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.
Gemstone Tarot
Love Carla’s courses – she’s great at giving you confidence as a writer and there’s always a friendly interesting group of people in the class. Totally recommend her if you’re just starting out as a beginner, or have a project already started.
Tony Priest
The course administration was straightforward and smooth. The location of the venue was very convenient for me, near the city centre train station.
Carla, our tutor, really was excellent. Her subject knowledge is broad and deep and her passion for developing writers obvious. Carla had a most engaging, interested manner with students, was generous with her time and full of positivity.
The course provided very good value for money and I would recommend it wholeheartedly without reservation.
Carly Morris
I am really enjoying my Raw Writing course, I have learnt a huge amount in a short space of time. Carla is a fantastic teacher, gently coaxing out my hidden writer within. A supportive environment and constant encouragement is enabling me to explore my creativity and finally get my ideas down on the page. I will be sad when it’s finished…Sign me up for How to Write a Novel Part 2 please!
Rosalind Townsend
Raw Writing has introduced me to like minded people who just want to give writing a go! The on-line sessions with published authors are always informative and help build your writing confidence. The Psychology of Writing Course, was a perfect introduction. Each session was enjoyable and thought provoking, and Carla was always encouraging and positive.
Claire Boulter
I’d thoroughly recommend the Psychology of Writing course – it was well-structured, relaxed and engaging. It helped me to identify and understand some of the barriers I’ve put in the way of writing, and I came away from each session feeling positive and eager to put what we’d discussed into practice.
Thanks to Carla and the lovely group I was part of, I now have a toolkit of techniques that are helping me to worry less and write more.
Dorothy Evans
A short course that packed a lot in it! I took a lot from it that is already helping me to move forward with a positive mindset. I’ll be going over my notes, the course notes and the exercises for a while to come. Thank you, Carla!
Dilys Thorp
I have just finished the last day of a five day intensive Memoir writing course with Carla.
Carla was fantastic in every way! Supportive and encouraging throughout, she provided us with masses of useful and interesting slides, interspersed with many useful and sometimes challenging short tasks. Time was also set aside for us to actually do some writing, which I hadn’t expected!
I had faced this course with enormous trepidation: I was anxious about it over several weeks beforehand as I did not feel that I had the necessary head space at the time. But an email I sent Carla to this effect the night before the first workshop received such an encouraging reply that I was instantly reassured.
Throughout, it was Carla’s support, positive outlook, empathy and understanding that helped us all and made this a totally worthwhile experience – exhausting and at times challenging though it was.
The other participants were all lovely to work with too. We got to know each other well, learning to trust each other. I miss them and the workshops now, but we have been able to stay in touch with each other, as well as with Carla, through various ongoing regular activities such as the Silent writing sessions and the monthly Social meetings.
I give these workshops my wholehearted recommendation.
Kristen Benko
I’ve learned so much about writing and about myself as a writer taking a Raw Writing course. I highly recommend!
Steven Best
I found the Pick ‘n’ Mix course to be really interesting, fun, and inspiring, and would highly recommend it to anyone new to creative writing, or anyone wanting to sample novel writing alongside poetry, memoir writing, etc.
Carla is supportive, fun, engaging and talented – exactly the person you need to support you with your writing ambitions!
James Hancock
Attended Carla’s excellent 8-week memoir course in the first half of 2024. It really helped build confidence in my memoir writing and exposed me to new concepts and techniques to improve my writing. The course also helped re-boot my memoir writing discipline. Carla is an excellent tutor and very supportive. I also really appreciated my fellow class mates – their perspectives, support, and writing. Carla did a great job in creating a really trusting environment. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and strongly recommend them.
Mel Barrett
Journaling 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.
Lyndy Pooley
Carla 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.
Hilary Taylor
The 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.
Rebecca Heal
Carla 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.
