October 2007 Norwescon31

PR Alpha Report

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 good humor. We would also like to thank Rafa Martinez from by Tracy Knoedler Norma Editorial for making ’s visit such a great success; spending four days interpreting and facilitating for I can hardly believe it’s over. The 30th anniversary of Luis is a monumental feat of patience and we are very grateful. was the best- attended Norwescon I have ever been to, topping over 3,000 people. The panel rooms seem to The heart and soul of the Art Show is our attending and mail- be filled as well as the Dealer’s room and Art Show. I want to in artists. We had a wonderful group this year that brought give a big thank you to our wonderful Guests of Honor, Kim the best of themselves and their work to Norwescon. We Stanley Robinson, Luis Royo, Donna Shirley, and Gordon would like to thank them for their time and talent that they Van Gelder for their help in celebrating our anniversary year. have shared with Norwescon. Pat and I have really enjoyed working with each one of them. As I sit here, a few weeks later, writing this up, I realize that we could never have made this happen if it were not for all of None of this is possible without the tremendous help of our our wonderful volunteers. One name I would like to highlight volunteers. First we would like to thank our Art Show staff. is Dawn Kaufman for stepping in and helping translate for First a very special thank you to Lori ‘Shaughnessy’ Burtis our Artist Guest of Honor, Luis Royo. She was a big help to who took us under her wing and taught us so much. We all of us. Thanks Dawn! would also like to thank Melissa Kell and Shelly Stephens for managing the Artist Alley; they did a great job. E.J. Fadgen This year I awarded the Lifetime Member Award to Shawn took on the ever-daunting task of bag check and did a brilliant Marier for all his devoted years to Norwescon. He has spent job. LouAnna Valentine worked on our docent program this many years volunteering for Norwescon in all areas of the year, and we really appreciate all of her efforts. We would convention. Congratulations Shawn! You deserve it and now also like to thank Alex Popiel our IT wizard who kept our we’ve got you forever! 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. Thank you also to our wonderful finance team of Betty Claar, Business Report for Norwescon 28 Melissa Kell and Mike Orosz. And a huge thank you to Walt Thomas, our construction chief. Without his hard work and Budgeted Actual patience there would be no Art Show. And last but never least, Chair 6,015.00 6,812.45 Ali Grieve who did a wonderful job in planning and executing Vice Chair 16,392.00 14,961.17 our first Artists’ Reception, an outstanding event that we look Business 16,630.00 16,362.15 forward to repeating next year. Publications 40,100.00 21,854.71 Programming 9,925.00 5,844.31 The other group that we want to thank are our at-convention Member Services 3,890.00 3,211.09 volunteers. We are very grateful for them taking the time out Convention Services 18,870.00 17,617.41 of their convention experience to come and help us. Without Personnel 9,565.00 7,973.45 them it would have been a harder and longer weekend for all Special Events 2,485.00 2,053.64 of our staff. We truly want all of them to know they are part Capital Expense 9,780.00 10,559.03 of our team and we appreciate everything they all did to help. Total In 137,083.73 They are: Angela Lande, Nicholas Strickland, Kat Mercan, Total Out 107,249.32 Jane Patterson, Jim Cox, Joyce Palmer, Gayle MacArthur, 29,834.32 Dawn Jackal, Diane Wahlborg, Richard Stuer-Wooden, Mike Hardin, Carline Westra, Carmen Sumption, Marlene Helm, Laura Penty, Mathew Robertson, Stanley Leghorn, Norwescon 30 Art Show Stacy Mardin, Nate Austin, Nick Jones, Leonard Burstiner, by Doug and Pat Booze J.D. Maynard, David Todd, Peter Eng, Alan Misten, Angela It was an amazing year; there are so many wonderful things Horde, Katie Cagle, Shawn Lum, Eric Wilson, Viola Todd, that happened over this last year and so many people to thank Victoria Scanlon and Audrey Penty who was awarded our that it is hard to know where to start. Norwescon Art Show Apprentice Award this year for being an outstanding volunteer. It would not be an Art Show without our artists. First we would like to thank Luis Royo for traveling almost as far as Thank you to everyone for attending and participating in you can to attend our convention. He is an amazing artist this year’s Art Show. We look forward to seeing all of you and an extremely generous guest of his time, talent and next year.

Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report v  Norwescon 30 Art Show Awards Guests; Kim Stanley Robinson, Luis Royo, Donna Shirley, Gordon Van Gelder, and Rafa Martinez. Thanks to them for Judges awards helping to set the tone of the convention. Snippets from our Best in Show: GoH’s: Donna talking about managing Martians, Gordon Cory and Catska Ench In the Garden of Gaea speaking on publishing bloopers, Rafa introducing us to the international experience, Luis drawing a fantastic picture, First Place: and Stan explaining how to reduce our footprint on the Jeff Sturgeon Power Place Earth while keeping our eyes on Space. [My most fascinating Second Place: moment? Out in the Atrium on Saturday afternoon, H. Ed Cox Brown Leaf Fairy the fifteen minutes of banter and humor as Greg Bear interviewed Stan and Gordon at the taping session for Closing Third Place: Ceremonies. You’ve got to see the interview… jet noises and Luis Royo Subversive Beauty (1) everything in the background. Wow!] Best 3-D: I always worry when we try something slightly different. This Stephen Lestat Time Machine year we decided to start panel programming at 1:00 p.m. on Best Jewelry: Thursday afternoon. I guess I shouldn’t have worried though. Elizabeth Fellows 30th Anniversary Jewelry Set The rooms were filled and paneling was perking along right on time. With well over 200+ pros on hand to participate in Best Color: the panels during the weekend I hope you found the topics Mark Roland Sunflower you wanted to see. Flashes from panels; the audience helping the Let’s Make a Movie Guys make the feature “Man Slugs, Best Black and White: Steve Barnes speaking about developments in LifeWriting, Luis Royo Mother Earth Alexander James Adams’ concert premier at NWC, how Best Mix: to poly-form armor at StarWars Fashion Show and Tell, Theresa Mather Amber Dragon promises of a recipe book from To Serve Man, the generation gap at Women in the Military, and Chris Bruscas on being a Geek Gaming God. [My moment of discovery? That there are People’s Choice awards people out there even more into gardening than I am while at Best in Show: the Fannish Gardening panel . . . ?!] Cory and Catska Ench In the Garden of Gaea Norwescon Programming would not occur without the Best Sci-Fi: help of many people: Sunny Jim in the Pro Suite; Becky in Stephen Lestat Time Machine Workshops; Denise in Traditional Events; Sally, Jo, Margorie, & Sprite in the Greenroom; Alan, Chris, and Joel in Media Best Fantasy: Services; Keith in Movie Previews; Mindy in GoH Relations; Todd Lockwood Dragon Fire Kevin in Stage Management; Jordan, Elizabeth, Walt, and the Best Horror: rest of his tech crew; thanks guys! I especially want to thank Todd Lockwood War of Angels Lori and Alisa for their help and support during the never- ending grind of Track Programming. You guys are the best! Best Humor: Thank you!!! Sarah Clemens Joyride BTW, for all of you who might be wondering, Donna Shirley’s 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 to expect from Norwescon. We were so honored to have great

 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 an exciting year as it was the first Masquerade for us with a Pro Breakdown: ramp. Backstage it was a huge hit. It was used by lots of entries Invited 360 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 Ninjas- Kelly Forbis, Michelle Roberts, Cameron Wright, Special Events toni Forbis, Pamela Wichger, Laura Penty, Martin by Shawn Marier 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 Photo Op- Thom Walls I could not have done this job with out the help from my two Children’s Masquerade Group- Felice Nightengale assistants Tonya Clark and Peggy Stewart. They both were 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 Judge’s Assistant-Vicki Glover Tonya was in charge of the dances and she had some great DJs 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: TheR ed Dance: DJ Black Maru and DJ Eternal Darkness. The Star Dance: DJ Jammin’ Panda and DJ Bomb The Saturday Night Hoedown: CM 300Baud

Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report v  She humbly apologizes if your name was missed, but know we had over 200 players. The room was once again run by that she thanks you too for your hard work. Everyone worked Scott Perrin and Elizabeth Fellows who make sure that all very hard, from staff to volunteers, and, of course, the entrants the players have a safe but fun time. I don’t think we could do to make this a fabulous 30th anniversary Masquerade. Lazer Tag with out all the hard work and time they put in. If the Masquerade wasn’t enough, she also managed the Finally I need to thank the members of Amtgard who came in Fannish Fetish Fashion Show. She brought in Betty Rage who on Sunday morning to give us a demo. Think of them as a live did a spectacular job of organizing the show, working with action fantasy role playing using boffers. Norwescon could the designers and getting all the fabulous performers. Peggy not have done this with out the help of two of their members, would like to thank everyone who made it possible, Betty Matt Ward and Chris Bates. Check out the group’s main web Rage, Todd Clark, Timitius, Felice Nightengale, Christopher site for more details: www.amtgard.com Sumption, Leslie, The Von Foxies, Marci Beaucoup, Miz Ginger Snapz, Estella E’strange, all the volunteers and, last Finally I want to thank the Norwescon Tech and but not least, the designers, Notorious Curves and Fetishwear. Programming departments, we could not have done this with net and their models. 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 Norwescon 30 Daily 'Zine Post-Convention Report performers. If you like improve then you should check out R'ykandar (Dara) Korra'ti their website to see where they are next performing. Another year, another convention newsletter, yay! Our only (http://www.comedycourtimprov.com/) We didn’t have the big surprise this year was our sudden discovery that the best sound setup for them, so I’m sorry to say that those in the shop we use for issue duplication suddenly decided to start back might not have heard the whole thing. closing on Sundays! It was quite the adventure. We want to I also need to thank Pro Roy who ran our Gaming particularly thank Laura Reilly, Kathleen Reilly (her mum), department. He stepped up and ran the department when the and Marianna Garrett (her sister) and the Office for working previous department head had to step down a month from the overtime to come up with an alternative copy location and convention. With a short period of time and a new location, he getting the Sunday edition out on time. Well done, Office staff did a great job. and family members, and special thanks to everyone involved! He wanted to make sure that big props went out to the In other notes, I want to address a few things that have gaming staff that did a great job monitoring the floor and apparently slipped by people. First, the newsletter is not, making sure games had tables and got started as scheduled! and has never been, titled "Daily 'Zine." It has a new name As well as a congratulations to John Baldwin, this year's Call every year - as well as a new look, rebuilt from the ground up, of Cthulhu Tournament winner. John won a free membership or close to it. Unexpectedly, three people told me that they to next year's Norwescon! noticed I'd changed the 'zine's title this year from "Daily 'Zine" or some similar variant to "Runner" - well, Run, Runner! This year I brought back the casino to Norwescon. It has been anyway - and that was, as they say, rather a surprise. years since we did one and even with it being on Thursday night we had a huge crowd (over 150 gamblers). I want to Secondly, our contribution to Norwescon's 30th Anniversary thank Mary Westerling who helped train our dealers and was to use graphic identifiers from each previous issue (where Becky Citrak who designed some of the best casino money applicable) in our promotional posters. The current newsletter I’ve ever seen. I also want to thank the following people who crew have put out the following convention newsletters, all volunteered to help deal cards: Leonard Burstiner, Bror or daily 'zines, at Norwescons: The Claw, Mr.Cranky's Rand, Jessica Vauels, Pamela Wichgers, Alex Williams, Alan Disruptive Newsletter, Gothpark Chronicles, FaxCascadia, Milsten and Jason McDermott. Ad Astro!, Inevitability, The Great and Terrible Voice of OZ, Letters from Yingzhou, RUE the DAY!, RUN!!, and, this We also had a Hold’em Tournament which ran over past year, RUN, RUNNER!. You may note a disturbing trend 3 days. Almost 90 players took part and the when the towards more and more exclamation marks. Consider that a tournament was finally over on Saturday night the winner desperate plea for attention. The graphics called back from was Jeramy Hobouty. Thanks to all the people who helped the dead include the three-eyed upward-pointing alien, the deal the cards as well as all the players. Mr.Cranky Seal of Certification, Vampire Lord Fatass, Astro, Your Robotic Overlords, The Four Sigils of the Winds, the Another area which we expanded this year was Lazer Tag. Dr. Cranky Spotlight of Ruing, and this year's, Box, the Food This year we had it running all 3 nights and because of this Storage Robot. So that's what all that was about.

