Bastian Fox Phelan
Bastian is a writer of memoir and environmental essays from Mulubinba Newcastle, Australia. Their debut book is How to be Between (Giramondo).
BottomBastian is a writer of memoir and environmental essays from Mulubinba Newcastle, Australia. Their debut book is How to be Between (Giramondo).
BottomBastian is a writer of memoir and environmental essays from Mulubinba Newcastle, Australia. Bastian write about bodies, binaries, place, and environment.
Bastian’s debut memoir, How to Be Between, was published by Giramondo in 2022. This book explores female facial hair, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and coming-of-age as someone visibly between gender binaries.
How to Be Between received favourable reviews in Sydney Review of Books, Books+Publishing, and the Compulsive Reader. Oliver Reeson described it as ‘a balm, a lovely book, as humble and genuine and hands-off as it is meticulously crafted, deftly probing and explorative.’
Bastian’s memoir, environmental essays and articles have appeared in The Guardian, Sydney Review of Books, Island Magazine, Meanjin, Writing NSW, The Suburban Review, and Archer Magazine. They have performed at Queerstories, Emerging Writers’ Festival, and Newcastle Writers Festival. In 2024 their writing was adapted for a chamber choir by renowned contemporary classical composer Connor D’Netto, and performed at Midsumma Festival by Divisi.
Bastian recently submitted their PhD in Creative Nonfiction through the University of Newcastle.
Bastian has been making zines for over 20 years.
Newcastle Writers Festival would like to acknowledge the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the festival takes place, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extend this respect to all First Nations people attending our festival.
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