gaming closing on Sundays! It was quite the adventure. We want to department. He stepped up and ran the department when the particularly thank Laura Reilly, Kathleen Reilly (her mum), previous department head had to step down a month from the and Marianna Garrett (her sister) and the Office for working convention. With a short period of time and a new location, he overtime to come up with an alternative copy location and did a great job. getting the Sunday edition out on time. Well done, Office staff and family members, and special thanks to everyone involved! He wanted to make sure that big props went out to the gaming staff that did a great job monitoring the floor and In other notes, I want to address a few things that have making sure games had tables and got started as scheduled! apparently slipped by people. First, the newsletter is not, As well as a congratulations to John Baldwin, this year's Call and has never been, titled "Daily 'Zine." It has a new name of Cthulhu Tournament winner. John won a free membership every year - as well as a new look, rebuilt from the ground up, to next year's Norwescon! or close to it. Unexpectedly, three people told me that they noticed I'd changed the 'zine's title this year from "Daily 'Zine" This year I brought back the casino to Norwescon. It has been or some similar variant to "Runner" - well, Run, Runner! years since we did one and even with it being on Thursday anyway - and that was, as they say, rather a surprise. night we had a huge crowd (over 150 gamblers). I want to thank Mary Westerling who helped train our dealers and Secondly, our contribution to Norwescon's 30th Anniversary Becky Citrak who designed some of the best casino money was to use graphic identifiers from each previous issue (where I’ve ever seen. I also want to thank the following people who applicable) in our promotional posters. The current newsletter all volunteered to help deal cards: Leonard Burstiner, Bror crew have put out the following convention newsletters, Rand, Jessica Vauels, Pamela Wichgers, Alex Williams, Alan or daily 'zines, at Norwescons: The Claw, Mr.Cranky's Milsten and Jason McDermott. Disruptive Newsletter, Gothpark Chronicles, FaxCascadia, Ad Astro!, Inevitability, The Great and Terrible Voice of OZ, We also had a Texas Hold’em Tournament which ran over Letters from Yingzhou, RUE the DAY!, RUN!!, and, this 3 days. Almost 90 players took part and the when the past year, RUN, RUNNER!. You may note a disturbing trend tournament was finally over on Saturday night the winner towards more and more exclamation marks. Consider that a was Jeramy Hobouty. Thanks to all the people who helped desperate plea for attention. The graphics called back from deal the cards as well as all the players. the dead include the three-eyed upward-pointing alien, the Mr.Cranky Seal of Certification, Vampire Lord Fatass, Astro, Another area which we expanded this year was Lazer Tag. Your Robotic Overlords, The Four Sigils of the Winds, the
v Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report Dr. Cranky Spotlight of Ruing, and this year's, Box, the Food be with us and enjoy Norwescon. They were able to collect 18 Storage Robot. So that's what all that was about. units of blood, with 19 donors. Thank you to all of our donors.
Thirdly, the newsletter comes out daily, which means (in all I would like to send out a special thanks to Lydia Bigger and years but two when we had special editions), once a day. Yes, her staff for the wonderful lunch they made for the blood we had a Sunday Afternoon ("GO HOME!") edition of Mr. drive techs. They enjoyed it very much. Cranky, and a special Saturerday Afternoon edition ("more heart pieces!") for RUN!! Because we had so much material, Campaign Sight First II which was great, but that's not a guarantee we'll do that again We had at least 3 donated glasses. This is our first year doing ever. And finally, the newsletter is a morning edition, so if you the eyeglass collection and we appreciate your donations. want things to be in that day's issue, you have to get it to us the night before, or earlier. We were confused several times to find submissions for an issue submitted after that issue had already come out. So if you were wondering why your time-sensitive material didn't make it in, that's probably why.
And that's about that. Thanks for reading and contributing; hopefully you found it useful and fun!
