Do you have a novel inside of you? A collection of poetry you’re bursting to share? Characters or stories that just won’t let you go? Each year, we work with four dedicated Maine teens to write, develop, and publish their own books.

Second Story is an afterschool program where alumni of Telling Room programs dig deeper into the writing process, develop their writing habits, and share their words with the world.

Writers Block is a free afterschool program to ages 7 - 18. We host three weekly sessions focused both by age and interest. The mix of structured and unstructured writing time lets students explore and practice elements of the craft, whether fiction, essay, poetry, or visual storytelling.

SWARM! (Student Writers and Readers Meet!) is a network of youth writing and publishing groups across the State of Maine.

In this semester-based program, Publishing Workshop participants take the lead in youth publishing, learning about the book publishing industry through hands-on work.

Young Writers and Leaders is a free, nine-month afterschool literary arts education program exclusively for high school students with international and multicultural backgrounds. We select 32 students a year through a competitive application and interview process to participate for nine months.

The Telling Room offers a college essay workshop led by our college essay expert, Program Director Nick Whiston. Each workshop offers four hours of small-group instruction and individual revising support.

February Break 2025 Camp Registration Now Open!

Do you have a novel inside of you? A collection of poetry you’re bursting to share? Characters or stories that just won’t let you go? Each year, we work with four dedicated Maine teens to write, develop, and publish their own books.

Second Story is an afterschool program where alumni of Telling Room programs dig deeper into the writing process, develop their writing habits, and share their words with the world.

Writers Block is a free afterschool program to ages 7 - 18. We host three weekly sessions focused both by age and interest. The mix of structured and unstructured writing time lets students explore and practice elements of the craft, whether fiction, essay, poetry, or visual storytelling.

SWARM! (Student Writers and Readers Meet!) is a network of youth writing and publishing groups across the State of Maine.

In this semester-based program, Publishing Workshop participants take the lead in youth publishing, learning about the book publishing industry through hands-on work.

Join us for three days to learn The Telling Room’s proven method for improving literacy skills while building confidence and a sense of community. We offer tools and techniques to teachers, artists, and nonprofit leaders in a professional development setting.

Young Writers and Leaders is a free, nine-month afterschool literary arts education program exclusively for high school students with international and multicultural backgrounds. We select 32 students a year through a competitive application and interview process to participate for nine months.

The Telling Room offers a college essay workshop led by our college essay expert, Program Director Nick Whiston. Each workshop offers four hours of small-group instruction and individual revising support.

Workshops are conveniently nestled between field trips and residencies as a medium length programming option, and we are able to host them at our writing center in Portland or travel to schools and other sites. Workshops typically last 4 to 10 hours over multiple visits.

As a teacher, there are times when it may not be possible for your class to visit us for a field trip, or you may have a whole classroom of students you want to immerse in the writer's world. Our writers and artists can come to you for an in-school residency.

Field trips are back for the school year! To arrange a visit for your students to come to The Telling Room, contact Program Director Nick Whiston at nick@tellingroom.org.