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 get in touch via the enquiry form at the foot of this page.
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.

- £870*
Write your Memoir
- *Fully Booked
- Six-month course, starting on:
- Tuesday 5th September 2023.
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 a 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!
5th September, 3rd October, 7th November, 5th December, 9th January, 6th February.
Places are limited to eight in order to create a warm and supportive space, and so that everyone’s writing can receive the attention it deserves.
Each day consists of a two-hour writing workshop, a delicious lunch in The Phoenix Cafe, a communal writing session, afternoon tea and cake in a reflection space and the opportunity to share your work in progress and receive valuable feedback. This course also includes 3 x 45 minute one-to-one sessions with the tutor.
*If you’d prefer to make payment for this course in three instalments of £290, please email me: carla@rawwriting.co.uk or use the ‘Enquire’ button.
- £825*
Start Writing Your Novel Course
- *Fully Booked
- Six-month course, starting on:
- Thursday 7th September 2023.
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 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.
Thursday 5th, 12th and 21st October;
Thursday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th November;
Thursday 7th, 14th and 21st December;
Thursday 11th, 18th and 25th January;
Thursday 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd February.
*If you’d prefer to make payment for this course in three instalments of £275, please email me: carla@rawwriting.co.uk or use the ‘Enquire’ button.
- £825*
Start Writing Your Novel Course
- *Fully Booked
- Six-month course, starting on:
- Friday 8th September 2023.
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 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.
Friday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th October;
Friday 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th November;
Friday 1st, 8th and 15th December;
Friday 12th, 19th and 26th January;
Friday 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd February.
*If you’d prefer to make payment for this course in three instalments of £275, please email me: carla@rawwriting.co.uk or use the ‘Enquire’ button.
- £120
Creative Writing Pick and Mix
- Four-week course, starting on:
- Thursday 4th January 2024.
Come and experiment with different forms including the short story, mindful writing and memoir.
Thursday 1st February 2024.
Morning or afternoon sessions available: 10:30-12pm or 2-3:30pm.
- £120
Creative Writing Pick and Mix
- Four-week course, starting on:
- Friday 12th January 2024.
Come and experiment with different forms including the short story, mindful writing and memoir.
Friday 2nd February.
Afternoon sessions: 1-2:30pm.
- £120
Creative Writing Pick and Mix
- Four-week course, starting on:
- Saturday 13th January 2024.
Come and experiment with different forms including the short story, mindful writing and memoir.
Saturday 3rd February 2024.
Morning sessions: 10:30-12pm.
- £10*
Creating Convincing Characters Online Workshop (Zoom)
- *Fully Booked
- 90 mins course, starting on:
- Saturday 14th October 2023.
Learn how to make your characters convincing, identifiable and engaging!
Whether you’re writing a novel, play or short story, characters are the life of any literary work. If you want to hook your reader, they need to care about your characters.
In this online workshop, you’ll be taken through a series of prompts that enable you to develop your main character and make them story-worthy.
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be sent a zoom link and joining instructions.
- £120
Creative Writing Pick and Mix Online
- Four-week course course, starting on:
- Saturday 4th November 2023.
Come and experiment with different forms including the short story, mindful writing and memoir.
Afternoon sessions: 16.00-17.30