 v Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report 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 Congratulations to the new officers Tracy, Pat, Kevin and Dara; and thank you to everyone who participated in this Norwescon 30 Masquerade Running Order year’s elections. 1. Lead us Not Into Temptation- Journeyman- Designed and constructed by Laura Rieschiek Entrants: Laura Rieschiek, Mark Rieschiek Post Con Report for Norwescon 30 2. Ambassador Hugh- Novice- Designed, constructed and worn by Hugh Mannfield Marion Zimmer Bradley Food Drive We would like to thank the Dealers (from the Dealer Room) 3. Scratched- for their donations. We Raised $917.00 from the charity 4. Gabrielle vs. Captain Barbosa- Novice- Designed and auction and received many wonderful things for our valued constructed by “Can’t read her writing, sorry.” volunteers. 5. A Poem for Padme- Journeyman- Designed, There were $237.00 donations at registration and we collected constructed and worn by Bethany Roullett 34 lbs of food. 6. Passion- Non- Comp (won at a Costume Con with Thanks to all for your donations. costume before)- Designed and constructed and worn by James “Scotty” Doohan Blood Drive Alicia Faires It was fun to see the blood mobile though it was a bit small for 7. The Gardener’s Dream- Master- Designed and our convention. All of the Blood drive techs were delighted to constructed by Betty Bigelow, Lisa Satterlund, Julie be with us and enjoy Norwescon. They were able to collect 18 Zetterberg and sound by Erik Prill. Entrants: Betty Bigelow, units of blood, with 19 donors. Thank you to all of our donors. 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 snood. Best Master #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, Patrick Wiese, Christie and Doug Van Winkle Best Original Concept #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- Forbes, Margo Loes and the Mystery Prince Beyond Reality Costumer’s Guild Award- 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 Squaresoft and constructed and worn by Shawna Needengard Best in Show #14 Gaia’s First Children 21. The Ruler of the Tholian Assembly –M- Designed, constructed and worn by Garth Stubbs Best Master #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 Chapman was our Touch Typist of the Year and was Best Headpiece #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 you ALL! Best Use of Machine Embroidery #7 The Gardener’s Dream Judy Oxford, Registration Lead, also known as J’wyldragon of Reg Best Hands and Feet #20 Freya Cresent- Trance Mode

