Story Con 2025 was the experience of a lifetime;  it was inspiring, educational, and gave students the opportunity to meet famous authors across all genres. 

Story Con took place over two days; however, this article will mostly cover the first day to avoid a lengthy anecdote. 

Walking into Story Con, it was packed. Kids of all ages clumped together and moved towards this giant ballroom-like space. This is when everyone was introduced to our first keynote speaker: Neal Shusterman. For reference: Neal Shusterman wrote several YA novels such as Unwind, Scythe, and Skinjacker. 

He told us a personal story about how he essentially grew up in his school’s library after being kicked out of class by his irritable 3rd grade teacher. He found his spark through his 9th grade English teacher by taking on her challenge of writing a new story every month. It was through these exercises he learned to change the classic writing prompt question of “what if” to “what are the consequences of…” 

I wasn’t even 30 minutes in and I already gained a new perspective with my writing. It’s not everyday where you can personally talk to a world famous author.

After the keynote we were allowed to our own devices. There were “breakout” sessions you could personally choose to sit in on. They all had various topics with certified experts to talk to. I chose: “How to get involved with the author world”, “Body Language, Lies and Spies”, “Fear Factor” and last but not least “Necronomicon: a Guide to Summoning the Undead”.

When I walked into “Body Language, Lies and Spies,” it was evident that it was a popular session. Since seats were full, some people had to sit by the wall in the very back so we could at least hear the speaker. This speaker walked us through how to convey a character is lying. She told us about FBI strategies, universal emotions, and common phrases people use when they deceive others. Due to the popularity, I’m sure something similar will be present next year, so don’t wait to sign up! 

Outside in the main halls there were several vendors lined side-by-side, each with their own theme and objective. There was food, Dungeons and Dragons shops, book sellers, literal knights teaching how to fight with swords, and other organizations networking with bystanders.  

Among these stands were; Let Utah Read and Grassroots Shakespeare Company. I was able to network with both of these organizations. According to lead librarian, Peter Bromberg, groups like his are advocating to avoid total book banning, and they have tools to help students like us voice our opinions on the subject. See letutahread.org for more information. 

The Shakespeare company was hilarious. I’m a sucker for Shakespeare, so of course I had to check this out. They were performing Midsummers Night Dream and the actor who played Puck was tending the booth. He was very friendly and slipped small segments of soliloquies into conversation. I found this hilarious while others, such as Hana Curletto from Pack T.V. was less than impressed.

The last two breakouts were my favorites. “Fear Factor” had a variety of horror novelists and, ironically enough, a moderator who couldn’t stand horror. We all asked questions regarding their specialties and skill sets. This lesson taught me that the key to writing something spooky is always to balance your protagonist and antagonist. 

Walking into the final session, many people wondered,  “what is ‘Necronomicon: A Guide to Summoning the Undead’ all about?” The coolest thing about Story Con is it appealed to several kinds of storytellers including DND! I can say for certain that our speaker was the sassiest dungeon master I’ve ever met. He walked us through the several kinds of undead and how to create combat situations that would make your players sweat. He would end each monster presentation with a “smooch ability score” ; this was a rating he made about whether he would kiss each undead. You didn’t have to play DND to be interested in this class.

I am so glad I was able to have the opportunity to go to story con. There really is something there for everyone. If you have a creative mind, give it a shot. Who knows who you might meet, and how it can change a small aspect in your life by listening to their inspirational stories; it’s not an opportunity you should pass up!