WritersFest’s New Year-Round Series

For 17 Years, Kingston WritersFest has been one of the city’s premier cultural events, bringing celebrated authors and passionate readers together each fall. This summer, the festival is expanding its literary reach with the launch of KWF Presents, an exciting new year-round series designed to bring extraordinary writers to Kingston whenever unique opportunities arise.

The inaugural event, Ancient Myths, Modern Nightmares, takes place on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at The Spire, featuring an unforgettable conversation between two of Canada’s most acclaimed contemporary authors: Booker Prize-winning novelist Yann Martel and Kingston’s own New York Times bestselling author Iain Reid.

Rather than waiting for the annual festival, KWF Presents gives audiences the chance to experience world-class literary conversations throughout the year, opening the door for internationally renowned authors whose schedules don’t align with the traditional fall festival.

The evening brings together two remarkable storytellers whose latest novels explore memory, identity, mythology, and the unsettling spaces between reality and imagination.

Yann Martel, whose beloved novel Life of Pi captured readers around the globe before becoming an Academy Award-winning film directed by Ang Lee, returns with Son of Nobody. His newest work reimagines the legendary Trojan War through the eyes of an ordinary soldier, while weaving together the story of a modern academic struggling with both his career and family life. It is an ambitious exploration of history, myth, and the stories we tell to make sense of ourselves.

Joining Martel is Kingston author Iain Reid, one of Canada’s most innovative literary voices. Reid first captivated readers with I’m Thinking of Ending Things, an international bestseller later adapted into a critically acclaimed film by Charlie Kaufman. His newest novel, A New Kind of Clean, co-written with Ellie Foumbi, follows aspiring actress Missy Djalo as a long-awaited opportunity becomes an increasingly surreal journey through ambition, envy, and psychological uncertainty.

Together, Martel and Reid will discuss how they challenge readers’ expectations by blending mythology, suspense, memory, and imagination into stories that linger long after the final page.

Whether you’ve followed these authors for years or you’re searching for your next unforgettable read, Ancient Myths, Modern Nightmares promises a fascinating evening of conversation, insight, and literary discovery. It’s also the perfect introduction to KWF Presents, an exciting new chapter that will allow Kingston’s literary community to enjoy exceptional author events throughout the year.

Event Details

Event: Ancient Myths, Modern Nightmares – Yann Martel & Iain Reid

Presented by: Kingston WritersFest – KWF Presents

Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: The Spire, Kingston

Tickets are on sale now.