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.
Dr C. Mansfield2024-04-27Carla of Raw Writing was my mentor under the ‘Bridging Cities: Exeter and Jakarta’ project, supported by the British Council. I am one of the UK writers selected by Exeter UNESCO City of Literature. Our creative partners in Indonesia work with The 17,000 Islands of Imagination Foundation. Carla’s guidance on my meta-fiction writing was excellent. The mentoring was focussed, and it addressed key points in the text that would benefit from either clarification or further development. Carla draws on her extensive knowledge of literary texts to pinpoint areas for improvement and proposes suggestions in a sensitive and understanding way to encourage you to grow in your writing practice. Carla’s mentoring has provided me with new reading on dialogue construction for my continued creative journey and has given me a boost in confidence for the next stage in this Cities of Literature collaboration. This UNESCO Cities of Literature collaboration addresses the impacts of climate change. Writers and artists exchange work, fostering international cooperation, to explore the role of literature in climate action. The British Council ‘Connections Through Culture’ grants support new connections, exchanges and collaborations. These grants build productive long-term relationships between artists, writers, cultural professionals, creative practitioners and and cultural organisations.
Mel Barrett2024-04-02Journaling is a hobby, I read and scour second hand book shops, scribble notes on various note pads thinking that maybe some day I would turn these scribbles into something a little more serious. That day came and I embarked on Carla's Creative Writing Mix and now I have progressed to the next set of classes 'Memoir'. Carla has a style of teaching which has me fully engaged. Her classes are interactive and fun. It's really helping me find my voice and write with more purpose and clarity. The feedback she gives during class is considered and thoughtful and In my head I think, she really knows what she's talking about as a published author herself. I know I am not going to want these classes to end. Highly Highly recommend. Thank you Carla so much! I love your classes! and I never want them to end.
Nigel Dinnes2024-02-11The 'start writing your novel course' was well structured and very useful. Feed back is succinct and encouraging. Highly recommended.
Andrew Nelmes2024-02-08I hadn't any experience of writing a memoir until I discovered Carla's course. It offered a way forward, in easy stages. I could never have dreamt that after six months, I would be proofreading and thinking about self-publication. Carla has made that difference - give it a try.
Lyndy Pooley2024-02-05Carla was great! the sessions were structured but she made them fun as well as challenging. Carla made everyone feel confident and that we could have a go. Thank you.
Sharon Beavan2024-02-04I learned a huge amount on Carla's course from the value of description and detail, to structuring a story and exploring song lyrics. Carla created an engaging, well-paced and stimulating course that was delivered through achievable but challenging starting points. It was so valuable to listen to the other student's writing and to feel everyone's contribution was heard and valued. I loved the whole experience and would love to do another course with Carla as i feel she gave us all confidence in our own vision and voices.
hilary taylor2024-02-03The pick and mix course was just the right level to get me writing again. Carla created a friendly and safe environment for our group to explore our creative potential. Over just a few sessions we learned tips to help us write imaginatively with structure, guidance, and positive feedback. I recommend this class to anyone who wants to start writing.
Vicky Hopkins Bond2024-02-03I’ve just finished the 4 week pick and mix course with Carla. I’ve learnt so much in a short space of time; the classes are well structured with wide ranging activities designed to gain ideas for your own writing. I have felt really inspired and energised by the process, so much so that I’ve signed up for the short story writing course. Carla creates a welcoming space offering constructive and encouraging feedback. I think the concept of ‘raw’ writing is invaluable and it has made me see the importance of being honest in whatever I write.
Helen Fish2024-02-03Carla is an inspirational tutor. She has given me the confidence to explore my own creativity and embrace the joy of writing. The sessions are professionally structured, both educational and enjoyable. It is a privilege to be part of the group.
Rebecca Heal2024-02-03Carla is a fantastic tutor who creates a lovely nurturing learning environment. I would highly recommend Carla's classes - I am just about to sign up for her course on Memoir.
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.
- £450
Short Story course with M J Hyland (Zoom) (Wednesdays)
- 3 Places Left
- Eight-week course, starting on:
- Wednesday 5th June 2024.
Over the course of these eight weeks, the focus will be on you producing a 2000-word story that you can then enter into competitions. Your short story will be workshopped twice within the group, and you’ll receive feedback from both M J Hyland and Carla Jenkins. There will be close critical analysis of five short stories by renowned writers, and these will be sent to you in advance of the course.
We are limiting it to eight people and the cost is £450.
If you’d like to pay in two instalments, please email carla@rawwriting.co.uk
M. J. Hyland, author of the multi-award-winning-novels, How the Light Gets In, This is How, and Man Booker Prize-shortlisted, Carry Me Down.
Winner of both the Encore Award and the Hawthornden Prize, M. J. Hyland was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize (2006), twice shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, twice shortlisted for the BBC Short Story Award, twice long-listed for the Orange Prize, long-listed for the Dublin IMPAC International Prize for Fiction, shortlisted for the inaugural William Hazlitt Essay Prize, shortlisted for the Hazlitt Essay Prize (2013) and long-listed for the EFG Sunday Times Short Story Award and more.
Hyland has written for Granta, the Financial Times and the New Yorker, and is an experienced and enthusiastic workshop instructor who lectured in the creative writing programme at the University of Manchester (2007-2017), alongside writers such as Martin Amis. Colm Toibin and Jeanette Winterson. Hyland also reviews film and TV for the BBC and works as a freelance editor and mentor.
Wednesday 12th June
Wednesday 19th June
Wednesday 26th June
Wednesday 3rd July
Wednesday 10th July
Wednesday 17th July
Wednesday 24th July 2024
19.00-20.30
- £400
Memoir Bootcamp Five-Day Intensive Course (Zoom) (June)
- 5 Places Left
- 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
- £120
Pick and Mix (Thursdays) Afternoon
- Four-week course, starting on:
- Thursday 4th July 2024.
Experiment with different forms including the short story, mindful writing and memoir. This four-week course has been designed so you can try out a variety of types of writing and have a great time while doing so!
14.00-15.30
- £120
Pick and Mix (Thursdays) Evening
- Four-week course, starting on:
- Thursday 4th July 2024.
Experiment with different forms including the short story, mindful writing and memoir. This four-week course has been designed so you can try out a variety of types of writing and have a great time while doing so!
14.00-15.30
- £400
Memoir Bootcamp Five-Day Intensive Course (Zoom) (August)
- 3 Places Left
- 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)
- 6 Places Left
- 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 (Fridays)
- 4 Places Left
- 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)
- 4 Places Left
- 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.
