2024 Bardsy Anthology Contest Winner: Jo Joseph
October 24, 2024:
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Bardsy Anthology Contest Winner
We're excited to announce the grand prize winner of our latest anthology contest: Jo Joseph!
Sylvie made her way downstairs, checking windows and doors, but found no sign of forced entry. In the kitchen, she picked up the receiver of the canary yellow landline mounted on the wall. She didn’t get past the second “1” in 911 before hanging up. - Sylvie, Jo Joseph
Take a look at Jo's compelling short story in Bardsy's Fall 2024 Anthology here, and keep reading to learn more about Sylvie and her current work in progress.
The author:
Philadelphia native, Jo Ann Joseph is a licensed veterinary nurse, also formally trained in the art of taxidermy. When not caring for animals or enjoying the company of her husband and two daughters, she spends her time consuming horror in every form of media. She started off writing scripts and music for a local burlesque troupe and now writes stories inspired by the human experience with a uniquely dark twist. Currently, she is working on completing her first novel, Off Track, of which the first chapter has been published in Bardsy’s 2023 Fall Anthology. Follow her on Instagram here.
Sylvie knew this was no home invasion.
On writing a grand prize winner:
I drafted Sylvie some time ago, with a slightly different concept in mind. Upon returning to her story, I realized that it was the character's acceptance of loss, and how it was affected by the bond she shared with her companion, that resonated with me. I trimmed the fat, so to speak, in hopes that I would highlight Sylvie’s transformation through the process of grief.
On her current work in progress:
I’m currently working on the first draft of my first novel, Off Track. It is a horror about a young woman struggling with substance abuse. Under uncanny circumstances, she finds herself trapped in a gambling hall with a bloodthirsty demon. While fending off the demon's attacks, she is forced to face her own proverbial demons.
On her writing process:
I was introduced to Bardsy a little over a year ago. In that time, I’ve utilized the Publishability Index™ as a guide for each draft of both my short stories, and each new chapter of my manuscript.
Sylvie knew this was no home invasion.
A haunting.
Who do you call about a thing like this? Certainly not the police.
- Sylvie, Jo Joseph
Getting published can be challenging, especially for new authors still growing their following. One of the many reasons Bardsy publishes anthologies is to showcase skilled authors in the early stages of their careers and connect with promising writers who want to become successful novelists.
If you're ready to become a published author, it's time to enter our First Chapter Anthology Contest. As with all Bardsy contests, you'll receive editorial feedback and have the opportunity to revise your work before judging. The deadline is December 2, 2024. It will be here soon, so click to learn more!
CLICK A TAB TO USE WILL.POWER
TO DO LIST:
Add tasks to your sortable list, then revel in checking them off.
SCRATCHPAD:
Cache your gems as they fall in this always accessible place.
PRIVATE JOURNAL:
Reflect on your process — good, bad and ugly — in your dated diary.
TRACKING:
Measure your progress with key writing metrics, automatically,
TO DO LIST:
Add tasks to your sortable list, then revel in checking them off.
SCRATCHPAD:
Cache your gems as they fall in this always accessible place.
PRIVATE JOURNAL:
Reflect on your process — good, bad and ugly — in your dated diary.
TRACKING:
Measure your progress with key writing metrics, automatically,
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Show Dones
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