Krista Foss

Kingston WritersFest (KWF) has appointed Krista Foss as the new director of the literary festival.

Foss, who assumed the role as of Feb. 16, is the founder and inaugural artistic director of Hamilton, Ontario’s literary fest, gritLit: Hamilton Readers & Writers Festival. Now living in Kingston, Ontario, Foss is the author of two novels, Half Life and Smoke River and her short fiction and essays have appeared in many journals and publications. She has worked as an editor, including with the Hamilton Review of Books, and as an educator.

Foss takes over from outgoing festival director Merilyn Simonds, who took on the role, and co-chaired the board of directors, in the successful revival of Kingston WritersFest last year after the festival announced it was closing following a financially disastrous 2024 season. Simonds will continue with the festival as an advisor.

In a press release, Foss says that going forward KWF will continue with festival favourites combined with fresh and fun events and activities: “I know there are some wonderful ideas already percolating in this community and among our team. Our goal is to continue bringing high-quality literary programming to Kingston and to engage every curious reader and writer, no matter their interests, experience, age, or the genre they love best.”

The 2026 festival will run Oct. 1–4, with programming to be announced in the coming months.