Telling Room Summer Camp Registration Now Open

Summer writing camps are back at The Telling Room! We'll be writing, sharing, and inspiring all over the state this year. Scholarships are available to all camps.

The Telling RoomFebruary 7, 2022News

Join The Telling Room and Print: A Bookstore to Celebrate the Launch of Kathryn Williams' New YA Novel, THE STORYTELLER

The event will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, 1/19 at 7pm and be hosted by Print: A Bookstore. Register here.

The Telling RoomJanuary 13, 2022News

Our Statewide Writing Contest is Now Open for Submissions

We’re accepting submissions of writing that explore the theme of “MYSTERY” from authors across Maine who are 10 - 18 years old now through January 31st.

The Telling RoomJanuary 6, 2022News

"In her ‘dream job,’ The Telling Room’s new executive director will help students discover their identity" (Portland Press Herald)

“I have always been fascinated by understanding people’s journeys of identity formation and how that changes, as well, and how painful and also joyful it can be. Creating space for that is part of what we do here at The Telling Room, as students put pen to paper to find their voice.”

The Telling RoomDecember 19, 2021News

2021 Mainers to Be Thankful For

Telling Room alum Balqies Mohamed named among the Portland Press Herald's 2021 Mainers to Be Thankful For

The Telling RoomNovember 24, 2021News

2021 Telling Room Founders Prize Winner Announced

Congratulations to Leaticia Hannah, author of “The Samosa Story” and winner of the 2021 Founders Prize!

The Telling RoomNovember 16, 2021News

Call for Young Writers to Submit Writing to New Telling Room Anthology

The Telling Room is publishing Stepping Stones, a NEW book of creative writing by writers ages 6-11 or in grades K-5. We are looking for stories and poems by young people because we want to publish what you have to say—serious or silly, true or imagined.

The Telling RoomNovember 4, 2021News

"I Published My NaNo-Novel: A Young Writer’s Story" (NaNoWriMo)

“I once again turned to NaNoWriMo. For the first time, I committed to completing the full NaNoWriMo challenge: 50,000 words in one month. And somehow, after those thirty days were up, I had done it.”

The Telling RoomNovember 1, 2021News

A Farewell from Celine Kuhn

“Though my tenure as Executive Director is coming to an end, my passion and commitment to supporting youth in the writing and telling of their stories remains.”

The Telling RoomOctober 8, 2021News

Our Fall 2021 COVID-19 Policies

We are dedicated to prioritizing the health of our community as we welcome students back into our space for in-person programming this fall! Please review our latest COVID-19 policies prior to joining us at The Telling Room to help keep everyone safe.

The Telling RoomSeptember 30, 2021News

"Portland literary nonprofit, The Telling Room, names new executive director" (Mainebiz)

“The diversity of voices is so important as we become a more diverse state, we need to empower youth further and help tell their stories.”

The Telling RoomSeptember 24, 2021News

"The Telling Room hires new executive director" (Portland Press Herald)

“In Kristina we have found an authentic and dynamic leader who brings a wealth of experience working in nonprofits focused on youth and in educational settings,” Telling Room board president Anya Endsley said in a statement.

The Telling RoomSeptember 23, 2021News

Meet Our New Executive Director, Kristina M.J. Powell

“This letter is just the start of our conversations and partnership as I share my story with you. I so look forward to learning yours.”

The Telling RoomSeptember 22, 2021News

"USM Promise Scholarship awarded to 25 Maine students" (News Center Maine)

Four Telling Room alumni received full scholarships for tuition and fees for all four years of school at the University of Southern Maine.

The Telling RoomSeptember 10, 2021News

"Champion distance runner has a new accomplishment at 18 – author" (Portland Press Herald)

“Sofie Matson wrote a novel during her senior year at Falmouth High that has been published by The Telling Room.”

The Telling RoomAugust 23, 2021News

"A New Poetry Anthology from the Telling Room Elevates the Next Generation" (Maine Magazine)

“The book published by the Portland youth literary nonprofit, A New Land, is now in every high school in Maine and demonstrates to students that their voices matter.”

The Telling RoomAugust 18, 2021News

The Telling Room Welcomes New Board Members and Officers

“We are thrilled to welcome four new members to the Board of Directors this summer, and to announce new officers to the Board’s leadership team!”

The Telling RoomJuly 8, 2021News

A NEW LAND Selected for Route 1 Reads by the Maine Humanities Council

“A NEW LAND is the Maine Humanities Council’s Route 1 Reads pick for the summer!”

The Telling RoomJuly 6, 2021News

A Big Thank You to Tim Schneider

“On behalf of The Telling Room’s staff, students, and board, we would like to share our gratitude towards Tim for his service as the board treasurer, vice president, and then tenure as president.”

The Telling RoomJune 30, 2021News

Macklin Fellowship Recipients Announced

“Congratulations to our three Macklin Fellowship recipients, Hipai Pamba, Khalil Kilani, and Alexa Barstow!”

The Telling RoomJune 29, 2021News