Bardsy Anthology Contest Finalists
Our most recent Short Story Anthology Contest had many impressive submissions, but these finalists stood out from the crowd. Each of these skilled writers has worked tirelessly, taking their editors' feedback to heart and revising their stories until they were anthology-worthy.
Their hard work and willingness to receive and implement feedback sets an excellent example. Many are becoming outstanding members of our writing community, and we are delighted to have them. To read their short stories, click the anthology cover. To learn more about these talented writers, keep reading
SYLVIE by 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 knew this was no home invasion. A haunting.”
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.
DEAD END AT HOLLY STREET by Stacey Campbell
“Mick had caught a firefly with his bare fingers the night before and I had smelled sweet honeysuckle first thing today. Sure signs that this day would be magical. Or maybe deadly. We weren’t sure which, because we didn’t know what kind of monsters were waiting in the tunnel to gobble up two twelve-year-olds.”
Stacey Campbell writes thrillers, historical fiction, action YA, and anything else that gets the blood pumping. He loves fantastic set pieces, cliffhangers, and multiple storylines, all while sneaking in issues from today’s world. When he’s not writing, he can be found on a pickleball court or in the kitchen with a new recipe. Most recently, several of his short stories have been contest finalists and he is currently working on a supernatural thriller..
THE BANNED BOOK CAFE by Diana Webb
"My patience has worn thin after a year of persistent issues—ignorance masquerading as common sense. This. month the political climate surrounding books is the suffocating flavor! Maybe they should ban ignorance instead of books."
Eight-time national award-winning author, Diana Louise Webb, is the daughter of a child survivor of Hitler's Nazi regime. Diana holds both a Juris Doctorate in Law and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She has authored two acclaimed self-help devotionals entitled "The Butterfly Cometh: Putting The Color Back Into Life" and "Elf Dust To Excellence." An educator, tutor, motivational speaker, and freelance writer, Diana currently lives in a modest country home in rural Missouri, where she enjoys gardening with her mother.
FOR LOVE OF DEATH by Marcella Russell
"My love had many enemies in this world, and by my service to him, I gained their hatred myself. They did not like me because I reminded them of him, whom they would rather not think of. He, who they thought they could outrun. I giggled at the thought of it."
Marcella Russell writes fantasy romance and speculative gothic thrillers set in immersive worlds with layers of physical and psychological tension. She loves books with dark, ominous backdrops with characters that really come to life and change throughout the story. When she is not writing, she is running in the woods with her dog or renovating her 1900s house with her spouse, secretly hoping to uncover a hidden door to another world or a grumpy yet friendly ghost. Marcella is published in the Bardsy 2024 Spring Anthology.
GRIEF'S DRAGON by Lynda White
“Many dragons inhabit this world, small and large, docile and contentious.” Thisari’s red-rimmed eyes scanned the ancient text. The words on the vellum page were illuminated with drawings of dragons, dark and bright, threatening and calm. “Grief’s dragons must be named to be managed. Unnamed dragons darken and grow to consume their owner’s mind.”
Lynda Melban White grew up in California’s central San Joaquin Valley, where she taught middle school for over twenty-five years before retiring and moving with her husband to the central Oregon coast. She has written a novel, Ilk, as well as short stories and poetry. Some of her short stories have been finalists in international writing competitions, and Ilk is available through Amazon. She is currently working on a YA zombie apocalypse novel set in a fictionalized version of her central California hometown. The first chapter of Twenty-twenty Boom! was the winner of Bardsy's 2023 Spring Anthology First Chapters Contest. When not writing, Lynda substitute teaches in the local middle and high schools. She also enjoys spending time with her husband Jeff and their dog Keena exploring the trails and beaches near their home, and observing and learning about the local wildlife, both in the forest and the sea.
accomplish: I'd like to publish my short stories and novels, so I can share my writing with more people.
KING BLACKTOP by J.H. Creek
“The blacktop rolled on, repeating itself mundanely. Pulling off its oldest, most favorite trick: the Illusion of Safety. The road knows all travelers and waits for those who will receive it. As Docile as a sleeping bear. Sleeping until.”
J. H. Creek hails from Clarington, Ontario. That's in Canada. He is a small business owner and lives with his wife and two young daughters. He has a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Creek was born with an inability to shut-up, and over his life has made efforts to manage that productively through creative expression. He enjoys writing, music and GMing for his D&D group. He has always had an interest in the strange and spooky, but also enjoys comedy and anything good. He is a sucker for Halloween, Christmas, nostalgia and sentimentality.
HE'S A MONSTER by Trevor LaRene
“Save the sale’s pitch. I know the Sampson history. His executor is liquidating everything. This is the grandest Sampson home and the last that is still available. I bought, gutted, and flipped all the others except for the one that burned. I need to see if this is worth the price.”
Trevor fell in love with books at the age of four, and by eight, he had devoured the entire Hardy Boys series. His passion for reading grew as he discovered the works of authors like Robert A. Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Robert B. Parker, and Stephen King. Inspired by these storytellers, Trevor realized that he had stories of his own to tell and began writing. While his early attempts were rough, he persisted, entering short story contests. One of his stories was published, and two more were shortlisted. Working with a professional editor, Trevor continued to refine his craft and develop his unique voice. A lifelong Wisconsin resident, Trevor is a husband, father, grandfather, and has been a registered nurse for over thirty years. When not writing or working, he enjoys raising backyard chickens and spending time with his elderly pug, who often keeps him company during movie nights. Trevor is currently working on his debut novel series, The New Prometheans, a YA thriller that combines mystery, technology, history, and adventure..
SAFE KEEPING by Jamie Nicholl
“I bolt out of the shop feeling my chest grow heavier with every step. I do a 360 spin, using my hand to shield my eyes from the crimson sun, and then get back in the car. Where are you, Jacob? As I indicate to head back home, I see the road signs for the opposite direction. A treacherous thought engulfs me. What if I just… left?”
Born and raised in Armagh, Northern Ireland, Jamie has a BA in Screenwriting with Creative Writing and is currently studying his MA in Film (Screenwriting). Focusing his time creating short films, writing short stories and screenplays, Jamie has shown himself a promising new talent in the industry, even winning The Steven Knight Award for Best Screenplay while studying his BA.
Getting published isn't easy, especially for writers who've yet to establish a following. One of the many reasons we publish our anthologies is to showcase promising authors in the early stages of their careers and connect with talented writers looking to become successful novelists.
If you're ready to become a published author, it's time to enter our First Chapter Anthology Contest. As always, you'll receive editorial feedback and have the opportunity to revise your work before judging. The deadline is December 2, 2024, so click
here to learn more today!
