When Words Collide 2024: Full Schedule

Welcome to When Words Collide 2024!

This site is designed to streamline your event experience, ensuring you never miss a moment. Here, you’ll find a detailed timeline of all event activities, including sessions, workshops, and more. You can view the entire schedule, filter by various options (rooms, days, presenters), and explore presenter bios.

The schedule is subject to updates, so remember to check back often!

1:00pm MDT

Worldbuilding in Speculative Fiction

Friday August 16, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

It's time to get that fantastic world that's been stuck inside your head for years, complete with dragons and androids, onto paper! Whether you're starting your first or tenth novel, let's dive into techniques for creating inspiring, believable worlds.

Moderators

Nicola MacCameron

Published Leoshine, Princess Oracle Book 1 of the Leoshine series in 2020. Working on Book 2Audiobook narrator and producer. Author on Medium.com and Sci Fi Shorts.com

Speakers

Shelly Campbell

Shelly Campbell's debut grimdark fantasy duology THE MARKED SON series was published with Mythos and Ink Publishing in 2020-2022. She has co-authored a post apocalyptic sci-fi, KNOWLEDGE ITSELF and it's sequel MADNESS OF PEOPLE, with Cursed Dragon Ship Publishing in 2022, as well... Read More →

Brenda Carre

Brenda Carre is a multi-published author of short fiction. Her work can be found in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Pulp Literature Magazine, Fiction River Anthologies, Pulphouse Fiction Magazine, Wordfire Press and many other publications. She is currently at work on... Read More →

Arlene F. Marks

Arlene F. Marks has been writing since the age of 6, and she has no plans to stop. A veteran teacher of the craft, she has authored two literacy programs for the classroom. Her short stories have appeared online and in print, notably in an anthology of reimagined fairy tales, Grimmer... Read More →

Nathan Ogloff

I have always had a fascination with creating stories that are rich, intricate, and create a lasting impression on the reader. Previous writing credentials include two unpublished short stories. Other than those, this will be my debut novel. When I'm not writing, I am usually adding... Read More →

Friday August 16, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, Science Fiction, Fantasy

2:00pm MDT

Getting Clear about Memoir

Friday August 16, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

Memoir is a very popular genre of writing yet many people are unclear what a memoir actually is.

Speakers

Karen Elizabeth Lee

Karen Lee is a published author of three books, two of which are memoirs, The Full Catastrophe (2016) a runner-up for the Exporting Alberta contest, and The Village that Betrayed its Children (2024). She has published many articles, is a group facilitator, public speaker, retired... Read More →

Friday August 16, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Lecture, CNF

3:00pm MDT

Working With a Book Designer

Friday August 16, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

Avery Olive, the proprietor of Bibliofic Designs, and two of her bestseller clients, nonfiction writer James Fell and novelist Robert J. Sawyer, discuss working with a designer on the covers and interiors of books, the things that drive a designer nuts, and how clients can get the most for their money.

Moderators

Kevin Weir

I began my work in film before becoming an author of page, stage, and screen. A fan of fantastical worlds, I found a way to channel my chaotic energies into wild yarns, taking readers on unforgettable journeys. My debut novel, Endless Hunger, was praised as a "riveting, genre-blending... Read More →

Speakers

James Fell

James Fell got into writing for the money, which is one of the stupidest things you’ll ever read. It’s also a half-truth. He loves writing so much that he wanted to quit his soul-destroying job and write full-time. That meant he had to earn. With an MBA and a dozen years of sales... Read More →

Avery Olive

Robert J. Sawyer

Robert J. Sawyer — called “the dean of Canadian science fiction” by both the CBC and The Ottawa Citizen — is the only Canadian to have won all three of the world’s top awards for best science-fiction novel of the year: the Hugo, the Nebula, and the John W. Campbell Memorial... Read More →

Friday August 16, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, Business

4:00pm MDT

Everything You Wanted to Know about Romance in Books (but were afraid to ask!)

