In this episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan chats with the brains behind When Words Collide, Canada’s literary fiesta happening August 14-16, 2026, in Calgary. Join festival founder Randy McCharles, exec director Robin Van Eck, and festival director Nicole Zylstra as they spill the beans on what makes this festival a must-visit for writers and readers alike.

Get the scoop on their fun, multi-genre vibe, the sense of community, and the wild lineup featuring over 150 presenters and 170 activities—yes, including a Goblin Casino! You’ll hear why networking here can change your life and how the festival champions creativity and inclusivity.

Whether you’re a pro or just dipping your toes into writing, this episode is your ticket to the delightful chaos of When Words Collide!

Check out When Words Collide:
https://whenwordscollide.org

Follow Chris Corvan:
@chrisofthevoid

Music by GRIDLAZER:
https://www.instagram.com/___f4ilur3/

00:00 Chris Corvin talks about When Words Collide, Canada's biggest literary festival

01:12 Randy McCharles is the founder and one of the key forces behind the festival

02:29 Robin says When Words Collide is incredibly energetic and welcoming

03:57 When Words Collide is known for being multi genre

10:25 What makes WWC different from a traditional literary festival or writers conference

12:18 When Words Collide is a collision of all these genres

17:17 The festival brings together readers, writers, publishers, agents and presenters

20:01 What do you think people most misunderstand about the conference before they attend

24:25 Let's talk about intimidating. Let's look at the artist resume

24:56 When Words Collide has reputation for being both professional and playful

29:48 Nicole: There's a showcase event that Kevin McDonald is doing

31:42 Buffet Style Festival is a great way to get your feet wet

34:33 Going to the website can help you plan out your day out

35:53 How is a first time attendee supposed to approach the festival without getting overwhelmed

39:34 Robin: Community building is at the core of everything we do at IFA

43:17 When Words Collide could not happen without the support of some really important groups

48:01 We're going to ask five questions from each of you in five words

49:06 Traditional publishing or indie publishing? Which is better

53:48 What was the first story you ever Wrote

54:27 What is one piece of random advice you would give a new writer

55:29 Robin, what is one thing people underestimate about leading an arts organization

57:19 What did theater teach you about storytelling? Step out to the point

58:05 As someone who teaches public speaking, what is the fastest way a writer can become

59:55 What is one thing directing taught you about managing creative chaos

01:00:46 Robin: Randy, where could people find you and your work

01:02:00 Go ahead, sell me the conference by going back to your previous prompt

Chris Corvan chats with Sara Elisabeth about So I’ll Know, her dark MM romance and the third book in the Pacific Northwest Boy series.

This episode digs into Marcus and Jeremy’s intense push and pull, the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, writing trauma alongside romance, the importance of stories for people who feel invisible, 90s music, messy drafting, and Sara’s crossover collaboration with S.M.R. Burton.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of trauma, mental health, and self-harm in fiction. Please listen with care.

Find So I’ll Know:
https://hovpress.com/so-ill-know-sara-elisabeth/
https://books2read.com/so-ill-know

Find Sara Elisabeth:
https://saraelisabethauthor.com/
https://www.instagram.com/saraelisabethauthor

Find Chris Corvan:
@chrisofthevoid

Music by GRIDLAZER:
https://www.instagram.com/___f4ilur3/

In this episode of Dripping Creativity: Let's chat, host Chris Corvan steps into the mythic dark fantasy of Heaven That Never Was, the prequel short story to the screenplay Devil’s Delight.

Chris is joined by authors Lelina Smith and Bruce Smith for a conversation about rebellion, identity, free will, and the complicated beauty of a reimagined Heaven filled with angels, power, longing, and fracture.

Together, they unpack the story’s setting, the emotional roots of the Morning Star’s fall from grace, and the forbidden desires that drive the characters forward. Lelina and Bruce also discuss their collaborative writing process, the challenge of transforming a screenplay world into a short story, and the scenes that carried the most emotional weight.

This episode blends creativity, dark humor, and big philosophical questions as the conversation moves through good and evil, choice and consequence, and the kinds of stories that still echo in the world around us.

If you love dark fantasy, mythic storytelling, morally complicated angels, and creative process conversations with a little bite, this one belongs in your ears.

