Story Sleuths

 

Story Sleuths is designed for students who are looking for various creative ways into the writing process. During the first few sessions, we dive into different generative exercises finding inspiration through play, our imaginations, and the world around us. Our investigations might take us for walks around the wharves or a trip to an art gallery. One year students even interviewed strangers for a podcast! During the second half of the program, students pick one of their story starts and work towards a polished piece. Story Sleuths is a fun and supportive place for reluctant writers and passionate storytellers, and is open to those new to The Telling Room as well as experienced writing veterans.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. Registration for the Winter 2026 semester will be open from January 5th - January 18th, 2026.

Signup for Story Sleuths is done by lottery. The lottery will remain open until Monday, January 19th. Later that week, you will be notified of acceptance via email. Any students not admitted to the Winter semester program via the lottery will be given priority registration for Fall Semester 2026.

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Hipai Pamba

Lead Teacher - Young Writers & Leaders, Marlin Hipai Pamba, is a Telling Room alum of the Young Writers & Leaders program from 2016-17, as well as Publishing Workshop. She interned with AmeriCorps from 2018-20 here at The Telling Room. Her love of working with students and creative writing keeps her involved. She is currently pursuing a degree in education at Southern Maine Community College. Working out, podcasts, and traveling are high on the list of ways she enjoys spending her time.

WHO: Story Sleuths is open to students ages 10 - 14. Each semester’s registration is filled with a lottery system. Any student placed on a waitlist will get priority registration for the following semester.

WHERE: Story Sleuths takes place at The Telling Room, located at 225 Commercial Street, Suite 201 (second floor) in Portland, ME.


WHEN: Story Sleuths a semester program, and all sessions take place after school on Mondays from 3:30pm - 5:30pm. Winter 2026 semester of Story Sleuths meets February 2nd - April 13th, 2026. Any students not admitted to the Winter semester 2026 program via the lottery will be given priority registration for Fall semester 2026.

COST: Free! Please consider donating to help keep this unique afterschool literary arts program free for all students.

CONTACT: Any questions regarding Story Sleuths can be directed to Marjolaine at marjolaine@tellingroom.org.

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