We are very excited to announce the winners of the 2018 Feminartsy Memoir Prize! This year, we received an overwhelming number of entries of a very high calibre. Congratulations to all shortlisted writers, and to everyone who entered – we know that sharing your words and personal stories is an act of courage, and are honoured to have been trusted to read them.

And the winners are …

1st Place : Mother Tongue, Erin Ryan

Judge’s comments: This is a powerful and emotive piece that unpacks a personal experience through a narrative style that captures the reader and places the writers’ experiences within a broader context – the goal of all memoir.

2nd Place/Highly Commended : Story ends, is, begins, Lisa Fuller

Judge’s comments: A beautifully written piece that explores family, grief and the continuity of culture in an accessible, engaging and thoughtful way.

3rd Place : Northbound on the Noarlunga Line, Phoebe Paterson de Heer

Judge’s comments: A third place was not originally planned for this year’s prize, but this essay stood out as being of a very high quality, delving into place, personal connections and health, linking the personal with the universal beautifully.

Congratulations to all winners!