Links

• Pick up Heaven That Never Was: https://hovpress.com/heaven-that-never-was/
• Music by Gridlazer: https://gridlazergrid.bandcamp.com/
• Follow Lelina Smith: https://hovpress.com/authors_lelina_smith/
• Follow Bruce Smith: https://hovpress.com/authors_bruce_smith/
• Follow Chris Corvan: https://chriscorvan.bio.link/

Episode Chapters

00:00 Sponsored by House of Void Press
01:04 Describing Heaven That Never Was
04:08 Bruce’s introduction to this Heaven
06:16 Why free will matters in the story
08:30 Making Heaven beautiful and restrictive
11:21 The scene that clicked while writing
15:15 Finding the right ending
16:41 From screenplay to short story
19:32 Translating visual storytelling into prose
20:30 Social and political commentary
27:08 The Morning Star’s plan
30:04 Understanding Morning Star’s motivations

In the Season 3 premiere of Dripping Creativity, Chris Corvan sits down with author and professor Alecsandra Kakon to talk about her debut novel, This Is Why I Need You.

This is a book about friendship, secrets, identity, and the quiet tension of everything we avoid saying out loud. So naturally, we had to get into the messy stuff: complicated friend groups, the strange crisis point of turning thirty, the stories we tell ourselves, and the people who become mirrors whether we asked them to or not.

Alexandra talks about moving between academia and creative writing, how the pandemic helped push this novel into existence, and why friendship became the emotional engine of the book. We dig into multiple points of view, character morality, editing, emotional honesty, and the terrifying little truth that readers will never see your characters exactly the way you do. Rude, honestly. Beautiful, but rude.

We also talk about trauma, silence, neurodiversity, parenting, privilege, psychological abuse, and why the most interesting characters are rarely cleanly “good” or “bad.” They are people. Which is much worse. And much better.

At its heart, this episode asks a deceptively simple question:

Who are your people, and are you actually showing up for them?

A sharp, heartfelt conversation with a rising voice in contemporary fiction.

Music by Gridlazer
https://gridlazergrid.bandcamp.com/

Pre-order This Is Why I Need You:
https://ecwpress.com/products/this-is-why-i-need-you

Follow Alecsandra Kakon:
Instagram: @Alecsandrakakon

Follow Chris Corvan:
https://chriscorvan.bio.link

Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Dripping Creativity with Alexandra Kakon
00:37 Alecsandra’s creative path before the debut novel
01:20 Writing, academia, and the myth of a “dual identity”
04:28 Silence, complex trauma, inclusion, and neurodiversity education
08:07 Parenting as storytelling
12:36 Why editing is where the magic happens
12:45 Chris reacts to This Is Why I Need You
13:09 The emotional core of the novel
15:45 Writing four points of view without losing the thread
18:54 Chris admits he over-plans because, well, ADHD
19:15 The Dirty 30 and why friendships start to shift
24:01 Plotter, pantser, or beautiful chaos goblin?
26:31 Drafts, editors, and rewriting the book into itself
29:20 What Alecsandra had to confront while writing
33:26 Who are your friends, and do you carry them with intention?
35:27 Which character will readers defend too hard?
36:56 The hidden complexity of Valentina’s storyline
38:48 When every protagonist is also someone else’s antagonist
43:40 What Alecsandra is working on next
46:38 Where to find Alecsandra Kakon and pre-order the book
47:55 Closing notes from the House of Void Network

Get ready to vibe with the latest episode of Dripping Creativity! Host Chris Corvan chats with the fabulous Montreal duo, Gabby and Gigi, the brains behind Supersum. These gals are shaking up the music scene with their wild blend of bubblegum pop and grunge—think sweet melodies with a punk punch! They’re spilling the tea on their upcoming EP, Tragedy Romantique, and diving into all the juicy themes of love, adventure, and life’s crazy twists that fuel their songwriting.But wait, there’s more! You’ll hear some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories about their creative process, including the ups and downs of recording during the pandemic and the antics of their quirky adopted alien dinosaurs (yes, you read that right!). Gabby and Gigi also reflect on the electric energy they bring to their live shows and how they’re on a mission to create music that lifts you up while keeping it real about life’s struggles.This episode is all about celebrating creativity, resilience, and the sheer joy of making music that resonates with fans. If you’re into fresh sounds, punk vibes, or just love a good story, you won’t want to miss this one!🎧 Music by Gridlazer🌐 Check out Supersum on Instagram: @supersum.official🔗 Jam out to their tunes on YouTube: Supersum YouTube Channel🔗 Follow Chris Corvan here: https://chriscorvan.bio.link

