Introducing the Citizen Journalists !
Have a read of our latest blog post; as part of We Are Wednesbury our young person’s writing programme gives creative opportunities to young people looking to further expand their writing, storytelling, and journalism skills. You can read all about this year’s intake of young people and their experience on the programme below - including their thoughts on exploring Wednesbury, what they enjoy about writing and what approach they took to create their stories. The writers provided an insight into who they are as individuals and answered a series of questions about their time on the programme.
The second issue of the magazine will be available as a free PDF and in print in shops and community spaces across Wednesbury soon - keep an eye out!
Multistory provides regular writing and production sessions, mentoring by writer and storyteller Gabriella Songui and a reference the future career prospects as well as provided the journalists with their work in physical print. If you're a young person based in Wednesbury or Sandwell more widely and would like to be involved in the final issue of the magazine, get in touch!
#WeareWednesbury
Joi Foote
Hi! I am an English and Philosophy student at the University of Birmingham, currently on my year abroad in Trinidad and Tobago. I love all things reading and writing and have recently had the opportunity to rediscover my passion for creative writing through a class I am taking at the University of the West Indies. Although I try to refrain from voicing a favourite anything, currently I would say my favourite book is Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin. Outside of my studies, I enjoy going on hikes, listening to music and travelling.
1. What is it that you enjoy about writing?
For me, writing provides a sense of escapism. When writing creative fiction in particular, I love allowing myself to be fully immersed in the personas I am creating. On top of this, the sense of satisfaction after bringing this creativity to life is just some of the aspects I enjoy most about writing.
2. What has your experience of writing for the citizens journalist programme been like for you?
Participating in this programme has been an enjoyable experience, from taking part in collaborative sessions to attending guest speaker talks. As someone who sometimes struggles with the initial stages of getting their words on the page, the advice given to me to “just write” even if what I produce first-time around isn’t the best was helpful. Getting started is all that matters, and this is something I will continue to take with me to future ventures.
3. How did you find exploring Wednesbury, did anything surprise you?
One thing I was surprised about was how much Wednesbury remains untouched by large chain corporations. Having comparatively fewer of the larger company franchises than the neighbouring towns, it was refreshing to still see thriving family-run businesses that have been passed down from generations. As a result of such it has retained a community nature amongst residents of the town that was nice to see.
4. What is the focus of your story and why?
So, I choose to focus my piece on the community nature and look at, from a journalistic point of view, why independent coffee shops and cafes are important community spaces. This came as a direct result of exploring Wednesbury. We saw continuously within the media how small businesses were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, some of which even had to close their doors. So, to see the emergence of a new family-run cafe on the back of this was of great interest and something I wanted to explore.
5. What approach did you take in writing this story? e.g. creative/journalistic
I decided to take a journalistic approach to my piece. As an individual who is hoping to break into this industry, I thought this opportunity would prove to be beneficial and contribute to my existing portfolio.
Shazeda Begum
I have been surrounded by books for as long as I can remember. I have been reading books since i was very young, writing is an area that I have only dabbled in a few times. It was only since graduating from University in 2021 with a Bachelors in English did I consider developing my writing skills to explore what it’s like to be the author rather than the observer. I also love watching films in my spare time, journaling, going to the gym, and tuning into myself through yoga.
1. What is it that you enjoy about writing?
I’ve only been writing more seriously for just over a year now since graduating and getting my first graduate job. Studying English at University has allowed me to truly appreciate writing through different genres, authors, and writing styles. I wanted to see what it was like to be on the other side of the novel – being the writer instead of the observer.
It’s difficult to write regularly especially when working full-time however, when I carve out time to write, I enjoy being able to translate the stories and ideas in my mind onto paper. I can let my imagination run wild even if most of what I write won’t be seen by anyone. I’m able to be free and be myself when I write because there are no limitations. It has become my creative outlet.
2. What has your experience of writing for the citizens journalist programme been like for you?
I’ve enjoyed my time on the citizen’s journalist programme, I really think it gave me the motivation to start taking my writing more seriously so I’m grateful that I was able to take part. I’ve enjoyed being able to explore Wednesbury as well as being given the creative freedom to find my own inspiration. Also, I really value the feedback I’ve received on my pieces as I’m still learning the ways of creative writing.
3. How did you find exploring Wednesbury, did anything surprise you?
I’ve never been to Wednesbury until joining this programme, but I enjoyed walking around the town. The first time I explored Wednesbury, I visited the museum which I really liked. Whilst it was small, it was charming and had a lot of character. The second time I visited was during the Lantern procession in December and this is when I was able to truly see Wednesbury’s community. As an observer, it was great to see the community bonding through celebration. What surprised me was learning about how long the independent shops and markets of Wednesbury have been running and that they were still going strong after decades.
