Let’s Talk Fantasy Romance
with New York Times Bestselling Author and UCalgary Alum Danielle L. Jensen
Oct. 24 | 5 p.m. | In-person and virtual
MacEwan Hall Ballroom
Whether you’re new to terms like “fantasy romance” and “romantasy” or you’re a die-hard fan who's always up to date on BookTok, you won’t want to miss this amazing session with New York Times bestselling author Danielle L. Jensen.
The panelists — including Danielle L. Jensen, BA’01, and Slow Burn Books co-founder Shannon MacNaughton, MBA’19 — will share their insights about the fast-growing fantasy romance genre, worldbuilding, the future of publishing, the impact of AI, advice for aspiring authors, and more.
Books will be available for purchase from Slow Burn Books, and Danielle will sign copies of her novels after the panel discussion.
- 5:00 p.m. – Doors open; food and refreshments available; books available for purchase
- 6:00 p.m. – Panel discussion including audience Q&A
- 7:00 p.m. – Book signing with Danielle L. Jensen; books available for purchase
- 8:00 p.m. – Event ends
Whether you’re an alum, a student, or a member of the Calgary community, come and experience an unforgettable evening of fantasy romance, connection with other book lovers, and an insightful discussion with a leading author!
About the speakers
Danielle L. Jensen, BComm’03 (she/her)
New York Times bestselling author
Danielle L. Jensen, BComm’03, is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood, A Curse Carved in Bone, and the Bridge Kingdom, Dark Shores, and Malediction series. Her novels are published internationally in twenty-two languages. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her family and guinea pigs.
Shannon MacNaughton, MBA’19 (she/her)
Co-founder, Slow Burn Books
Shannon MacNaughton is the co-owner of Slow Burn Books and a lifelong book lover. She began her career in Calgary’s energy sector after earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mount Royal University in 2015, later completing her MBA at the University of Calgary in 2019. Shannon’s path to owning a bookstore wasn’t linear, but her entrepreneurial spark was lit early on, when she launched her own ceramics practice in 2011. That entrepreneurial passion eventually led her and her sister Nicola to open Slow Burn Books in early 2023 - the first brick-and-mortar romance bookstore in Canada. Together, they’ve built a welcoming, community-focused space for readers who love romance in all its forms.
Since leaving the corporate world, Shannon has thrown herself wholeheartedly into this new chapter, excited to channel her creativity, business experience, and love of literature into growing Slow Burn Books.
About the moderator
Heather Clitheroe, BA’01 (she/they)
Instructor, UCalgary Continuing Education
Heather is an award-winning instructor, teaching courses in science fiction and fantasy, mystery, fan fiction and business writing. She also leads creative writing programs for teens and adults with the Calgary Public Library. Heather’s fiction can be found in science fiction and fantasy anthologies and magazines; she is a submissions editor with Uncanny Magazine.
About the venue
MacEwan Hall ballroom is located in UCalgary’s Main Campus at 424 Collegiate Blvd NW, on the third floor of the building (see map). Learn more about getting to and parking on campus.
Alumni programs are made possible through the generous support of UCalgary Alumni Association Partners TD Insurance and Manulife.