About Us

What We Do

The Wild Writers Literary Festival inspires through the written word. Each year, the festival assembles a diverse range of up and coming and established Canadian writers to celebrate the inventive, innovative, and incandescent power of literature. Readers and writers are invited to be inspired, enlightened, and learn from masters of the writer’s craft. Featuring readings from the latest great Canadian books, thought-provoking conversations, and inspiring writing workshops over a three-day literary weekend, there’s something for every reader and writer to enjoy.

Bringing Readers and Writers Together Since 2012

The Wild Writers Literary Festival has hosted Canada’s top literary talent in the heart of Uptown Waterloo since 2012. The festival was founded by the nationally-circulated and award-winning literary magazine, The New Quarterly, The Balsillie School of International Affairs, and Words Worth Books. Over the years, the festival has featured a wide array of rising literary stars and established Canadian authors including Heather O’Neill, Alexander MacLeod, Waubgeshig Rice, Rawi Hage, Sharon Bala, and many more.

Local Support for Writers in the Wild

Alongside our presenting partners, The Balsillie School of International Affairs and Words Worth Books, the Wild Writers Literary Festival is supported and championed by small businesses and organizations local to Waterloo Region. Thanks to their support, we are able to foster our growing literary community and celebrate our love of literature. See who our supporters are on Our Champions page.

A Message from Our Creative Director

Pamela Mulloy

“We are thrilled and grateful to be able to meet people face to face, to see audience members chatting with writers, to see people compare notes after events. We’re returning to our format of the readings, conversations, panel discussions, and workshops that will stimulate both readers and writers alike. At The New Quarterly our aim is to bring together a community of writers, showcasing their work in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. We bring this same sense of community and curiosity to Wild Writers, where you can meet the writers, ask questions, be curious.”