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Press and Testimonials

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2022 Guest Testimonials

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Susanna Kearsley

• Tuesday 2022 October 25 •

Being part of When Words Collide is like walking into a room where the conversation is in full swing, and being invited to pull up a comfortable chair and join in, and discovering everyone’s not only friendly but talking about things you love. From the moment I was invited to be a Guest of Honour to the final thank you email I received, everything about When Words Collide was a pure privilege for me, and a joy to be part of. The breadth of panels and workshops they offered was wonderful and instructive—when I wasn’t busy writing my keynote I was busy taking notes from a workshop! And the high level of craft that was evident in the submissions to the Live Action Slush session (where attendees anonymously submit the first page of their manuscripts to be read and critiqued by panellists) shows why When Words Collide is such an important gathering-place and resource for Canadian (and indeed international) writers on the cusp of being published. There are many conferences available to published authors, but for writers beginning their careers this is a rare opportunity to mix with and learn from published authors. And for writers at all stages of their career, from the yet-to-be-published to the multi-published and bestselling, When Words Collide provides a rare chance to mingle with and learn from writers of all stripes, from poets to screenwriters to novelists, crossing all fields and all genres, allowing for a cross-pollination of creativity. The fact that it’s volunteer-run is even more impressive, since when something runs as smoothly and as well as this year’s festival did, it’s proof that there were a lot of people working tremendously hard behind the scenes to make that happen. I’m honoured and grateful to have been part of this year’s festival, and hope it continues for many years to come, so that as many writers as possible, published and unpublished, can pull up their chairs to this amazing conversation.

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Ed Willett 2022 Guest of Honour

• Sunday 2022 October 16 •

When Words Collide is consistently the best writing convention of any kind I attend. The organizers are experienced and capable; the panels are both fascinating and helpful to writers at all levels of their careers; and the guests are excellent. I’ve attended many times as a panelist, and now have had the pleasure of being one of the Guests of Honour, and once again, it was a joy. As a writer-in-residence at the Regina and Saskatoon Public Libraries and as a mentor to beginning writers, I always made a point of recommending When Words Collide. It’s just that excellent.

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Hank Phillippi Ryan USA Today Bestselling Author, 2022 Guest of Honour

• Sunday 2022 October 16 •

There is magic when writers get together, and When Words Collide is magic central! My author brain is still buzzing with delight over the joyous weekend at WWC! With its vibrant and generous authors and attendees, with its passion and compassion and authentic understanding of the world of words, WWC is unmatched in its ability to provide an exciting and always thought-provoking array of classes, sessions, seminars, and discussions. I laughed, I learned, I made new friends--and my life was changed. Thank you for a brilliant and unforgettable time.

2021 Guest Testimonials

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Steena Holmes

• Tuesday 2022 February 8 •

Hands down, When Words Collide is one of my favorite author conferences to attend. Whether you are a new writer or an established author, this conference is immersive and educational, a hive of connectedness where advice, experience and learned knowledge is shared without hesitation. This is a conference the Canadian writing scene should be proud of, because it's one of the best in the industry!

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Cathy Ace

• Tuesday 2022 February 8 •

Even the virtual experience was a delight: exceptionally well planned, organized, and executed; enthusiastic and engaged attendees; a wonderful chance to exchange views on the writing craft, business, and life. The event delivered in so many ways - and I was delighted and honoured to be a part of it.

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Morgan Rhodes

• Tuesday 2022 February 8 •

WWC is a literary festival with a passionate community of writers and so much priceless information. Your brain will be overflowing with inspiration and motivation after every workshop. A truly unforgetable experience!

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Dave Reynolds

• Tuesday 2022 February 8 •

When Words Collide is a fantastic festival that offers a wide range of interesting topics and lively discussions, ready to engage and inspire readers and writers. Highly recommended!

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Vicki Delany

• Tuesday 2022 February 8 •

I was extremely disappointed when in 2021 When Words Collide had to be moved online because of the pandemic, as I had been greatly looking forward to going to Calgary and meeting everyone in person. However, the online conference turned out to be (almost) as much fun and informative. The enthusiasm of the organizers and their obvious passion for writers and writing shone through every step of the way. The online attendees were interested, enthusiastic, and highly engaged. I particularly enjoyed meeting a range of authors and hearing about their writing and their experiences.

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Fonda Lee

• Tuesday 2022 February 8 •

I’ve attended When Words Collide multiple times because of how well-run, welcoming, and invigorating it is. I especially appreciate the unique multi-genre format that allows writers of science fiction and fantasy, romance, thrillers, historical fiction and many others to mingle and learn from each other. This is a convention run by writers and readers, for writers and readers, and it shows.

2020 Press

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Cliff Samuels on CHQR

• Tuesday 2020 March 3 •

WWC board member Cliff Samuels talks about the 2020 festival with 770 CHQR's Kevin Usselman. https://omny.fm/shows/the-morning-news-with-gord-gillies/cliff-samuels

2019 Guest Testimonials

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Kat Flannery

• Wednesday 2019 October 23 •

When Words Collide is a weekend of literary fun! You will learn new innovative ways to sharpen your writing, how the publishing industry works and try your hand at pitching an agent! It is a place for creative minds to come together where lasting friendships are made!

