The Telling Room

About the Artist

Mission
The Telling Room is a nonprofit writing center in Portland, Maine, dedicated to the idea that children and young adults are natural storytellers. Focused on young writers ages 6 to 18, we seek to build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and provide real audiences for our students? stories.

What We Do
Our fun, innovative programs enlist the support of local writers, artists, teachers, and community groups. At our downtown writing center we offer free afterschool workshops and open writing time, and host field trips for school groups from all over Maine. We also lead workshops at local schools and community organizations; bring acclaimed writers to Maine to give public readings and work with small groups of students; publish bestselling anthologies of student work; and carry out community-wide storytelling projects and events.

Who We Serve
We serve those who are reluctant to write as well as those who already identify as writers, including: children and young adults who are a part of Maine?s growing community of immigrants and refugees, those with emotional and behavioral challenges, homeschoolers enthusiastic to join a creative community, and passionate young writers who need additional support beyond what their schools? are able to provide.