When Words Collide 2026

J.C. (John) Corry’s first childhood memory was peering through stained glass in a church in London, England, colouring a passion for historical fiction. An army brat, he lived in ten homes by the age of ten in Canada, England and Australia, studied literature (where his love for Chaucer began) and film, and shot and produced TV documentaries exploring why artists create. He continued this exploration in his debut historical novel The Storyteller’s War: Geoffrey Chaucer Reluctant Spy, released in 2025 by US publisher Black Rose Writing. The Storyteller’s Reputation: Geoffrey Chaucer, Reluctant Spy is planned for a 2027 release. He also writes flash fiction, short stories and creative nonfiction, and is a member of the Historical Novel Society, Historical Writers' Association, Writer's Union of Canada and Federation of BC Writers. He has spoken on panels at the invitation of the Kauai Writers Conference, Black Bond Books and When Worlds Collide, and is pleased to return to the festival again this year.