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 courses and workshops offer you the opportunity to learn how to write in a supportive setting with like-minded individuals and an expert tutor.
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.
Beginners Novel Course
I can’t recommend this course enough. Writing has been something I always wanted to try but never had the confidence and had no idea where to start. Carla is supportive, knowledgeable and most of all extremely passionate about what she does. I’ve learnt a lot in such a short space of time.
Beginners Novel Course
When I embarked on this course, I wasn’t sure that I had either the ability or the self-discipline to sit down and write a novel. But I came away inspired and now have a daily writing habit and a determination to finish what I’ve started. Carla covers everything from character, plot and dialogue through to the practicalities of formatting and submitting a manuscript. If you feel you have a novel in you, then I can highly recommend.
Beginners Novel Course
This thoughtfully structured course addressed the key ingredients for writing a successful novel. Carla’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious. Great class size, we had seven people. A like-minded and friendly but diverse group. Excellent use of examples from top writers mixed in with our own exercises. The course’s ‘novels-in-progress’ peer reviews where we all provided constructive feedback on each other’s writing were particularly enjoyable and provided a wealth of learning and breadth in perspective.
Beginners Novel Course
I have just finished Carla’s 10-week novel course. This was absolutely brilliant. Carla was supportive and encouraging to all members of the group and always focussed on the good things we were writing. She not only gave personal encouragement thus building confidence but supported our learning with literary examples and writing techniques. I would thoroughly recommend Carla’s courses.
Beginners Novel Course
Thank you for such a wonderful course. It was the highlight of every week and so full of interesting and helpful ideas, exercises and support. I found every class extremely absorbing and was thrilled how much we bonded as a group. So much in fact that I felt a little flat on Saturday because the course was at an end and I am going to miss the group so much. I am very much looking forward to seeing some of the gang again on the next stage of our journey.
Beginners Novel Course
I feel inspired. It’s like going from mono to high definition stereo. I should have done this years ago!
Write your Self Life Truth
Gift vouchers
My creative writing courses make ideal gifts…
Contact me if you’d like to arrange a gift voucher for the person in your life who loves writing or would like to have a go at it!
Gift vouchers
My creative writing courses make ideal gifts…
Contact me if you’d like to arrange a gift voucher for the person in your life who loves writing or would like to have a go at it!
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.
See below for current and upcoming courses.
For a full list of courses available, please visit our courses page.
- £400
Memoir Bootcamp Five-Day Intensive Course (Zoom) (June)
- Five-day course, starting on:
- Monday 10th June 2024.
Memoir is no longer the preserve of the rich and famous. We can all write about our life. If you’re keen to write your memoir, join me on this five-day course and learn all you need to get started. I’ll cover memory and truth, how to write about other people, setting, structure and more.
Each day will begin with a two-hour masterclass in an aspect of memoir writing. After lunch, you’ll have time to write with tasks and prompts inspired by the masterclass. There will then be the opportunity to share what you’ve written or how you found the process.
You’ll also be given two one-to-one sessions over the course of the week to discuss your work in progress and receive bespoke feedback on areas that are specific to your memoir.
The group will be limited to eight people to ensure all have a decent amount of time and attention.
Full course outline and recommended reading list will be sent to you once you’ve signed up. If you’d like to have a chat before signing up, please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you.
I’m delighted that the hugely talented author and activist, Winnie M Li will be guest tutor on my Online Memoir Bootcamps in June and August.
Winnie M Li is an author and activist. Her latest novel Complicit was a New York Times’ Editors’ Choice, shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature’s Encore Award, and listed among the Best Novels of 2022 by Grazia, Glamour, and The Irish Times. Her debut Dark Chapter won The Guardian’s Not The Booker Prize, was nominated for an Edgar Award, and translated into ten languages. She has recently adapted it for the screen. Driven by her own experience of rape, Winnie founded Clear Lines, the UK’s first festival addressing sexual assault and consent through the arts, and completed her PhD research at the London School of Economics on the emotional labour of rape survivors in the media. She is a recipient of grant funding from the Royal Society of Literature, Jerwood Arts, and the Arts Councils of England and Northern Ireland. Winnie has given over 200 public talks and appeared on the BBC, Sky News, Channel 4, The Guardian, The Mail on Sunday, The Irish Times, BBC Women’s Hour, and TEDx London, among other media platforms. She is an Associate Lecturer on the Goldsmiths, University of London Creative and Life Writing MA and holds an honorary doctorate of law from the National University of Ireland in recognition of her writing and activism. http://winniemli.com
Selected Links:
TEDx London talk: https://tedxlondon.com/topic/society/reframing-the-way-we-think-about-sexual-violence-winnie-m-li-tedxlondon/
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/winniemli
Publisher’s Weekly author profile: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/profiles/article/91022-winnie-m-li-will-not-be-complicit.html
‘Story in the Public Square’ PBS Interview (Complicit): https://youtu.be/RuMaRqy-lW0
The New York Times review (Complicit): https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/14/books/review/complicit-winnie-m-li.html
Sky News (UK) TV interview (on Dark Chapter): https://youtu.be/dSeAnscwC5c
10.30-4pm
- £400
Novel Bootcamp Five-Day Intensive Course (Zoom) (June)
- Five-day course, starting on:
- Monday 17th June 2024.