Friday August 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

A discussion of everything romance.

Moderators

Samantha Adkins

I am a writer, teacher and mother living on Bowen Island, B.C. and have published three Jane Austen-inspired novels Expectations, Suspiciously Reserved, and Banff Springs Abbey, published with City Lights Press. My adult romance novels Emmy in Harding and After His Heart, and my young... Read More →

Speakers

Lori Feldberg

Lori Feldberg writes romance under her pen name of Raine Hughes. She's a resident of central Alberta, Canada, likes to write fun romance (none of the dark stuff for her) in several sub-genres, including fantasy/paranormal, time travel, and contemporary. Somehow, humor always finds... Read More →

Katie O’Connor

Katie O'Connor is a sweet contemporary romance author who resides in Calgary, Alberta. She has over 30 published titles including an author career planning workbook. She has been traditionally and independently published. She is a writing mentor as well as a romance acquisitions editor... Read More →

Shelley Kassian

Bestselling author Shelley Kassian has been writing timeless love stories filled with romance or dark fantasy (romantasy) for more than twenty years, novels that include her recent true love story, A Mountain Leads Home, which is loosely based on her daughter and son-in-law. A history... Read More →

Ellen Jorgensen

Ellen began telling herself stories in her head as a bored teenager. It wasn't until she was a bored mother of two that she began actually writing her stories down in a permanent way. All of her tales involve love and romance, with a good dollop of adventure and a touch of the Divine...because... Read More →

Friday August 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, Romance

5:00pm MDT

The Editorial Stages

Friday August 16, 2024 5:00pm - 5:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

In this session I will be discussing the different kinds of editing a book goes through before publication. There are four main stages: Developmental (Structural) Editing, Stylistic (Line) Editing, Copy Editing, and Proofreading. I will explain each stage in detail, helping authors understand when to hire editors, what to look for in an editor, and what to expect from their editor(s). The objective of my presentation is to equip authors with the knowledge they need to bring their book from first draft to final draft. Providing them with confidence as they make decisions on what steps to take and which steps will benefit them-and their work-best.

Speakers

Ashley Keller

I graduated from Ryerson University (Toronto Metropolitan University) in April 2022. I hold a graduate certificate in publishing from its Chang School of Continuing Education. Books have always been my passion, and now I dedicate my time to helping authors bring their books to publication... Read More →

Friday August 16, 2024 5:00pm - 5:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Lecture, Business

6:00pm MDT

Tyche Books Presents: Book Launch: Carpe Noctem with Megan Fennell and Leslie Van Zwol

Friday August 16, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

Tyche Books is hosting a book launch event for "Carpe Noctem", which is an anthology of stories edited by Megan Fennell and Leslie Van Zwol.

Friday August 16, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Event, All genres

9:00pm MDT

Noir at the Bar

Friday August 16, 2024 9:00pm - 11:00pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

Reach your scarlet painted fingernails around the throats of the audience. Stretch your tantric tentacles over the flesh of the restless crowd. Share the deepest, darkest, most delicious desires you've unwillingly captured on the tainted page. There is an audience waiting...craving to swallow stories seeded from darkness, twisted with sex and violence, and bloated with bleakness.

Signature cocktail will be served (cash bar).
Prize for most tantalizing read, to be determined by crowd response.

If you want to read, please sign up at killersanddemons@gmail.com to secure your spot. Limited to 13 readers.

Additional Info:

Names will be drawn at random to determine order of readings at the event.
7 minute MAXIMUM reading, will be enforced.
When people sign up, I will ask for a short intro I can use for them.

