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Welcome to When Words Collide 2024!

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Positive Science Fiction and Fantasy
Saturday August 17, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 1
In 2017, author Alexandra Rowland coined the term Hopepunk to describe works that defy Grimdark: novels that explore characters fighting for positive change, radical kindness and communal response to problems. Noblebright literature focusses on the narrative of the hero who fights the winnable fight with a happy ending, whereas Hopepunk celebrates a collective response. Panelists discuss what elements of our changing society might have given rise to dystopias and Grimdark fiction, and what has changed to give rise to new, positive Science Fiction and Fantasy.
Moderators
MM
Speakers
avatar for Karl Buchner

Karl Buchner

Mr. Buchner is a published author and is the facilitator of two critiquing groups and a twice annual writing retreat.  His career includes teaching and a wide range of technical and management positions throughout North America and Eastern Europe.
avatar for Chris Carolan

Chris Carolan

Chris Patrick Carolan is an author, editor, and hovercraft enthusiast, originally from Glasgow but now based in Calgary, Alberta. He writes steampunk, horror, fantasy, and science fiction, though he has also been known to turn to crime to make ends meet. Crime fiction, that is. His... Read More →
avatar for Ron S. Friedman

Ron S. Friedman

RON S. FRIEDMAN is an award-winning science fiction author from Calgary. His novel, TYPHOON TIME, is an Amazon.ca #1 Best Seller in Time-Travel, his collection, ESCAPE VELOCITY, is Calgary Herald #1 Best Seller, and his story, GAME NOT OVER, is a Best Short Fiction finalist in the... Read More →
KN

K.J. Noakes

K. J. Noakes is a Science Fantasy author from, of all places, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. With a BA in Philosophy, he studies Social Ecology, Phenomenology, Existentialism, Critical Theory, etc.. He lives with his cat Purray “Murray” Bookchin (pictured), and tends a garden that... Read More →
Saturday August 17, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 1
  Panel Discussion, Science Fiction, Fantasy

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