During this week, you’ll learn the fundamental aspects of writing a novel, including character, plot, setting, conflict and tension and dialogue.
Each day begins with a two-hour masterclass in an aspect of novel writing. After lunch, you’ll then have time to write with tasks linked to the masterclass. There will then be the opportunity to share what you’ve written or how you found the process.
You’ll also be given two one-to-one sessions over the course of the week to discuss your work in progress and receive bespoke feedback on areas that are specific to your novel.
The group will be limited to eight people to ensure all have a decent amount of time and attention.
Full course outline and recommended reading list will be sent to you once you’ve signed up. If you’d like to have a chat before signing up, please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you.
10.30am – 4pm
- £400
Novel Bootcamp Five-Day Intensive Course (Zoom) (July)
- Five-day course, starting on:
- Monday 1st July 2024.
During this week, you’ll learn the fundamental aspects of writing a novel, including character, plot, setting, conflict and tension and dialogue.
Each day begins with a two-hour masterclass in an aspect of novel writing. After lunch, you’ll then have time to write with tasks linked to the masterclass. There will then be the opportunity to share what you’ve written or how you found the process.
You’ll also be given two one-to-one sessions over the course of the week to discuss your work in progress and receive bespoke feedback on areas that are specific to your novel.
The group will be limited to eight people to ensure all have a decent amount of time and attention.
Full course outline and recommended reading list will be sent to you once you’ve signed up. If you’d like to have a chat before signing up, please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you.
10.30am – 4pm
- £400
Memoir Bootcamp Five-Day Intensive Course (Zoom) (August)
- Five-day course, starting on:
- Monday 5th August 2024.
Memoir is no longer the preserve of the rich and famous. We can all write about our life. If you’re keen to write your memoir, join me on this five-day course and learn all you need to get started. I’ll cover memory and truth, how to write about other people, setting, structure and more.
Each day will begin with a two-hour masterclass in an aspect of memoir writing. After lunch, you’ll have time to write with tasks and prompts inspired by the masterclass. There will then be the opportunity to share what you’ve written or how you found the process.
You’ll also be given two one-to-one sessions over the course of the week to discuss your work in progress and receive bespoke feedback on areas that are specific to your memoir.
The group will be limited to eight people to ensure all have a decent amount of time and attention.
Full course outline and recommended reading list will be sent to you once you’ve signed up. If you’d like to have a chat before signing up, please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you.
I’m delighted that the hugely talented author and activist, Winnie M Li will be guest tutor on my Online Memoir Bootcamps in June and August.
Winnie M Li is an author and activist. Her latest novel Complicit was a New York Times’ Editors’ Choice, shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature’s Encore Award, and listed among the Best Novels of 2022 by Grazia, Glamour, and The Irish Times. Her debut Dark Chapter won The Guardian’s Not The Booker Prize, was nominated for an Edgar Award, and translated into ten languages. She has recently adapted it for the screen. Driven by her own experience of rape, Winnie founded Clear Lines, the UK’s first festival addressing sexual assault and consent through the arts, and completed her PhD research at the London School of Economics on the emotional labour of rape survivors in the media. She is a recipient of grant funding from the Royal Society of Literature, Jerwood Arts, and the Arts Councils of England and Northern Ireland. Winnie has given over 200 public talks and appeared on the BBC, Sky News, Channel 4, The Guardian, The Mail on Sunday, The Irish Times, BBC Women’s Hour, and TEDx London, among other media platforms. She is an Associate Lecturer on the Goldsmiths, University of London Creative and Life Writing MA and holds an honorary doctorate of law from the National University of Ireland in recognition of her writing and activism. http://winniemli.com
Selected Links:
TEDx London talk: https://tedxlondon.com/topic/society/reframing-the-way-we-think-about-sexual-violence-winnie-m-li-tedxlondon/
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/winniemli
Publisher’s Weekly author profile: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/profiles/article/91022-winnie-m-li-will-not-be-complicit.html
‘Story in the Public Square’ PBS Interview (Complicit): https://youtu.be/RuMaRqy-lW0
The New York Times review (Complicit): https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/14/books/review/complicit-winnie-m-li.html
Sky News (UK) TV interview (on Dark Chapter): https://youtu.be/dSeAnscwC5c
10.30-4pm
- £900
Start Writing Your Novel Course (Mondays)
- Six-month course, starting on:
- Monday 9th September 2024.
It’s said that everyone has a novel in them… What’s yours?
This six-month course has been designed to increase your writing confidence, help you find your voice, and start writing your novel. You’ll find the beating heart of your story and begin working on your first draft. Through close reading analysis and writing exercises, you’ll learn all about plot, structure, setting, character and voice. There will be opportunities to share your work in progress four times over the course and receive constructive feedback in a supportive and creative space. I limit the class size to eight people so that everyone gets a good amount of attention. You’ll receive a course outline and reading list when you sign up.
