We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat OR The NADWCon Program Schedule

I love this part, I really do. *

Right now, I'm finishing my bit of the Program Book all of which goes to the printer on Monday.  So...no pressure, then.

Meanwhile, my old friend and Con Scheduler, Marilyn, and I are working to assign places and times to all our program elements, which include arts & crafts, games, panels (great panels this year), special trips, dances, classes, Morpork Mob events, author signings, Koffee Klatches, plays, talks, movies, meet ups, The Maskerade, The Banquet, three Seamstress Guild Parties (set in a different Discworld city every night) and a host of other fine offerings. Creative and crafty help comes forward at the last moment - t'was ever thus - and up goes the cry, "We have got to include that".  The next morning, watching the sunrise on my deck, cup of coffee in hand,  I think, "We're gonna need a bigger boat."

We have marvelous Discworldian line-up; truly something rich and strange, and now we have to find a way to fit it all in.  At most events, this is the part with the running and the screaming. ** Not this con. This is the Monstrous Regiment, boy-o. These are my brave little lads and I will bring them home.  In other words,  I'll spend most of next week giving out chocolate, cheer and hugs. Then, when the smoke of battle clears, I hand the finished (??) grid schedule over to Jon L. to put up on the web.

FYI: We hope to have the program schedule up on the NADWCon website at least a week before the convention.

Quantum Butterly? What Quantum Butterfly?  

Any schedule changes - and with so much going on and so many people involved there are always changes - will be noted on The Boards That Are White in the lobby.

I've been asked many times by our newcomers: "When do we see/hear/meet Terry?"  In brief: daytime Terry events; the Reading with Rob, the Good Omens Panel & his Guest of Honor Talk, will occur on Fri, Sat and Sun afternoon between 3 and 5 PM.  He is scheduled every evening, as well. But this is Pterry we're talking about. He'll be all over the con, both where he's scheduled and where you least expect him.  Enjoy.

Wait till you see this program. Oh...my...stars...Thanks to our volunteers and guests you can be busy from morning till ... morning.  (and please remember to thank these people when you meet them).

It's going to be a joyful and memorable convention. I'm so glad that you can join us. 

Ooops! I see that Marilyn is glaring like Granny Weatherwax at her spreadsheets.  Do I hear cackling?  Gotta run.  

Dj

*  It's Scotch/German maven thing.  

** ...but if you happen to be in the room when I suddenly become very still, rather quiet and exceedingly polite.  RUN.  


Art: by The Ink Witch

Terry's Signings at NADWCon

I did the math the other day and it turns out that I've known Terry Pratchett for almost 18 years.  I've spent some of that time at various of his West Coast signings trying to 

a) feed him 
(why does no one feed these people?) 

and 

b) finding ice for his hand when it became swollen after he had cheerfully signed pretty much anything for over four to six hours at a stretch. 

I'm happy to say that I don't have to worry quite so much about ice at NADWCon except, perhaps, to find some for his drinks.  I'll still make sure he eats.  We're both a little older and our cinnamon bun and bear claw days are well behind us in more ways than one.  (In my case, they went straight to my ... oh, never mind) 

It's healthy veggies in the Green Room, now. Hummus, no doubt, will be involved.  It's hard to get as excited about mashed chickpeas as I would about, say, a great bear claw. On the other hand, we both look *good*.  

So...where was I? Oh, yes, signings.  All things change and so do these.  The new procedures are detailed below.  (This and other NADWCon info can be found in our June Newsletter)

I'm sure that I don't have to say this to you, Dear Reader,  but feel free to pass my thoughts along should the need arise: These changes are made with Terry's health in mind.  Anyone who doesn't respect that, I don't want to know them.  More to the point, they won't want to know me, should I get the unfortunate impression that a fan cares more about a scribble on a flyleaf then they care about the man himself.  So, 'nuff said ... *

Dj

Here's the tactful wording the ConCom put into the June newsletter.  Never had much truck with tactful meself but it's good for them as likes it.  **

Good news! You no longer need to pack those heavy hardcovers!

Due to both consideration for Sir Terry's health and well-being and the sheer number of Discworld fans who will be attending our amazing convention, it has been arranged that in place of traditional signing sessions, we will be hosting meet-and-greet sessions in which each attendee will have the opportunity to receive a special signed bookplate from The Man Himself.  The bookplate that you will receive personally from Sir Terry will be a limited edition made just for our convention, and will indicate that the plate was signed at the NADWCon2011!

