Register for 2025
QUICKLINKS
ABOUT THE FESTIVALHeld in Calgary, Alberta, every August, When Words Collide is a festival for writers and readers, artists, and publishers of commercial and literary fiction, including genre, YA, children's books, poetry, and more.
We aim to support writers in the craft and business of writing, exploring all avenues of the writing process, publishing and storytelling, while building a strong literary community, and to bring local writers - Alberta and Canada - to the attention of book lovers. |
FESTIVAL HOURS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Registration: Opens at 11am Opening Event: 12:30pm Festival Hours: 12:30pm - 11pm Merchant Room: 11am - 6pm |
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
Festival Hours: 9am - 11pm Merchant Room: 9am - 6pm Showcase Event: 7pm - 10pm |
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
Festival Hours: 9am - 5pm Merchant Room: 9am - 5pm Closing Event: 4pm |
REGISTER
August 16 - 18, 2024
Delta Calgary South | 135 Southland Dr. SE, Calgary, AB PLEASE CONTACT US TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST SOLD OUT Festival Pass: $75 Saturday Night Showcase Event: SOLD OUT Master Classes: $40-$60 each |
Featured Guests
Jack Castle | Premee Mohamed | P.J. Vernon | Wayne Arthurson | Jessica Johns | Tash McAdam | Ali Bryan | Jonathan Whitelaw | Wendy McGrath | Robert Sawyer | Anthony Bidulka | Jodi McIsaac
Jack Castle | Premee Mohamed | P.J. Vernon | Wayne Arthurson | Jessica Johns | Tash McAdam | Ali Bryan | Jonathan Whitelaw | Wendy McGrath | Robert Sawyer | Anthony Bidulka | Jodi McIsaac
more registration info
There is more information available about Registration for 2024. You can view the registration list, the Saturday Night Showcase Event, and find out more about staying at the Delta during the festival, and more.
eXPERIENCE tHE FESTIVAL
MASTERCLASSESJoin us at the festival for 2-hour Master Classes taught by some of our special guests. There are four sessions to choose from with sessions offered from: Jonathan Whitelaw, Robert J Sawyer, Wendy McGrath, and The Kinkonauts.
Pre-registration and additional fees are required. Space is limited! |
pre-festival programmingCan't wait for the festival? We are offering a 3-day intensive with WWC presenter Judah Leblang and AGENT SESSIONS with Sam Hiyate from The Rights Factory the week before the festival. Get in on the buzz. Explore the offerings by clicking the link.
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programmingNOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the schedule for all three days of the festival, including panel discussions, interactive workshops, lectures, seminars, and more! A printed version will be available at the festival!
MERCHANTs' ROOMExperience the Merchants Room at When Words Collide. Browse books, meet publishers, editors and find out about local writing organizations that can support your writing goals. Complete list of 2024 Merchants available now. Also find out information about the Shared Authors' Table and Autograph Sessions.
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2024 PresentersWe have a huge lineup of presenters this year at the festival. Each of our presenters brings their unique voice and expertise to our event. Click the link to view their bios!
writing contestThe War of the Words writing contest was created in loving memory of Darlene Louka. Darlene was a member of AWCS and When Words Collide. She stretched her literary fingers in poetry and later transitioned to science fiction and fantasy. We created this contest in memory of her and the organizations she loved so much.
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GET INVOLVED
VOLUNTEERNo great event would be possible without the support of many wonderful volunteers. Apply to be a volunteer.
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hidden art showWe are currently accepting applications to be an artist in the Hidden Art Room. Submissions are open until April 15.
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be a presenter or panelistApplications for presenter, speaker, moderator, or panelist positions are now closed. We have received a significant number of applications and are in the process of reviewing them.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED! |
MERCHANTS' ROOMWe are not currently accepting Merchants' Room registrations. If you would like to get on the waitlist, please contact Robin at the link below. Otherwise, registrations will open in late 2024 for 2025.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED! |
BECOME A FESTIVAL SPONSOR
We graciously accept donations and sponsorships. The Alexandra Writers Centre Society is a federally registered charity.
Any donations over $10 receive a tax deductible receipt.
Give a general donation to the festival or sponsor a guest/keynote or event.
Your name/logo will appear on this page as well as all festival materials.
Any donations over $10 receive a tax deductible receipt.
Give a general donation to the festival or sponsor a guest/keynote or event.
Your name/logo will appear on this page as well as all festival materials.
A FRIEND OF WWCMinimum $25 donation become a friend of WWC. Ideal for festival guests and individuals who want to keep the festival going for years to come. Your support is greatly appreciated.
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A WWC AFFILIATECommunity groups, literary organizations, individuals - have a specific guest or event you would like to see at the festival - help us make it happen with a monetary contribution of your choosing. Recommended $250-$500.
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SIGNATURE PArtnerFor businesses, other non-profits, individuals with philantropic aspirations. Become a partner. Bring in a guest, sponsor an event. Your name and logo will appear on our website and program materials.
Recommended: $750+ |
join the email list
Sign up for our festival newsletter to be the first to know about the latest news, programming updates, and more!
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Reach out anytime. We're happy to help.
For General Inquiries: [email protected] | 403.264.4730
For Merchant Corner Information: Robin van Eck | [email protected] For Program Related Information: Nicole Roche | [email protected] For Sponsorship & Collaboration: Precious de Leon | [email protected] |
The Alexandra Writers Centre Society
460, 1721, 29th Ave SW Calgary, AB T2T 6T7 We are located on the 4th floor of cSpace Marda Loop. |