Monday September 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th,
Monday October 7th, 14th, 21st,
Monday November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th,
Monday December 2nd, 9th, 16th,
Monday January 13th, 20th, 27th,
Monday February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th.
*If you’d prefer to make payment for this course in three instalments of £300, please email me: carla@rawwriting.co.uk or use the ‘Enquire’ button.
- £900
Start Writing Your Novel (Zoom) (Mondays)
- Six-month course course, starting on:
- Monday 9th September 2024.
It’s said that everyone has a novel in them… What’s yours?
This six-month course has been designed to increase your writing confidence, help you find your voice, and start writing your novel. You’ll find the beating heart of your story and begin working on your first draft. Through close reading analysis and writing exercises, you’ll learn all about plot, structure, setting, character and voice. There will be opportunities to share your work in progress four times over the course and receive constructive feedback in a supportive and creative space. I limit the class size to eight people so that everyone gets a good amount of attention. You’ll receive a course outline and reading list when you sign up.
*If you’d prefer to make payment for this course in three instalments of £300, please email me: carla@rawwriting.co.uk or use the ‘Enquire’ button.
Monday September 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th,
Monday October 7th, 14th, 21st,
Monday November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th,
Monday December 2nd, 9th, 16th,
Monday January 13th, 20th, 27th,
Monday February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th.
- £900
Write Your Memoir (Zoom) (Thursdays)
- Six-month course course, starting on:
- Thursday 12th September 2024.
Memoir is no longer the preserve of the rich and famous. We can all write about our lives.
Have you been thinking about writing your memoir for some time? Have you made a start but are now struggling to make progress? Would you like to receive warm support, guidance and inspiration so that you can make headway with your memoir?
Join me on this six-month course where you’ll learn all the key components of memoir writing. Through the study of published memoirs and writing exercises, you’ll learn how to develop your ideas and improve and experiment with your writing style. You’ll find the right structure for your memoir and there will be no holding you back!
*If you’d prefer to make payment for this course in three instalments of £300, please email me: carla@rawwriting.co.uk or use the ‘Enquire’ button.
Thursday September 12th, 19th, 26th,
October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th,
November 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th,
December 5th, 12th, 19th,
January 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th,
February 6th, 13th, 20th
- £900
Start Writing Your Novel Course (Thursdays)
- Six-month course, starting on:
- Thursday 12th September 2024.
It’s said that everyone has a novel in them… What’s yours?
This six-month course has been designed to increase your writing confidence, help you find your voice, and start writing your novel. You’ll find the beating heart of your story and begin working on your first draft. Through close reading analysis and writing exercises, you’ll learn all about plot, structure, setting, character and voice. There will be opportunities to share your work in progress four times over the course and receive constructive feedback in a supportive and creative space. I limit the class size to eight people so that everyone gets a good amount of attention. You’ll receive a course outline and reading list when you sign up.
Thursday September 12th, 19th, 26th,
Thursday October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th,
Thursday November 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th,
Thursday December 5th, 12th, 19th,
Thursday January 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th,
Thursday February 6th 13th, 20th.
*If you’d prefer to make payment for this course in three instalments of £300, please email me: carla@rawwriting.co.uk or use the ‘Enquire’ button.
- £900
Start Writing Your Novel Course (Friday)
- Six-month course, starting on:
- Friday 13th September 2024.
It’s said that everyone has a novel in them… What’s yours?
This six-month course has been designed to increase your writing confidence, help you find your voice, and start writing your novel. You’ll find the beating heart of your story and begin working on your first draft. Through close reading analysis and writing exercises, you’ll learn all about plot, structure, setting, character and voice. There will be opportunities to share your work in progress four times over the course and receive constructive feedback in a supportive and creative space. I limit the class size to eight people so that everyone gets a good amount of attention. You’ll receive a course outline and reading list when you sign up.
Friday September 13th, 20th, 27th,
Friday October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th,
Friday November 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th,
Friday December 6th, 13th, 20th,
Friday January 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st,
Friday February 7th, 14th, 21st.
*If you’d prefer to make payment for this course in three instalments of £300, please email me: carla@rawwriting.co.uk or use the ‘Enquire’ button.
- £900
Write Your Memoir (Fridays)
- Six-month course course, starting on:
- Friday 13th September 2024.
Memoir is no longer the preserve of the rich and famous. We can all write about our lives.
Have you been thinking about writing your memoir for some time? Have you made a start but are now struggling to make progress? Would you like to receive warm support, guidance and inspiration so that you can make headway with your memoir?
Join me on this six-month course where you’ll learn all the key components of memoir writing. Through the study of published memoirs and writing exercises, you’ll learn how to develop your ideas and improve and experiment with your writing style. You’ll find the right structure for your memoir and there will be no holding you back!
*If you’d prefer to make payment for this course in three instalments of £300, please email me: carla@rawwriting.co.uk or use the ‘Enquire’ button.
Friday September 13th, 20th, 27th,
Friday October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th,
Friday November 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th,
Friday December 6th, 13th, 20th,
Friday January 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st,
Friday February 7th, 14th, 21st.