Speakers

Julie Hiner

Killers and Demons

Julie Hiner spent her childhood lost in the pages of books. The only thing that took precedence was her Walkman. Julie remains a hardcore 80s rocker at heart. Julie worked as a computer scientist, specializing in network simulation. On a break, she published an inspirational book... Read More →

Friday August 16, 2024 9:00pm - 11:00pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Event

9:00am MDT

Troubleshooting Your Manuscript

Saturday August 17, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT

Kananaskis 2

You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Before submitting that manuscript to a prospective agent or editor, make sure it's the best that it can be, using these revision, editing, and proofreading tips from a panel of authors and editors.

Moderators

Nikki West

"Evoke feeling instead of demanding attention." -Nikki WestIf you ask Nikki, the owner of Descriptive, the answer is pretty much always marketing! An experienced natural writer, Nikki brings a sixth sense for the flow of words on a page as well as a style all her own; she draws the... Read More →

Speakers

Ella Beaumont

Assistant to the Publisher, EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing

Ella Beaumont has been professionally involved in the publishing industry in both traditional and freelancing capacities since 2012. She has experience in editing, book packaging, and sales and marketing roles. She previously served as the acquisition editor for EDGE Science Fiction... Read More →

R. Graeme Cameron

R. Graeme Cameron lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia. In 2016 he began publishing and editing the online speculative fiction magazine Polar Borealis. In 2021 he added Polar Starlight, devoted to speculative poetry, edited by Rhea E. Rose. He has written reviews of Canadian Speculative... Read More →

Alison McBain

Alison McBain’s novels are the recipients of over 13 awards, including the Foreword INDIES. When not writing for herself, she’s a ghostwriter who has penned over two dozen books for clients, as well as an award-winning editor who has worked with both celebrity and NY Times-bestselling... Read More →

Steven Owad

Steven lives in Calgary and works as an editor. His novels have been praised in publications such as Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and Mystery Scene, and his stage plays have been produced in theaters throughout North America. As a journalist, Steven has written hundreds of feature... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, Craft

10:00am MDT

I swear, it's just research! Hiding bodies, launching things into space, forging swords, et cetera.

Saturday August 17, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT

Kananaskis 2

Have you ever picked up a book with a promising premise, only to be disappointed when the writer gets crucial details wrong? To avoid this, join librarian Cheryl Bain for a presentation on effective research to support strong narratives.

Whether you need to plot a believable murder, explore theories about black holes, or find accurate details for a mid-1800s battlefield, this session will provide the tools you need. Cheryl will guide you through evaluating information sources and introduce you to high-quality, free or nearly free resources beneficial to writers.

These tips will be valuable for both fiction and nonfiction writers in any format. (Not intended for aspiring supervillains or criminals!)

Speakers

Cheryl D. Bain

Cheryl Bain has always had questions. She learned many answers during her BSc and looked for more as a graduate student. However, Cheryl remained curious about many things outside her chemistry program. She realized that the best place to feed her curiosity was where her besieged... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Kananaskis 2

Lecture, Craft

11:00am MDT

Technically Correct: Getting the technical aspects of fiction right

Saturday August 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT

Kananaskis 2

Making worlds realistic can be difficult. What medical conditions may induce short-term memory loss? How do courts of law really treat hearsay evidence? What is the real technique for picking a lock? This becomes even more difficult in SFF writing: how do we write space travel, futuristic medicine or fantastical architecture in a realistic way? Learn how to write accessibly but credibly about your research and special interests.

Moderators

Heather Clitheroe

Heather (she/they) is from Calgary, Alberta. Her science fiction and fantasy stories have appeared in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Lightspeed, and more. Heather teaches creative writing at the University of Calgary, and leads writing workshops with the Calgary Public Library. She's also... Read More →

Speakers

Tom Brookes

Tom is a Calgary-based speculative fiction writer focusing upon finding hope in our tech dystopia. His debut novel Persistence of Vision (Dixi Books: London, UK) was published in 2023. His current speculative fiction novel was accepted into the AWCS's six-month Author Development... Read More →