Pat Austin
I very much enjoyed the Pick and Mix course with Carla Jenkins who is a very good teacher. She moved things along in a good and interesting way. The venue seemed just right and I appreciated the fact that I could go there as a wheelchair user.
María José Sánchez Elena
Carla is such a skilled teacher! Always thankful 🙂
Nikki Hampton
I was nervous to sign up but I finally went for it and quickly discovered that it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Carla has created a safe, fun and inclusive environment for discussion and feedback. The knowledge she imparts in the process is absolutely priceless.
Shazz Jamieson-Evans
Finding one-to-one mentoring with Carla is the best aspect of my 2023. She is passionate about assisting writers to discover and reveal the best of themselves and their writing. Carla always provides meaningful feedback in a way that encourages me to take positive risks exploring unfamiliar techniques while honing my writing skills. Carla is very approachable and sensitive to my specific needs as a disabled writer and we have formed a unique professional relationship in which I fully trust her with my dirtiest secrets and my worst writing. I always feel energised and enthusiastic after our sessions. I have worked with Carla for almost a year and investing in sessions with her has enabled me to grow both as a writer and as a person. I highly recommend Carla for her commitment to her mentees to be the best writers we can be. It can be a lonely, solitary life as a writer, and working with Carla it has become a collaborative endeavour and one which I am keen to continue long-term.
Rowan Parker
I am currently half way through Carla’s Start Writing Your Novel 6 month course, having previously enjoyed her 10 week Beginners Novel Writing course. Carla’s classes are well-structured, at a good pace and I leave every single one feeling inspired and having learnt something new. Carla is an excellent, experienced teacher, including and catering for everyone in our small group, despite us all being at different stages with our work and our novels all being quite different. There is opportunity to share our work in a safe, constructive and encouraging environment and the experience and feedback has been a surprising delight! In addition to her courses, Carla also facilitates opportunities to meet up with other writers in a social setting. If you are considering writing a novel, with or without any prior experience, I highly recommend Carla’s courses.
Rebecca Rushforth
I’ve got a lot from my Raw Writing course. Carla is a really good tutor: she’s great at getting us working together as a group, and at the same time she thinks carefully about what each person specifically needs. I was a bit nervous before I signed up, but I’ve really enjoyed the course and I would whole-heartedly recommend it.
Tom Boy
I really enjoyed the Pick and Mix writing course led by Ms Carla Jenkins the new concepts were very interesting, I found it fun working with other writers to complete her exercises that were very well thought out and explained it has helped me back to writing which I love
Tara Melton
Having completed a Pick and Mix course, it was a great way to learn about a variety of creative writing options. Good value for money as well. Carla’s teaching style is effective, positive and confidence boosting for the student. Thoroughly recommended if you’re looking to dip your toe into the creative writing world.
Sarah Cook
The Psychology of Writing course with Carla gave me the tools, motivation and (a bit!) more understanding of the writing process. I am now well into the process of getting material for my travel memoir onto paper, and enjoying turning my cycling adventures into a writing adventure.
Vajrin Malin
I’m writing a complex memoir describing a catastrophic fall and irreversible paralysis. Carla, in Raw Writing, has been an expert mentor and writing coach, not only supporting the technical elements of writing but also they’re necessary personal support towards professional writing. I cannot recommend her and her team enough!
Caroline Muldoon
I’ve always fancied the idea of being a writer, ever since I was a kid. But I’d hear “real” writers say they felt an unstoppable compulsion to write, like nothing could hold them back. I never felt that. Instead, I worried I just wouldn’t be good enough.
Then, I came across RAW Writing by accident and decided to scratch that itch. I signed up for one of Carla’s courses with no idea of what to expect. Well, let me tell you—Carla works some kind of weird witchy voodoo stuff in her lessons. You start thinking, maybe I can actually do this, and begin to really enjoy it. Then, before you know it, you’re not just writing—you’re compelled, even obsessed.
So, I’m warning you: if you decide to take one of these courses, do it at your own risk!
