Silent Book Club - Summer Special!
2026-07-25 11:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London) | The Italian Garden, The Italian Garden, Great Ambrook, Torquay, TQ12 5UL, United Kingdom
Saturday 25th July | 11am – 2pm or 3pm – 6pm
The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook, TQ12 5UL
A summertime reading escape in one of Devon’s most extraordinary hidden gardens.
Tucked away on the edge of Dartmoor, behind fifteen-foot walls and surrounded by woodland, The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook is a place unlike any other: a secluded world of long pergolas, hidden paths, palms, camellias, and sweeping views across the moor.
Built in 1912 for Arthur Smith Graham, the garden was created as a private sanctuary. Graham, who was gay, retreated from London society to Devon, where he commissioned architect Thomas Henry Lyon, also gay, to design a hidden refuge where friends could gather safely, away from public scrutiny.
The garden became a silent kingdom of beauty, conversation, creativity, and secrecy. When Graham died in 1928, his papers were burned at his request, leaving much of the garden’s story unknown. Over time, the grounds disappeared back into woodland, sleeping for decades before being rediscovered.
For this Silent Book Club Special, you’re invited to spend time exploring this remarkable place. The event will begin with an hour of silent reading in the garden, followed by poetry readings, creative activities, light snacks, and time to wander and discover the garden’s hidden corners.
Bring a book (and a blanket or chair if you’d like) and settle into an unforgettable summer’s day of reading and bookish fun.

Pick up tickets

Please wear sturdy footwear, as paths are uneven. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the site, the venue is not currently wheelchair accessible.
We’re delighted to be hosting two sittings for this special event, giving everyone plenty of time to relax, read, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Whether you join us in the morning or afternoon, you’ll enjoy the same programme of activities and offerings.
First Sitting: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Second Sitting: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Transportation
Parking at The Italian Garden is limited, so we kindly ask guests to car share where possible.
When booking, you’ll see ticket options for Parking, Passenger, and Taxi. Please select the option that best reflects your travel plans so we can accurately manage parking spaces.
If you plan on driving to this Silent Book Club Special, please select the Ticket & Parking Space option, every ticket purchased with this option will reserve a parking space at The Italian Garden for you.
If you’re planning to travel with a friend who is driving, or will be dropped off before and after the Silent Book Club Special, please choose the Passenger Ticket option.
We’re also pleased to offer taxi transfers to and from Totnes Train Station to the Italian Garden. If you’d like to use this service, simply select the appropriate ticket when booking. Please note that this ticket option requires you to make your own way to Totnes Train Station. A member of the Exeter City of Literature team will be on hand at the station to coordinate your onward travel to The Italian Garden.
If your travel arrangements change after you’ve purchased your ticket, please get in touch. We’ll be happy to update your booking and make sure we have the correct transport and parking information for everyone.
We can’t wait to welcome you for a peaceful afternoon of reading and connection.
Food & Drink
We will have light refreshments available, but feel free to bring your own lunch and/or snacks.
Please note that dogs are not permitted at this event. We apologise for any inconvenience.

July Masterclass - Carla Jenkins
2026-07-26 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Carla Jenkins – Memoir

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

Silent Writing Club
2026-07-27 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-12 12:00 - 13:00 | 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 and speak about your work in progress. No need to book – just turn up. We shall be meeting in the The Meeting Room at Exeter Phoenix.

Raw Writing Meetup - Exeter
2026-07-31 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.
We’ll be meeting at The City Gate, 1 Iron Bridge, North St, Exeter EX4 3RB on Friday 31st June 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: www.rawwriting.co.uk
We can’t wait to meet you — bring your voice, your curiosity, and your love of writing 🙂

Creative Writing Kickstart!
2026-08-01 15:00 - 17:00 | Exeter Library, Library, Castle St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3PQ, United Kingdom
Exeter Library – The Rougemont Room
Saturday, 1st August, 15.00-17.00
Raw Writing tutors Carla Jenkins, Adam Shackleton, Malcolm Hebron and Martyn Waites who are expert writers and teach courses in the novel, memoir and poetry, will be running a lively two-hour session to fill you with inspiration and get you writing. Beginners and experienced writers are warmly welcome. Come and have a great time experimenting with different genres and be prepared to have a great time!