Premee Mohamed

Premee Mohamed is a Nebula, World Fantasy, and Aurora award-winning Indo-Caribbean scientist and speculative fiction author based in Edmonton, Alberta. She has also been a finalist for the Hugo, Ignyte, British Fantasy, and Crawford awards. She is an Assistant Editor at the short... Read More →

Emily Yu

Emily Yu (she/they) is a second-generation Chinese Canadian with many pets and far too many hobbies. She is an Editor and Illustrator for Heartlines Spec magazine, and her work has been published in Ricepaper magazine, Hearth Stories, Luna Station Quarterly, Landed: Transformative... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, Craft

12:00pm MDT

Writing Middle Grade

Saturday August 17, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

Do you want to write for kids but are not interested in penning picture books? Middle grade might be the right fit for you! Listen to our panel of experienced middle-grade authors discuss what it means to write middle grade, the difference between middle-grade and YA, what librarians and teachers are looking for, and ask any questions you may have.

Moderators

Andrew Buckley

Author/Presenter

Andrew Buckley is a film school-educated writer, which means he's spent most of his life with no money and a high opinion about bad movies. Today, he's a traditionally and self-published novelist of rather silly, yet enjoyable fiction for all ages, a comic book writer, screenwriter... Read More →

Speakers

Dana Goldstein

I am an author and podcaster with three published memoirs, The Girl in the Gold Bikini, a collection of stories about my relationship with food, Murder on my Mind, a memoir of menopause, and Spent, a collection of stories about my experience in retail management. My debut middle grade... Read More →

Jenna Greene

Jenna Greene is a YA and children's author. She is known for the CBC Canada recommended middle-grade book "An Owl Without A Name" and her award-winning YA series "The Reborn Marks" series. She also has a list of picture books, YA novels, short stories, and poetry. An English teacher... Read More →

Jessica Renwick

Jessica Renwick is an award-winning fantasy and horror author for kids ages 9-12! The Book of Chaos was her debut novel in 2018, and since then she has published four more in that series, a trilogy of ghost stories for kids, and a short story in the Mythical Girls Anthology. Her next... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, Middle Grade

1:00pm MDT

What Makes Alternate History so Appealing?

Saturday August 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

Alternative histories date back to the time of Herodotus, and include many thought experiments such as Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, The Plot Against America, and The Years of Rice and Salt. Panelists discuss the appeal of these works for both readers, and writers.

Moderators

Precious de Leon

Precious is a poet and speculative fiction writer. She writes through the lens of a Filipino Canadian settler in Mohkintsis/Calgary. Following her stint as a business journalist and editor in the Middle East, her creative writing journey started with the 2019 Borderlines Writers Circle... Read More →

Speakers

Lee F. Patrick (Sandra Fitzpatrick)

Sandra Fitzpatrick is bilingual in financial and English. She's been helping artists, writers, actors and other Creative People with their taxes, both Canadian and US, since 2006. Many have not known the deductions available as self-employed people and she does several seminars each... Read More →

Susan Forest

Editor, Laksa Media Groups

Susan Forest is the author of dual Aurora Award-winners Bursts of Fire (2019) and Flights of Marigold (2020) as well as over 25 internationally-published short stories (Analog Science Fiction and Fact, Asimov's Science Fiction, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and Orson Scot Card's Intergalactic... Read More →

D.G. Valdron

Writing for over 20 years. Numerous short story credits. Mermaid's Tale published through Five Rivers Publishing, The Luck contracted with Five Rivers. Twilight of Echelon through At Bay. Multiple books, fiction and nonfiction.

David Worsick

David Worsick is a retired technical writer and active fiction writer who has some short stories and one children's book (Henry's Gift) published. He has a B.Sc. Geology and an MBA (be afraid, very afraid).

Saturday August 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, Historical Fiction

2:00pm MDT

Unleashing the Shadows

Saturday August 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

From body horror to the zombie apocalypse, what common elements do the various types of horror stories share?