Get ready to rock out in this episode of Dripping Creativity! Host Chris Corvan is cranking up the volume as he chats with Troy and Anthony, the powerhouse pair behind the up-and-coming rock band, The Thinkers. Straight outta the buzzing underground scene of Manila, these guys are shaking things up worldwide with their gritty, analog sound that’s a breath of fresh air in a digital world. From their breakout banger "Let's Go" to the catchy new single "Hey, Wait," The Thinkers are here to remind us that rock is very much alive and kicking!Troy and Anthony take us on a wild ride through their musical journey, sharing tales from their early band days and that fateful moment when they decided to join forces as The Thinkers. They spill the beans on juggling day jobs with their musical dreams, the magic of analog recording, and the legendary influences that inspire their sound—think Nirvana meets the Smashing Pumpkins! Their no-holds-barred chat dives into the creative process behind their songs, the electric thrill of live gigs, and those jaw-dropping moments of recognition on international stages.As they tease us with details about their upcoming LP, the duo reflects on their mission to craft a unique sound that strikes a chord with listeners while exploring a mix of musical styles. This episode is a love letter to rock music and the vibrant Filipino music scene, giving us a sneak peek into the heart of a band that’s not just making tunes, but making waves.If you’re all about authentic rock vibes, captivating stories, or just want to discover your next favorite band, this episode is a total must-listen!🎧 Music by Gridlazer🌐 Check out The Thinkers at: https://www.linktr.ee/thethinkersound🔗 Follow Chris Corvan here: https://chriscorvan.bio.link

Get ready for a wild ride on this episode of Dripping Creativity! Host Chris Corvan is joined by the fabulous debut author Mackenzie M. Nolan, who’s bursting onto the scene straight from the beautiful but rugged landscapes of rural Newfoundland. Mackenzie juggles her day job as a social worker with her nighttime gig as a storyteller, and let me tell you, she’s got some stories to tell! Her debut novel, Veal, drops on October 14, 2025, and it’s packed with themes of queerness, trauma, and the spooky folklore that shaped her upbringing.

In this chat, Mackenzie spills the tea on her creative process, the meaning behind her book’s title, and how she crafts her characters with depth while tackling some pretty intense topics without falling into the stereotype trap. They also dive into her unique take on gender and identity, giving a nod to the diverse experiences of women in a world that can be a bit too patriarchal for its own good. Plus, Chris and Mackenzie get real about the ups and downs of being a debut author in the wild world of publishing.

Listeners, prepare to be enchanted by Mackenzie’s storytelling skills as she describes her book as a horror story that thinks it’s a rom-com—talk about a plot twist! If you’re into feminist horror, queer literature, or just love a good yarn, this episode is an absolute must-listen!

🎧 Music by Gridlazer

🌐 Pre-order Veal at: Chapters Indigo

🔗 Follow Mackenzie M. Nolan: https://www.instagram.com/kenznolan

🌐 Visit Mackenzie’s Goodreads: Goodreads

🔗 Follow Chris Corvan here: https://chriscorvan.bio.link

In this captivating episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan welcomes debut author Vanessa Penny, who takes us on a deep dive into her creative world. Hailing from the stunning landscapes of northern Newfoundland and rural Nova Scotia, Vanessa shares her journey of transforming her dark imagination into her upcoming novel, The Witch of Willow Sound, set to release on September 30, 2025. With a starred review from Forward Reviews and recognition as one of the most anticipated books of the year by the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association, Vanessa's work is already making waves.

As an introvert stepping into the public eye, Vanessa discusses how this transition has impacted her writing process and the importance of community support. She reflects on the role of her upbringing in shaping her storytelling, particularly how the isolation and beauty of her surroundings influence her work. The conversation delves into the themes of family, loneliness, and the gothic elements that permeate her writing, offering listeners a glimpse into the emotional depth of her characters and the haunting atmosphere of her novel.

