Raw Writing

Raw Writing Meetup - Bristol
2025-09-23 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | The Watershed, Watershed & Pervasive Media Studio, 1 Canons Road Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
RAW Writing Meetup
Come and meet a warm, creative group of people who love reading and writing at our RAW Writing Meetup at Watershed, Bristol!
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.
Venue: The Watershed, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TX
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Drop in anytime – stay for as long as you like. It’s very informal and open.
We’re thrilled to have Nick Hunt – travel writer, sci-fi author, and journalist – hosting this event. Nick is excited to welcome you and spark engaging conversations about all things writing-related.
This is for you if:

You’re a book lover curious about your own writing voice
You’ve thought about writing a book or short stories, but don’t know where to begin
You’re looking to reconnect with your creativity and find fresh inspiration
You want to meet like-minded writers, readers, and creatives in Bristol
You’re feeling creatively stuck and want to try something new

Everyone is welcome — whether you’re completely new to writing or have years of experience.
Questions?
Email: carla@rawwriting.co.uk
Call or text: 07474 116771
We can’t wait to meet you — bring your voice, your curiosity, and your love of writing 🙂

Raw Writing Meetup - Exeter
2025-09-26 17:00 - 19:00 | The Mermaid, 11b Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Come and meet lots of people who love reading and writing at our September Meetup!
This month we will be meeting at The Mermaid, Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3LS – September 26, from 5-7pm.
Our guest speaker will be Jo Middleton, who will be giving us a sneak preview from her upcoming novel Not Another Bloody Christmas (to be released 23rd October 2025).
We aim to keep our Meetups friendly and informal, so come anytime you like and stay for as long as you like.
Great friendships are being formed and writing buddies found as a result of these brilliant meetings.
Everyone is welcome, but please note The Mermaid does have stairs into the bar area.
Please don’t hesitate to email carla@rawwriting.co.uk or message/call me on 07474 116771 if you have any questions beforehand.
Hope to see you there! 🙂
Carla

September Masterclass - Rashed Aqrabawi
2025-09-28 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Rashed Aqrabawi – Writing from Life.

Become a member of Raw Writing and keep your writing at the forefront of your mind! For just £10 a month, you get to attend two live Zoom sessions where you can learn from published writers and take part in writing activities. You can also enter the monthly writing competition, where the winner receives a one-to-one mentoring session with a published writer. Sign up here!

Membership

Silent Writing Club
2025-09-29 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-13 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-11-10 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-11-24 14:00 - 15:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
You’ve heard of ‘The Silent Book Club’ where people read together in silence…
Exeter Phoenix, in collaboration with Carla Jenkins of Raw Writing, is delighted to announce the return of ‘The Silent Writing Club,’ a place where you can write in silence with others. 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. There is room for twelve people. Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. You are welcome to buy a drink and write in the cafe bar if The Meeting Room is full!

Raw Writing Meetup - Taunton
2025-10-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Hubbox, 27-28 North Street, Taunton, TA1 1LW, United Kingdom
RAW Writing Meetup
Come and meet a warm, creative group of people who love reading and writing at our monthly RAW Writing Meetup in Taunton.
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.
Venue: Hub Box, 27-28 North Street, Taunton TA1 1LW
Time: Thursday, October 2, 2025 – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
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.
We’re thrilled to have Jo Middleton, author of Playgroups and Prosecco and Happy Bloody Christmas hosting this event. Jo will also be our guest speaker and she will be reading a sneak preview from Not Another Bloody Christmas, which will be out on 23rd October. Jo is excited to welcome you and spark engaging conversations about all things writing-related.
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
We can’t wait to meet you — bring your voice, your curiosity, and your love of writing 🙂

Autumn Poetry for All
2025-10-04 14:00 - 15:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Come and celebrate the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ by listening to some of the most sublime poems, from Shakespeare to modern times, read and introduced by Dr Malcolm Hebron. This is a chance to relax, reflect, and renew the spirit.
Everyone is welcome.
If you’d like to be emailed in advance with the poems that will be read during the afternoon, please let us know by emailing carla@rawwriting.co.uk If you’d prefer to collect the poems on arrival (paper copies) this can also be arranged.
Recommended ticket cost £10 or pay what you can afford.

