Name: An Isekai by Any Other Name
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

Portal fantasy, parallel dimensions, alternate timelines, maybe even time travel or cryogenics. From Outlander to Back to the Future, John Carter to George Bailey, Oz to Narnia, these stories place contemporary characters in a new and unfamiliar settings. What are some of the storytelling advantages (and potential pitfalls) of throwing your character headlong into another world? And why do readers keep coming back for more?

Moderators

Chris Carolan

Presenters

Jodi McIsaac

Jodi McIsaac was born and raised in New Brunswick. Her debut novel, Through the Door, held the #1 spot on Amazon’s science fiction and fantasy bestseller list, as well as #2 in the overall Kindle store. She has since published five other novels with 47North and Thomas & Mercer... Read More →

Selene O'Rourke

Selene lives in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. She is a writer and editor who aims to someday visit her namesake. In the meantime, she'll have to settle for building distant (or alternate) worlds of her own.

Calvin Jim

I am a writer of Asian-speculative fiction and have been writing for over 15 years. I have been published in numerous anthologies including Prairie Gothic and Where the Stars Rise. I have been nominated for 4 Aurora Awards including 3 for Best Short Fiction. I have previously spoken... Read More →

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

Panel

When Words Collide 2026

Chris Carolan

Jodi McIsaac

Selene O'Rourke

Calvin Jim

Attendees (19)

Get help with the event

When Words Collide 2026

Chris Carolan

Jodi McIsaac

Selene O'Rourke

Calvin Jim

Attendees (19)

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