Norwescon Elections Elections were held for the officers of Norwescon 31 on Saturday, May 12th with Doug Booze, Shawn Marier, and Catrina Foulger on this year’s election committee. The results were:
Chairman Tracy Knoedler Vice-Chairman Pat Booze GoH Election Committee Kevin Black GoH Election Committee Dara Korra’ti Fairy Tale Bachelor, Copyright 2007 Thom Walls Norwescon 30 Masquerade Running Order Congratulations to the new officers Tracy, Pat, Kevin and Dara; and thank you to everyone who participated in this 1. Lead us Not Into Temptation- Journeyman- year’s elections. Designed and constructed by Laura Rieschiek Entrants: Laura Rieschiek, Mark Rieschiek
2. Ambassador Hugh- Novice- Designed, constructed Post Con Report for Norwescon 30 and worn by Hugh Mannfield Marion Zimmer Bradley Food Drive 3. Scratched- We would like to thank the Dealers (from the Dealer Room) 4. Gabrielle vs. Captain Barbosa- Novice- Designed and for their donations. We Raised $917.00 from the charity constructed by “Can’t read her writing, sorry.” auction and received many wonderful things for our valued volunteers. 5. A Poem for Padme- Journeyman- Designed, constructed and worn by Bethany Roullett There were $237.00 donations at registration and we collected 34 lbs of food. 6. Passion- Non- Comp (won at a Costume Con with costume before)- Designed and constructed and worn by Thanks to all for your donations. Alicia Faires
James “Scotty” Doohan Blood Drive 7. The Gardener’s Dream- Master- Designed and It was fun to see the blood mobile though it was a bit small for constructed by Betty Bigelow, Lisa Satterlund, Julie our convention. All of the Blood drive techs were delighted to Zetterberg and sound by Erik Prill. Entrants: Betty Bigelow, Greg Sardo, Lisa Satterlund, Julie Zetterberg
Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report v 8. Firey Angel – Novice- Designed and constructed and worn by Mandy Barnett
9. Jedi Knight Tatiana –Novice- Designed and worn by Dana Marshall, Constructed by Keith Marshall
10. Into the Woods- 30th Anniversary Cat.- Designed and constructed by Claudette Wagner. Entrants: Cassie Hallmark, T. Brian Wagner
11. Robotica- Journeyman- Designed, constructed and worn by Diana Daniels
12. Stalking Elk- Novice- Designed, constructed and worn by Tiffany Hugentobler
13. Raider of the Temple of Doom- Master- Designed and constructed by Richard Stephens. Entrants: Richard Stephens, Ciandi Stephens, Tia Stephens, Forest Kohler, Raiders of the Temple of Doom. Copyright 2007 Thom Walls Austen Del Grado, Chris Girr Norwescon 30 Masquerade Winners 14. Gaia’s First Children- Master- Designed and constructed by Molly Boone, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat, Juliana Best in Show Robinson, Bronwyn Thomas, and Jennifer Neel. Nick #22 Medusa Luna Strickland (construction only) and Elizabeth Fellows for the Best Master snood. #18 Fairy Tale Bachelor Entrants: Molly Boone, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat, Juliana Robinson, Best Media Recreation- Master Bronwyn Thomas, Jennifer Neel, Nick Strickland #13 Raiders of the Temple of Doom 15. Medusa –Novice- Designed, constructed and worn by Best Journeyman Rita Pudlewski. CD by Carl Bergstrom and Rita Pudlewski #22 Medusa Luna
16. Advanced Tactical Assault Trooper –Journeyman- Best Media Recreation- Journeyman Designed, constructed and worn by Mike Duquette #5 A Poem for Padme
17. 7 Deadly Sins – Journeyman- Designed and Best Novice constructed by Rose City Costumers. Entrants: Annika #2 Ambassador Hugh Johnson, Suzie Thomas, Mike Elsner, Marilyn Mcquire, Best Original Concept Patrick Wiese, Christie and Doug Van Winkle #12 Stalking Elk 18. Fairy Tale Bachelor- Master- Designed and Judge’s Choice constructed by Amanda Harris-Forbes, Margo Loes, and #7 The Gardener’s Dream special thanks to Shuree Lovell Entrants: Amanda Harris- Beyond Reality Costumer’s Guild Award- Forbes, Margo Loes and the Mystery Prince or the “Ooh, shiney” award 19. Latouni- Journeyman- Designed by Banpresto Games #20 Freya Cresent- Trance Mode and constructed and worn by Angela Krupp Workmanship Awards 20. Freya Cresent- Trance Mode –J- Designed by Best in Show Squaresoft and constructed and worn by Shawna Needengard #14 Gaia’s First Children 21. The Ruler of the Tholian Assembly –M- Designed, Best Master constructed and worn by Garth Stubbs #18 Fairy Take Bachelor