Creative Writing Kickstart!
2026-08-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Exeter Library, Library, Castle St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3PQ, United Kingdom
Exeter Library – The Rougemont Room
Saturday, 12th August, 16.00-18.00
Raw Writing tutors Carla Jenkins, Adam Shackleton, Malcolm Hebron and Martyn Waites who are expert writers and teach courses in the novel, memoir and poetry, will be running a lively two-hour session to fill you with inspiration and get you writing. Beginners and experienced writers are warmly welcome. Come and have a great time experimenting with different genres and be prepared to have a great time!

Live Writing Club - August - Adam Shackleton
2026-08-12 19:30 - 20:30 | ZOOM
How to Critique
Sign up here for membership.
Wednesday 12th August 19.30-20.30

Raw Writing Meetup - Exeter
2026-08-28 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.
We’ll be meeting at The City Gate, 1 Iron Bridge, North St, Exeter EX4 3RB on Friday 28th Aug 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: www.rawwriting.co.uk
We can’t wait to meet you — bring your voice, your curiosity, and your love of writing 🙂

August Masterclass - Claire Daverley
2026-08-30 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM
Claire Daverley – Show and Tell

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

Introduction to Shakespeare
2026-09-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Do you feel like brushing up your knowledge of the bard of Avon? Then come and join us. This six-month course is designed to help you experience Shakespeare with confidence, understanding and above all enjoyment. Each week, we will read key speeches and scenes from a play, after which you can enjoy the whole work. Recommendations will be given for online performances and further reading. Classes will be interactive, with an emphasis on reading aloud, discussion and study of the language. We’ll discuss the plays in the context of Shakespeare’s life and time. And we’ll also think about their relevance to our own lives and the world today. As well as a selection of the plays, we will also look at the poetry, in particular the sonnets. By the end of the course, you will have a good knowledge of about half of Shakespeare’s complete works, drawn from comedies, tragedies, histories and verse. And you’ll have the confidence to explore the other half, too!
If you’d like to have a chat first, don’t hesitate to email carla@rawwriting.co.uk or call me on 07474 116771.
Session Dates
14:00 – 15:30
Mondays
Sept 14, 21, 28
Oct 5, 12, 19
Nov 9, 16,23,30
Dec 7, 14
Jan 11,18,25
Feb 1, 8, 15
Part-payment plans can be arranged if you’d like to pay in three instalments.
August 5th – £320
October 5th £320
December 5th £320
Please contact carla@rawwriting.co.uk if you’d like to arrange this.

Introduction to Poetry
2026-09-15 10:30 - 12:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
This course is designed to build your knowledge and enjoyment of English poetry, and encourage you to find your own poetic voice. We will study a range of poems, from medieval times to the present, and learn about the different forms of verse: sonnet, sestina, villanelle, blank verse, rhyming couplets, and more! Classes are discussion-based, as we share our responses to poems and consider different ways of reading, to appreciate a writer’s meaning and technique. By the end of the course, you should be able to pick up any anthology of English verse with confidence and read it with pleasure! There will be opportunities to write your own poems in response to what we read, and share them with the group.
This course will use The Making of a Poem: A Norton Anthology of Poetic Forms as a course book, with some supplementary material.
SESSION TIMES
TUESDAYS – 10.30-12
Sept 15, 22, 29
Oct 6, 13, 20
Nov 3, 10, 17, 24
Dec 1, 8
Jan 12, 19,26
Feb 2, 9, 16

Start Writing Your Novel
2026-09-15 17:30 - 19:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
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. We limit the class size to eight people so that everyone gets a good amount of attention.
Part-payment plans can be arranged if you’d like to pay in three instalments.
Wed 05 Aug – £320
Mon 05 Oct – £320
Sat 05 Dec – £320
Please contact carla@rawwriting.co.uk if you’d like to arrange this
SESSION DATES:
5.30pm – 7pm
Sep dates: Tue 15, Tue 22 & Tue 29
Oct dates: Tue 06, Tue 13 & Tue 20
Nov dates: Tue 03, Tue 10, Tue 17 & Tue 24
Dec dates: Tue 01 & Tue 08
Jan dates: Tue 12, Tue 19 & Tue 26
Feb dates: Tue 02, Tue 09 & Tue 16

Writing Crime Fiction
2026-09-16 14:00 - 15:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
With its criminals, cops, and everything in between, crime fiction is this country’s best-selling genre. But what makes it so popular? And why?
What sets it apart from any other genre? And more importantly, how can you write it?
This will be a course that covers character, dialogue, landscape and dramatic narrative. It will also involve group workshops with the writers presenting their works in progress for analysis and critique. It will also work as a writing support group, encouraging the writers to talk to each other and celebrate/commiserate on how their work is going. Celebrate, obviously.
I will be there to guide and structure the writers’ work, giving critiques and holding workshops, utilising writing tools and exercises to keep the work coming along and the writers unblocked. We will also look at editing and reediting to make sure the finished work is in the best possible form by the end of the course.
The end result should be at least a sizeable chunk of a novel, if not a completed one, ready to take further.
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.’

