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.

The 2025 Lineup

FEATURED GUESTS​

Stephen Graham Jones

Emily St. John Mandel

Terry Brooks

SPECIAL GUESTS​

Brad Orsted

Kelley Armstrong

Bradley Somer

Kelly Siskind

Finnian Burnett

Wakefield Brewster

GUESTS AGENTS​

Naomi Davis
Bookends Literary Agency

Carolyn Forde
Transatlantic Agency

Jennifer Chevais
The Rights Factory

Experience the fun

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Our Sponsors

A huge thank you to our sponsors. 

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