Can*Con - Ottawa 2025

Every year around mid-to-late October, something magical happens in Ottawa. Hundreds of writers gather to talk, share ideas, and develop their craft. It's called Can*Con, and I I love it. I wait all year for this Canadian writers' event, and I'm never let down. I've gone three times, and every time has been great.

Me with Erin Whitely, Rae Roy, and Don Miasek at Can*Con in Ottawa

The weekend is full of panels, master classes, author signings, book launches, pitch sessions, and more. There are always so many panels to choose from, with topics ranging from maintaining creativity as a writer to deep dives into the business side of things. Panels on traditional publishing are always a focus but, in the 3 years I've been going, talks on indie and self publishing are becoming more common.

Me with Jordan Richer, Ira Nayman, and Geneviève Hébert-Jodoin

Being a Speaker at Can*Con

After my first year (2023) attending this wonderful event, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. So last year (2024), I was a speaker and moderator for a few of the panels. This year (2025), I did the same, speaking on a few panels to packed conference rooms.

My first panel was Non-Logical Worldbuilding with Ira Nayman, Geneviève Hébert-Jodoin, and Jordan Richer. This was Friday evening, and it was such a great way to start the weekend. The topic was a little loosey-goosey (how could it not be, with a topic like that...), but we ended up getting in a really good chat about worldbuilding across genres, series, and widespread universes.

Me with Jen Desmarais, Don Miasek, and Amelinda Bérubé

My second panel was The Bond of Brothers: Writing Sibling Relationships with Don Miasek, Jen Desmarais, and Amelinda Bérubé. This was so much fun, talking about how writing siblings is different than writing other relationships, and some tips and tricks for getting this right.

 I had a blast at both of panels, delving into the topics with my fellow authors. Most of the people who attend Can*Con are writers, so everyone was engaged and responsive, asking questions and furthering the conversations.

Other notable panels I went and saw were: The Player- Shaped Hole (focusing on writing for video games! woot woot!), Be Less Precious About Your Writing Habits, Queer But No Romo, and Local Writing Communities & How to Join Them.

James Downe and Justin Dill at the Toronto Sci-Fi & Fantasy Writers' vendor table

The Can*Con Vendors Room

This year was a first for me and my writing group, as we had a table in the vendors room. This was another hit, not just for me but the entire group. The wonderful Y.M. Pang oversaw/organized/managed our table, adding a special touch for the whole weekend.

Big and small, the vendors there were all incredible. The vendors room was much larger than previous years, and oh wow did it make a difference. Walking around, buying a few wonderful books, and chatting with the authors and artisans there was pure magic.

Oh boy... k, so this is me with Shivani, Justin Dill, Julia Wang, Danny F. Santos, Peter G. Reynolds, Y.M. Pang, Erin Whiteley, Jaime Babb, Don Miasek, Jesse McMinn, and Jennifer Davis

Already Looking Forward to Next Year

This year's Can*Con was the best yet, and I can't wait to see what happens next year. I have immense gratitude and respect for the wonderful people that organize it and make the magic happen.

It is no small feat to get so many writers and creatives together like this, sharing stories, telling lies, and generally just building connections. That is so much of it for me. These connections. Meeting new people and getting together with old friends.

I love every second of it.

Cheers, and thanks for reading!