2007 Philip K. Dick Award Registration Post-Con Notes Winner Announced Submitted by J’wyl The Reg Dragon It was announced at Norwescon 30, in SeaTac, Washington, Wow. No, really! I wouldn’t kid you . . . wow. You people are that the winner for the distinguished original science fiction awesome! paperback published for the first time during 2006 in the 3,000 members attended the con this year. That is a record. U.S.A. is: I think it is like second highest attendance ever (all time highest is still the year that Anne McCaffrey was there). They Spin Control discovered that we do online reg and take PayPal, too! We had by Chris Moriarty (Bantam Spectra) a LOT of pre-reg via PayPal. It was daunting! We thought 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 Special citation was given to: was. We are all so thrilled that so many people came and had fun at the con! Carnival by Elizabeth Bear (Bantam Spectra) Did you notice what was new this year? We had LAPTOPS! I know it seems like it is a silly thing to be excited about, but The Philip K. Dick Award is presented annually for it was a SUPER help to us! They were easy to set up, easy to distinguished science fiction published in paperback original take down and since the IT Ninjas rawk in sooo many ways, form in the United States. The award is sponsored by the they were easily interchangeable between departments if one Philadelphia Science Fiction Society. The 2006 judges were went south on us! They were faster, too. Thank you IT and Geary Gravel, Anne Harris, Christine Mains (chair), Kristine Exec’s for having the vision to see that this would work out so Smith, and Mark W. Tiedemann. well. We also purchased our own badge printers! The badges/ printers worked out so well last year, that we decided it was The 2007 judges are Steve Miller, Chris Moriarty, Steven worth it to have our own. Piziks, Randy Schroeder, and Ann Tonsor Zeddies. Continuing to have a Problem Only Line seemed to work For more information, contact the award administration: too. I know because I spent most of the con behind that David G. Hartwell (914) 769-5545. station, working out the problems that came up. We tried to Gordon Van Gelder (201) 876-2551

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 and aaahs and playing “remember when”. The albums were For more information about Norwescon contact: 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 The 30th Anniversary celebration continued throughout the 70 cases of pop, ate 75 pounds of ham, 40 pounds of roast con with many special touches. We had: beef and 35 pounds of turkey, a case and a half of chili, Pearl embossing on the program book cover in and much, much more. Special thanks go to my wonder- keeping with the traditional 30th anniversary symbol of ful assistants Kristy, Cherie, and Jean. Without them, there pearls. couldn’t have been a hospitality. I hope to see you all next year. “30 Years of Norwescon” souvenir bags. Writers' Workshop A special category in the masquerade. The writers' workshop at Norwescon 30 continues to hit high Play money in the casino commemorating our marks, thanks to the efforts of everyone involved. This year's various hotels. workshop filled up quickly with 36 participants, and we regret 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 We would like to thank: Oregon, this year we also drew writers from California, 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 Glover, John Andrews, and many others for the photos! 30 Years of Norwescon History carolyn Palms, Beth Dockins, Jim Cox and many We hope you enjoyed our 30th Anniversary Celebration and others for the T-shirts! history display. Norwescon is getting older, and we believe it is important to remember our roots and the milestones along the tracy Knoedler for the 30th Celebration way. We hope you enjoyed the history article in the program Souvenir bags. book, and found it interesting and informative! We would like to extend a special thank you to Carolyn Palms who was You for sharing your ideas and input over the years! our first historian. Keep it coming! The History Display was set up in Olympic 2, quiet We had our first history display at Norwescon 25, and hope to hospitality. There was a display of badges, badge holders, have the next one at Norwescon 35 – which means, of course, volunteer tokens, t-shirts, fanzines, flyers, cups and more. We that it will become a tradition. The goal for the next 5 years is even had the tiny, little Norwescon 1 Program Book, which is to get all of those old photos scanned! smaller than our current pocket programs! We had program books from years past in a display in the lobby, and extras for

 v Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report 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 . . .

As announced by Tracy and myself at the Masquerade Get Ready for Norwescon31! 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 he created characters that give you a non-stop roller coaster ride of murder, mayhem, and action. Dan’s latest release, The Terror, combines artic history with a thrills and chills creature Naomi Novik. Copyright 2007 Don Glover of epic horror dimensions. Norwescon will be the first convention that Dan has attended since World Horror Con Naomi Novik will be a special guest at Norwescon 31 - Denver in 2000. We are so honored to be able to have Dan March 20-23, 2008. See www.norwescon.org for further Simmons at NWC 31. information. Ciruelo is the Argentine-born artist now living in known for his . His art has been displayed in books (Book of the Dragon; Luz, the Art of Ciruelo; Magia, the Ciruelo Sketchbook), on album covers (Steve Vai’s The 7th Song), in Heavy Metal, Playboy Magazine, Wizards of the Coast, and book covers from Tor, Warner, and Ballantine. Ciruelo is usually seen at large Comic Cons so we are especially lucky to have him here next year! Naomoi Novik has burst onto the scene as the author of the Temeraire series. If you haven’t read His Majesty’s Dragon you might want to pick up a copy. This year it’s nominated for the 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

