Hot Off The Press!

My debut collection of short stories is available now! Suburban Jungle & Other Stories has been a joy to create; all of it, from the characters to the cover. These tales explore connection, betrayals, and the humor of every day life. I am so excited to share them with you.

What does it really mean to connect with others? In the chaos of modern life, connection can be tender, transactional, or downright treacherous. From moments of quiet hope to scenes that turn raw and dark, these stories cut into the contradictions of the human experience.

• A social-climbing mom determined to impress the alpha PTA queen.

• Bickering colleagues on a disastrous work outing.

• A young woman hiding a savage secret as she navigates the brutal world of city dating.

In her debut collection of short fiction, Jo Avent doesn’t flinch from the messy truth of human ties. Suburban Jungle & Other Stories is by turns sharp, funny, and thought-provoking—an exploration of what we risk for belonging: betrayal, regret, and the uneasy thrill of being known.

Sea of Tranquility - A Literary Anthology

Jo's poem, Friendly Moon, appears alongside a hundred or so other works inspired by the moon. The collection, included in the Lunar Codex project, will be shot into space to land as a time capsule on the moon in 2026.

Meet Jo Avent

Jo grew up in the UK, and lived in France and Spain before moving to the United States. After toughing out well over a decade of Chicago winters, she now lives in Miami with her husband, their two children, and their retired dog. 

When she isn’t writing she can be found making wonky pots, enjoying coffee and chats with friends, and attempting various yoga poses. 

Jo is fascinated by people; what makes them tick, and the choices they make.