Christina Waller
The Raw Writing Psychology of Writing course helped me to better understand what writing means to me and what has been holding me back. The small group size meant that I had plenty of opportunities to contribute. Carla is inspiring and supportive. She encouraged me out of my comfort zone!
Helen Fisher
I had no aspirations to write. I had zero confidence in any ability. I had no good reason to sign up for a Raw Writing memoir course, except something was busting out of me, like an over stuffed suitcase. So, if you’re someone who’s actually passionate about writing, and wants to explore your style… do it! You have no excuse! Every day of the workshop is completely different, expect to be stretched, fully engaged and longing to hear the other course members stories. It’s a gift – for yourself.
Geraldine McFaul
What a brilliant week I have just had! Carla is such a lovely, welcoming person and her writing teaching is second to none in my opinion. I had no idea what to expect from the course – or from myself – but the lightbulb switched on SO many times that it was like a Christmas Illuminations show for me! I couldn’t have done it without Carla and of course my fellow 3 colleagues! If you are hesitant at all, or scared, of knowing where to even start writing, I’d say, attend this course. Be careful, you’ll be left with so many ideas and enthusiasm that you’ll become addicted to developing your book! Thank you so much Carla!!
Alan Oliver
Thoroughly enjoyed and was inspired by the Raw Writing sessions I attended and I think that anyone considering writing their memoirs or first novel would certainly benefit from any of the available courses taught by the talented and industrious Carla Jenkins who is full of enthusiasm and shows genuine interest in other people’s writing. Ten out of ten!
Zoe Crockford
If you are writing or even just thinking about it and need a little nudge, I recommend Raw Writing’s Pick and Mix course. Carla is highly skilled at encouraging creativity, bringing the best out of everyone. I especially loved the warm up exercises and the different genre focus each week. The course helped me get back on track with my novel and taught me how to structure more effectively. Thank you so much!
Bob Cregan
I went on a nature writing course with Raw Writing and had a very positive experience. The tutors were experienced writers and had a genuine interest in the work and progress of the students. I’d recommend their courses.
Granny by the Sea (Jess)
I’ve benefited enormously from taking part in Carla’s Raw Writing courses – inspiring, motivational and educational. Bouncing ideas off like-minded aspiring authors has really helped me reach another level. Becoming a Raw Writing member, with the weekly prompts and monthly masterclasses is the cherry on top!
Dr C. Mansfield
Carla 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.
Vicky Hopkins Bond
I’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.
Julian Fuller
Carla combines enthusiasm and positivity in her writers’ workshops with a wealth of knowledge and understanding, which she wears lightly. She draws every participant into an effervescent stream of ideas and exercises, sparking bursts of idiosyncratic creativity that often surprise and delight. Like any good cheerleader, she persuades everyone, regardless of their level of experience or trepidation, that they have their own special writing voice, and that it is worth hearing. She gives constructive, considerate feedback. Sure, she knows how to press, challenge and pit you against the clock, but 90 minutes fly by and I find I’ve scribbled down more rough material than I’d normally manage in a day of sober effort at home. Carla’s classes are truly raw writing, and that’s the fun of them. I’m going back for the envelope to be pushed some more!
Stuart Blundell
I attended an excellent course of 10 weekly sessions led by Carla of Raw Writing. All the important ingredients for successful novel writing were skilfully addressed using examples from successful writers. The learning from other participants was powerful. It was fun too! Opportunity to keep in contact at meetups after the course had finished.
Ann Hoskins
I am just completing a 6 month Memoir Course with Carla. I can highly recommend Carla as a supportive, knowledgeable and professional tutor. She is very skilled in motivating each learner and providing relevant feedback thus ensuring each person in the group has a voice. I have learnt a great deal in this course enabling me to understand more clearly the art of memoir writing and giving me the knowledge and skills to write my own memoir.
