Campfire Tales - Storytelling workshops

October 2025

Join Campfire Tales Founder Ryan McAbery as we kick off our new fall classes!

Sunday 10.5 @ 6:30 pm

Finding your Arc - A Story Craft Workshop

116 NE 29th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

$45 - limit 6 people

  • What makes your story unforgettable?

    This is a 2-hour, hands-on workshop designed to find the core meaning of your material. We work directly with your ideas to give your story shape, clarity, and impact.

    We use focused collaboration and exercises to sharpen concepts, analyze structure, and test how your words land with an audience. Whether you have a spark or a draft, you’ll gain the direction, confidence, and momentum needed to move forward.

    This is a small class (max 6 participants). Everyone receives dedicated time for sharing and workshopping their story with supportive feedback. You’ll leave with concrete next steps, usable tools, and fresh insights.

    The Experience

    • Creative warm-ups to access your authentic voice.

    • Audience perception exercises to refine your message.

    • Arc-building and critique focused on your own piece.

    • Practice reading aloud in a supportive setting.

    • Collaborative sessions for edits and clear direction.

Tuesday 10.7 @ 6:30 pm

The Business of Storytelling

3534 SE Main St, Portland, OR 97214

Intro price $45 - limit 8 people

Ryan McAbery is the founder of Campfire Tales, small business mentor, emerging arts director and fine artist - learn more about her career and qualifications here:

Ryan McAbery

  • Communication is Currency.

    Learn to articulate your message, core values, and mission with clarity and confidence. Regardless of the service or product you sell, this workshop will help you focus on the crucial conversations that matter most with clients, investors, and peers.

    Together, we will transform your simple elevator pitch or product description into a deeper message that confidently introduces you—the business leader and face of your company—with ease.

    Workshop Details

    This is a focused 2-hour, introductory session limited to 8 participants. We will concentrate specifically on:

    • Refining your elevator pitch.

    • Sharpening your core brand message.

    • Managing the public perception of your work.

    • Strategies for selling yourself and your vision with confidence.

    The Experience

    • Communication warm-ups to access and enhance your professional voice.

    • "What you said vs. what was heard" exercises to analyze community perception.

    • Dedicated time for pitch and message critique on your business communication.

    • Practice speaking about your mission with supportive peer response.

    • Collaborative sessions that generate clear, professional edits and actionable talking points.

    Preparation

    Please bring 1-2 paragraphs about you and your company (your current pitch, mission, or vision) to serve as our workshop material, along with a pen and paper.

October 2025

Join Campfire Tales Founder Ryan McAbery as we kick The Story Gym

Sunday 10.12 @ 6:30 pm

Join our drop in space for Storytelling community, practice and feedback, every 2nd & 4th Sunday

116 NE 29th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

$20 per session $4 off with any workshop

  • 🎙️ The Story Gym: Your Storytelling Workout

    Ready to move your next great project forward? The Story Gym is a dynamic, collaborative space designed for storytellers and writers of any level to dedicate time to their craft and connect with supportive peers. It's a fun, two-hour drop-in where you'll work on your story ideas, presentation and mic time to get you “Storyteller Ready”

    What to Expect

    In each session, you will get time to build your creative momentum:

    • We'll start with a round of warm-up storytelling improv and a quick meet-and-greet to get those creative gears turning! 🤸

    • You'll get valuable Time on the Mic to practice reading your work aloud and test its impact.

    • Pair off with peers in the group to work on polishing a current project or finding the core of your next big idea.

    • This is a self-paced, flexible format. It's a drop-in that welcomes writers at any stage—just bring your energy and your project!

    Preparation

    Bring whatever you're currently working on or want to get feedback on. We focus on the true personal narrative, so please bring non-fiction pieces only. Also, please bring a pen and paper for notes and exercises.

    • Drop-in Rate: $20 per week.

    • Discount: Get $4 off your session when paired with any other workshop or class purchase.

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