Raw Writing Meetup - Falmouth
2025-10-10 17:00 - 19:00 | The Moth and Moon, 31 Killigrew St, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3PW, United Kingdom
RAW Writing Meetup – Our regular Falmouth Gathering!
Come and meet a warm, creative group of people who love reading and writing at our RAW Writing Meetup in Falmouth!
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 event is hosted by Ted Collins from Raw Writing. He is looking forward to seeing you there.
Venue: The Moth and Moon, 31 Killigrew St, Falmouth TR11 3PW
Friday, October 10, 2025 – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Drop in anytime – stay for as long as you like. It’s very informal and open.
This is for you if:

You’re a book lover curious about your own writing voice
You’ve thought about writing a book or short stories, but don’t know where to begin
You’re looking to reconnect with your creativity and find fresh inspiration
You want to meet like-minded writers, readers, and creatives in Falmouth
You’re feeling creatively stuck and want to try something new

Everyone is welcome — whether you’re completely new to writing or have years of experience.
Questions?
Email: carla@rawwriting.co.uk
Call or text: 07474 116771
We can’t wait to meet you — bring your voice, your curiosity, and your love of writing.

Raw Writing Meetup - London
2025-10-13 18:00 - 20:00 | The Ruby Stella Hotel and Bar, Ruby Stella Hotel & Bar, 15 - 28 Eyre St Hill, London, EC1R 5EW, United Kingdom
Readers and Writers of London – You are invited to our monthly Raw Writing Meetup at The Ruby Stella Hotel and Bar, 15-28 Eyre Street Hill, London.
Monday, October 13, 2025 – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Your host for the evening will be Chloë Fowler, author of the 2024 novel, King.
There will be plenty of time for you to get to know other writers, readers and creative people throughout the evening – it is an informal event, so please feel free to arrive and leave as you wish.
If you have any questions before the event, please don’t hesitate to contact our founder, Carla Jenkins, on carla@rawwriting.co.uk or you can send her a message, or even give her a call on 07474 116771.
We love meeting other writers, and the aim of our events is to develop and grow a supportive network of people who enjoy reading and writing.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Live Writing Club - October - Malcolm Hebron
2025-10-14 19:30 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Malcolm Hebron – Close Textual Analysis
Tuesday October 14th, 19.30-20.30

Dancing with Words
2025-10-25 10:30 - 15:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
It’s time to step away from your writing desk and dance!
Join us for a day of writing, dancing and exploring how movement can be a part of, and enhance, your creativity.
Throughout the day you’ll take part in a mixture of movement and writing exercises that will help you see how the joy, freedom, and vulnerability of dancing can be applied to writing. How do writing and movement intersect? What roles do they play in our lives? How can dance help us with our writing?
By the end of the day you will have:
• had an opportunity to explore your creativity in a way you may not have done so before
• experienced ways in which dance and movement might facilitate and enhance your writing practice
• explored a variety of generative writing techniques leaving you with a bank of new material that you can continue to develop
Writing can often be a solitary and cerebral exercise, let’s see what happens when we come together and dance with words.
Please come prepared to move. Wear comfortable clothes and bring your writers notebook/journal (or whatever your access needs require).
Saturday 25th October
10.30-15.30
Exeter Phoenix
Thymian Gadd is an interdisciplinary writer-artist from London. They are currently undertaking a masters in Creative and Life Writing at Goldsmiths University of London and working on their debut novel. Movement, dance and drawing are particularly important to their practice. They love facilitating workshops where participants are encouraged to consider themes of the body, memory, movement and dance.

October Masterclass - Lucy Rose
2025-10-26 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Lucy Rose – An anxious author’s guide to Writing Horror.

Become a member of Raw Writing and keep your writing at the forefront of your mind! For just £10 a month, you get to attend two live Zoom sessions where you can learn from published writers and take part in writing activities. You can also enter the monthly writing competition, where the winner receives a one-to-one mentoring session with a published writer. Sign up here!

Membership

Raw Writing Meetup - Exeter
2025-10-31 17:00 - 19:00 | The City Gate, 1 Iron Bridge, North St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3RB, United Kingdom
Come and meet lots of people who love reading and writing!
We’ll be meeting at The City Gate, 1 Iron Bridge, North St, Exeter EX4 3RB this time.
October 31, 2025 – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
We aim to keep our Meetups friendly and informal, so come anytime you like and stay for as long as you like.
Great friendships are being formed and writing buddies found as a result of these brilliant meetings. Everyone is welcome.
Please don’t hesitate to email carla@rawwriting.co.uk or message/call me on 07474 116771 if you have any questions beforehand.
Hope to see you there! 🙂
Carla

Poetry: Reading It and Writing It!
2025-11-04 10:30 - 12:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
3 MONTH COURSE

November: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
December: 2nd, 9th

10.30-12
In this course, we will read poets of the twentieth century, including the modernist poet T.S. Eliot (The Waste Land , 1922) and move towards some important poets of the mid-century, the period of Ted Hughes, Philip Larkin, and Sylvia Plath.
MORE INFORMATION
Participants will be given the contents of each session in advance, so you will have time to prepare; and there will be suggestions for extension reading for those who wish to build on what we have read together. Texts of shorter poems will be provided but editions will also be recommended so you can bring your own copies if you wish. Longer poems will be set as homework to give us time to discuss them in class.
We are all aiming to be better readers and better writers. The aim of this course is to help with those goals!

