By Writers, for Writers
Understory Park City isn’t just another writing event…
Thursday – Sunday, July 24 – 27, 2025
Park City, UT
THIS ONE IS DIFFERENT
It’s a direct result of years of experience, hard-earned connections, and a firsthand understanding of what writers need.
This is a place where you’ll get real, actionable advice, where the focus is entirely on you - your writing, your growth, and your next steps.
It’s about you leaving with a clearer vision of where your writing can go and how to get there.
Want to make it happen?
Learn from a Writing Legend:
Dani Shapiro’s Keynote
Dani Shapiro is the author of eleven books, and the host and creator of the hit podcast Family Secrets. Her most recent novel, Signal Fires, was named a best book of 2022 by TIME magazine, the Washington Post, Amazon, and others and is a national best seller. Her most recent memoir, Inheritance, was an instant New York Times best seller and named a best book of 2019 by Elle, Vanity Fair, Wired, and Real Simple. Dani’s work has been published in fourteen languages, and she’s currently developing Signal Fires for its television adaptation. Dani's book on the process and craft of writing, Still Writing, was reissued on the occasion of its tenth anniversary in 2023. She occasionally teaches workshops and retreats and is the cofounder of the Sirenland Writers Conference in Positano, Italy.
WHY I CREATED UNDERSTORY
I’m a ghostwriter, writing coach, and developmental editor with over two decades of experience in publishing. I’ve worked on more than 800 books—fiction and nonfiction—for authors at every stage of the writing process. But Understory Park City isn’t just another project for me. It’s personal.
After years of attending, speaking at, and supporting writers through conferences and retreats, I saw a pattern: too much noise, not enough clarity. Writers were leaving with overwhelm, not breakthroughs.
I created Understory because I wanted something better—something more intentional. A space where writers could actually write, get meaningful feedback, connect with each other, and walk away knowing exactly what their next step is.
This weekend is built for momentum. For clarity. For writers who want to stop circling and start moving.
And I can’t wait to welcome you.
Annie Tucker
KIND WORDS ABOUT ME
I can’t overemphasize Annie’s skill, reliability, and consistency when it comes to all things editorial. Annie is a natural writer, one of those rare experts who are both gifted and skillful at what they do. It takes years of experience to gain the sort of meticulous and detail-oriented command Annie has of language, storytelling, and grammar, but it takes wisdom and compassion to gracefully consider a client’s work and make it better without being intrusive. She is a tremendous professional who is conscientious and always on time, and who consistently makes my life so much easier.
Brooke Warner, Publisher, She Writes Press
Annie is the gold standard of editorial solutions. She is a sensitive and wise writer and reader, with a gracious manner that immediately earns the trust of clients and publishers alike. She’s reliable, intelligent, marketplace-savvy, and clear-minded about what a manuscript needs. I consider her a gift to every project she touches—no matter the shelf, topic, or scope.
Laura Mazer, Executive Editor, Seal Press
Book Early & Get a Free 30-Minute One-on-One
Book before May 15 to secure your spot at a discounted rate.
Receive a free, 30-minute consultation with me to discuss your writing and creative blocks.
Get personalized advice tailored to your needs and ensure you're on track for your next steps.
Available only for early bird bookings.
Not Another Writing Conference.
A Real Turning Point.
What You’ll Get:
30+ hands-on, interactive fiction and nonfiction workshops led by a diverse group of expert instructors. These are practical sessions designed to help you improve your writing right now, not just listen to theory.
Keynote speaker Dani Shapiro – This isn’t just another keynote. Author of eleven books, including the New York Times best-selling memoir Inheritance, Dani is one of the most respected voices in writing today. Her insights into voice, vulnerability, and secrecy are invaluable - and this is your chance to hear her speak in an intimate setting.
A maximum of 100 attendees – We’ve purposely kept this intimate because real connections happen in smaller settings. The people you meet here will become part of your writing journey long after the event ends. We’re not here to collect cards; we’re here to build a community.
An indoor-outdoor setting – Park City’s beautiful mountain environment isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in this event’s story. Sometimes the best ideas come when you step outside, and our workshops are designed to take full advantage of the natural surroundings.
Networking that actually matters – Forget the awkward small talk. This is about deep conversations with people who want to talk craft, share ideas, and collaborate. You’ll meet others who are equally committed to improving and expanding their writing.