Discussing the different sub-genres that make up horror, from cosmic to gothic to literary to serial killer to monsters to erotic. Dig into all the types of terrifying stories and explore the common elements they share, from body horror to the zombie apocalypse.

Moderators

D.G. Valdron

Speakers

Marcus Hawke

Marcus Hawke is an award-winning writer primarily of horror and dark fiction, some fantasy and sci-fi, and a few things that defy categorization. His work has appeared in a number of publications from Dark Pine Publishing, Jitter Press, Lunatics Magazine, Strange Elf Press, his first... Read More →

Julie Hiner

Killers and Demons

Shane Kroetsch

Pencil on Paper

I write dark stories about monsters, both real and imagined.

Nikki Vogel

Nikki Vogel has had poetry published in Room Magazine, filling Station, and The Istanbul Review. Her short stories have appeared in Luna Station Quarterly, Infective Ink, Empty Sink Publications, and in One Throne Magazine. She has had a few stories anthologized, including in You... Read More →

David Worsick

Saturday August 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, Horror

3:00pm MDT

Slow Down: The Value of Apprenticeship When Writing Fiction

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

In the world of social-media likes and six-second TikTok clips, we want things the way we want them, and we want them now. Bringing such a sensibility to a writing career is a path to disappointment. Taking a slower, longer approach can help minimize the heartache of rejection. How do you know when your novel's ready to pitch? How do you know you've spent enough time mastering your craft? Hear from writers who've learned the importance of learning.

Moderators

Andrew Buckley

Author/Presenter

Speakers

Robin van Eck

Robin writes fiction - literary, contemporary, horror, weird and offbeat - and creative nonfiction. Most recently her work has appeared in WonderShift - 40th Anniversary Anthology of the Alexandra Writers Centre, Forbidden Fruit from The Seventh Terrace and Very Much Alive, stories... Read More →

Ali Bryan

Ali Bryan is an award-winning novelist and creative nonfiction writer who explores the what-ifs, the wtfs and the wait-a-minutes of every day. She crafts stories about the downtrodden and disenfranchised, the brokenhearted, and the vulnerable. About lovers and losers, mothers and... Read More →

Steven Owad

Sherry Wong

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, Business

4:00pm MDT

The Secret Language of Editors

Saturday August 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

How do you turn that "no" from a publisher into a "yes"? 4 editors talk about how to decipher rejection letters, as well as the common problems and unique submissions they see in their inboxes.

Moderators

Susan Forest

Editor, Laksa Media Groups

Speakers

Shawn L. Bird

BA MEd. 30+ years teaching writing/reading. 30+ publications in poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Publisher at Lintusen Press, a collaborative micropress.

Brian Hades

President, EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing

As the head of EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing, Brian Hades has been leading efforts to publish and promote high-quality, thought-provoking works in these genres.Through EDGE, he has published an international roster of authors tackling a wide variety of speculative fiction... Read More →

Alison McBain

Robert Runte, PhD

Senior Editor, EssentialEdits.ca

Robert Runté is Senior Editor at EssentialEdits.ca and SFeditor.ca. He has been the developmental editor on over 50 books, 35 of which were traditionally published, primarily SF&F. He has published 100+ short fiction pieces in 50+ venues, including Tesseracts, Pulp Literature, On... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, Business

5:00pm MDT

You're Write About It

Saturday August 17, 2024 5:00pm - 5:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

A comedic panel show where host Kevin Weir quizzes local authors about their knowledge of niche facts from popular fiction.

