What We Don't See

A collection of writing from the Writeability Goes Online B writing group

Thick clouds of fog crowd at the top of a dense forest.

What We Don’t See: Contents

An Introduction from Miri Hirschfeld, Writeability Program Manager

It’s not a requirement for Writeability program participants to write about disability, but many do. Complex trauma often weaves its way into the narrative – not surprising given that it is a common experience for many disabled folks.

Disability and trauma are both themes present in this anthology, appearing as a stealthy intruder in Maha’s piece ‘Uninvited’, a catalyst for restlessness in Katherine Hills memoir, something to be explored and excavated in Georgia Udas’s poem ‘Kite’, and it’s the lens through which a catastrophic event is recounted, in Katie Munro’s ‘1983 Ash Wednesday’.

These four writers, along with many others, met monthly via Zoom as part of Writeability Goes Online. Through its online platform and thanks to funding from Creative Australia, Writeability Goes Online achieved national reach. Roz Bellamy mentored the group over the course of eight months and edited this collection of works.

Impactful and direct, the writing in this anthology is memorable and compelling. Invisible and ephemeral components roll through the pieces – shadows, wind, heat and fog – elements that are fluid and dynamic like disability itself. Descriptions are vivid: crackling, tingling sensations in limbs; window pane-rattling heat; relief gained through movement. This powerful group of works draws awareness to things that we don’t often see.

Content Warning: please proceed with caution. Some of this writing explores themes that may be distressing or triggering for some readers, specifically abuse, violence and self-harm.

Miri Hirschfeld

Writeability Program Manager

Please be aware that the writers contributing to What We Don’t See Anthology have freedom of expression and that some stories may contain coarse language or confronting themes around disability.