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Lisa Mangum, Managing Editor, Shadow Mountain, Salt Lake City, Utah

• Wednesday 2019 October 23 •

...I was so impressed with the event! I attend, on average, around 20 writing conferences every year, and When Words Collide ranks among the best-run, most welcoming, and effortlessly executed events that I have been to...I feel lucky to have been invited to attend, and I look forward to being able to attend again in the future.

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James Alan Gardner

• Wednesday 2019 October 23 •

When Words Collide is a tremendous concept for a literary convention, and I don't know why more venues aren't copying it. I hope to be able to return next year for their tenth anniversary; I'll certainly try to attend whenever I can.

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Jonas Saul

• Wednesday 2019 October 23 •

When Words Collide is a masterclass in itself—engaging, moving, brilliant, and educational...No other conference I’ve attended to date has been as productive, understanding, and diverse as When Words Collide—don’t miss it!

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Leanne Shirtliffe

• Wednesday 2019 October 23 •

WWC both inspires and informs in a welcoming, energetic setting. It's the best value-for-money for any writing conference in Alberta and likely beyond. You will not regret going!

2018 Guest Testimonials

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Tasha Alexander

• Sunday 2018 September 16 •

If you can only go to one literary festival, choose When Words Collide. You’ll leave inspired and encouraged, part of an unforgettable community that will bolster you on your way to becoming a better writer. And if you’re a reader, bring a notebook: you’ll want to start a new list of books you’re desperate to read.

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Arthur Slade

• Thursday 2018 August 30 •

When Words Collide is a lot like coming home. It felt like every second person was an old friend. The conversations were dynamic, the presentations and panels even more dynamic and the energy of the whole weekend was enough to charge my writerly batteries and inspire me to get to work on my own writing. It was a truly wonderful time.

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Erin Lindsey (E.L. Tettensor)

• Tuesday 2018 August 28 •

The atmosphere at WWC is fantastic, and the festival has some of the most thoughtful and interactive panel discussions I\'ve ever encountered. Not only do you get the chance to meet a lot of wonderful writers and readers, you come away with new ideas and an invigorating sense of purpose. Definitely worth marking your calendar every year.

2017 Guest Testimonials

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Andrew Grant

• Wednesday 2017 August 30 •

When Words Collide was the best literary festival I have ever attended when it comes to connecting readers and writers. It was well organized, inspiring, inclusive, and energizing - all in all, a thoroughly uplifting experience. I particularly appreciated the interaction between fans of authors of different genres - a fertile creative environment that I haven’t experienced anywhere else.

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Sam Morgan

• Wednesday 2017 August 30 •

WWC was a delightful conference to attend. Everything was extremely well organized and all of the volunteers were incredibly nice. I think everyone from the conference goers to the panelists enjoyed themselves!

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Harold R. Johnson

• Sunday 2017 August 20 •

I had never been to When Words Collide. Didn’t know much about it. Now I do. It is a collection of incredibly friendly and kind people in love with stories and story telling. I don’t know when, but I am sure I am going back. I have friends there now.

2016 Guest Testimonials

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Ian Hamilton, author of The Princeling of Nanjing

• Sunday 2016 September 18 •

What a joy to spend an entire weekend surrounded by a small army of book lovers. When Words Collide is the real deal when it comes to delivering an audience and an ambience. I wish every author in Canada had the chance to experience that kind of appreciation.

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Eve Silver, author of The Game series, the Dark Gothic series and The Otherkin/Sins series

• Sunday 2016 September 18 •

A fun and fantastic conference offering engaging panels and workshops for readers and writers of all genres. The organization was as streamlined as the well-oiled gears of a steampunk airship, the attendees were all of my tribe—fellow book lovers—and the experience was one I will never forget. It was an honour and a privilege to be part of this event.

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Marty Chan, author of The Marty Chan Mystery series and the Ehrich Weisz Chronicles

• Sunday 2016 September 18 •

When Words Collide is an amazing conference that inspires writers. From the time I stepped into the hotel lobby to the final panel of the conference, I knew I was in good hands. The organizers knew what they are doing and they cared about authors. The schedule was action-packed and offered something for writers of almost every genre. I only wish I could have cloned myself so I could have attended all the events.

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Julie E. Czerneda, author of Night's Edge series and The Clan Chronicles

• Sunday 2016 September 18 •

I'd heard many things—all good—about When Words Collide, so believe me I was delighted to be invited to attend in 2016. What I'd heard? Understatements. WWC proved to be convention perfection. Just the right size. Just the right shape. With so much to do at any given time that the head spun, yet ample time for conversation and food. Even better? Those attending. This is the favourite destination of writers and readers alike, and I have to say I haven't seen the match for interest and engagement outside a World Fantasy. As for how we were treated? We're coming back for more of that as soon as we're able!

Congratulations to the organizers and to the many dreamers we met in person. Well done.

