Gathering of Words: The Fright Edition

Celebrate the season with The Fright Edition, a chillingly delightful edition of the Calgary Public Library’s Gathering of Words literary happy hour! Join acclaimed local authors Amy LeBlanc and Ian Kinney for an afternoon of live readings, dark delights, and a deep dive into the eerie world of horror writing.

From ghost stories and gothic atmospheres to apocalyptic nightmares and literary hauntings, this event will explore why we’re drawn to what scares us—and what drives writers to conjure up these monsters from the page.

What to Expect:

• • Live readings from Amy LeBlanc and Ian Kinney that will chill your spine and spark your imagination
• • A conversation on horror, where each author will share their personal take on writing fear, unease, and the unknown:
• • Amy LeBlanc, PhD, author of Homebodies, I know something you don't know and I used to live here, is no stranger to the gothic. Her writing dwells in domestic space turned unfamiliar and circles story’s shadow. With a careful blend of narrative precision, character depth, and dread, her work evokes the slow burn terror of something quietly - but profoundly- wrong.

• • Ian Kinney, MA, on the other hand, author of Air Salt: A Trauma Mémoire as a Result of the Fall brings horror into the sharp focus of fragments. With an experimental style and visceral imagery, Kinney confronts the horrors of the news in an apocalyptic world post-covid. His work asks us to look closer, listen harder and question what we think we know.
• • An interactive Q&A—bring your curiosity, your questions, and your favorite horror tropes!

Whether you’re a horror fanatic, a curious reader, or just here for the haunted vibes, The Fright Edition is your place to unwind, get inspired, and celebrate the thrill of fear on the page.

This isn’t your average author reading—it’s an experience.
Come gather with us… if you dare.

This event is part of Gathering of Words, your new favourite literary happy hour! This interactive and inspiring series brings stories, poetry, and creativity to life with live readings, pop-up performances, literary games, and open-mic magic.

Check out other events in our Gathering of Words series.

Also check out other Arts events in Calgary, Literary Art events in Calgary.