Joe is a contemporary British author and screenwriter writing emotionally honest, character-driven stories about friendship, love, and the messy in-between stages of life.
Her work is known for sharp observational humour, warmth, and characters who feel unapologetically real.
She writes as J.M. Bartholomew, but everyone calls her Joe.
Raised around creativity, Joe has always been drawn to storytelling, particularly the small, everyday moments that quietly shape our lives.
Her work explores female friendship, self-discovery, and the relationships that carry us through change, combining warmth and wit with a deep understanding of human nature.
Joe’s debut novel, Three Fat Singletons, grew from lived experience and a desire to see female friendship portrayed with humour, honesty, and heart.
Set against the chaos of modern life, Three Fat Singletons follows three women navigating love, identity, and expectation, and the unbreakable bond that keeps them standing when everything else wobbles. The novel resonated strongly with readers for its relatability, emotional depth, and laugh-out-loud moments grounded in truth.
Following the success of her debut, Joe continued the story with Changing Seasons, delving deeper into the characters’ lives as they face loss, growth, and renewal. Exploring how people evolve over time, and how friendship changes alongside them, the novel reflects Joe’s ongoing interest in emotional realism and personal transformation.
From Page to Screen
In 2019, Joe expanded into screenwriting, winning a Partial Scholarship to the Rocaberti Writers’ Retreat for Three Fat Singletons. This was then followed by another win in 2022 for Changing Seasons, where she was mentored by Emmy-winning writer Stan Zimmerman and again, in 2024 with acclaimed UK producer and financier, Kirsty Bell, the CEO and founder of Goldfinch. This marked a natural progression from page to screen, allowing her character-driven storytelling to take on a new form.
Alongside her writing, Joe has immersed herself in the film world, gaining on-set experience and working with independent production companies. Her creative life spans both literature and film, united by a focus on story, character, and emotional connection.
When she’s not writing, Joe enjoys travelling, attempting tennis, watching far too many films “for research,” and spending time with friends. She is passionate about creating stories that entertain, resonate, and leave readers and audiences feeling understood, and slightly braver than before.
Industry & Representation
© J.M. Bartholomew
Represented by WGM Talent
Inkitt Publishing Winner – Three Fat Singletons
Tito’s Vodka, Story Summit Award; Runner Up – Hope at Christmas
Rocaberti Writers’ Retreat; Marouatte Castle in France – Three Fat Singletons
Rocaberti Writers’ Retreat; Sant Mori Castle in Spain – Changing Seasons
In the summer of 2024, Joe was invited to work on the set of Twin, produced by Dreamtown Film in association with Goldfinch Entertainment. Her role as on-set medic enabled her to be closely involved throughout the production while working on location in London.
In addition to her medical role, Joe supported the production team with sourcing and creating props, captured behind-the-scenes content, and appeared as an extra.
Joe was also an Executive Producer on Amphitrite by Thea Mayeux.
Joe won partial scholarships for the Rocaberti Writers’ Retreat for Three Fat Singletons, Changing Seasons, Hope at Christmas, where she was mentored by Emmy-winning writer Stan Zimmerman, screenplay expert Linda Seger and Acclaimed UK producer and financier, Kirsty Bell, the CEO and founder of Goldfinch.
