Raw Writing

Silent Writing Club
2026-05-06 12:30 - 13:30, 2026-05-13 12:30 - 13:30, 2026-06-12 12:30 - 13:30, 2026-06-19 12:30 - 13:30, 2026-06-26 12:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Make time to work on your novel, memoir, short story, play or poetry in this warm and supportive space. Afterwards, there’s the opportunity to have a coffee or cold drink in our Café Bar and speak about your work in progress. No need to book – just turn up.

Raw Reading Club (Exeter Phoenix) - Bohumil Hrabal, Closely Watched Trains
2026-05-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Bohumil Hrabal, Closely Watched Trains.
Miloš Hama is a young railroad apprentice in wartime Czechoslovakia. But he has other things on his mind besides the war – losing his virginity, gossip at the railway station… A touching and humorous portrait of a sympathetic character by a Czech master.
Raw Reading is a new study group. Each month, we will read a short classic work of about 100 pages. You’ll be given suggestions for what to look out for, and questions to prompt your own responses in good time for the monthly meetings. These will be seminars in which we share our thoughts and consider key aspects of literature: themes, style, narrative techniques, interpretation and more. There will be suggestions on further reading to follow up on the set texts.
Through the course, you will exercise your powers of close reading and meet some seriously brilliant writing from different times and cultures. The classics are for everyone. Join us to take your enjoyment of literature to new levels!
Exeter Phoenix – 14.00 -16.00 @ £50

Raw Reading Club (Zoom) - Bohumil Hrabal, Closely Watched Trains
2026-05-06 19:00 - 21:00 | ZOOM
Bohumil Hrabal, Closely Watched Trains.
Miloš Hama is a young railroad apprentice in wartime Czechoslovakia. But he has other things on his mind besides the war – losing his virginity, gossip at the railway station… A touching and humorous portrait of a sympathetic character by a Czech master.
Raw Reading is a new study group. Each month, we will read a short classic work of about 100 pages. You’ll be given suggestions for what to look out for, and questions to prompt your own responses in good time for the monthly meetings. These will be seminars in which we share our thoughts and consider key aspects of literature: themes, style, narrative techniques, interpretation and more. There will be suggestions on further reading to follow up on the set texts.
Through the course, you will exercise your powers of close reading and meet some seriously brilliant writing from different times and cultures. The classics are for everyone. Join us to take your enjoyment of literature to new levels!
Zoom 19.00-21.00 @ £50

Live Writing Club - May - Amman Brar
2026-05-13 19:30 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Structure in Storytelling
Sign up here for membership.
Wednesday 13th May 19.30-20.30
Join Amman Brar, author of the upcoming novel Mr Sidhu’s Post Office and winner of the BBC Writersroom 10 Award for his play Punjabi Boy, for an online Live Writing event all about ‘Structure’. Amman will take you through the key elements of structuring your story for maximum impact and reader satisfaction.

Raw Writing Meetup - Exeter
2026-05-29 17:00 - 19:00 | The City Gate, 1 Iron Bridge, North St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3RB, United Kingdom
Come and meet a warm, creative group of people who love reading and writing at our monthly RAW Writing Meetup in Exeter.
https://www.meetup.com/exeter-writing-meetup-group/events/313946480/?eventOrigin=group_events_list
We’ll be meeting at The City Gate, 1 Iron Bridge, North St, Exeter EX4 3RB on Friday 29th May 2026 from 5-7pm. Find us in the Snug!
This is a relaxed, welcoming space for writers, readers, storytellers, and anyone interested in writing as a form of exploration, reflection, and creative connection. Whether you’re working on a novel, scribbling in a notebook, or just curious about writing, you’ll feel right at home.
This is a social event where you can meet other readers and writers and chat about what you like to write, what you are writing or – let’s be honest – perhaps what you are not writing! There is no need to bring a notepad or laptop – if you’re looking for a structured writing session please have a look at the courses on our website.
This event will be hosted by Carla Jenkins, founder of Raw Writing and author of the 2024 novel, Fifty Minutes and Touched (to be released 2027).
Everyone is welcome — whether you’re completely new to writing or have years of experience. Drop in anytime – stay for as long as you like. It’s very informal and open.
Questions?
Email: carla@rawwriting.co.uk
Call or text: 07474 116771
Visit: rawwriting.tempurl.host
We can’t wait to meet you — bring your voice, your curiosity, and your love of writing 🙂

May Masterclass - Carla Jenkins
2026-05-31 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Carla Jenkins – Masterclass on Memoir

Join the Raw Writing founder and author of Fifty Minutes for a masterclass on Memoir. Carla will share all the reasons she’s passionate about Memoir and show you how to take control of the narrative.