Moderators

Kevin Weir

Speakers

Anthony Bidulka

Anthony Bidulka has dedicated his career to writing traditional genre novels in an untraditional way, developing a body of work that often features his Saskatchewan roots and underrepresented, diverse main characters. He tells serious stories in accessible, entertaining, often humorous... Read More →

Rob Bose

Robert Bose grew up on a farm in southern Alberta spending every free moment reading whatever fiction he could get his hands on. He's the editor of a variety of books and anthologies for Coffin Hop Press and The Seventh Terrace, the author of myriad short stories including the fiendish... Read More →

Jonathan Sean Lyster

independent author, Heuronic Books

Jonathan Sean Lyster likes to wrap his head around strange nows and possible futures. His novels include the science fiction thriller "Oblivion's Wake" and the Armageddon Boys urban fantasy comedy series. His short stories have appeared in "On Spec," "Analog," and "Storyteller". A... Read More →

Erin Weir

Erin Weir, BFA BEd MEd, is a Calgary-based adult educator, currently the Learning and Education Resource Specialist at University of Calgary post-graduate medical education. She has a special interest in individualized learning strategies and how they intersect with resident learning... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 5:00pm - 5:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, All Genres

9:00am MDT

Tips for running a freelance writing and editing business

Sunday August 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT

Kananaskis 2

The presentation will offer helpful tips on finding the right markets to offer your services, preparing for interviews and writing efficiently, pricing out assignments, and managing the use of ChatGPT.

Speakers

Andrew Snook

Andrew Snook is a professional writer and editor. His non-fiction and fiction writing have earned him a combined 21 national and international writing awards. Snook is also the founder of Canadian Independent Publishers, which is dedicated to showcasing indie writers, bookstores and... Read More →

Sunday August 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Kananaskis 2

Interactive Seminar, Business

10:00am MDT

Pathways to Publication

Sunday August 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT

Kananaskis 2

Exploring pathways to publication via conventional publishing, self-publishing, and Independent (Indie) publishing. Panelists share their experiences, pros and cons on these diverse pathways to publication in the North American marketplace.

Moderators

Jennifer Slebioda

Emerging photo-poet, Jennifer Slebioda, published for the first time in POLAR BOREALIS #19 â€“ Aug-Sep 2021 in the #19, September 2021 issue, resides in Calgary, Alberta, with her two teenagers and two cats. With decades as an amateur photographer, private poet, journal writer... Read More →

Speakers

R. Graeme Cameron

Jack Castle

Jack Castle has been labeled by the Coeur D’Alene Press as the “Man of Adventures!” He grew up in Florida and while working as a young stuntman for Orlando Theme Parks, he was hand selected by George Lucas to play a Han Solo look-a-like for Disney's Hollywood Studios. It was... Read More →

Mark Leslie

Mark’s first short story appeared in print in 1992, the same year he started working in the book industry. He has published more than twenty-five books under the name Mark Leslie that include thrillers and fiction (Evasion, A Canadian Werewolf in New York, One Hand Screaming... Read More →

Nathan Ogloff

Sunday August 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, Business

11:00am MDT

How to Craft a Great SFF Villain

Sunday August 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT

Kananaskis 2

It is a truism in all literature, that the stronger the antagonist, the stronger the story, whether we are talking Hannibal Lecter, Nurse Rached or Professor Moriarty. But Science Fiction and Fantasy genres are particularly known for villains who are the embodiment of evil, such as Sauron, Darth Vader, and Voldemort. Writing a human villain often—not always—brings with it the complexities of doubt, childhood shame, and humanity. How does this apply—or not apply—to fantastical villains?

Moderators

Krista Wallace

Krista is a fantasy writer, jazz & rock musician, audiobook narrator, actor, podcaster, mother, Gran, lover of pie, dark chocolate, and fine single malt scotch. She hails from Port Coquitlam, BC, where she writes and records in a closet, emerging occasionally to sing with the big... Read More →

Speakers

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 →

Susan Forest

Editor, Laksa Media Groups

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 →

Valerie L. King

Valerie L. King is a member if the Imaginative Fiction Writers Association (IFWA) and Calgary Crime Writers. She has some published short stories and is currently writing an urban fantasy series as well as several non-fiction books. Her passions are music, art, and volunteering with... Read More →

Sunday August 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, Science Fiction, Fantasy