Norwescon 30 Post-Con Report v  Shawn Marier has returned as Special Events director. Since he received the lifetime membership award last year, we refuse to let him go.

Doing an absolutely wonderful job is Catrina Foulger, our Norwescon31 Personnel director. She feeds all of us so be nice to her. Last is Charlie Knoedler, our Convention Services director. Bell, Book and Dragon He makes sure we have a smoothly running convention at the PR Alpha Report hotel. His first year was last year and he and his team did a wonderful job keeping things going.Where Things Are by Charlie Knoedler So you ask “Where is the cloakroom?” Well, let me tell you. Below is a list of where things are within the convention. If you have any questions, please stop by the convention office in room 7106 and we’ll be glad to help you. Cloakroom/Lost and Found room 7101 Statement by the Chair Norwescon Office room 7106 by Tracy Knoedler Security/Dispatch room 7108 Volunteers Olympic 2 Well I guess it’s that time again. Our lovely executive team Hospitality Olympic 3 has been eagerly working all summer to plan a wonderful Green Room cascade 1 & 2 Norwescon 31. With the conventionharder and faster. Dealers’ Room Northwest Ballroom 1-3 Art Show Grand Ballroom 1 This year we have made a few changes in our team. My Vice Artist Alley Past Wing 7 in Hallway Chair is Pat Booze. Since she has been Chair of Norwescon Gaming cascade 11 &12 as well as both Publications and Convention Services director, I’m sure many of you already know her - and how can you forget her! Norwescon 2008 Art Show In charge of our Business department is Ali Grieve. In the by Doug Booze, Art Show Manager past she was in charge of Programming. I’m very excited We are planning another amazing art show for you again to be working with her again. She will be working hand in for Norwescon 31. We are excited to bring you many of the hand with our Treasurer, Mike Orosz, a staple within our same great talent that we have had in the past as well as may convention as he has been with us for many years. They will new faces which we hope will excite and intrigue you. We are keep us in line and on budget this year. thrilled to have as this year’s artist Gust of Honor, Ciruelo Our lovely Secretary , Felice Nightengale, is coming back to the depth of his work will make an amazing addition to our help us remember exactly what we say, plan or do. She does a already diverse pool of talent. We are also excited to announce wonderful job. that who has won such awards as the Chesley and the and was recently in Seattle to Also returning is Rob Stewart, our Member Services director. receive the as best artist will be showing this You’ll find him hanging out around Registration as well as year. We will bring you news of additional artists to the art helping his wife sell in the Dealers’ Room. show as they become firmed up; please check the website for updates. Don Glover has gladly taken up the challenge of Publications for the first time. He has held many positions with Norwescon Specific news for our artists. All of the information that in the past, including Vice Chair. you need to sign up for the art show is on our website, we hope that you will check us out and be a part of our art show Everyone knows William Sadorus. He has been around community. If you have any questions always feel free to Norwescon in many capacities, including Chair and as contact me directly. I am always available to help you out with overseer for the PK Dick Awards. We are lucky to have him any questions or concerns that you might have about the art returning as Programming director again. Send him your show. You can reach me at [email protected]. ideas for new Guests of Honor.