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Robert Runté, Senior Editor

• Sunday 2016 September 18 •

I love the cross-genre pollination: other genres have often worked out strategies for addressing trends and issues that are just now emerging in one’s own. Bringing writers from all these different genres together makes us all stronger.

2015 Guest Testimonials

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WWC Chair at Calgary Reads

• Sunday 2015 May 17 •

WWC Chair Randy McCharles participated in a panel discussion on CBC Calgary on May 22 during the CBC Calgary Reads book sale. (Discussion begins roughly 50 minutes into the recording.)

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Robert J. Sawyer, Red Planet Blues, Triggers, FlashForward

• Sunday 2015 May 17 •

When Words Collide is my favourite convention, bar none...I go to lots of conventions as an invited guest—I was one of the guests of honour at the first When Words Collide—but WWC is the only one I fly back to year after year at my own expense.

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Michael Cassutt, Beverly Hills 90210, Twilight Zone, Max Headroom, Eerie, Indiana

• Sunday 2015 May 17 •

...a perfect combination of convention and writers conference populated by smart, talented people. I would love to go back.

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Jacqueline Guest

• Sunday 2015 May 17 •

When Words Collide is a festival for Readers and Writers at all levels from beginner to seasoned pro! Guaranteed to provide laughter, learning and the best weekend's entertainment on this planet or any other.

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Walter Jon Williams

• Sunday 2015 May 17 •

...a delightfully varied experience, with an experienced staff, fascinating guests, and a splendidly diverse approach to modern literature.

"An exuberant gathering of readers, writers, artists and publishing professionals, converging from a variety of literary, commercial and performance disciplines and genres... There truly is something for everyone."

Anthony Bidulka
Dos Equis: A Russell Quant Mystery
The Women of Skawa Island

"There's a reason When Words Collide is one of the few sold out literary conferences: well thought out panels and talks, dedicated fans, seamless organization, great hosts. And not to mention parties worth travelling half way across the country for!"

D.J. McIntosh
The Angel Of Eden, June 2015
From Penguin Random House

"... a wonderful, engaging experience ... full of bright and book-savvy people on both sides of the table ... a literary experience that challenges, intrigues and--most of all--delivers what it promises ..."

Rachel Caine
NYT and USA Today bestselling author

A fantastic all-genre conference. As a speaker, I was impressed by the festival’s level of organization and as a writer, I was impressed by just how much fun it was. I’ve been to WWC twice and look forward to returning.

Kelley Armstrong
Bitten

“When Words Collide is just about my favorite con in the world. Yes, it’s friendly and fun and all the things an author wants a con to be. But more than that, it’s a serious literary convention, run by competent, professional people who know how to put to use those of us who are there to talk about craft and publishings, and attended by smart, talented folks who love the written word. If I could, I’d go back every year.”

David B. Coe/D.B. Jackson
A Plunder of Souls

"...A top notch conference providing information, networking, from professionals and experts from across the spectrum of writing and publishing, and a place where, with over 20 years of experience in the industry, I found great value and walked away with powerful new learnings. I signed up to attend the next year the second they started taking registrations."

Mark Leslie
Kobo Director of Self-Publishing and Author Relations
Tomes of Terror: Haunted Bookstores and Libraries

2019 Blog Postings

2014 Blog Postings

2013 Testimonials

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Robert Runté, University of Lethbridge Professor, Five Rivers Publishing Senior Editor.

• Sunday 2014 July 27 •

I must say that WWC is my favourite convention these days. The multi-genre programming has lead to a lot of cross-pollination that is just wonderful. E.g., my favourite panel last year was one given by the Director of The Alberta Playwrights Network on playwriting...so many suggestions for staging and structure that went straight into my novel writing. So highly recommended.

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2013 WWC Blog Postings

• Thursday 2013 August 15 •

Blog posts from attendees at the 2013 When Words Collide festival:

2012 Press

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Michelle Lindah - What I've Found

• Friday 2012 August 24 •

When Words Collide 2012 - Friday

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Chadwick Ginther

• Sunday 2012 August 19 •

When Words Collide Roundup

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Another Honour for Kevin J. Anderson

• Tuesday 2012 June 5 •

The International Association of Media Tie-in Writers has named author Kevin J. Anderson as this year's Grandmaster, honouring his lifetime achievement in the field.

Testimonials

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Carrie Mumford

• Monday 2012 August 6 •

Five Reasons to Attend When Words Collide by Carrie Mumford

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Blog posts from attendees at the 2011 When Words Collide festival:

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"I'm definitely planning on attending after hearing so many rave reviews about the 2011 event."

Alison Lohans (YA/children's author)

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"I think I speak for everyone who was there—that was an outstanding convention and very worthy of SFC support. I will be there next year, for sure."

Robert Runté (SF author and editor)

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Susan Forest

• Saturday 2012 July 21 •

I found When Words Collide to be a very good networking opportunity. Unbeknownst to me, a person attending my reading at the festival last year was an editor for a Canadian publisher, and immediately after my reading he approached me about putting together a collection of my short fiction. Long story short: my collection, Immunity to Strange Tales will be launched at When Words Collide this summer by Five Rivers Chapmanry Press!