Raw Writing

Raw Reading Club (Zoom) - Penelope Fitzgerald, The Bookshop
2026-04-01 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | ZOOM
Penelope Fitzgerald, The Bookshop.
Florence Green decides to open a bookshop in a small town. What could be more charming? But not everyone wants a bookshop or approves of the books she wants to sell. A timeless gem describing what happens when someone shakes up a community set in its ways. A comic and moving novel which reaches deep into human behaviour with Fitzgerald’s brilliantly economic style.
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

Spring Poetry for All
2026-04-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
‘Nothing is so beautiful as spring’, said Gerard Manley Hopkins. And who could disagree? Come and join us for a celebration of spring in the words of Hopkins and his fellow poets, from medieval times to today. There will be daffodils, trees coming into leaf, April’s sweet showers, melting snow, lambs, at least one serpent, and reflections on the meaning of Easter, too. We look forward to your company for this latest reading of seasonal poems by Malcolm Hebron, a spring clean for the mind!
Pay what you can afford
£6/£8/£10

Silent Writing Club
2026-04-22 12:30 - 13:30, 2026-04-30 18:30 - 19:30, 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 | 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 Writing Meetup - Exeter
2026-04-24 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/313946352/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events
We’ll be meeting at The City Gate, 1 Iron Bridge, North St, Exeter EX4 3RB on Friday 24th April 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 🙂

Introduction to Memoir
2026-05-01 14:00 - 15:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Exeter Phoenix £285 (Payable in three instalments of £95. Please email carla@rawwriting.co.uk to arrange.)
Fridays 14.00-15.30
Friday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd May & 5th, 12th, 19th 26th June
Thinking about writing your memoir but unsure where to begin? Join me for an eight-week course designed to give you a strong foundation and the confidence to find your voice and get it on the page. Whether you’re full of memories or starting with a blank notebook, you’ll be guided step-by-step to shape your experiences into honest, raw writing.
Course tutor: Carla’s debut novel, Fifty Minutes, was published by Hachette in May 2024, and her second novel, Touched, is due for publication in April 2027. In 2019, Carla did a Master’s in Creative Writing at Exeter University and loved it. She missed it so much when it was over that she decided to set up Raw Writing, to recreate all those wonderful aspects of the MA and give to others what was one of the best experiences she’d ever had. Raw Writing enables people to learn about writing, improve their writing, and be part of a writing community.

Introduction to the Novel (Saturdays)
2026-05-02 10:30 - 12:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Exeter Phoenix £285 (Payable in three instalments of £95. Please email carla@rawwriting.co.uk to arrange.)
Saturdays 10.30-12.00
Saturday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd May & 6th, 13th, 20th 27th June
Do you dream of writing a novel? Do you have some great ideas, but are not sure where to start? Join me on an inspirational eight-week course where we will look at character, plot, setting and dialogue. This course provides a solid foundation that will help you start writing your novel and gain confidence in finding your voice.
Course tutor: Adam Shackleton is a writer with a keen interest in developing creative talent. He holds a Master’s in Education, and read his Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the University of Cambridge. He then taught for a decade in the United Kingdom and internationally, specialising in reading and writing. Adam is currently working on a commission for a charity to write a middle-grade novel and a picture book for younger readers. He looks forward to publishing both in 2026 to coincide with the charity’s anniversary celebrations.

Write for Life
2026-05-02 14:00 - 15:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Exeter Phoenix £285 (Payable in three instalments of £95. Please email carla@rawwriting.co.uk to arrange.)
Saturdays 14.00-15.30
Saturday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd May & 6th, 13th, 20th 27th June
Let’s celebrate the power of words and have fun being creative, because when we invest in our creativity, it positively impacts every area of our lives. This course has been designed for complete beginners and for those with some experience. Come and have fun playing with words. Let’s take the pressure off and just write for pleasure! Each week, there’ll be a range of stimulating prompts and optional writing activities for you to complete in between sessions.
Course tutor: Carla’s debut novel, Fifty Minutes, was published by Hachette in May 2024, and her second novel, Touched, is due for publication in April 2027. In 2019, Carla did a Master’s in Creative Writing at Exeter University and loved it. She missed it so much when it was over that she decided to set up Raw Writing, to recreate all those wonderful aspects of the MA and give to others what was one of the best experiences she’d ever had. Raw Writing enables people to learn about writing, improve their writing, and be part of a writing community.

