Welcome to Raw Writing
Do you really want to write?
Do you have a novel in you? (It’s said everyone does!) Maybe you’ve been thinking about writing your memoir for a long time. You might want to experiment with a short story first…
Raw Writing, founded by author and teacher Carla Jenkins, is a growing community of over 500 members. With face-to-face and online courses, author masterclasses, live events and gatherings that celebrate creative writing at every stage, Raw Writing is about more than just writing — it’s about finding your voice, building confidence, and being part of a warm, creative community.
Sign up today and start writing.
Reviews
The below are reviews from past attendees of Raw Writing courses and classes.
If you would like to leave a review, please do so here.
Andrew Dunnett2025-07-29 Carla’s carefully planned sessions and infectious enthusiasm helped all the participants on the Raw Writing ‘Writing a Novel’ course find our respective voices and develop our writing with renewed rigour. We not only developed the confidence to share our work – but more valuably were able to learn from the constructive feedback of others. Carla managed the entire process magnificently. I could not recommend her courses more highly. I have also been lucky to take part in two eight week writing workshops led by Adam Shackleton at ‘Raw Writing’. Adam manages discussion with an eye to detail and with sensitivity and wit. At first, the thought of having your writing discussed for 45 minutes – whilst you listen in on the sidelines might seem a tad daunting. But think nothing of it. All eight participants learnt so much about writing in general – but more importantly we learnt about the strengths we have and were give clear guidance on how to develop our writing further. I would highly recommend the workshop courses to anyone interested in honing their skills and developing their confidence as writers. Clare Dawson2025-05-15 A nurturing and vibrant community to hone your writing skills with brilliant and knowledgeable mentors. Brilliant courses with inspirational novelists at the helm. Annabel Rothwell2025-05-02 I have just finished a workshop course with Adam Shackleton and would thoroughly recommend it. I am going straight onto another course with him in a few weeks and have done several courses with Raw Writing before this. All the courses are really excellent, constructive, interesting and you learn a huge amount. jo goddard2025-05-02 I've completed three courses with Raw Writing - one on memoir and two on editing and they've all been interesting and informative. I've learnt so much and been greatly encouraged to continue writing. I can't recommend highly enough to anyone who would like to develop an interest in writing. Caroline Muldoon2025-05-02 Adam Shackleton’s authoring course was a truly enriching experience. Adam is an outstanding tutor. His in depth knowledge was clear from the outset, but what really made the difference was his infectious energy and passion for storytelling. He created a supportive and dynamic environment that pushed us to challenge ourselves and grow, both as writers and as critical readers. I came away from the course feeling more confident, more skilled, and more connected to a community of writers. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to develop their craft. Siobhan Appleton2025-05-02 I’ve now done two of Carla’s writing classes and thoroughly enjoyed both of them. Not only has my writing improved as a result of her guidance and tutelage but I’ve been exposed to writers, concepts and techniques which I would never have discovered on my own. I’ve also shared time with great classmates and the shared experience and feedback has been an unexpected bonus. If you’re considering a writing class, I would highly recommend choosing one of the Raw writing courses. I will definitely be doing more. Roy Powell2025-04-29 I have done a 6 week Memoir writing course with Carla. It was a small group, so it was quite an intimate engagement, which suited all of us, I think. Carla covered all the important aspects from the practical problems to areas that were worrying me such as the ethical issues. Lot of hands on examples. Thanks very much. Helga Beer2025-04-24 I recently completed a 6 week memoir course with Carla Jenkins. The sessions were packed with useful content: reading suggestions, ample opportunity to practice techniques and an intimate and supportive group setting to share work and give/receive valuable feedback. I have signed up for a 6-week nature writing course in May. I can't wait! Lindsay Mann2025-04-24 I have recently completed Carla’s excellent “Start writing your novel” course and would highly recommend it. As well as learning about the essentials such as plot, character and dialogue, and much more, attending the course has helped me to find my voice as a writer. Carla is a very knowledgeable tutor and her classes and workshops are well thought-out and provide a friendly, supportive and constructive environment for everyone. Like many people, I have always wanted to write but never found the time to get very far, so this course, and meeting other writers, proved to be exactly the motivation and inspiration I was looking for. Zoe Cortis2025-04-21 I thoroughly enjoyed the Short Story Competition ready course. Carla is an engaging tutor who quickly created a friendly, encouraging atmosphere within our small group of strangers. I am excited to enter a competition and see how my writing is received.Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 74 reviews
Write your Self Life Truth
GROUP CLASSES
Small group (max. 8) Memoir and Novel courses take place throughout the year at The Phoenix Arts Centre in Exeter. With the limited class sizes, everyone gets a good amount of attention.
For a full list of courses available, please visit our courses page