22. Medusa Luna-J- Designed, constructed and worn by Best Journeyman Joanne Spink, music by Erik Prill, and electronics, Macdonald #22 Medusa Luna Instruments
v Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report Best Novice troubleshoot problems that we sensed could happen before #9 Jedi knight Tatiana the con, and we did have fewer to work out, but that meant that Problems also managed to do quite a bit of regular Honorable Mention registration. #1 Lead us Not into Temptation We remembered to make signs that were easier to read, but Best Media Recreation #5 A Poem for Padme I still missed a few. We made notes for next year, to better speed up the reg process. I also have my fingers crossed for Most Creative Use of Materials new printers for speedier form printing. If that happens, we #2 Ambassador Hugh may have slightly different forms and can color code to make the different types of forms easier to figure out. Best Use of Sculptural Details #13 Raiders of the Temple of Doom Our volunteers, as usual, kicked major boo-tay! Nina Best Headpiece Chapman was our Touch Typist of the Year and was #15 Medusa constantly cheery, smart, and fun to be around. We look forward to having her on staff next year! Richard, Best Concept DragonMom and so many others helped us stay sane and #21 Ruler of the Tholian Assembly kept the reg lines moving. Willow, Jeff and I thank Best Use of Machine Embroidery you ALL! #7 The Gardener’s Dream Judy Oxford, Registration Lead, also known as J’wyldragon Best Hands and Feet of Reg #20 Freya Cresent- Trance Mode 2007 Philip K. Dick Award Winner Announced Registration Post-Con Notes Submitted by J’wyl It was announced at Norwescon 30, in SeaTac, Washington, that the winner for the distinguished original science fiction Wow. No, really! I wouldn’t kid you . . . wow. You people are paperback published for the first time during 2006 in the awesome! U.S.A. is: 3,000 members attended the con this year. That is a record. I think it is like second highest attendance ever (all time Spin Control highest is still the year that Anne McCaffrey was there). They by Chris Moriarty (Bantam Spectra) discovered that we do online reg and take PayPal, too! We had a LOT of pre-reg via PayPal. It was daunting! We thought Special citation was given to: that with all those folks doing the pre-reg thing, that the at- the-door would be slower than usual. Nope. That isn’t how it was. We are all so thrilled that so many people came and had Carnival fun at the con! by Elizabeth Bear (Bantam Spectra)
Did you notice what was new this year? We had LAPTOPS! The Philip K. Dick Award is presented annually for I know it seems like it is a silly thing to be excited about, but distinguished science fiction published in paperback original it was a SUPER help to us! They were easy to set up, easy to form in the United States. The award is sponsored by the take down and since the IT Ninjas rawk in sooo many ways, Philadelphia Science Fiction Society. The 2006 judges were they were easily interchangeable between departments if one Geary Gravel, Anne Harris, Christine Mains (chair), Kristine went south on us! They were faster, too. Thank you IT and Smith, and Mark W. Tiedemann. Exec’s for having the vision to see that this would work out so The 2007 judges are Steve Miller, Chris Moriarty, Steven well. We also purchased our own badge printers! The badges/ Piziks, Randy Schroeder, and Ann Tonsor Zeddies. printers worked out so well last year, that we decided it was worth it to have our own. For more information, contact the award administration:
Continuing to have a Problem Only Line seemed to work David G. Hartwell (914) 769-5545. too. I know because I spent most of the con behind that Gordon Van Gelder (201) 876-2551 station, working out the problems that came up. We tried to
Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report v For more information about the Philadelphia Science Fiction the taking at the history display – which you seemed to like, Society, contact: as about 50 books were taken. We should have brought more!