Raw Writing Meetup - Taunton
2025-11-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Hubbox, 27-28 North Street, Taunton, TA1 1LW, United Kingdom
RAW Writing Meetup
Come and meet a warm, creative group of people who love reading and writing at our monthly RAW Writing Meetup in Taunton.
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.
Venue: Hub Box, 27-28 North Street, Taunton TA1 1LW
Time: Thursday, November 6, 2025 – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
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.
We’re thrilled to have Jo Middleton, author of Playgroups and Prosecco and Happy Bloody Christmas hosting this event. Jo will also be our guest speaker and she will be reading a sneak preview from Not Another Bloody Christmas, which will be out on 23rd October. Jo is excited to welcome you and spark engaging conversations about all things writing-related.
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
We can’t wait to meet you — bring your voice, your curiosity, and your love of writing 🙂

Live Writing Club - November - Clare Sumi
2025-11-11 19:30 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Clare Sumi – Plot vs Character in Story Structure.

Is it really one, or both — and which drives which?

Become a member of Raw Writing and keep your writing at the forefront of your mind! For just £10 a month, you get to attend two live Zoom sessions where you can learn from published writers and take part in writing activities. You can also enter the monthly writing competition, where the winner receives a one-to-one mentoring session with a published writer. Sign up here!
Membership

Raw Writing Meetup - Exeter
2025-11-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Puerto Lounge, Unit A, 38 Commercial Rd, Exeter Quay, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AE, United Kingdom
Come and meet lots of people who love reading and writing!
We’ll be meeting at
Puerto Lounge – 38 Commercial Rd · Exeter
this time.
Nov 28, 2025 – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
We aim to keep our Meetups friendly and informal, so come anytime you like and stay for as long as you like.
Great friendships are being formed and writing buddies found as a result of these brilliant meetings. Everyone is welcome.
Please don’t hesitate to email carla@rawwriting.co.uk or message/call me on 07474 116771 if you have any questions beforehand.
Hope to see you there! 🙂
Carla

November Masterclass - Martyn Waites
2025-11-30 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Martyn Waites – Crime Fiction.

Become a member of Raw Writing and keep your writing at the forefront of your mind! For just £10 a month, you get to attend two live Zoom sessions where you can learn from published writers and take part in writing activities. You can also enter the monthly writing competition, where the winner receives a one-to-one mentoring session with a published writer. Sign up here!

Membership

Live Writing Club - December - Jo Middleton
2025-12-09 19:30 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Join us for a light-hearted hour of laughter and creativity in this intro to comedy writing session. We’ll warm up with a few playful, imaginative exercises to get your funny bones firing, explore what makes great comic writing work and you’ll have time to share your own witty words with the group. Perfect for anyone who loves to make people laugh or just wants to have a fun, confidence-boosting hour of writing together.
Sign up here for membership.
Tuesday 9th December 19.30-20.30

December Masterclass - Isabelle Dupey
2025-12-14 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM
This Masterclass with Isabelle Dupey will focus on research in historical fiction, which can seem overwhelming at first, but there will be guidance on how to determine what to look for and how to find it.
Sign up here for membership.
Sunday 14th December 19.00-20.30

Raw Writing Christmas Party
2025-12-18 19:30 - 23:00 | Quayside Distillery, 60a Haven Rd, Exeter, Devon, EX2 8DP
Join us for the Raw Writing Christmas Party!
Thursday 18th December, Quayside Distillery, 60a Haven Rd. Exeter, EX2 8DP
7:30 – 11:00 PM

Raw Writing Challenge for January
2026-01-01 08:00 - 2026-01-31 08:00 | Online / Email
Are you looking for writing inspiration to kick off 2026?
Do you want to become a better writer?
Do you want to establish a regular writing practice?
Do you want to join a writing community and enjoy a weekly Zoom get-together where you can discuss your writing week?
If the answer to any of the above questions is ‘YES!’ then please sign up for the Raw Writing January 31 Day Challenge.
This is how it works:
You’ll receive your first Raw Writing prompt on Thursday 1st January.
You’ll be encouraged to set a timer for five minutes and then just write!
There’s no pressure to go beyond five minutes, although if you want to write for longer, go for it.
You’ll continue to receive a Raw Writing prompt every morning in January.
Raw Writing will host optional live Zoom sessions each week (Sunday 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th, 17.00-18.00) so you can come along and discuss your writing week with everyone else who signed up.
When you write regularly, you get better at it. But sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. The more we encourage ourselves to view the world differently, think in new ways and create a discipline, five minutes at a time, the more inspired we’ll feel.
Some of the best writing I’ve produced has been in response to writing prompts that initially made me feel deflated, annoyed, or uncomfortable!
This Raw Writing January Challenge gives you the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and experiment with your writing.
You will build a great portfolio of writing that you can then come back to and develop further.
It is just £30. This is a one-off payment for 31 days of writing prompts and the chance to attend four live Zoom sessions.
If you’d like to take part but find cost is a barrier, there are some funded places available.
I would love you to be part of this Raw Writing challenge and take your writing to the next level!