Exeter Phoenix
Wednesdays, 14.00-15.30
Sep dates: 16, 23, 30
Oct dates:7, 14, 21
Nov dates: 4, 11, 18, 25
Dec dates:2, 9
Jan dates: 13, 20, 27
Feb dates: 3, 10, 17

Part-payment plans can be arranged if you’d like to pay in three instalments of £320.
Please contact carla@rawwriting.co.uk if you’d like to arrange this.

Writers’ Workshop Course with Trevor Byrne (Monday or Wednesday)
2026-09-16 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-month 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 six times 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.
Mondays 19.00-20.30
Sep dates: 14, 21, 28
Oct dates: 5, 12, 19
Nov dates: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Dec dates: 7
Jan dates: 11, 18, 25
Feb dates: 1, 8, 15
Wednesdays 19.00-20.30
Sep dates: 16, 23, 30
Oct dates: 7, 14, 21
Nov dates: 4, 11, 18, 25
Dec dates:2, 9
Jan dates: 13, 20, 27
Feb dates: 3, 10, 17
Online on Zoom
£960 (Payable in three instalments of £320. Please email carla@rawwriting.co.uk to arrange)

Advanced Memoir Course
2026-09-17 14:00 - 15:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
This course is for those who have completed a six-month Raw Writing memoir course previously, or a comparable course.
Part-payment plans can be arranged if you’d like to pay in three instalments.
Wed 05 Aug – £320
Mon 05 Oct – £320
Sat 05 Dec – £320
Please contact carla@rawwriting.co.uk if you’d like to arrange this.
Session Dates
Thursdays 14:00-15:30
Sep dates: Thu 17 & Thu 24
Oct dates: Thu 01, Thu 08, Thu 15 & Thu 22
Nov dates: Thu 05, Thu 12, Thu 19 & Thu 26
Dec dates: Thu 03 & Thu 10
Jan dates: Thu 07, Thu 14, Thu 21 & Thu 28
Feb dates: Thu 04 & Thu 11

Write Your Memoir
2026-09-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
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!
Part-payment plans can be arranged if you’d like to pay in three instalments.
Wed 05 Aug – £320
Mon 05 Oct – £320
Sat 05 Dec – £320
Please contact carla@rawwriting.co.uk if you’d like to arrange this.

Session Dates
10.30am – 12pm
Sep dates: Fri 18 & Fri 25
Oct dates: Fri 02, Fri 09, Fri 16 & Fri 23
Nov dates: Fri 06, Fri 13, Fri 20 & Fri 27
Dec dates: Fri 04 & Fri 11
Jan dates: Fri 08, Fri 15, Fri 22 & Fri 29
Feb dates: Fri 05 & Fri 12

Writers’ Workshop Course with Adam Shackleton
2026-09-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Exeter Phoenix
Friday 18th September 14.00-15.30
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-month 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 six times 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.

Part-payment plans can be arranged if you’d like to pay in three instalments.
Wed 05 Aug – £320
Mon 05 Oct – £320
Sat 05 Dec – £320
Please contact carla@rawwriting.co.uk if you’d like to arrange this.
Fridays 14.00-15.30
Session Dates
Sep dates: Fri 18 & Fri 25
Oct dates: Fri 02, Fri 09, Fri 16 & Fri 23
Nov dates: Fri 06, Fri 13, Fri 20 & Fri 27
Dec dates: Fri 04 & Fri 11
Jan dates: Fri 08, Fri 15, Fri 22 & Fri 29
Feb dates: Fri 05 & Fri 12

Raw Writing Meetup - Exeter
2026-09-25 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.
We’ll be meeting at The City Gate, 1 Iron Bridge, North St, Exeter EX4 3RB on Friday 25th September 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: www.rawwriting.co.uk
We can’t wait to meet you — bring your voice, your curiosity, and your love of writing 🙂
