How many classics have you read lately? Are your bookshelves groaning under the weight of novels by Dickens and Tolstoy? Or does the word ‘classic’ make you feel intimidated? Whatever your answer to these questions, you’re warmly invited to our new monthly reading course, in which we’ll read and discuss some great works and discover that they are perfectly approachable and enjoyable by anyone who likes reading, regardless of their academic background.

It’s not necessary to read thousands of pages to be a good reader. The important thing is to read well. So we will concentrate on the novella – works of 100-200 pages, longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. Examples are Kafka’s Metamorphosis or Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These. You’ll be given plenty of notice of the titles so you have time to read in advance. In our monthly meetings, we’ll consider style, background, themes, and interpretation. Small numbers (eight participants maximum) will ensure everyone has a chance to contribute. The emphasis is on growing as a reader, but if you’re a writer, well remember, if you want to write well you have to read well!

Raw Writing are delighted to announce that two funded places are available for both the online and in-person courses. Email carla@rawwriting.co.uk if you’d like to apply for one!

Session Dates

First Wednesday of the month, 2pm – 3.30pm

• Wed 07 Jan
• Wed 04 Feb*
• Wed 04 Mar
• Wed 01 Apr
• Wed 06 May*
• Wed 03 Jun

*These sessions will take place in our Workshop. All other sessions will take place in our Meeting Room.

About The Tutors

After studying English at Oxford, Malcolm Hebron taught for many years at Winchester College. Over that time, he published books on medieval and renaissance writing, literature and linguistics and wrote a guide on how to read poetry. Malcolm is a Fellow of the English Association, and as an editor of a journal, he has worked with critics and poets, helping them prepare work for publication.

Raw Writing is the home of Carla Jenkins, a writer and teacher living in Exeter, Devon. Carla’s debut novel, Fifty Minutes, was published by Hachette in May 2024, and her second novel is due for publication in April 2007.

In 2019, Carla did a Master’s in Creative Writing at Exeter University and loved it. She missed it so much when it was over that she decided to set up Raw Writing, to recreate all those wonderful aspects of the MA and give to others what was one of the best experiences she’d ever had.

Raw Writing enables people to learn about writing, improve their writing, and be part of a reading and writing community.

Venue: Meeting Room, Exeter Phoenix

*Subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. We don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>