AI SCAM ALERT: Invitations for special guests to appear at When Words Collide are sent by publishers or agents to their authors or direct from Alexandra Writers Centre Society. Individual presenters are invited to apply through our regular application process that opens in late fall of each year. If you receive any communication from an email account (particularly a gmail account) purporting to be from a When Words Collide representative, it is likely an AI-generated scam. We only work through the above mentioned way and our official emails are from emails ending in alexandrawriters.org
FULL WHEN WORDS COLLIDE 2026 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE AVAILABLE NOW!
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We are proud to announce the full WHEN WORDS COLLIDE 2026 lineup is now available on SCHED.
Featuring 170+ events, 150+ presenters, and more genres than you can shake a bookmark at for 3 sweet summer days and nights in Calgary, AB, from August 14-16, 2026. If you are a writer, reader or fan, we dare you to have more fun at a festival this summer. |
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About the FestivalHeld in Calgary, Alberta, every August, When Words Collide is Canada's largest multi-genre, writer/reader/fan/ festival. Meet artists and publishers of commercial and literary fiction, including genre, YA, children's books, poetry, and more, from across Canada and the world.
When Words Collide supports writers in the craft and business of writing, exploring all avenues of the writing process, publishing and storytelling, while building a strong literary community. We love to bring local writers (Alberta and Canada) to the attention of book lovers. |
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WHEN WORDS COLLIDE 2025 PHOTO ALBUMS
Enjoy this look back at 2025's festival highlights.
We saw over 900 writers, readers, and fans flow through When Words Collide last year. See if you can spot yourself!
Photo credit: David Kotsibie / Persuasion Photo and Janis Isaman / Photos of People
We saw over 900 writers, readers, and fans flow through When Words Collide last year. See if you can spot yourself!
Photo credit: David Kotsibie / Persuasion Photo and Janis Isaman / Photos of People
Experience the fun
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THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS & SPONSORS
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FUNDERS
Alberta Foundation for the Arts Calgary Arts Development City of Calgary Government of Alberta |
SPONSORS
Tourism Calgary Canadiana Music The Writers Guild of Alberta Friesen Press Owl's Nest Books Scott Saxberg - Cache Island Resources Shadowpaw Press Solas Energy |
SPONSORS
The Alexandra Writers Centre Society The Estate of Darlene Louka Former When Words Collide Society Jamie Banks Windy Springs Publishing O'Fee Law Taylor Law |
