Express Media and Deakin University are excited to announce the winner of the 2022 Catalyse Nonfiction Prize is SAR FEGAN.

Fegan’s piece “A Fiery Light” ‘is both a gorgeous portrait of a friendship between two queer people and a case study of the ways gender and sexuality shift and flow as we relate to others. Sar Fegan’s combination of intimate portraits and prose captures a wide array of emotions with delicate specificity.’ says Prize Judge Mira Schlosberg. ‘All three judges were deeply affected by this essay.’ 

Fegan has won $2000 courtesy of Deakin University and an editorial mentorship to develop their work further with Publisher of Monash University Publishing and Catalyse Prize Judge Julia Carlomangno. 

‘I’m honoured to be recognised by the Catalyse Non-Fiction Prize, particularly for an essay that is such a personal and intimate exploration of my life and relationships.’ says Sar Fegan about their win. ‘I am excited to grow my non-fiction writing practise through the editorial mentorship, and value the opportunity to further my explorations of queer life and friendship through experimental forms.’

Fegan was announced at a special online event today hosted by Express Media Creative Producer, Hasib Hourani. This event also featured a readings from a selection of the shortlisted writers, and announced the judges’ Highly Commended pieces from the shortlist. These highly commended pieces are  “Marrickville: Is there no alternative?” by Robbie Mason and “Trick of Light” by Elizabeth Bourke.

This Winners Announcement event was recorded and can now be enjoyed on YouTube below.

Watch the event here!

We congratulate Sar, Robbie, Elizabeth and all of our shortlisted writers on the incredible work they have submitted to this prize. We look forward to following all of their future literary endeavours!

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Sar Fegan lives and works on Wurundjeri Country. They are a white dyke writer who uses experimental forms to explore memory, madness and mess. Sar’s writing has appeared in Voiceworks, Going Down Swinging and Butch Is Not a Dirty Word.”