Gary Feldbaum (215) 563-2511 We had two types of picture displays – paper and electronic. http://www.psfs.org/ People gathered around the PC monitor sharing ooohs For more information about Norwescon contact: and aaahs and playing “remember when”. The albums were scattered on tables around the room. http://www.norwescon.org/ Several Norwescon members submitted “favorite memory” stories which we printed out and taped on the walls. We are Hospitality Report always looking for stories to add to the memory book. If you by Roberta Carlson have a story you would like to share send it to Michael Citrak at [email protected]. Another Norwescon is over and the Hospitality Staff is glad you all stopped by, and did you ever stop by! You all drank 70 The 30th Anniversary celebration continued throughout the cases of pop, ate 75 pounds of ham, 40 pounds of roast beef con with many special touches. We had: and 35 pounds of turkey, a case and a half of chili, and much, much more. Special thanks go to my wonderful assistants Pearl embossing on the program book cover in Kristy, Cherie, and Jean. Without them, there couldn’t have keeping with the traditional 30th anniversary symbol of been a hospitality. I hope to see you all next year. pearls. “30 Years of Norwescon” souvenir bags. Writers' Workshop A special category in the masquerade. The writers' workshop at Norwescon 30 continues to hit high marks, thanks to the efforts of everyone involved. This year's Play money in the casino commemorating our workshop filled up quickly with 36 participants, and we regret various hotels. having to limit them to a single manuscript apiece in order to “30 Years of Norwescon Stories” panel on Friday. make room for as many people as possible. Half of this year's participants were new to the Norwescon workshops and half Special goodies for the Volunteers, including a had experience with at least one previous year's workshop; “pearl” for each year volunteered. while most of our participants come from Washington and Oregon, this year we also drew writers from California, We would like to thank: Texas, Arizona and Minnesota. We also offered workshop Jordan Orr for building two beautiful table-top participants a special hand's-on workshop on writing flash display cases! fiction taught by Mary Rosenblum, a short-story writer, novelist and writing instructor. Rory Clark for the computer and photo displays!
Elizabeth Thomas-Rodolf, Daniel Pawtowski, Don 30 Years of Norwescon History Glover, John Andrews, and many others for the photos!
We hope you enjoyed our 30th Anniversary Celebration and Carolyn Palms, Beth Dockins, Jim Cox and many history display. Norwescon is getting older, and we believe it is others for the T-shirts! important to remember our roots and the milestones along the way. We hope you enjoyed the history article in the program Tracy Knoedler for the 30th Celebration book, and found it interesting and informative! We would Souvenir bags. like to extend a special thank you to Carolyn Palms who was our first historian. You for sharing your ideas and input over the years! Keep it coming! The History Display was set up in Olympic 2, quiet hospitality. There was a display of badges, badge holders, We had our first history display at Norwescon 25, and hope to volunteer tokens, t-shirts, fanzines, flyers, cups and more. We have the next one at Norwescon 35 – which means, of course, even had the tiny, little Norwescon 1 Program Book, which is that it will become a tradition. The goal for the next 5 years is smaller than our current pocket programs! We had program to get all of those old photos scanned! books from years past in a display in the lobby, and extras for
v Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report especially lucky to have him here next year! Norwescon31 Naomoi Novik has burst onto the scene as the author of the Temeraire series. If you haven’t read His Majesty’s Dragon you Bell, Book and Dragon might want to pick up a copy. This year it’s nominated for the PR Alpha Report Hugo Award for Best Novel, as well as the Compton Crook Award for Best First Novel, and the Locus Awards for Best First Novel. Naomi has also been nominated for the Campbell Sneak Preview - Norwescon 31 Award for Best New Writer. Can we say, WOW!? I’m excited by William Sadorus about having Naomi here at NWC 31 . . . Are you?!!!! Norwescon turned 