Pippa Meaker
I have attended a few sessions with Carla and thoroughly enjoyed them all. So much so I have recently booked for the Short Story Competition Ready course. Carla is informative, helpful and down to earth in her advice and provides lots of tips and tools to help you in your writing. She also seems to attract some lovely people to her courses and it has been great to share stories and listen to other course attendee’s writing and thoughts. I recommend her courses and cannot stress enough how comfortable she and the rest of the group will make you feel.
Chloe Fowler
Carla ran a bespoke writing workshop for my industry organisation and it was amazing. Raw Writing’s approach is real, human and personable and Carla is fantastic at putting people at ease (including people who’ve never written before!) She spent lots of time understanding our needs and desired outcomes and crafted a fabulous session. We got fantastic feedback afterwards, everyone felt they got masses from it – largely because of Carla’s kind, enthusiastic approach. She drew in references of her own and was a natural teacher and guide. Brilliant!
Ali Harper
I highly recommend Carla’s creative writing workshops to anyone who has an interest in writing whether as a complete novice or as a more experienced writer wanting to develop their skills. The atmosphere is kind, friendly and supportive. Carla is a wonderful teacher with the ability to give everyone the confidence to put pen to paper. A motivating learning experience.
Anna Cohn Orchard
Carla is doing so much for the writing community in Exeter, whether you’re a complete amateur or more established. Her classes are really well thought-out and supportive and she’s building up a whole social life for writers! Highly recommend checking out anything Raw Writing is doing.
Robert Branch
Good. Enjoyed my experience there. Very welcoming.
Vanessa Moon
This course is exactly what i was looking for, just the rocket I needed to get my writing to the next level .. I highly recommend it and will be continuing myself.. it’s a great link to have found to a writing community thank you Carla
Gillian S
I bought the ‘Writing Your Novel’ course for my son and I can only speak positively about his experience with Carla. He has developed as a writer and his confidence has improved tremendously. Thank you, Raw Writing, for all your hard work; the passion for nurturing talent which we have witnessed runs through everything Carla does and we are extremely grateful 😊
Alex
I am currently on a novel writing course with Carla of RAW Writing, and I am thrilled with how things are going. Carla is a fantastic teacher, with explanations that I can understand and information that is incredibly valuable, I have learnt so much. This course has opened up many new possibilities and thoughts for my writing, and Carla herself is truly on the ball. It’s fascinating and inspiring, and I cannot appreciate enough the impact the course, Carla and RAW Writing has made on my creative endeavours. Thank you Carla!
Sian McGill
I’m benefitting hugely from Carla’s Novel Writing Course, particularly following my recent move to Exeter and periods of ill-health. The course has motivated me to finally get down to plotting and writing the novel I’d only been contemplating for the last year! As a newbie in town, I’m also starting to join Meetup events, as part of Raw Writing. Well done, Carla – I look forward to doing more courses with you!
Christine
I recently attended (August / Sept. 24) Carla’s Psychology of Writing course which resonated deeply with me as imposter syndrome has always been a big issue in my life!
This course did not just help me to realise that I had as much the right to write my story as anybody else but it also helped me to really refocus after a challenging year. So this is first of all a BIG THANK YOU!
What Carla helped us work through, the tips and tricks she discussed to help us get started and / or improve our writing, to give us way to find inspiration are not only valid if you are writer but they will also equip you for different areas of life.
It has been such a lovely experience that I cannot wait to join Carla’s classes again. Such a friendly atmosphere with really lovely people! Carla has such a passion for writing that you cannot but leave feeling addicted!
Snehal Amembal
RAW writing courses are fantastic! I have grown as a writer thanks to the prompt, constructive feedback given by Carla. Carla is a brilliant mentor and has amazing insight into the craft of writing which she so willingly shares with her students. Thank you for all that you do, so grateful!
Martin Holleran
I recently attended one of Carla’s creative writing workshops. I found both her teaching style and friendliness a boon to the imagination. I’m certainly looking forward to my next course with her.
