WritersFest:Beyond the Veil of Things
Step beyond the boundaries of the familiar during Beyond the Veil of Things, a Kingston WritersFest conversation featuring Kate Heartfield, Sophia Hannan and Rebecca Hirsch Garcia. The three authors will explore remarkable works of fantasy in which history, mystery and reality itself are transformed through imaginative storytelling.
Three-time Aurora Award winner Kate Heartfield brings Mercutio, a poetic work of 13th-century historical fantasy examining love, loyalty and lives shaped by unfortunate stars. Drawing readers into a world where myth and history meet, the novel offers a fresh perspective on a familiar literary figure while considering the powerful bonds that connect—and divide—its characters.
Sophia Hannan presents her debut novel, We Were Never Here. Described by one reviewer as a slow-burning young adult mystery steeped in Gothic atmosphere, the book invites readers into a shadowy story filled with questions, unease and carefully unfolding secrets. Hannan’s appearance offers festival audiences an opportunity to meet an emerging author and discover the creative journey behind her first published novel.
O. Henry Prize winner Rebecca Hirsch Garcia introduces Other Evolutions, a work in which the separation between reality and unreality is not simply blurred but completely shattered. Her imaginative storytelling challenges readers to reconsider what is possible, opening the door to strange transformations and worlds that refuse to remain within conventional boundaries.
Together, these three writers demonstrate the extraordinary range of contemporary fantasy. Their books move through historical settings, Gothic mysteries and startling encounters with the unreal, showing how speculative storytelling can illuminate questions of identity, devotion, uncertainty and change.
The conversation will be joined by Kimberly Lemaire and offers readers an opportunity to hear directly from the authors about their work, inspirations and approaches to creating stories that reach beyond the visible world. Fantasy enthusiasts, aspiring writers and adventurous readers are invited to begin their Kingston WritersFest experience with this imaginative morning discussion.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Venue: Limestone C, Kingston Marriott
Address: 285 King Street East, Kingston
Featuring: Kate Heartfield, Sophia Hannan and Rebecca Hirsch Garcia
With: Kimberly Lemaire
Category: Arts & Theatre