10 v Norwescon 31 PR Alpha Report The art show has a great team of volunteers but not enough of So come on up to the top floor and enjoy the experience at them; these are the people who through their hard work make Norwescon. the art show fun and a success for both the artists and the congoer. We are looking for more volunteers to make the art Burlesque Show: Last year we held a popular burlesque show more successful and rewording for our volunteers and workshop, this year we are going to do it again. After the our members. If you are interested in joining us we would love workshop (assuming you are willing), you will be able to to hear from you. participate in a burlesque show in the evening. Beyond Here There Be Dragons! Scavenger Hunt: This will run during the entire weekend. We will give a list of items to be found; the person (or group) who by T. Stewart 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 Of course we will also be bringing back all your old favorite be going on about. events: First, we encourage you to pre-register. You will save a few 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 Midnight Movies: We will be showing a cult classic the same savings! 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 Lazer Tag: We expanded to three nights last year and we still the door will be $60. 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. Masquerade: Come and watch, or even better, bring your org/memberships.htm and fill it out before coming to the newest costume creation and present it at our largest attended convention and waiting in line. The minor’s parent/guardian event. must sign the permission slip, and either the parent/guardian 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 wear. What new things might we have in store for you this Oh, and just FYI: Dragons RULE! 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 The question was, after all the fun and excitement of our 30th shows for you to watch, and if you are lucky, participate in. 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.

Norwescon 31 PR Alpha Report v 11 Some of our favorite events are returning, including the the other submitted manuscripts as well as receive feedback on Fandance Film Festival, the Single Pattern Contest, and your own. the Norwescon Writers’ Workshop in conjunction with the Fairwood Writers Group. Rules and regulations for these Our submission deadline is early this year: November 28, events will be posted in the Programming section of the 2007. Late entries submitted by December 2, 2007, may be Norwescon home page so please check it frequently for notices accepted if space permits, but we will not take submissions and updates. We’ll also have movie previews, filk concerts, after December 2. 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 Parties (Social Events) at Norwescon associated topics of writing, editing, and publishing to say Room Parties are established traditions of SF conventions. the least… For those of you who enjoy the chills and thrills These Norwescon guidelines outline a few things that you of the dark, programming will feature a bit more horror than need to know in order to make your party more enjoyable and we normally do. This emphasis on horror will include panels, safe for everyone. readings, and some flix you may not have seen before. Stay tuned for more developments! All member hosted social events will be held in Wing 5B. There are a finite number of party rooms available. It would be I’m not neglecting our Guests of Honor, Dan Simmons, best to make your reservation early and ask to be placed in one Ciruelo, and Naomi Novik. My enthusiasm about having of these rooms when you reserve your room. When you check them at Norwescon knows no bounds! We are so honored in verify that you have been placed in a room in the party in having them here!! Please check out their bios on the wing. If you find that you were not placed in a party room as Norwescon home page; and be sure to follow the links to their requested and are told that you can’t be put in one, come to the web sites. If you’re unfamiliar with their work, seek them out convention office and Norwescon will work with you and the in your local bookstore or public library. Congratulations Doubletree staff to try to meet your needs. to Naomi on receiving the Joseph Campbell Award at Worldcon this year in Japan! Ciruelo, your reputation in the Conversely, If you do not want to be near the parties, request a international art community precedes you! And Dan, your quiet floor. genius at story writing astounds us! The laws in Washington State say that if you are the supplier Join us this year for a convention filled with the brilliance of alcohol to minors, or to someone who is already drunk, and of wonder, the magic of fantasy, the mystery of space, and they hurt themselves or others, you can be held liable for their that lurking darkness-within as Norwescon welcomes Dan actions. Be aware that there are heavy fines for contributing to Simmons, Ciruelo, and Naomi Novik as our Guests of Honor the delinquency of a minor if you are found to have supplied for NWC 31, March 20th through the 23rd, 2008. See you them with alcohol. there! Noise that brings the police is obviously out of line. Noise that goes on until dawn is likewise out of line. The official end time for the dances is 2 AM. The parties should quiet by 3 AM. Open the Door to Better Writing! Parties that do not quiet down will be subject to closure. by William Sadorus The Norwescon Convention Committee supports and Now's your chance to advance your writing skills through advocates for members who host parties at the convention. critiques by professional writers. Norwescon 31 and the Please contact hotels at Norwescon dot org with your Fairwood Writers Group are sponsoring a science fiction, questions and concerns, or visit the Norwescon office during fantasy and horror writers' workshop for short fiction and the convention and we’ll be happy to answer your questions. novel excerpts. Due to safety concerns, and concerns about damage to hotel We offer individual sessions with a small group of the rooms, the hotel has outlined guidelines and expectations for convention's attending pros; we also offer short-story party (social event) hosts. participants a group session option that allows you to critique