12:00pm MDT

Writers at the Improv

Sunday August 18, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

IFWA Event hosted by Renee Bennett

Speakers

Renée Bennett

Renée Bennett is an author, an editor, and a word nerd. Her degree is in Linguistics and she’s had six Aurora nominations, but no wins (yet.) She writes anything she darn well pleases: light stuff and dark stuff and mash-up stuff and stuff people say cannot or should not be written... Read More →

Sunday August 18, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Event

1:00pm MDT

Filter Words and More

Sunday August 18, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

We will learn how to hunt down words that clutter our writing and create distance between the reader and the character.

Speakers

monica zwikstra

Monica Sagle Zwikstra is the author of two epic fantasy novels, Dragons Flight, and Alban's Choice.. Monica's writing skills extend to short stories as well, with her story Storm House being published in the anthology A Haunting of Words and her flash fiction Humanity appearing in... Read More →

Sunday August 18, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Lecture, Craft

2:00pm MDT

Kickass Fight Scenes

Sunday August 18, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

This lecture will discuss what goes into making a kickass fight scene.

Speakers

Ron Bender

Took an arrow to the knee... Now he tells stories. Stay awhile and listen. A born storyteller with a passion for cyberpunk, gaming, and all things tech. Once known as Roland the Savage. Since retired from mock combat. Also retired from business consulting. Ron Bender is the author... Read More →

Sunday August 18, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Lecture, Craft

3:00pm MDT

How Writing Groups Can Support Writers

Sunday August 18, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

Join representatives from the Alberta Writers' Guild (AWCS), the Imaginative Fiction Writers Association (IFWA), the Writers' Guild of Alberta (WGA), the Calgary Association of Romance Writers of America (CaRWA), and the Alberta Romance Writers' Association (ARWA) for an insightful discussion on how writing groups can support writers.

Discover the benefits of joining a writing group, including networking opportunities, feedback on your work, and motivation to keep writing. Our panelists will share their experiences and offer tips on finding the right writing group for you.

Precious de Leon, AWCS
Ashley Frerichs, WGA
Michael Gillett, IFWA
Ellen Jorgensen, CaRWA
Tammy Lyn Carbol. ARWA

Moderators

Joy Norstrom

Joy Norstrom (she/her) is a fiction writer and social worker residing in Treaty 7 Territory. She writes for both children (Marjorie Magic, 2023) and adult audiences (Flying the Nest, 2020; Out of Play, 2016). Her stories feature current social issues while exploring themes of identify... Read More →

Speakers

Precious de Leon

Tammy Lyn Carbol

Tammy Lyn Carbol has been a member of Alberta Romance Writers' Association (ARWA) since 2000, and is currently President. She loves the writing community and friends she has met over the years, and enjoys giving writing presentations on the craft of writing, She has published stories... Read More →

Ashley Frerichs

Michael Gillett

Michael Gillett is currently president of IFWA, and as such feels tremendous pressure to write more. As a recently retired worker bee, he is indeed writing more, and has multiple short stories published (with an Aurora nomination for one of them) along with his first novel : The Collection... Read More →

Ellen Jorgensen

Sunday August 18, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm MDT
Kananaskis 2

Panel Discussion, All Genres

4:00pm MDT

Noir Fantasy: Vampire Cops and Dark Elf Gumshoes

Sunday August 18, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm MDT

Kananaskis 2

Crossover genres can gain huge inspiration from their parent genres. Setting fantastical tropes into a noir setting is one such crossover. Panelists discuss how each genre informs and inspires the new work, and provide examples readers might like to explore.

Moderators

Yvonne Kjorlien

I am: - an INFJ, highly-sensitive person (HSP), rainforest-minded/multipotentialite - a scientist and creative: I need to engage in both to be balanced and fulfilled. - a self-published author of two (and counting) books. Memoirs of a Reluctant Archaeologist was first published in... Read More →

Speakers