Become a member of Raw Writing and keep your writing at the forefront of your mind!​ For just £12 a month, you get to attend two live Zoom sessions where you can learn from published writers and take part in writing activities.

Membership

Raw Reading Club (Exeter Phoenix) - Claire Keegan, Small Things Like These
2026-06-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Claire Keegan, Small Things Like These.
Keegan’s novella about the infamous Magdalen laundries and the capacity of an ordinary person for heroism is becoming a Christmas classic alongside Dickens. In a short space, we are taken to a vividly memorable world where we witness the heights and depths of human nature.
Raw Reading is a new study group. Each month, we will read a short classic work of about 100 pages. You’ll be given suggestions for what to look out for, and questions to prompt your own responses in good time for the monthly meetings. These will be seminars in which we share our thoughts and consider key aspects of literature: themes, style, narrative techniques, interpretation and more. There will be suggestions on further reading to follow up on the set texts.
Through the course, you will exercise your powers of close reading and meet some seriously brilliant writing from different times and cultures. The classics are for everyone. Join us to take your enjoyment of literature to new levels!
Exeter Phoenix – 14.00 -16.00 @ £50

Raw Reading Club (Zoom) - Claire Keegan, Small Things Like These
2026-06-03 19:00 - 21:00 | ZOOM
Claire Keegan, Small Things Like These.
Keegan’s novella about the infamous Magdalen laundries and the capacity of an ordinary person for heroism is becoming a Christmas classic alongside Dickens. In a short space, we are taken to a vividly memorable world where we witness the heights and depths of human nature.
Raw Reading is a new study group. Each month, we will read a short classic work of about 100 pages. You’ll be given suggestions for what to look out for, and questions to prompt your own responses in good time for the monthly meetings. These will be seminars in which we share our thoughts and consider key aspects of literature: themes, style, narrative techniques, interpretation and more. There will be suggestions on further reading to follow up on the set texts.
Through the course, you will exercise your powers of close reading and meet some seriously brilliant writing from different times and cultures. The classics are for everyone. Join us to take your enjoyment of literature to new levels!
Zoom – 19.00-21.00 @ £50

Silent Writing Club
2026-06-05 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-07-01 18:30 - 19:30 | Barnfield Theatre, The Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Road, Exeter, EX1 1SN, United Kingdom
Make time to work on your novel, memoir, short story, play or poetry in this warm and supportive space. Afterwards, there’s the opportunity to have a coffee or cold drink and speak about your work in progress. No need to book – just turn up. We shall be meeting in the Southernhay Rehearsal Room in the Barnfield Theatre

Exeter Book Market
2026-06-07 11:00 - 16:00 | Exeter Quay, Exeter Quay, Exeter, United Kingdom
The Book Market is an excellent day out and the Raw Writing team is really looking forward to it!
We will be running writing sessions throughout the day – whether you haven’t written a word since school or you’re a published author, you’re very welcome to join us.
We love to chat to other writers and hear about your work and what you’re getting up to!
11am-16.00
Exeter Quay

Live Writing Club - June - Trevor Byrne
2026-06-10 19:30 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Voice
Sign up here for membership.
Wednesday 10th June 19.30-20.30
‘Byrne’s voice crackles with energy and humour,’ declared the Irish Independent when Trevor’s debut novel, Ghosts and Lightning was published to critical acclaim. In this session, Trevor will share some of his favourite writers’ voices, explore the markers of voice, and guide you on building confidence in yours.

Writers' Workshop Course with Trevor Byrne
2026-06-17 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Are you looking for feedback on your writing? Are you keen to become a more analytical reader? Are you eager to spend time discussing your work with others; developing your writer’s toolkit alongside a group of like-minded peers? If so, the Raw Writing Writers Workshop might be right for you!
Over this six-week course, you will have the opportunity to present your work for feedback, while also analysing the writing of your peers. Cultivating the ability to read closely the work of others and give thoughtful, considered feedback is an essential skill for any aspiring writer. On the Writers’ Workshop, we will help you hone this skill; bringing the strengths you take from reading the work of others to your own projects.
As part of the Writers Workshop, you will have the opportunity to share up to 2,500 words from your current writing project twice with the group. Each time you submit, you will have 45 minutes dedicated to discussing the fundamental aspects of your submission:

Plot
Characterisation
Voice
Dialogue
⁠Description
+ Point-of-view

It is frustratingly easy to allow life’s myriad wants and needs to interfere with our writing ambitions. By joining this course, we hope you will be able to gift yourself the permission to write and to read. At Raw Writing, you will be joining a team of dynamic creatives; each eager to share their story with a group of like-minded individuals.