Bookplate session tickets will be assigned randomly, and may be swapped between attendees at a Friday swap meet session that will be indicated on the program schedule. Please be aware that just like with a traditional signing, you will need to bring your ticket to the session to be admitted and receive your bookplate.  More details to come!

Please note: No flash photography will be permitted during these sessions, nor will photography while at the front of the line be permitted.  Non-flash photography from the sidelines that does not slow Sir Terry or the line will be allowed.  We also request that out of consideration for Sir Terry and out of fairness to all of the attendees, you do not approach Sir Terry at any time with requests for signatures. Approaching him with offers of a beer or interesting topics of conversation, or just to say hello or have a chat is fine, however!

But wait! There's more!

There will be a special Monday signing session where Sir Terry will personally sign a limited number of books or other items.  This session will be open solely to those who have won items in the Charity Auction that they would like signed, and for the lucky folks who win a Signature From Sir Terry in the Charity Auction. We will have 20 lots of one signature each available for bidding.

This just in: A Further Word About Book Plates from the ConCom

 * I tell a lie. There was more to say: I'd like to quote what Maribeth just posted on the NADWCon FB page: 

I'm glad that Sir Terry will not have the pressure of hundreds of autographs to write on the spot... the book plates will make a lovely keepsake, and he won't have the stress. I want Sir Terry to enjoy this convention as much as we all will. 

Well said. 


** Don't get me started on the !!s Emily, our Esteemed Chair, likes her !!'s.  The gal's got a law degree.  She can use a few !!s when she wants to. 

Evil Genius, Good-ish Samaritan: Dr. Hicks Comes to NADWCon

This delightful program item is being offer by three of the UK fans coming to NADWCon.

Evil Genius, Good-ish Samaritan

Dr Hix DPMC invites the audience to present for comment and judging their suggestions for evil deeds that are either (a) not very evil and would be acceptable by the Unseen University if performed by Dr Hix or (b) are evil deeds masquerading as good deeds (e.g. giving children broccoli in their Hogwatch stocking as it better for their teeth). The ideas will be judged by Dr Hix, Lord Vetinari (for his ability to judge when someone is truly evil or when they may require an angel) and an Igor (who has experience of evil geniuses) and the applicant may be deemed an Evil Genius or a Good-ish Samaritan if their idea has merit. Or they may be ridiculed.

Presented by: John Hicks
Judges: Chris Boote (Igor) Atha-Nichols (Lord Vetinari)

rwehavingfunyet? OR NADWCon Announcement

To all our Discworld friends,

As you may know, NADWCon recently lost some committee members in key positions due to unforeseen circumstances. Certain volunteers have stepped down recently due to Illnesses, financial difficulties or the needs of family. Fortunately, Discworld fans are a wonderfully helpful breed, and we have been able to quickly fill the gaps left behind with more folks from Wisconsin, dedicated fans from all around the country, and members from the ever-helpful Seamstresses' Guild (Always happy to lend a hand).  The North American Discworld convention is organized by Discworld fans, for Discworld fans, and we are deeply grateful for everyone's help.  We know that this is a tribute to the affection and respect they feel for Terry as well as their desire to provide a wonderful experience for those who share their love of the Discworld books. Our first and only concern is that the convention be worthy of the fans who are attending and that guy in the black hat.

Among the committee members lost was our Chair, Joshua Goes, who had to step down due to illness. After much deliberation and discussion, and by mutual agreement, a few key positions have now been shifted to make best use of the experience and expertise of our volunteer staff.

*  Emily Whitten (former Vice Chair, NADWCon 2009) will step into the role of Chair (and continue in her role as Guest Liaison)

* Our former Vice Chair, Jon Lemerond, who has been working with great dedication on this convention for two years will now be serving as Assistant to the Chair, Co-Coordinator of Ambience, and Con Webmaster.

* Marg Grady, coordinator of the excellent NADWCon2009 banquet and convention decor, and a seasoned con-runner, is now serving as our Vice Chair and Treasurer, along with her current duties as Volunteer Coordinator.

* Denise Connell, Founder and Chair of the Seamstresses' Guild, will be serving as Assistant to the Vice Chair, along with her current roles as Programming Director and Seamstresses' Guild Parties Producer.

