A black square image with contrasting red text and an image of a open book, taken end-on, with the pages splayed open so it looks as though someone is flipping through them. Red maple leaf images are arranged to look like they are spilling out of the book. Text in the top left corner reads: “Something BIG is happening! FictionFest.ca”Recently I had the opportunity to jump into a fantastic new celebration of Canadian fiction with both feet: Canada Fiction Fest, a free online two-week event launched by N.P. Thompson (and co-hosted by Steve Hugh Westenra).

Canada Fiction Fest features 121 Canadian authors from 11 provinces and territories doing 36 author group readings and panel discussions, along with a showcase of their works across all genres – fantasy, mystery, romance, science fiction, horror, and more! My TBR has now grown substantially, and I encourage you to do the same in support of Canadian authors. 🙂

I was thrilled to be able to read from my paranormal fantasy novel Fortune’s Shadow in a panel on June 27 and listen to three other fantasy authors (whose works also included ghostly vibes!), J.F. Garrard, David Jón Fuller, and Y.R. Liu. Their readings were all amazing and I recommend catching the entire panel replay.

I also participated in the panel “From the Urban to the Epic: What Makes it Fantasy?” and had an absolute blast discussing what makes this our favourite genre with Stephanie Caye, Ash Kreider, and Will J Fawley.

All of the replays from the event can be found at the Canada Fiction Fest Youtube channel, but only until mid-July, so check them out now!

Kudos to N.P. Thompson for launching this event. All the participants I encountered were so excited by the chance to meet other Canadian authors and talk about their works. This is the first online event in Canada with this national scope across traditionally published, hybrid, and indie authors, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. I hope to see another one next year! In the meantime, back to writing (after I finish browsing the showcase!)

Cheers,

Sue