30 this year. The celebration was Stay tuned for more announcements of new Guests of Honor. stupendous! Our GoHs glorious! I had a (*) time! You might You ain’t seen nothing yet…!!! ask, “How’re they gonna top that?” Well, it isn’t going to easy, but we’ve got some pretty good ideas up our sleeves just for *Add your own superlative here you . . . Get Ready for Norwescon31! As announced by Tracy and myself at the Masquerade halftime, our theme for next year at Norwescon 31 will be Bell, Book, and Dragon. Is this an invocation? A spell? Maybe it’s an allusion to a favorite movie from 1959 starring Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart? C’mere Pyewacket. That’s a good cat. You got to admit it sounds a bit better than “Music, Literature, and Fantasy”, doesn’t it? Bell, Book, and Dragon will be fun romp in the eclectic mix of topics that you’ve come to expect from Norwescon. To help spice up the fun we’ve lined up some spectacular Guests of Honor including Dan Simmons as our Writer GoH, Ciruelo as Artist GoH, and Naomi Novik as Special GoH.
Dan Simmons is the award winning and versatile author of many books such as Hyperion, Ilium, and Song of Kali. He writes science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and horror. His combinations of storyline, character, and realism are both driven and hypnotic. I came to know Dan’s work through the Hyperion Cantos, a hard science fiction collection with a fantasy edge. Children of the Night proved to me that Dan had a dark side that could compete with the best of the vampire genre. In the Hardcase detective-mystery books Naomi Novik he created characters that give you a non-stop roller coaster ride of murder, mayhem, and action. Dan’s latest release, The Naomi Novik will be a special guest at Norwescon 31 Terror, combines artic history with a thrills and chills creature March 20-23, 2008. See www.norwescon.org for further of epic horror dimensions. Norwescon will be the first information. convention that Dan has attended since World Horror Con - Denver in 2000. We are so honored to be able to have Dan Norwescon works hard to produce quality publications for our Simmons at NWC 31. members, however errors do occasionally occur. Ciruelo is the Argentine-born artist now living in Spain In the previous version of this report the picture that accompa- known for his fantastic art. His art has been displayed in nied the article "Sneak Preview - Norwescon 31 was not Naomi books (Book of the Dragon; Luz, the Art of Ciruelo; Magia, Novik. The picture was actually of P.K. Dick nominee Andrea the Ciruelo Sketchbook), on album covers (Steve Vai’s The Hairston author of Mindscape. This updated version of the 7th Song), in Heavy Metal, Playboy Magazine, Wizards of progress report includes the correct picture of Naomi Novik. the Coast, and book covers from Tor, Warner, and Ballantine. Ciruelo is usually seen at large Comic Cons so we are We apologize to Ms. Novik and Ms. Hairston for the error.
Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report v Statement by the Chair Where Things Are by Tracy Knoedler by Charlie Knoedler Well I guess it’s that time again. Our lovely executive team So you ask “Where is the cloakroom?” Well, let me tell you. has been eagerly working all summer to plan a wonderful Below is a list of where things are within the convention. If Norwescon 31. With the conventionharder and faster. you have any questions, please stop by the convention office in room 7106 and we’ll be glad to help you. This year we have made a few changes in our team. My Vice Chair is Pat Booze. Since she has been Chair of Norwescon Cloakroom/Lost and Found Room 7101 as well as both Publications and Convention Services director, Norwescon Office Room 7106 I’m sure many of you already know her - and how can you Security/Dispatch Room 7108 forget her! Volunteers Olympic 2 Hospitality Olympic 3 In charge of our Business department is Ali Grieve. In the Green Room Cascade 1 & 2 past she was in charge of Programming. I’m very excited Dealers’ Room Northwest Ballroom 1-3 to be working with her again. She will be working hand in Art Show Grand Ballroom 1 hand with our Treasurer, Mike Orosz, a staple within our Artist Alley Past Wing 7 in Hallway convention as he has been with us for many years. They will Gaming Cascade 11 &12 keep us in line and on budget this year.