This is Not
A “sit and listen” event where you forget everything by Monday.
A competitive environment that leaves you feeling discouraged about your writing.
A corporate conference where your name tag matters more than you do.
A place for forced small talk and pointless networking.
This is
A space to build your writing practice, break through creative blocks, and get real results, no matter what stage of your book journey you’re in.
A weekend that leaves you motivated, energized, and ready to take action.
A place where your writing - and what you want to do with it - actually matters.
You’ve probably been to events that promised inspiration but left you feeling like something was missing - too impersonal, too theoretical, or just not built for real creative progress.
Understory Park City is different.
This is about moving your writing forward - whether that means refining your craft, finding your voice, or getting the clarity and momentum you need to take the next step toward finishing a draft or publishing your book.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
DANI SHAPIRO
BROOKE WARNER,
Stuart Horwitz, ANNIE TUCKER,
Joshua Mohr, LIz Hines,
Grant FauLkner,
JeanniNe Ouellette, april bosshard, AND MORE…
Ready to join us in one of the most stunning places on Earth?
Early-bird pricing is live!
Book before May 15 to secure your spot at a discounted rate.
Plus - if you book early, you’ll also get a free, 30-minute one-on-one editorial consultation with me. We’ll talk writing, tackle any creative blocks you’re facing, and come up with a clear path forward for you.
Your Weekend at a Glance
July 24–27, 2025 | Park City, Utah
Thursday, July 24 — Settle In
Location: Park City Gardens
• Kick things off at a relaxed welcome reception in a beautiful garden setting
• Meet fellow writers over small bites and drinks (cash bar)
(Pre-registration required)
Friday, July 25 — Workshops Begin
Morning
• Start your day with a guided hike through Park City’s scenic mountain trails or a calming group meditation
• Settle into a focused rhythm with freewriting time and thoughtful feedback
• Jump into your first round of intimate, craft-focused workshops
Midday
• Lunch outdoors in the leafy, picturesque grounds of Miner’s Hospital and City Park
Afternoon
• More workshops to stretch your craft and challenge your process
• Dedicated writing space with prompts running on the hour
• Green-Light Your Book: An honest conversation on publishing with Brooke Warner & Annie Tucker
Saturday, July 26 — Keynote Day!
Morning
• Optional hike or meditation to start the day grounded and inspired
• Freewriting and a fresh set of workshops across genres and formats
Midday
• Alfresco lunch in the park
• Book signing with Dani Shapiro at the beloved local gem, Dolly’s Bookstore
Afternoon
• Continue exploring your work in craft-driven workshops and quiet writing sessions
Evening
Celebration dinner and keynote with Dani Shapiro at Kimball Terrace, with beautiful views, great company, and a powerful finish to the day.
Sunday, July 27 — A Quiet Close
Morning
• Take one last hike through the hills or join a morning meditation
• Final round of workshops and writing time to bring it all together
Optional Afternoon
• Casual outdoor lunch and final book signing with a surprise guest author—perfect if you're staying in town a little longer or have a late flight out
What to Expect from the Workshops
Led by a mix of authors, editors, and teachers, Understory workshops are small, hands-on, and grounded in real craft. You’ll explore story structure, revision, voice, and more - designed to give you tangible tools, honest feedback, and space to grow, whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or anything in between.
FAQ
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Dani Shapiro’s keynote is one of the biggest highlights of the event. As an author of eleven books, including the New York Times best-selling memoir Inheritance, Dani has an unparalleled understanding of the writing process. Her insights into vulnerability, voice, and secrecy will challenge you to think deeply about your own writing. This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the industry’s leading voices in an intimate setting. It’s an experience that could change the course of your writing.
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Yes! Understory Park City offers 30+ hands-on workshops that cater to both fiction and nonfiction writers. Whether you’re refining your narrative or tackling your next nonfiction project, the sessions are designed to be practical, engaging, and actionable, helping you progress no matter where you are in your writing journey.
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Absolutely! You’re encouraged to bring your work-in-progress, whether it’s a manuscript or a series of essays. During the event, you’ll get personalized feedback in the one-on-one consultations, as well as from workshop leaders who are dedicated to providing actionable advice to help you refine your work.
WANT MORE INFO?
Get in touch and I’ll tell you more about it - no pressure, just a conversation about whether it’s the right fit for you.