Kim Taylor
What a great course! Carla is so encouraging and empathic, it was easy to contribute without feeling nervous. Although short, the course covered a number of topics and forced me out of my comfort zone. Having to write without preparation within a short time was at first daunting, but quickly became liberating. I learnt that I’m definitely not a poet (!), but I now view the possibility of writing my memoir or using memoir in my stories very differently. It was a very good, confidence building experience. Thoroughly recommended!! Thank you Carla and I look forward to reading your book!
Mike Hunter
I have learned so much over many years of Carla’s tuition…for me, the most valuable thing she taught me was to really take time to consider and perfect the endings to my poetry.
Raw Writing’s workshops, courses and retreats are always inspiring and the membership has so many benefits and interesting exercises, and is great value.
I’d recommend Raw Writing to any writer, whether they are just starting out, or already deeply immersed in their craft, and of any genre…fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry, prose…
Joanne Piper
If you’ve ever had inkling that you could be writing, go book a place with Raw writing. Carla has brought out the best in my writing, given excellent feedback, critique and new skills to push my writing to the next level.
The classes are insightful, helpful and Ive met a wonderful group of writers, who will continue to support each other even after class.
Carla has given me the confidence to prove to myself it’s all there, I just needed the right teacher to get it out and on paper.
100% recommend. Worth every penny.
Nigel Dinnes
The ‘start writing your novel course’ was well structured and very useful. Feed back is succinct and encouraging. Highly recommended.
Andy Nelmes
I 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.
Sharon Beavan
I 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.
Helen Fish
Carla 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.
Luke Grant
I’ve been on many different writing course over the years and Raw Writing with Carla is by far the best writing course I have attended! It’s rare to get quality and quantity, and you definitely get both on Carla’s course’s. Writing on Carla’s course, you get the guidance and honest feedback that’s expected from an editor as well as a writer, too.
I have nearly finished her six month novel writing course and I feel much more confident as an artist as well as a writer. I’ve signed up to her Memior course after doing the four week ‘Pick ‘N’ Mix’ course which was an amazing experience, and an incredible laugh! It can be daunting to share your work with people but with Carla’s help, you find yourself wanting to push yourself a lot more.
I’m looking forward to many more courses with Carla and Raw Writing!
Annabel Rothwell
I am nearing the end of my second writing course with Carla. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of it. Carla is a great teacher – encouraging at all times but also providing very useful critiques of our work. Sessions are friendly and I feel I have learnt a great deal.
Trevor Garland
I was encouraged by my wife to attend a writing course to see if I had what it takes to do creative writing as I had previously written comedy for the BBC and written various articles.
The course was more aimed at people wanting to write novels but I went in with an open mind. I was with a small group which allowed Carla to dedicate more 1 on 1 time and she also marked and commented on my officially submitted work (or homework) as well as some memoire submissions which were ultimately what I realised I am more suited to.
It was interesting to hear how you go about a novel construction plot character development and so forth and it was clear Carla knows her subject well and is very passionate about writing and gave many tips to us beginners testing the water.
Although it was my 1st time attending a course of this nature I found it fun and interesting and it made me more analytical of books and TV programs / films when it comes to story lines and screenplay and I can now spot a lazy or poorly constructed story and the reasons why they are like that as opposed to just thinking it was not very good. If I hear another use of the phrase “You’ve got this” in a film or program I will turn it off as this is now almost a standard line used. Come on writers get more creative!
So in summary I could recommend Carla’s writing courses for people of any level or type of writing they want to do.
Alison Palmer
If you are thinking of taking the plunge and enrolling on a raw writing course, waver no longer – sign up! You’ll be glad you did. I recommend the ‘Start Writing Your Novel Course’.
The group atmosphere is extremely supportive, whatever level you think you’re at. You’ll meet some lovely like-minded people. Receiving feedback from Carla and the group on your writing helps you improve (as does feeding back on other people’s work). The course will definitely motivate you to crack on and write!