Wednesdays 19.00-20.30
17th, 24th, June, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd July
Online on Zoom
£270 (Payable in two instalments of £135. Please email carla@rawwriting.co.uk to arrange)

Raw Writing Meetup - Exeter
2026-06-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Exeter Raw Writing Meetup

Come and meet a warm, creative group of people who love reading and writing at our monthly RAW Writing Meetup in Exeter.
We’ll be meeting at Exeter Phoenix on Friday 26th June 2026 from 5-7pm. Find us on the Terrace!
This is a relaxed, welcoming space for writers, readers, storytellers, and anyone interested in writing as a form of exploration, reflection, and creative connection. Whether you’re working on a novel, scribbling in a notebook, or just curious about writing, you’ll feel right at home.
This is a social event where you can meet other readers and writers and chat about what you like to write, what you are writing or – let’s be honest – perhaps what you are not writing! There is no need to bring a notepad or laptop – if you’re looking for a structured writing session please have a look at the courses on our website.
This event will be hosted by Carla Jenkins, founder of Raw Writing and author of the 2024 novel, Fifty Minutes and Touched (to be released 2027).
Everyone is welcome — whether you’re completely new to writing or have years of experience. Drop in anytime – stay for as long as you like. It’s very informal and open.
Questions?
Email: carla@rawwriting.co.uk
Call or text: 07474 116771
Visit: rawwriting.tempurl.host
We can’t wait to meet you — bring your voice, your curiosity, and your love of writing 🙂

June Masterclass - Martyn Waites
2026-06-28 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Martyn Waites – Crime Fiction

Martyn Waites was an actor before becoming a writer. He has been nominated for every major British crime fiction award and has written over twenty novels including the critically acclaimed Joe Donovan series, Born Under Punches which won the Grand Prix du Roman Etranger and The White Room which was a Guardian best book of the year. His latest novel, The Final Chapter, published under the new name CB Everett has been described by Lee Child as ‘a deftly plotted, gripping, pulse-racing rollercoaster of a thriller…stunning.’

Become a member of Raw Writing and keep your writing at the forefront of your mind!​ For just £12 a month, you get to attend two live Zoom sessions where you can learn from published writers and take part in writing activities.

Membership

Live Writing Club - July - Rashed Aqrabawi
2026-07-08 19:30 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Poetry
Sign up here for membership.
Wednesday 8th July 19.30-20.30

Silent Book Club - Summer Special!
2026-07-25 11:00 - 18:00 | The Italian Garden, The Italian Garden, Great Ambrook, Torquay, TQ12 5UL, United Kingdom
Saturday 25th July | 11am – 2pm or 3pm – 6pm
The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook, TQ12 5UL
A summertime reading escape in one of Devon’s most extraordinary hidden gardens.
Tucked away on the edge of Dartmoor, behind fifteen-foot walls and surrounded by woodland, The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook is a place unlike any other: a secluded world of long pergolas, hidden paths, palms, camellias, and sweeping views across the moor.
Built in 1912 for Arthur Smith Graham, the garden was created as a private sanctuary. Graham, who was gay, retreated from London society to Devon, where he commissioned architect Thomas Henry Lyon, also gay, to design a hidden refuge where friends could gather safely, away from public scrutiny.
The garden became a silent kingdom of beauty, conversation, creativity, and secrecy. When Graham died in 1928, his papers were burned at his request, leaving much of the garden’s story unknown. Over time, the grounds disappeared back into woodland, sleeping for decades before being rediscovered.
For this Silent Book Club Special, you’re invited to spend time exploring this remarkable place. The event will begin with an hour of silent reading in the garden, followed by poetry readings, creative activities, light snacks, and time to wander and discover the garden’s hidden corners.
Bring a book (and a blanket or chair if you’d like) and settle into an unforgettable summer’s day of reading and bookish fun.

Pick up tickets

Please wear sturdy footwear, as paths are uneven. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the site, the venue is not currently wheelchair accessible.
We’re delighted to be hosting two sittings for this special event, giving everyone plenty of time to relax, read, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Whether you join us in the morning or afternoon, you’ll enjoy the same programme of activities and offerings.
First Sitting: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Second Sitting: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Transportation
Parking at The Italian Garden is limited, so we kindly ask guests to car share where possible.
When booking, you’ll see ticket options for Parking, Passenger, and Taxi. Please select the option that best reflects your travel plans so we can accurately manage parking spaces.
If you plan on driving to this Silent Book Club Special, please select the Ticket & Parking Space option, every ticket purchased with this option will reserve a parking space at The Italian Garden for you.
If you’re planning to travel with a friend who is driving, or will be dropped off before and after the Silent Book Club Special, please choose the Passenger Ticket option.
We’re also pleased to offer taxi transfers to and from Totnes Train Station to the Italian Garden. If you’d like to use this service, simply select the appropriate ticket when booking. Please note that this ticket option requires you to make your own way to Totnes Train Station. A member of the Exeter City of Literature team will be on hand at the station to coordinate your onward travel to The Italian Garden.
If your travel arrangements change after you’ve purchased your ticket, please get in touch. We’ll be happy to update your booking and make sure we have the correct transport and parking information for everyone.
We can’t wait to welcome you for a peaceful afternoon of reading and connection.
Food & Drink
We will have light refreshments available, but feel free to bring your own lunch and/or snacks.
Please note that dogs are not permitted at this event. We apologise for any inconvenience.

