There is increasing interest in the therapeutic possibilities of creative writing, while Professor Rita Charon, who launched Columbia University’s program in narrative medicine in 1996, observes that "medicine has begun to affirm the importance of telling and listening to the stories of illness." Creative Writing at Macquarie University is playing a role in this development.
Healing words: Creative Writing teachers and co-authors Professor Hsu-Ming Teo, left, and Dr Michelle Hamadache, right, will launch their new anthology during National Pain Week 21-27 July, 2025.
In the aftermath of the pandemic lockdowns, Dr Michelle Hamadache and Professor Hsu-Ming Teo ran an extracurricular workshop for students on Writing Illness, Pain and Disability. Dr Hamadache, the convenor of Macquarie University’s creative writing programs, then worked with students to refine their stories of pain, illness, disability or caregiving. The result is a timely and compelling publication that showcases Macquarie University’s impact through creative writing, research translation and lived experience advocacy – particularly relevant in the lead-up to National Pain Week (21–27 July).
Living With Illness and Disability: Poised on the Pointe of Pain – ‘Nureyev’s Foot’ and Other Essays is a new literary anthology collaboration by Macquarie University and WestWords – Western Sydney Centre for Writing, featuring personal essays that illuminate the realities of living with chronic pain, illness and disability. The project was spearheaded by Dr Hamadache, who also contributes her own powerful piece, and Michael Campbell, the Executive Director of WestWords who has a longstanding association with Creative Writing at Macquarie.
Contributors include Professor Teo, award-winning novelist and researcher in Macquarie’s Faculty of Arts; Dr Jessica Kirkness, Macquarie University teacher and author of a well-received memoir traversing deaf and hearing cultures; and acclaimed author and Macquarie PhD student Kim Kelly, among other Master of Creative Writing students and alumni. WestWords staff member Kathie Elliott-Scott’s own contribution – an essay exploring the transition from professional dancer to disability advocate – was recently longlisted for the Furphy Literary Award for short stories.
Writing as therapy
This anthology is a testament to how Macquarie’s creative writing community can amplify underrepresented voices and help shape more compassionate, inclusive experiences of managing health, pain and illness. As Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, AC, KC, Governor of NSW, wrote in the foreword:
The stories in this remarkable anthology criss-cross every human emotion – fear, sadness, despair, anger, indeed rage, bitterness, hope, more hope, joy. They bring forth every possible human reaction – disbelief, procrastination, acceptance, coping, determination, courage, compassion and the more than occasional hint of humour.
Yes, they will break your heart and yet, within a few lines, remind you of the power of the human spirit, where finding another way of living is like a rebirth, painful but joyous. Then there is the perspective of carer, who becomes the 'other side' of the bargain for which neither had intended to sign up. These are stories that needed to be written. They are stories that need to be read.
The book exemplifies innovative creative research collaboration between Macquarie University staff and students, exploring writing as creative practice and writing as therapy. It helps to strengthen the existing partnership with a significant player in Sydney’s writing industry – WestWords – and it forges alumni relations with our Masters students, two of whom subsequently enrolled to undertake a creative writing PhD at Macquarie University. It is, moreover, a valuable vehicle of outreach and engagement in the wider community since Macquarie University’s creative writers have, through WestWords, partnered with Chronic Pain Australia.
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The book will launch officially during National Pain Week on Wednesday 23rd July at the WestWords Centre for Writing in Parramatta. Westwords is also working with peak bodies to position the collection as a must-read for health professionals to allow for reflective practice and education, with the goal of helping them better understand and respond to patients with chronic pain.
Ten per cent of all book sales will be donated to Chronic Pain Australia to support their ongoing advocacy and community work.
Living with Illness and Disability: Poised on the Pointe of Pain — 'Nuryev's Foot' and Other Essays is published by WestWords Publications.
Professor Hsu-Ming Teo teaches Creative Writing and Literature in the School of Humanities, Macquarie University.
Dr Michelle Hamadache teaches English Studies and is Director of Creative Writing in the School of Humanities, Macquarie University.