We would also like to welcome these experienced and talented folks to our team:

David Barker (ConOps & Information Coordinator)
Barry Newton (At-Con Treasurer)
Erin Prindiville (Art Show Coordinator)
Fae Townsend (Costumers Dungeon Coordinator)
z! (Tech & Staging Coordinator; Charity Auction Co-Coordinator)

...and we extend our thanks for the continuing dedication of our current committee members, who will continue their work in these positions:

Matt Cira - Hotel Liaison; Sponsorship Director
Ray Friesen - Program Book; Staff Artist; Ambience Co-Coordinator
Matthew Gress - Movie Room Coordinator
Craig Hampton - Security Coordinator
Pat Harkin - Master of Ceremonies
Missy Hayes - Seamstresses' Guild Parties Coordinator; Charity Auction Co-Coordinator
John Ketner - Programming Director
Greg Ketter - Dealers Room Coordinator
Dave Luect - Gala Banquet Coordinator; Hospitality Suite and VIP Lounge Coordinator
Jon Manzo - Co=Guest Liaison Coordinator; Convention Advisor
Neil Miller - ConOps
Vivian Obarski - Communications and Online Publicity Coordinator
Henry Osier - Maskerade Coordinator
Katie Pennell - Pre-Con Registration Coordinator
Michelle Rehbein - Merchandise Coordinator
Ray Rehbein - Game Room Director
Bryan Sennhenn - Message Board Moderator; ConOps

Our recent staffing changes are a positive and beneficial evolution. The convention is on track. NADWCon will be a unique and very special experience for all our attendees and guests.

Our committee will be working hard in this final month and we look forward to seeing you all in Madison,

Sincerely,

The North American Discworld Convention 2011 Convention Committee

Welcome to Holy Wood - Movies at NADWCon

"Did I hear things, or can that little dog speak?" said Dibbler. "He says he can't," said Victor. Dibbler hesitated. "Well," he said, "I suppose he should know."

-- Dibbler meets Gaspode the Wonder Dog in Moving Pictures

Moving Pictures? We got 'em!

We will offer a special selection of Discworld movies in our Holy Wood movie room during the convention. These will include: The Colour of Magic, Hogfather, Going Postal, Johnny and the Bomb, Johnny and the Dead, Living with Alzheimers (a BBC documentary which includes interviews with Terry Pratchett), Wyrd Sisters, and Soul Music.  We will show these films in rotation during all four days of NADWCon.  Look for the schedule posted in front of Holy Wood:

This Just In: 

The North American Discworld Convention 2011 is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the North American premiere of Sir Terry Pratchett's newly finished BBC documentary, "Terry Pratchett: Choosing To Die."

The program will be aired, with permission from the BBC, during The North American Discworld Convention 2011 (taking place at the Concourse Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin from July 8-11, 2011), and will feature an in-person introduction by Sir Terry Pratchett and his assistant Rob Wilkins, as well as a post-airing question and answer session by the same. (1)

According to the BBC press release:

In “Terry Pratchett: Choosing To Die,” world-renowned author Sir Terry Pratchett explores the realities of medically assisted death. Diagnosed with a rare form of early onset Alzheimer's disease in 2008, Terry considers how he might choose to end his life as his condition progresses. Terry meets men suffering from degenerative conditions and is with a British motor neurone sufferer as he carries out an assisted death at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland.

Sir Terry says: "I am a firm believer in assisted death. I believe everybody possessed of a debilitating and incurable disease should be allowed to pick the hour of their death. And I wanted to know more about Dignitas in case I ever wanted to go there myself."

Sir Terry has said that he would like to choose to end his own life rather than succumb to his degenerative condition. However, he acknowledges that there are a number of people who are against assisted dying for religious, moral or practical reasons and at present, assisted death is both an ethically contentious and illegal act in the UK.

In a moving BBC Two documentary, Sir Terry meets those who, like him, would like to control the way they die.

From across Europe he compares other countries' legal positions with that of the UK and asks what the future is for assisted death in the UK.

Charlotte Moore, Commissioning Editor for Documentaries, says: "Assisted death is an important topic of debate in the UK, and this is a chance for the BBC Two audience to follow Sir Terry as he wrestles with the difficult issues that many across Britain are also faced with. I hope this sparks a constructive debate that people across the spectrum of opinion can engage in."

Terry Pratchett: Choosing To Die is an exploration of one of society's most sensitive issues and reunites the best-selling author with the award-winning team that made Terry Pratchett: Living With Alzheimer's.