4. What is the focus of your story and why?
I decided to write two pieces for this publication. My first piece is a short story inspired by a toy I saw during my visit to Wednesbury’s Art Museum and Gallery. This short story follows Lilia, a nervous young journalist who goes to Wednesbury to find inspiration for a journal piece she’s writing. She finds inspiration in its local museum and becomes fascinated with a Victorian Fortune Telling Doll. After learning about rumours that the fortunes of this doll came true, including the tragic death of the museum’s old caretaker, Lilia is determined to find out more. But will her curiosity take her down a dangerous path?
My second piece is focused on the Lantern Procession which took place in December. After witnessing the event myself, I had to write a piece on this event because I saw how important it was for the community. It brought life to Wednesbury and brought everyone together to celebrate. It was an opportunity that couldn’t be missed.
5. What approach did you take in writing this story? Eg. creative/journalistic
For my short story, I took a creative approach. I love the Victorian period particularly it’s association with the spiritual world through mediums and fortune telling. I recently read a novel called ‘The Miniaturist’ by Jessie Burton which I loved so I was very much inspired by that novel too.
For my piece on the Lantern Procession, I took a journalistic approach. I attended the event and was able to interview people before, during, and after the event. I wanted to capture the emotions of thoughts of people in Wednesbury and write a piece that they could read and be reminded of this wonderful event.
Jasandeep Kaur Gill
Hey! I'm Jasandeep, I'm from India but I was born and raised in Greece and came to the UK when I was 16. I am currently an IT student at Sandwell College. After I graduate from Sandwell College I will go to University and continue my studies. I started writing for the We Are Wednesbury magazine when I was 17. I enjoy reading books, playing video games, listening to music, and writing. I can also speak Greek, English and Punjab.
1. What is it that you enjoy about writing?
I enjoy writing because I can easily express myself and I can let my imagination run wild and write easily what I like.
2. What has your experience of writing for the citizens journalist programme been like for you?
It is a great experience. I am learning to write more professionally and it’s a pleasure to be able to work with amazing people.
3. How did you find exploring Wednesbury, did anything surprise you?
While exploring Wednesbury I had found out about a lot of shops that I didn’t know existed. Like the knitting shop and sweets shop that sell sweets for diabetic people.
4. What is the focus of your story and why?
My story is about the knitting shop, because it was a really great and cute shop. I had liked it very much and reminded me when I was younger my mom would knit sweaters for me and my siblings.
5. What approach did you take in writing this story? eg creative/journalistic
I took a journalistic approach by writing an article about the shop. I was in a bit of a dilemma if I should take a creative one and write a script instead, but I wanted to try my hand on writing an article.
Aliza Uddin
Hi! My name is Aliza Uddin. I am a 16 year old aspiring author who also hopes to study Law in the future. Some of my all-time favourite books are Hamnet; (Maggie O Farrell), The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis) and Unrest (Michelle Harrison). Besides writing I love to read historical fiction, play guitar, and cook; sometimes all at once!
1. What is it that you enjoy about writing?
Writing is beautifully fluid. There are rules but there is also liberty for them to be broken; this control is my favourite element of writing. Words can be shaped into purpose, effect; I can say so much without needing to say anything at all.
2. What has your experience of writing for the citizens journalist programme been like for you?
Working with Multistory has been a rewarding opportunity. Gaining an insight into both local and national publishing industries has informed me of what I might like to look forward to in the future. The ability to share my writing with a brilliant mentor and take on constructive criticism has been key to my rewarding experience; I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a friendly and collaborative environment for their work to be recognised!
3. How did you find exploring Wednesbury, did anything surprise you?
Wednesbury has so much more to offer than it seems. Century-old factories, even the smallest sweet shops hold the richest history, showing us the influence of industrial machines on a community whilst also shining a light on their compassion for our local businesses.
4. What is the focus of your story and why?
The focus of my article is -foremost- the Wednesbury Library, but also the community that inspires its sustainability. Exploring with Multistory allowed me to understand how integral leisure facilities are in sticking a community together. Wednesbury Library is without a doubt one of the most significant.
5. What approach did you take in writing this story? eg creative/journalistic
My approach here is journalistic. I write creatively most of the time so I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try some formal, article-style writing.
Hafizaah Uddin
Hello everyone, my name is Hafizaah Uddin, I am currently 15 years old and I enjoy reading and writing, my favourite subject is English. My favourite genre to read is most definitely fiction and particularly romance. For me, I enjoy writing and reading as it feels like an escape from the world and truly a place where my imagination can run free. The experience of writing for the citizen journalist programme has been extraordinary and has helped to develop my inner writing skills and passion and I really enjoyed interacting with people who had similar interests to me. I loved exploring Wednesbury, there was a wide variety to choose from and explore as well as a lot of new places I have never had the chance to see before. My focus of my piece is sweets, how they have developed over the years and helped and impacted the community in Wednesbury. My piece is also more of a journalistic approach.