Our lovely Secretary , Felice Nightengale, is coming back to help us remember exactly what we say, plan or do. She does a Norwescon 2008 Art Show wonderful job. by Doug Booze, Art Show Manager We are planning another amazing art show for you again Also returning is Rob Stewart, our Member Services director. for Norwescon 31. We are excited to bring you many of the You’ll find him hanging out around Registration as well as same great talent that we have had in the past as well as may helping his wife sell in the Dealers’ Room. new faces which we hope will excite and intrigue you. We are Don Glover has gladly taken up the challenge of Publications thrilled to have as this year’s artist Gust of Honor, Ciruelo for the first time. He has held many positions with Norwescon the depth of his work will make an amazing addition to our in the past, including Vice Chair. already diverse pool of talent. We are also excited to announce that John Picacio who has won such awards as the Chesley Everyone knows William Sadorus. He has been around and the World Fantasy award and was recently in Seattle to Norwescon in many capacities, including Chair and as receive the Locus award as best artist will be showing this overseer for the PK Dick Awards. We are lucky to have him year. We will bring you news of additional artists to the art returning as Programming director again. Send him your show as they become firmed up; please check the website for ideas for new Guests of Honor. updates.
Shawn Marier has returned as Special Events director. Since Specific news for our artists. All of the information that he received the lifetime membership award last year, we refuse you need to sign up for the art show is on our website, we to let him go. hope that you will check us out and be a part of our art show community. If you have any questions always feel free to Doing an absolutely wonderful job is Catrina Foulger, our contact me directly. I am always available to help you out with Personnel director. She feeds all of us so be nice to her. any questions or concerns that you might have about the art show. You can reach me at [email protected]. Last is Charlie Knoedler, our Convention Services director. He makes sure we have a smoothly running convention at the The art show has a great team of volunteers but not enough of hotel. His first year was last year and he and his team did a them; these are the people who through their hard work make wonderful job keeping things going. the art show fun and a success for both the artists and the congoer. We are looking for more volunteers to make the art show more successful and rewording for our volunteers and our members. If you are interested in joining us we would love to hear from you.
10 v Norwescon 31 PR Alpha Report Beyond Here There Be Dragons! Scavenger Hunt: This will run during the entire weekend. We by J'wyl will give a list of items to be found; the person (or group) who finds the most will be awarded a prize. Registration is run by dragons. No, really… it is! Trust me on this I should know, as I am your Registration Chair, J’wyl 501st Charity Event: Ever wanted to have your picture taken – the Reg Dragon! You may have guessed that I am very with a bunch of storm troopers or maybe even Darth Vader? excited about Norwescon 31: Bell, Book and Dragons. Ok, Well for a small donation to a deserving charity you can. information about Registration, that is what I am supposed to be going on about. Of course we will also be bringing back all your old favorite First, we encourage you to pre-register. You will save a few events: bucks and your badge will be pre-printed and waiting for Gaming: From tournaments to open gaming we will have you when you arrive. Again this year, you can register something for you to play the entire weekend. The main online at http://www.norwescon.org/memberships.htm. gaming rooms will be at the end of the Cascade hallway with Registering online allows you to pay by credit card, gives you open gaming space out in the Rotunda. an immediate email confirmation, and ensures that we don’t mistype your badge name. However, you can still print out a Dances: Dance the night away on all three nights. registration form and mail it in with a check, and this gets you the same savings! Midnight Movies: We will be showing a cult classic each night at midnight. Audience participation is always Price for membership is $50 until 12/31/07; when it goes up appreciated. to $55 until 2/28/07; when pre-registration is closed. Price at the door will be $60. Lazer Tag: We expanded to three nights last year and we still had people who wanted more. So once again we will have lazer If you are under 18 or accompanying