I woke before dawn thinking of Wagin

Author Identifier (ORCID)

Donna J Mazza: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1135-5187

Abstract

This is a work of creative non-fiction which considers tensions within the landscape of the Wheatbelt in Western Australia. This large area was ruthlessly cleared in the early 20th Century, and within two generations almost all native vegetation was removed from ‘an area the size of Scotland’ (Hughes-d’Aeth, 2007). The impact of subsequent salinity has mean large scale desertion of towns and desertification of farmland. The work considers the contrasts inherent between the cultural landmarks and the realities of this impact on the environment and towns, making note of the ironies and tensions between fertile lands and decimation of the natural world.

Non-Traditional Research Output

Original Creative Work

Document Type

Non-Traditional Research Output

Date of Publication

2024

Research Statement

Night Parrot Press are a small independent publisher established in 2019 and based in Perth, who have a commitment to publishing experimental forms and non-traditional work. This anthology is the first micro-memoir collection to be published in Australia and includes 100 micro memoirs by authors including Barry Divola, Scott-Patrick Mitchell and Gillian O’Shaughessy. This anthology was subject of a panel discussion at Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival, which included a reading of this work and discussion of the form. Donna Mazza was invited to discuss the form on ABC Radio Drive (WA) and read an extract from the work.

Publication Title

Ourselves: 100 micro memoirs

Publisher

Night Parrot Press

School

School of Arts and Humanities

RAS ID

72374

Duration

750 words

ISBN

9780648706366

Comments

Mazza, D. (2024). I woke before dawn thinking of Wagin. In L. Keenan & C. Mulder (Eds.), Ourselves: 100 micro memoirs. Night Parrot Press. https://www.nightparrotpress.com/product/ourselves-100-micro-memoirs/

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