Inspired by the panel of nature-writers earlier in the afternoon, this workshop guides participants in exercises to create a short piece of writing on a beloved place. Led by facilitators from The Telling Room, attendees will put in words their connection to their favorite locations on the Blue Hill peninsula. With permission, these pieces will be shared with Blue Hill Heritage Trust to encourage local conservation efforts. Free and open to all ages. Attendees are asked to bring a pen and notebook.

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. We believe that the power of creative expression can change our communities and prepare our youth for future success.

THE TELLING ROOM is a pioneer in youth publishing, and produces carefully edited, beautifully designed, and locally printed books of our students’ stories, poems, and personal narratives. Currently, we publish between 15-20 titles a year, and more than 30,000 Telling Room books are now in circulation. Since the printing of our first book a decade ago, in 2007, we have published more than 3,000 young authors in 125 anthologies, individual titles, and project “chapbooks," including Maine Literary Award-winner The Story I Want to Tell, and our newest release, by students in the national award-winning Young Writers & Leader's program, A Season for Building Houses.

This event is co-sponsored by BHPL and is free and open to the public.