Raw Writing Meetup - Taunton
2026-01-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Hubbox, 27-28 North Street, Taunton, TA1 1LW, United Kingdom
RAW Writing Meetup
Come and meet a warm, creative group of people who love reading and writing at our monthly RAW Writing Meetup in Taunton.
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.
Venue: Hub Box, 27-28 North Street, Taunton TA1 1LW
Thu, Jan 8, 2026 · 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM GMT
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 Jo Middleton, author of the blog Slummy Single Mummy and the novels Playgroups and Prosecco, Happy Bloody Christmas and Not Another Bloody Christmas.
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
We can’t wait to meet you — bring your voice, your curiosity, and your love of writing 🙂

Introduction to Screenwriting
2026-01-09 10:30 - 12:00 | ZOOM
Have you got an idea for a Film, TV drama or animation?
Have you ever wondered how TV dramas get made and what goes into distilling drama into compelling, revealing moments?
If you’re curious and would like to explore some of the key elements to writing drama for the screen, then sign up for this Introduction to Screenwriting course.
I’ll cover structure, character, dialogue and plot twists and get you started with fun and creative exercises.
We’ll look at the plethora of amazing TV that’s out there and dig into close readings of scripts to see how and why they’re working.
Stories are for everyone and never is that truer than in TV. If you have an interest in any of the above, I’d love to work with you and help develop your ideas!
Clare Sumi is a British Japanese scriptwriter for TV & Film. As a core writer for Hollyoaks for two years, she wrote multiple episodes. She was also a finalist in Film London’s Microwave with her film Glowed Up. It went on to be awarded two rounds of BFI Development Funding and is currently under option with Grama Films. Her work has also been featured on the stage as part of a series of shorts for Dim Sum Nights by New Earth Theatre. This won the Audience Choice award and toured nationally across the UK. She’s an alumnus of the Royal Court Studio Group & Unheard Voices Programme. Prior to this she worked for nearly a decade in Kids & Family Entertainment. As Lead Creative for KidZania London, she led the activity design and fitout of a three-quarter sized city for kids. She’s also been a creative consultant for Wonderbly. Clare studied English Literature & Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, and received a distinction in MA Text and Performance from Kings College and RADA

Fridays 10.30-12
Starting from the 9th / 16th / 23rd / 30th Jan
Zoom

Raw Writing Pick and Mix Course
2026-01-10 10:30 - 12:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
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!
Carla Jenkins is the founder of Raw Writing and an award-winning writer and teacher. Her debut novel, Fifty Minutes, was published by Hachette in May 2024. Her second novel is due for publication in the summer of 2027.
10.30-12 Saturday 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st January

Raw Writing Pick and Mix Course
2026-01-10 14:00 - 15:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
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!
Carla Jenkins is the founder of Raw Writing and an award-winning writer and teacher. Her debut novel, Fifty Minutes, was published by Hachette in May 2024. Her second novel is due for publication in the summer of 2027.
14.00-15.30 Saturday 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st January

Raw Writing Pick and Mix Course
2026-01-10 16:00 - 17:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
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!
Carla Jenkins is the founder of Raw Writing and an award-winning writer and teacher. Her debut novel, Fifty Minutes, was published by Hachette in May 2024. Her second novel is due for publication in the summer of 2027.
16.00-17.30 Saturday 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st January

Introduction to Poetry
2026-01-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
14.00-15.30 Monday January 12th, 19th, 26th and 2nd Feb
From ancient epic to modern lyrics, humans have expressed their most important experiences in the form of poems. So reading and writing poetry expands our understanding of different times and cultures and helps us think about what it means to be human. This introductory course will give you the keys to understanding and appreciating poems from different times and places. We’ll look at how poets use sound, form and imagery to create meaning, and exercise our own skills of interpretation and imagination. Introduction to Poetry is designed above all to enhance your confidence and enjoyment as a reader of poems and provide ideas which will help you in your own writing. No experience necessary, nervous readers especially welcome!
Malcolm Hebron has a doctorate in English Literature from Oxford and, for many years, taught at Winchester College. He has written academic books and articles and is the author of How to Read a Poem (Connell Guides).