Craig Hunter, Executive Producer for KEO North: "This intensely personal film, by one Britain's best loved authors, tackles a deeply taboo subject with sensitivity and with Pratchett's idiosyncratic humour. It's a valuable contribution to the increasingly urgent debate as to who determines when and how we die."

Terry Pratchett: Choosing To Die (1x60-minutes) was commissioned by Charlotte Moore and executive produced by Craig Hunter for Keo North and Sam Anthony for the BBC.

A Note from The North American Discworld Convention 2011:

Please be aware that this film covers a controversial topic, and that it features the assisted death of a man on screen. The North American Discworld Convention neither endorses nor disagrees with any occurrences or opinions contained within this documentary. The purpose of this convention is to provide a weekend of programs and events which focus on the life and works of Sir Terry Pratchett, and as such, we are honored to have been given permission to include this documentary in our program schedule.

See you there,

Dj

(1) This documentary will premiere first in the UK at Sheffield Doc/fest on June 11, 2011, and follows on the success of the Scottish BAFTA Award-winning “Terry Pratchett: Living With Alzheimer’s.”

Art: Death with Kitten by Paul Kidby

Author Patrick Rothfuss added to Honored Guest List

Look who's coming to NADWCon

Monstrous Regiment OR Staff Changes at NADWCon

ANNOUNCEMENT from the Chair of NADWCon:

Hello all,

With our convention almost one month away the details are all coming together, but there is still much to do and the stress is starting to rise. I am very proud of all of you handling such important tasks as well as you have and it is because of those efforts that I know this convention will be a huge success. To help ensure that it all runs smoothly your Chair and Vice Chair have come to a mutual agreement in a rearranging of convention jobs. Due to his medical condition compounding lately with the stress of his position Josh and I have decided the it will be best if I, as the Vice Chair, take over his duties. So, as of today I have officially assumed the role of Convention Chair, and I would like to thank Margie Grady for agreeing to be my Vice Chair.

Thank you all for your hard work.

Jon Lemerond
Committee Chair
NADWCon 2011

*****

Our best wishes go out to Josh who made a very difficult decision for all the right reasons. We wish you good health and look forward to working with you in July.

Now, we all know that flying rumor monkeys sometimes perch in the Tower of Art so before any silliness gets started, here is the  backstory:

This is the announcement I sent out to the Seamstress Guild today:

You all know Marg Grady from the Seamstress Guild. She was in charge of Ambiance for NADWCon 2009, and she organized, designed and managed the Banquet, as well. In both case, she did a magnificent job.

Last month, Margie had took on the job of Volunteer Coordinator for this con at our request when a staff member had to step down due to an illness in his family. (1) She will now find a Right Hand or  replacement for that task (we already have some people in mind) and she is assuming her new duties as Vice Chair as we speak.

No worries, folks. You know we always have a Plan B ...and C ... and D. ...

Guild Members and NADWCon 2009 staff, Emily, Jean, Anna, Marilyn, Missy, Margie, Maggi and Yours Truly among them, are all helping/handling/advising/keeping an eye on things behind the scenes.

Emily and/or I both talk to Terry on the phone at least once a month, so he also knows that things are well in hand.

Marg Grady

Many of you know Margie, our Seamstress Guild colleague who designed and directed the banquet in 2009 as well as being in charge of ambiance for that con. Those were her "official" jobs. She did a lot more than that but I'll save *those* stories for the pub.

Emily Anna and I worked with Margie on NADWCon during 2008/09. Those of you who don't yet know her will no doubt come to value her as we do. She is not a glory hog, in fact, she spent the entire 2009 con working behind the scenes and few people knew how much her work contributed to the excellence of that event.

Margie currently serves on the NADWCon Steering Committee and she is a very busy gal so I was delighted to hear that her schedule opened up and that our Vice Chair had invited her to join us in Wisconsin.

Margie is tactful, forthright and very good at communicating. She extremely experienced in all areas of con and event planning. She works well with all types of people and skill sets and she appreciates the good work done by others. She is that rare combination of talented artist and well organized manager, and she always puts the work ahead of her ego. In Margie NADWCon is getting someone we can count on who supports what we are trying to accomplish and who will make all our jobs *a lot* easier. She sees both the details and the big picture and she exhibits great grace and good humor under pressure. She is a wonderful addition to The Watch and I'm delighted that the Wisconsin ConCom has invited her on board. (2)

I know that the members of our guild, as well as our volunteers, presenters and attendees will give her their full support as well as the benefit of their talents, experience and time. Please know how much we all value and appreciate that fact.  

