I’ll be at When Words Collide in August!

I’ve had the honour of being on two virtual panels for When Words Collide (WWC), an award-winning literary conference that takes place in Calgary, Alberta. Now I get to go in person! And it’s my first time ever visiting that city, so that’s much excite!

The conference takes place from August 16-18, 2024 at the Delta Calgary South, and it’s sold out. There is a merchant’s room, but I am not sure if that’s available to non-attendees. (I will find out!)

If you are going, then you might want to check out this cool panel I am simply stoked to be on:

We are the heroes, not the sidekicks: Building worlds and stories in SFF that centre disabled protagonists  
Many times when a disabled character is introduced into science fiction and fantasy, they are a token character, often crafted by authors who do not have lived experience of disability. As a result, readers can’t really find representation that reflects their lives. This panel would discuss how one can craft their world-building and storytelling with their disabled, Deaf, Blind, and/or neurodivergent heroes taking centre stage.
Panelists: Cait Gordon, Madona Skaff-Koren, Marilyn Kleiber
Moderator: Fiona McTaggart
Event details: Saturday, August 17, 4pm – 5pm MDT, Kananaskis 1

I really hope to meet you there! I’ve heard they might order some of my books for the merchants room, but if you have already bought my books, come and find me after this panel, and I will be happy to sign them for you!

Wishing everyone a safe travel for this event!

Cait Gordon is an autistic, disabled, and queer Canadian writer of speculative fiction that celebrates diversity. She is the author of the award-nominated disability-hopepunk adventure, Season One: Iris and the Crew Tear Through Space! Cait also founded the Spoonie Authors Network and joined Talia C. Johnson to co-edit the multi-genre, disability fiction anthologies Nothing Without Us (a 2020 Prix Aurora Award finalist) and Nothing Without Us Too (a 2023 Prix Aurora Award winner).