I am a musician and author from Hobart, Tasmania. Alongside my work with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra I am a writing course junkie. I’m currently an Apprentice with Elephant Journal and plan to next undertake a course about story-telling for change

My work includes short stories, feature articles, personal essays and concert reviews. I have nearly completed a series of reflections arising from my experience of living with cancer, which I plan to publish later this year. I am currently much inspired by the work of Roxane Gay, and my next book is likely to be a series of personal responses to living with a negative body image.

You can find my work in CutCommon, Limelight Magazine, Stringendo, Elephant Journal, Lite Lit One and The Fictional Cafe. My first short story, ‘Georgina’s Dilemma’, won 3rd prize in a ‘Writers’ Forum short story competition in 2017 and my memoir piece, 'The Diagnosis', won 2nd prize in The Field of Words memoir competition, 2018.

I have recently had some success with public readings of some of my writing, which is particularly effective when sharing a stage with musician(s). A further evening of words and music is planned for later this year, and will feature violinist Susan Collins, and my short story, THe Red Dress.

Contact: jo.stleon@bigpond.com

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