Name: Survival Skills in Dystopian Fiction
Start: 2026-08-14T12:00:00-0600
End: 2026-08-14T13:15:00-0600

A Festival for Writers, Readers, and Fans

Friday August 14, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT

Let’s explore a few different dystopian scenarios and see what a person would absolutely need to actually survive for years and years. Most of us know the basic survival needs for humans. Could you do it? What settings may have special requirements for survival? What type of person is best suited for survival in a dystopian setting? What might your character’s strengths and weaknesses be?

Moderators

Valerie L. King

member, IFWA

Presenters

Sandy Fitzpatrick

Gary Renshaw

Don Miasek

Moderator, Toronto Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers

Don Miasek is a two-time Aurora Finalist writing from smack dab in the middle of Toronto, Canada. His editorial work brought Amazon best sellers Imps & Minions and Aurora Finalist Strange Wars to market, as well as Speculative North magazine. His debut science fiction novel, Pale... Read More →

Susan Forest

Editor, Laksa Media Groups

Susan Forest is the author of dual Aurora Award-winners Bursts of Fire and Flights of Marigold as well as over 25 internationally-published short stories (Analog, Asimov's, Beneath Ceaseless Skies). She edits an award-winning anthology series for Laksa Media Groups, and was Edito... Read More →

Friday August 14, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Herald

Panel

When Words Collide 2026

Valerie L. King

Sandy Fitzpatrick

Gary Renshaw

Don Miasek

Susan Forest

Attendees (21)

Get help with the event

When Words Collide 2026

Valerie L. King

Sandy Fitzpatrick

Gary Renshaw

Don Miasek

Susan Forest

Attendees (21)

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