Best regards to all here,

Denise Connell

Founder & Chair, North American Seamstress Guild 

Producer, Seamstress Guild Parties & Director of Programming, NADWCon 2011

The Monstrous Regiment Rides Again!

(1) The gentleman who was working as the Volunteer Coordinator before Margie came on board had to step down when his mother became ill. I'm sure I speak for all here when I say that our thoughts are with him and is family. He is still involved with the convention as Special Assistant to the Chair.


(2) My husband will once again be helping out during NADWCon as Minister Without Portfolio. Like Margie, he has many skills.


Photo from the stage production of Nation.

Tis the Lark

A lady once asked Dr. Johnson how he came to define 'pastern' in his great dictionary as the knee of a horse: instead of making an elaborate defence, as might be expected, he at once answered, "Ignorance, Madam, pure ignorance." 

5 am ...

Really?

Well, yes. Unlike many fans (not to mentioned the man I'm married to) I am not a vampire. I am a lark.  The coffee helps. (Have I mentioned the coffee?)*

Where were we?  Ah, yes

5 am.  I stand out on my back deck, coffee in hand. The air just then is that soft, dark, velvety blue favored by Maxfield Parish.  I watch as the Evening Star settles gracefully down on a stand of tall fir trees, finds a comfy branch and puts her feet up. Light gets it's cue and begins to flow into the valley below.  The air is filled with the gentle sounds of bird song and mild cursing.  Coffee-colored cursing. Mine, to be exact.

I have disappointed a Charming and Beautiful Young Man.  This is not something Mrs. Palm would normally do. I rather feel I've let down the guild.

In the course of con events one talks to a great many people about a great many things in a variety of odd and wonderful places over a period of many, many months.  Last fall, I was musing in public forum about my desire for a panel on the subject of Discworld and X.  As it happened, A Beautiful Young Man who had attended the last NADWCon in the company of a Stylish and Witty Lady responded on this same web board that he had, in fact, done a thorough study of X and thought it might make for a good talk were he but to polish his notes. I made encouraging sounds and indicated that I should like very much to have such a talk were one made available to me. One should always encourage Beautiful Young Men, even if nothing comes of it. **  Unlike most people who come to me with Great Ideas it turns out that BYM actually meant to give that talk. I read only this morning that he has recently finished his preparations and now writes to inquire if we are interested.

#%^&#@ says I to the rising sun. 

I would rather like that,yes, especially since The Beautiful Young Man *** has art slides. I adore art slides. Alas, other discussions in other places have since turned my original idea into a panel and now five rather frighteningly well informed people will now be discussing Discworld and X. 

I go back inside to my laptop. Would beautiful young man now wish to join that panel, I inquire? I await his answer.

The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas. - Linus Pauling

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

See you there,

Dj


* I live in the hope that if I keep mentioning, say, organic, fair trade, shade grown Kona, clever and resourceful people will bring some.

** The part where nothing comes of it is my husband's idea. 

*** Certain phrases require The Victorian Capital. I don't know why.

Guild of Thieves Talks at NADWCon

Back at NADWCon by Popular Demand:

The Guild of Thieves Talk

The Ankh-Morpork Guild of Thieves is proud to announce, for one day only, a lecture to be given by Josiah Boggis OAM, their esteemed President and Supreme Master Thief

Topics to include:

-  The Ettiquette of Merchandise Relocation and the Importance of Leaving a Receipt

- The Proper Use of Devices to Subdue Clients

- The Importance of Proper Retail Relocation in an Economic Downslide

- How to Make and Use a Lock Pick

There will be an opportunity to craft your own lock pick under the guidance of Josiah and his top security agents, Smudge and Slasher.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the Thieves Guild and its day-to-day workings or with the ambition to join the Guild as an apprentice thief should make sure to attend.

ACVTVS ID VERBERAT! **

Don't miss this rare opportunity; we may never be able to persuade him to do it again.  

There will be a small fee for Certificates of Attendance* 

Presenters: Chris Ward, Dave Ward

Limited to: 30 - 35 people 

Number of Talks: 2

Assistants: Marti Sterin, Christine Russel

 See you there,

Dj

* We would request that you make a small donation to the con charities if you want a certificate. What, you didn't think the Thieves' Guild would give you something for nothing, did you?  

** Whip It Quick!