Literary Biography

JOSEPHINE “JO” CARPIGNANO

Literary Biography

Jo Carpignano began writing poetry and fiction in 2001 after retiring from a 40 year career in education. She has won prizes in fiction, poetry and memoir and has won state and national awards for

several of her poems. Her work frequently appears in various anthologies e.g. Carry the Light and Fault Zone.

Jo’s first publication was a biography of her Italian immigrant mother entitled Madeline’s Story (2005). She has also published a book of poetry entitled Paper Wings and Other Things (2015). Having had many interesting experiences in education, Jo’s new novel, Nadine, In the Tenderloin describes the trials of a disadvantaged child in public schools with a fierce determination to learn. This young adult novel was accepted for publication in 2020 and launched in 20222. Currently completing another memoir about multi-generations of her Italian immigrant family, Jo continues to enjoy writing in any genre and on any subject that captures her interest.