12 v Norwescon 31 PR Alpha Report Doubletree Hotel Suite and • If alcohol is being served, a designated representative(s) Social Event Guidelines from the hosting organization must check identification to insure that only persons of legal drinking age are Guest rooms in Wing 5b and suites will be available for allowed access to and or service of alcoholic beverages social events. A “social event” is a reception or open house type event held in a guest room in Wing 5b or a hotel suite. If you feel that your event will have attendance that will Food and beverages may be served in compliance with hotel, exceed the capacity of one of our suites, please contact John state and local regulations. Maximum occupancy guidelines Collins in our Catering and Events Department. All events will be enforced. Service of alcohol must be in accordance conducted in meeting or event space will be subject to our with Washington State Liquor Control Board provisions. A Catering guidelines. The hotel will provide all food, beverages special occasion license or banquet permit must be obtained and staff to properly execute the event. Maxi’s Restaurant, and posted in the suite. Events that do not qualify for a located on the top floor of the Tower, will be closed to the special license or permit must not serve alcohol. Events public and available for Norwescon Social Events that may that have an expected attendance that is greater than the exceed the capacity of our suites. capacity of Doubletree Hotel suites must be booked through our Catering and Events Department and will be placed Special Licenses and Permits in an appropriate venue. Alcohol service times must be in A special occasion license allows a nonprofit organization to accordance with state regulations. sell liquor at a specified date and place. All proceeds from the sale of liquor must go directly back into the nonprofit Occupancy organization. "Selling" includes soliciting, donations, and most package deals. Presidential Suites: 35 persons maximum Parlors: 25 Persons maximum The fee for a special occasion license is $60 per day, per Lakeside Suites: 34 persons maximum location and allows sales of spirits, beer and wine by individual serving for on-premise consumption. Special occasion licenses Social Event Guidelines are limited to 12 single-day events per calendar year. The organization should apply 45 days before the fundraising • Hospitality events must be registered at the conven- events. You can pick up a special occasion license application tion office at any local liquor store or agency, or contact the customer • Furniture may not be removed from suites or service desk at (360) 664-1600. re-configured within suites A banquet permit is for a private, invitation only event (not • One (1) 8_” X 11” sign may be posted on suite door open or advertised to the public). The liquor must be provided free of charge, or brought by individuals attending the event. • Events must stop alcohol service and have alcohol Package deals are allowed that may include, for example, secured by 1:45 a.m. the cost of dinner, liquor, and entertainment. To assure participants receive an equal share, tickets exchangeable for • A damage/cleaning deposit of $2000.00 will be drinks may be issued as part of the package price. No separate required for all suites or additional charge may be made for liquor. You can get a • All activities must comply with Washington State banquet permit for $10 at any local liquor store or agency. Liquor Control Board policies, rules and laws. A raffle permit allows a nonprofit organization to raffle liquor complaints regarding illegal activity are taken at a specified date and place. The fee is $10 for a single event or seriously. $25 for an annual permit. Please contact the customer service • Designated host/hostess/sponsor of each hospitality desk at (360) 664-1600 for an application. event agrees to schedule a suite walk-thru prior to and after the event with a representative(s) of Hotel If you have any questions or wish to inquire about Management other permits, please call the customer service desk at (360) 664-1600 or visit the official website of the Washington State Liquor Control Board at http://www.liq.wa.gov/default.asp

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