Sep 16, 2025
Eleven Torch Features were nominated for their works in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and visual art in Torch Magazine.
With its online literary publication, Torch champions Black women writers from around the world for their work published in Torch Magazine, intentionally curated and selected by Torch Associate Editor, Jae Nichelle, and Executive Director, Amanda Johnston. Every year, the two select Torch Features to nominate for the Best of the Net prize.
Best of the Net is an awards-based anthology for diverse writers and the online literary magazines that publish them. They accept work in poetry, nonfiction, fiction, and art. The winners’ stories are collected and published in Sundress Publications. You can learn more about the prize here.
Our amazing 2025 Torch Nominees include:
Creative Nonfiction
“Notes on Conception” by Tatiana Johnson-Boria
“He & I” Jā R. Macki
Fiction
“Ghost Waters” by Sandra Jackson-Opoku
“At the End of Every Apocalypse is a New Apocalypse” by Savannah Balmir
Poetry
“When Your Bully Makes Your Bed” by Natiesha Evans
“Dancing” by Esther Kondo Heller
“Cataracts” by Talicha J
“with three fingers, I point” by Elisha Mykleti
“Girl Says a Prayer” by Schyler Butler
“Job 1:1-2:10” by Courtney Conrad
Visual Art
###
About Torch Literary Arts
Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, workshops, an annual retreat, and special events.
Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today.
Media Contact Information:
Brittany Heckard
Communications Associate
bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org
(512) 641-9251
