In just a few days, one of Calgary’s largest writers festivals will throw open its doors and welcome readers, editors, publishers, illustrators and, of course, writers. When Words Collide has grown quickly in three years. The festival coordinators anticipate about 500 people to attend this year, up from 417 in 2012 and 282 in 2011. Word has spread: Calgary is the place to be August 9 – 11 if you are part of the writing and publishing world.
Do you write (or read) mystery, romance, literary, science fiction, young adult, historical fiction or even erotica? This conference welcomes everyone. “At its inception, WWC set out to break down barriers between different writing ghettos,” says Susan Forest, WWC Affiliates Liaison. Each year, the programming has grown stronger in its appeal to a wider array of writers. About 15 hours of this year’s programming have been scheduled for Young Adult writers. “We also really hope to have strong representation from the mystery community, as there will be no Bloody Words convention this year,” says Forest. Speakers with unique backgrounds and expertise, such as police forensics or the pharmacology of death, are sure to be popular.
Guests of Honour include Hollywood screen writer, Michael Cassutt, local historical/non-fiction/YA writer Shirley Smith Matheson, and Associate Publisher of Turnstone Books, Jamis Paulson. Other special guests include Patricia Briggs, D.B. Jackson (David B. Coe), and Barbara Fradkin.
The festival is built upon the “pay-it-forward” philosophy. “We really depend on the generosity of the writing community to make the festival work,” says Forest – not in a monetary way, but in sharing their knowledge and experience with other writers. “No one – none of the organizers or any of the speakers – is paid, which is why the conference is so affordable.”
And it’s loads of fun! The weekend offers parties hosted by various Calgary writing groups, a murder mystery banquet, autograph sessions, Koffee Klatches, pitch sessions and Live Action Slush. Sound interesting? Visit http://whenwordscollide.org to check out the details.
