What is Un/Natural?

Un/Natural is a series of workshops for D/deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent participants which will run in September and October 2021, culminating in a paid show case on October 22nd.

How do I apply to participate in the workshops?

Please see here for the application form which closes on Monday 9th August at 5pm.

If a Google form is not accessible for you and you need the application form in a different format or you would prefer to submit video or audio recordings instead of a written application please email disablednaturewriting@gmail.com.

Why the name?

The workshops will consider and problematise what we consider to be ‘natural’. So much of nature writing and what we consider to be nature is tied up in ideas of the ‘epic journey’ or ‘wilderness’ which often excludes many marginalised people, including D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people. There are so few published nature writers writing from this perspective and this workshop series aims to encourage questioning of what we think of as nature and give writers an opportunity and platform to amplify their voices.

What will the workshops consist of?

The workshops will be led by Elspeth Wilson and will consist of looking at nature writing from a range of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent writers, writing exercises and a chance for discussion. Writers will build towards working on a piece for the showcase and there will also be discussions around editing and performance.

Who are the workshops for?

The workshops are for self-identified D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent writers who are interested in nature writing. This includes anyone who has mental health issues or is chronically ill. There is no need to explain or justify your disability and/or neurodivergence (although you will be asked about any access requirements).

No prior experience of nature writing or indeed writing in general is necessary to participate, although experienced writers are also welcome! You can write in any form including poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction or a combination of both.

There is also no expectation that you are able to leave your room or home or wherever you are staying. All exercises will be able to be done from inside and we will be thinking about nature in domestic spaces too.

Applications are particularly encouraged from writers who are also queer, trans, non-binary, on a low income and/or a person of colour or from any other group that considers themselves underrepresented in nature writing or the literary world more generally.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Elspeth at disablednaturewriting@gmail.com :)