people who are, get tag on all three nights. a minor permission slip from http://www.norwescon. org/memberships.htm and fill it out before coming to the Masquerade: Come and watch, or even better, bring your convention and waiting in line. The minor’s parent/guardian newest costume creation and present it at our largest attended must sign the permission slip, and either the parent/guardian event. or another adult designated by the parent/guardian must be Fannish Fetish Fashion Show: Back again by popular on site and a member of the convention. demand, come see all the newest designs in fetish fashion Oh, and just FYI: Dragons RULE! wear. What new things might we have in store for you this year? Come and see. Casino: On Thursday night come and gamble the night away. Special Events at Norwescon 31 We will have a selection of your favorite casino games as well by Shawn Marier as our Second Annual Texas Hold’em Tournament. The Special Events department has been expanding the events which will be happening at Norwescon 31. Some of the new things we are currently working on: Programming Update by William Sadorus Game Shows: On Friday night we will have multiple game shows for you to watch, and if you are lucky, participate in. The question was, after all the fun and excitement of our 30th anniversary, what can we do to top ourselves? As it turns out, Maxi’s Bar Events: The hotel has allowed us to take over I shouldn’t have worried . . . with the turn of a phrase, “Bell, Maxi’s Bar at the top of the tower on Friday and Saturday Book and Dragon,” Norwescon 31 Programming has started nights. We are creating specialty themes for each night. to fall into place. So come on up to the top floor and enjoy the experience at Norwescon. Some of our favorite events are returning, including the Fandance Film Festival, the Single Pattern Contest, and Burlesque Show: Last year we held a popular burlesque the Norwescon Writers’ Workshop in conjunction with the workshop, this year we are going to do it again. After the Fairwood Writers Group. Rules and regulations for these workshop (assuming you are willing), you will be able to events will be posted in the Programming section of the participate in a burlesque show in the evening. Norwescon home page so please check it frequently for notices and updates. We’ll also have movie previews, filk concerts,
Norwescon 31 PR Alpha Report v 11 artist workshops, autograph sessions, and readings by some Guidelines are posted at www.norwescon.org and of your favorite authors. Panel ideas are being compiled and www.fairwoodwriters.org. distributed to our program participants for consideration. Did you think that maybe we’d have a couple of panels about Please contact [email protected] with any dragons? Well, you’d be right! If you need more than dragons questions. though, science fiction and fantasy are big parts of panel programming at Norwescon; and we’ll be including all the associated topics of writing, editing, and publishing to say Doubletree Hotel Suite and the least… For those of you who enjoy the chills and thrills Social Event Guidelines of the dark, programming will feature a bit more horror than we normally do. This emphasis on horror will include panels, Norwescon returns to our home of the last 14 years, the readings, and some flix you may not have seen before. Stay DoubleTree Hotel Seattle Airport. We have negotiated a flat tuned for more developments! guest room rate of $105.00 per night for up to four (4) people. These rates are available for up to 3 days before and after the I’m not neglecting our Guests of Honor, Dan Simmons, convention. A daily charge of $10.00 for an additional person Ciruelo, and Naomi Novik. My enthusiasm about having will apply if more than 4 people occupy a guest room. There is them at Norwescon knows no bounds! We are so honored a five (5) person maximum per room. in having them here!! Please check out their bios on the Norwescon home page; and be sure to follow the links to their You can make a room reservation by calling the DoubleTree web sites. If you’re unfamiliar with their work, seek them out Seattle Airport Hotel at (206) 246-8600. in your local bookstore or public library. Congratulations Recently there have been some changes in the way in which to Naomi on receiving the Joseph Campbell Award at parties and other social gatherings can be held in hotel rooms. Worldcon this year in Japan! Ciruelo, your reputation in the These rules are still undergoing modification to ensure that international art community precedes you! And Dan, your they are mutually agreeable to Norwescon and the hotel. genius at story writing astounds us! Please visit the hotel page on