The Adelaide Writers' Week faced a significant backlash following the cancellation of Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah's participation, prompting over 180 authors to withdraw from the festival. The situation arose from a meeting held early in January, where around 25 members of the local literary community gathered to discuss their response to the festival's decision. Many participants had already expressed their disapproval by boycotting the event, reflecting a growing sentiment within the community regarding the treatment of diverse voices in literary spaces.

In the aftermath of the withdrawal, a grassroots initiative emerged, leading to the establishment of Constellations, a new literary event that serves as a replacement for the canceled Adelaide Writers' Week. This new initiative seeks to empower local authors and publishers by providing an inclusive platform for their work and discussions that align more closely with the community's values. As co-director Emily Hart noted, the aim was to ensure that the collective desire to hold literary events continues despite the setbacks faced at the original festival.

The emergence of Constellations not only showcases the resilience of the local literary community but also highlights ongoing conversations about artistic freedom, inclusivity, and the importance of diverse voices in literature. The response to the AWW's cancellation and the subsequent formation of Constellations may serve as a catalyst for broader discussions about representation in literary events, showing that when communities come together, they can create alternative spaces for expression and dialogue.