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August 16-18, 2024

proudly brought to you by a collective of literary communities
Alexandra Writers' Centre
  • Home
  • About
    • The History
    • The Mission
    • The Team
    • Board of Directors >
      • Meet our Board of Directors
      • AWCS Staff / Board Hub
    • Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
    • Our Donors and Sponsors
    • Contact
  • What We Offer
    • The Sabon Literary Salon
    • In Person Schedule & Events Calendar
    • Courses
    • Workshops
    • Featured Events
    • The AWCS Community
    • Programs & Services
    • When Words Collide 2025
    • Corporate Programming
    • Youth Programs
    • Books, Gifts and More...
  • Members
    • Membership
    • Free or Low-Cost Programs & Drop Ins for Members
    • J Michael Fay Subsidy Program
    • Resources for Writers
    • Book Your Space
    • AWCS Library Loans Form
    • Member Showcase >
      • Many Voices Winners
      • A Poem a Day
      • Two Truths and a Lie
Register for 2025
Get your tickets now
QUICKLINKS
Registration
2024 Line Up
About the Festival
2024 WWC Podcast

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Held 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.
LEARN MORE
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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 
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Merchant Room: 9am - 6pm
Showcase Event: 7pm - 10pm



SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
Festival Hours: 9am - 5pm 
Merchant Room: 9am - 5pm
Closing Event: 4pm

REGISTER

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August 16 - 18, 2024
Delta Calgary South | 
​135 Southland Dr. SE, Calgary, AB


PLEASE CONTACT US TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST
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​SOLD OUT

Festival Pass: $75
Saturday Night Showcase Event: SOLD OUT
Master Classes: $40-$60 each
Register Now
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
VIEW THE 2024 LINEUP

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.
learn more

eXPERIENCE tHE FESTIVAL

MASTERCLASSES

Join 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!

register

pre-festival programming

Can'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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LEARN MORE

programming

NOW 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!
2024 Program

MERCHANTs' ROOM

Experience 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.
LEARN MORE

2024 Presenters

We 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!
View Presenters

writing contest

The 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. ​
learn MORE
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2024 PODCASTS

GET INVOLVED

VOLUNTEER

No great event would be possible without the support of many wonderful volunteers. Apply to be a volunteer. ​
APPLY

hidden art show

We are currently accepting applications to be an artist in the Hidden Art Room. Submissions are open until April 15.
learn ​more

be a presenter or panelist

Applications 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!
LEarn More

MERCHANTS' ROOM

We 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!
​WAITLIST

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. 
​

A FRIEND OF WWC

Minimum $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. 

A WWC AFFILIATE

Community 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.

SIGNATURE PArtner

For 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+ 

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DONATE TODAY
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join the email list

Sign up for our festival newsletter to be the first to know about the latest news, programming updates, and more!
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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.

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Cancellation/Refund Policy
Code of Conduct
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility
Privacy Policy
Alexandra Writers' Centre Society
460, 1721, 29th Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2T 6T7


403.264.4730
General Inquiries: [email protected]
  • Home
  • About
    • The History
    • The Mission
    • The Team
    • Board of Directors >
      • Meet our Board of Directors
      • AWCS Staff / Board Hub
    • Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
    • Our Donors and Sponsors
    • Contact
  • What We Offer
    • The Sabon Literary Salon
    • In Person Schedule & Events Calendar
    • Courses
    • Workshops
    • Featured Events
    • The AWCS Community
    • Programs & Services
    • When Words Collide 2025
    • Corporate Programming
    • Youth Programs
    • Books, Gifts and More...
  • Members
    • Membership
    • Free or Low-Cost Programs & Drop Ins for Members
    • J Michael Fay Subsidy Program
    • Resources for Writers
    • Book Your Space
    • AWCS Library Loans Form
    • Member Showcase >
      • Many Voices Winners
      • A Poem a Day
      • Two Truths and a Lie