July Masterclass - Carla Jenkins
2026-07-26 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Carla Jenkins – Memoir

Become a member of Raw Writing and keep your writing at the forefront of your mind!​ For just £12 a month, you get to attend two live Zoom sessions where you can learn from published writers and take part in writing activities.

Membership

Silent Writing Club
2026-07-27 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Make time to work on your novel, memoir, short story, play or poetry in this warm and supportive space. Afterwards, there’s the opportunity to have a coffee or cold drink and speak about your work in progress. No need to book – just turn up. We shall be meeting in the The Meeting Room at Exeter Phoenix.

Raw Writing Meetup - Exeter
2026-07-31 17:00 - 19:00 | The City Gate, 1 Iron Bridge, North St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3RB, United Kingdom
Come and meet a warm, creative group of people who love reading and writing at our monthly RAW Writing Meetup in Exeter.
We’ll be meeting at The City Gate, 1 Iron Bridge, North St, Exeter EX4 3RB on Friday 31st June from 5-7pm. Find us in the Snug!
This is a relaxed, welcoming space for writers, readers, storytellers, and anyone interested in writing as a form of exploration, reflection, and creative connection. Whether you’re working on a novel, scribbling in a notebook, or just curious about writing, you’ll feel right at home.
This is a social event where you can meet other readers and writers and chat about what you like to write, what you are writing or – let’s be honest – perhaps what you are not writing! There is no need to bring a notepad or laptop – if you’re looking for a structured writing session please have a look at the courses on our website.
This event will be hosted by Carla Jenkins, founder of Raw Writing and author of the 2024 novel, Fifty Minutes and Touched (to be released 2027).
Everyone is welcome — whether you’re completely new to writing or have years of experience. Drop in anytime – stay for as long as you like. It’s very informal and open.
Questions?
Email: carla@rawwriting.co.uk
Call or text: 07474 116771
Visit: rawwriting.tempurl.host
We can’t wait to meet you — bring your voice, your curiosity, and your love of writing 🙂

Creative Writing Kickstart!
2026-08-01 15:00 - 17:00 | Exeter Library, Library, Castle St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3PQ, United Kingdom
Exeter Library – The Rougemont Room
Saturday, 1st August, 15.00-17.00
Raw Writing tutors Carla Jenkins, Adam Shackleton, Malcolm Hebron and Martyn Waites who are expert writers and teach courses in the novel, memoir and poetry, will be running a lively two-hour session to fill you with inspiration and get you writing. Beginners and experienced writers are warmly welcome. Come and have a great time experimenting with different genres and be prepared to have a great time!

The Psychology of Writing (Tuesday or Saturday)
2026-08-11 17:30 - 2026-08-15 19:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Do you want to write that novel/memoir/short story without anything standing in your way?
This four-week course addresses and helps you to overcome imposter syndrome and that critical inner voice. It will also stop you from comparing yourself with other writers.
I’m going to get you to a place where all your brain space and energy goes into your writing, not managing the obstacles and barriers that eat into your writing time. I’ve worked a lot on overcoming these challenges and want to share with you how I did it. If I hadn’t, I doubt I’d have got a two-book deal with Hachette and become a published author!
Exeter Phoenix
Tuesday 11, 18, 25 Aug and 1 Sept 17.30-19.00
OR
Saturday 15, 22, 29 Aug and 5 Sept 14.00-15.30

Live Writing Club - August - Adam Shackleton
2026-08-12 19:30 - 20:30 | ZOOM
How to Critique
Sign up here for membership.
Wednesday 12th August 19.30-20.30

The Psychology of Writing (ZOOM)
2026-08-13 19:00 - 2026-08-17 20:30 | ZOOM
Do you want to write that novel/memoir/short story without anything standing in your way?
This four-week course addresses and helps you to overcome imposter syndrome and that critical inner voice. It will also stop you from comparing yourself with other writers.
I’m going to get you to a place where all your brain space and energy goes into your writing, not managing the obstacles and barriers that eat into your writing time. I’ve worked a lot on overcoming these challenges and want to share with you how I did it. If I hadn’t, I doubt I’d have got a two-book deal with Hachette and become a published author!
ZOOM
Thursdays 13th, 20th, 27th Aug and 3rd Sept – 7:00-8.30PM