Introduction to the Novel (Tuesdays)
2026-05-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Exeter Phoenix £285 (Payable in three instalments of £95. Please email carla@rawwriting.co.uk to arrange.)
Tuesdays 19.00-20.30
Tuesdays 5th, 12th, 19th May & 2nd, 9th, 16th 23rd, 30th June
Do you dream of writing a novel? Do you have some great ideas, but are not sure where to start? Join me on an inspirational eight-week course where we will look at character, plot, setting and dialogue. This course provides a solid foundation that will help you start writing your novel and gain confidence in finding your voice.
Course tutor: Adam Shackleton is a writer with a keen interest in developing creative talent. He holds a Master’s in Education, and read his Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the University of Cambridge. He then taught for a decade in the United Kingdom and internationally, specialising in reading and writing. Adam is currently working on a commission for a charity to write a middle-grade novel and a picture book for younger readers. He looks forward to publishing both in 2026 to coincide with the charity’s anniversary celebrations.

Introduction to Memoir (Online)
2026-05-05 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Online Zoom £285 (Payable in three instalments of £95. Please email carla@rawwriting.co.uk to arrange.)
Tuesdays, 19.00-20.30
Tuesdays 5th, 12th, 19th, 23rd May & 2nd, 9th, 18th 23rd, 30th June
Thinking about writing your memoir but unsure where to begin? Join me for an eight-week course designed to give you a strong foundation and the confidence to find your voice and get it on the page. Whether you’re full of memories or starting with a blank notebook, you’ll be guided step-by-step to shape your experiences into honest, raw writing.
Course tutor: Carla’s debut novel, Fifty Minutes, was published by Hachette in May 2024, and her second novel, Touched, is due for publication in April 2027. In 2019, Carla did a Master’s in Creative Writing at Exeter University and loved it. She missed it so much when it was over that she decided to set up Raw Writing, to recreate all those wonderful aspects of the MA and give to others what was one of the best experiences she’d ever had. Raw Writing enables people to learn about writing, improve their writing, and be part of a writing community.

Writers Workshop (8-week Wednesday course), with Adam Shackleton
2026-05-06 | Exeter Library, Library, Castle St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3PQ, United Kingdom
Exeter Library
£285 (Payable in three instalments of £95. Please email carla@rawwriting.co.uk to arrange.)
10.30-12 or 14:00-15:30
May 6th, 13th, 20th
June 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
July 1st

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! Now in its fifth iteration, the Writers Workshop has successfully helped many aspiring writers develop their writing skills in order to analyse their own work with a critical eye.
Over this eight-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,
•⁠ ⁠and 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.

Introduction to Shakespeare
2026-05-06 10:30 - 12:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Exeter Phoenix £285 (Payable in three instalments of £95. Please email carla@rawwriting.co.uk to arrange.)
Wednesday 6th, 13th, 20th May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th June, 1st July
Introduction to Shakespeare has one simple aim: to help you experience Shakespeare with confidence, understanding and above all enjoyment. Our most famous writer is available in so many forms – on stage or screen, the radio or the page – but where to start? We will discover Shakespeare through performance, by diving into scenes and speeches (and poems) and reading them aloud. We’ll look at technical terms – soliloquy, tragedy, blank verse, sonnet – but we’ll also ask bigger questions: how is this relevant today? How can Shakespeare help me with my life? Ideal for beginners, and
for those who have some experience but would like to refresh and extend their knowledge of the bard of Avon!
Course tutor: Malcolm Hebron studied English at Oxford University, where he took a doctorate in medieval studies. For thirty years he taught English literature at Winchester College, which involved teaching Shakespeare every year up to A Level. His publications include Key Concepts in Renaissance Literature, which covers the history and world of Shakespeare’s time.

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 | 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