the Norwescon web site at Join us this year for a convention filled with the brilliance www.norwescon.org to get the latest information. of wonder, the magic of fantasy, the mystery of space, and that lurking darkness-within as Norwescon welcomes Dan Simmons, Ciruelo, and Naomi Novik as our Guests of Honor Come and Join the Fun! for NWC 31, March 20th through the 23rd, 2008. See you Volunteers are the backbone of the convention, from those there! of us who donate our time year round to those of you who lend a much needed helping hand for a couple of hours at the Convention. Whether that be watching the doors at Open the Door to Better Writing! the Masquerade, helping out at the Registration Desk, or by William Sadorus manning the Cloak Closet, we need that help. Now's your chance to advance your writing skills through As part of our appreciation for those of you who do help us critiques by professional writers. Norwescon 31 and the out, we have changed our policies. Now, instead of simply Fairwood Writers Group are sponsoring a science fiction, receiving some "bling" for days and hours worked, we will be fantasy and horror writers' workshop for short fiction and rewarding you with a discounted badge for the following year, novel excerpts. provided you work 30 hours. Activities that count for double hours (which are sticking around) will only count as single We offer individual sessions with a small group of the hours for the purposes of being awarded a discounted badge convention's attending pros; we also offer short-story for the following year. The discount will be the minimum staff participants a group session option that allows you to critique rate plus $5.00, for that year. It is not transferable and must be the other submitted manuscripts as well as receive feedback on purchased during the pre-registration period. So, if you work your own. the 30 hours at Norwescon 31 you will be able to purchase a discounted badge for Norwescon 32 at the discounted rate of Our submission deadline is early this year: November 28, $25.00. 2007. Late entries submitted by December 2, 2007, may be accepted if space permits, but we will not take submissions There will be a couple of other changes for this coming year. after December 2. The Volunteer Table will be located in the Volunteer Lounge
12 v Norwescon 31 PR Alpha Report instead of with the Fan Tables. Also, instead of the traditional If you are a club and would like a table, please contact end of convention raffle drawing for volunteers, we are going [email protected]. We also manage the informa- to try something new and have an auction and you can bid tion table, peace bonding, Voodoo message board, and the your hours for the things you want instead of hoping on cloak room. random chance. Lastly, we are likely to have some left over "bling" from previous years, so if you miss the "bling" and ask I am looking for someone to manage the cloak room and if very nicely— we may have something for you. you are interested, please e-mail me at membershipservices@ norwescon.net. The staff of Membership Services is looking What is not changing is there will still be access to the forward to seeing you at the convention. Volunteer Lounge and a volunteer appreciation picnic come summer, as well as prizes for top hours worked. Thank you, Rob Stewart As of right now we need volunteers for: Membership Services Director
Cloak Room We need both volunteers to man it and Concom volunteers to run it.
Registration We need both volunteers to work it and Concom members to help staff it. There are pre-convention training sessions on February 9th and March 1st.
Masquerade Art Show Laser Tag And check the Volunteers section of the website for more positions and updates.
Membership Service Hi my name is Rob Stewart and I am the head of Member- ship Services. I am sure you are wondering what Membership Services is.
Membership Services is the first department with which you interact when you arrive and register at the convention. Please make sure you pre-register sooner than later.
We run the Art Show! Doug and his staff have great plans for Norwescon 31 and we hope you get a chance to stop by, check it out and support the artists. If you would like to exhibit your art, please check out the Art Show article in this very publication.
We run the Dealers room, where I know you like to leave your money every year. If you are interested in exhibiting your wares in Norwescon 31’s dealers room, please contact the Dealer room coordinator at [email protected].
Please make sure you stop by and check out the local clubs who are attending to share their interests with you.
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