We spoke to Harvey from the University of Northampton’s Writing&Talking Saturday Club about their time on the programme.
Why were you interested in a Saturday Club with a Writing&Talking focus?
I’ve always loved like talking and writing and the creativity that comes with it. The Club was a great opportunity for me to meet people who have the same feelings, and learn new things about all types of writing.
Which Club projects have you most enjoyed this year at your Saturday Club?
I really enjoyed getting to record our own radio piece that was sent to an actual radio station. That was pretty cool. I wrote about the Writing&Talking Club and it was played on Live Radio. Also, I never knew a lot about podcasts, it has been interesting learning about all the parts that go into making them.
If you could use 3 words to describe your experience at the Saturday Club, which ones would you choose and why?
First, I’d probably say was variety. Just because we did so much. Second, I’d probably say educational because I always left the sessions having learned something new. Third is probably fun. I enjoyed it every time.
What does Writing&Talking mean to you?
It means being able to tell the story no matter what. No matter what it is, it’s something that can make you feel anything from joy to anger, to annoyance, to sadness, to just pure entertainment. Writing&Talking means making your own world to make characters in and to be creative. I love making stories. That’s what Writing&Talking does. It helps make a story amazing.
Have there been any breakthrough moments at the club that made you think differently or realise something for the first time?
Probably the podcast session I mentioned before, as I never realised how much went into them. Of course you need to set up advertisements and things like that, but they also use things like subtle language, techniques, and different categorisations… more than I ever took into consideration before. I like The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, I know it’s pretty popular, but there’s always something stupid or funny happening on it.
Who, what, or where inspires you most?
My mum. She’s raised four kids by herself and no matter how hard or how stress stressful is, she always puts us first and gives me my siblings such a great life, which I’m so grateful for. Her will power and determination to give us the life we deserve is so honourable. She is what it inspires me to work hard to be the best person I can be, because she’s worked hard for me to be that person.
How would you go about overcoming a creative block?
I like to give myself like a few minutes to breathe. Let my brain think. I’ll sit and let my mind think of stuff, and I probably have my notepad with me and I’ll write down any ideas I have. Sometimes I’ll just build upon ideas that I already have to make something new.
What’s the best thing about being 14?
I’d say it’s the lack of responsibility cause although I do have to do school and I have other responsibilities, I don’t really have to cook or get a job to pay for my apartment or house. I’m just enjoying staying up late, playing video games and eating junk while I can.
If you could say anything to your future self, what would it be?
I would ask him like to simply tell me what I should do better because obviously I want to improve… but I don’t wanna know exactly what I’ve done wrong because I don’t wanna worry. I’d ask him straight up: What can I do? Warn me without telling me what I’m gonna do.
In terms of your future, what are your next steps?
Maybe do BTEC Drama at my school for two years, then probably going off to university to do something with acting, directing, or movies in general. And creative writing. I think Saturday Club has definitely gotten me more into creative writing.
Club members at University of Northampton’s Writing&Talking Saturday Club are introduced to many styles of writing including poetry and screenplays, and writing and recording for radio. All sessions are run by expert practitioners. Club members also take part in national events including Masterclasses with leading industry professionals and the Summer Show, where Saturday Clubs nationwide exhibit their work in a public exhibition – all for free!
Interview conducted and edited by Anisha Jackson