With a passion for horror and the darker aspects of storytelling, Vanessa reveals her approach to crafting suspense and foreboding, sharing insights on how she builds tension on the page. As they explore the intricacies of writing and creativity, Chris and Vanessa discuss the balance between description and reader imagination, the art of character development, and the surprising discoveries that come with the writing process/

If you're a fan of gothic literature, dark fantasy, or simply love hearing the stories behind the stories, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Music by Gridlazer

🌐 Pre-order The Witch of Willow Sound at: https://www.ecwpress.com

🔗 Follow Vanessa Penny on Instagram: @vanessafpenney

🌐 Visit Vanessa's website: http://www.vanessapenney.ca

🔗 Follow Chris Corvan here: https://chriscorvan.bio.link

In this special anniversary episode, I sit down with legends of the stage and soul, members of Calgary’s longest-running drag troupe, Fake Mustache to celebrate 20 years of transformation, rebellion, and pure queer joy.

Born from a moment of spark on the other side of the world, Fake Mustache has become a cornerstone of Calgary’s underground performance scene. We talk origins, legacy, and the unapologetic evolution of drag culture through the lens of community. Founding members @kat_simmers, @evaangel86, @only4survivor, and @fakemustachedrag join me to reflect on the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hilarious moments that shaped a movement.

We also give you the inside scoop on their upcoming 20th Anniversary Show! A celebration of queer history, graphic storytelling, and drag performance you do not want to miss.

If you love drag, indie art, or stories that start in backroom bars and end in comic books... this one’s for you.

🎧 Music by Gridlazer

🌐 Find out more about Fake Mustache Drag Troop at: https://www.fakemustache.ca/

Fake Mustache 20th Anniversary show - https://www.showpass.com/fake-mustache-20/

🔗 Follow Chris Corvan here: @chrisofthevoid @creativecatalystcafe https://chriscorvan.bio.link

@only4survivor - LG Nails

@evaangel86 - Eva Angel

@fakemustachedrag - James Dean

@kat_simmers - Kat Simmers

In this thrilling episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan takes us on a wild journey into the mesmerizing world of Paranormal Cirque, a cabaret experience that blends horror, acrobatics, and dark comedy. Joining Chris is the captivating Sandra, a sword swallower and one of the extraordinary performers behind this unique show. Together, they peel back the layers of this theatrical spectacle that promises to leave audiences spellbound.

Sandra shares her insights into the artistry and adrenaline that fuel Paranormal Cirque, discussing how this year's iteration leans deeper into horror while showcasing an array of jaw-dropping performances. Listeners will learn about the creative process behind the scenes, the camaraderie among the performers, and the challenges of adapting to audience reactions. With tales of unexpected surprises and the thrill of live performance, Sandra gives us a glimpse into the heart of a production that dares to push boundaries.

As the conversation unfolds, Chris and Sandra delve into the importance of transparency with audiences, the artistic freedom of performers, and the exhilarating vibe that makes this traveling circus a must-see. Whether you're a horror aficionado or simply curious about the unconventional, this episode offers an enticing look at a show that promises to be anything but ordinary.

🎧 Music by Gridlazer

🌐 Find out more about Paranormal Cirque at: https://www.paranormalcirque.com/

🔗 Follow Chris Corvan here: https://chriscorvan.bio.link

00:00 - This week's Dripping Creativity podcast features Paranormal Cirque

00:55 - Zilla is the amazing Zilla working with paranormal Circus

02:06 - Paranormal Circ 4 is the fourth iteration of this show

03:12 - How far in advance do you plan a tour like this

06:03 - How much time prepping do you guys start preparing for the show

08:08 - Having to adapt to changes on the Fly makes things way less stressful

09:14 - So going into it, was there the family vibe right away

10:19 - Is there any part of the show that still gives you chill in awe

11:36 - How much creative freedom do the performers have with the show structure

12:44 - There's a lot of blood, guts, and aspect along with circus arts

15:20 - Some people think that we are a cult; others think we're just traveling circus

16:43 - Has there been any weird or unexpected audience reactions to your work

17:33 - The show is more cabaret than burlesque