The Many Faces of Women: Meet the Winning Authors and their powerful stories
Two Voices, One Celebration: The Winners of The Many Faces of Women
Our March Writing Competition, The Many Faces of Women, drew in 26 heartfelt submissions exploring womanhood, strength, identity, and transformation. After an exciting final round with 200+ reader votes, two winners emerged — each telling a very different, deeply personal story.
In this blog, we spotlight the two authors behind these compelling works, presenting their full interview responses and a glimpse into their winning stories.
Rux Andrei: “The Pink Blanket”
“The Pink Blanket” is a lyrical short story centered around a picnic shared by three generations of women. What seems like a serene afternoon becomes a profound moment of reckoning, where unspoken traumas are gently unraveled and healing begins to bloom. The story is intimate, symbolic, and deeply moving.
Interview with the Author:
Q: What inspired the story you submitted for the competition?
A certain image inspired me: green grass, a pink blanket, a picnic for three — three generations of women coming together to understand patterns, untangle generational trauma, and find closure for open wounds.
Q: How would you describe your writing process?
I start when I feel the emotion kick in. Then the images unfold naturally. I need a quiet place to translate emotion into words — no specific rituals, just space to feel.
Q: What challenges did you face writing your competition piece, and how did you overcome them?
Since it was inspired by my childhood, I wanted to be revealing but also keep some intimacy. I focused on authenticity, making the narrative flow despite shifting between different planes.
Q: What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?
Write when you feel it. Don’t worry how it’ll be received. If you keep it real, nothing can go wrong.
Q: How do you feel about PubliWrite in supporting writers?
I appreciated this opportunity. If it wasn’t for PubliWrite, my story would’ve remained in my mind. Publishing it brought it to life and unlocked memories for others too.
Q: How was your experience with the competition platform?
User-friendly and competitive. I enjoyed it.
Q: What would you say to other writers considering PubliWrite?
Join! It’s satisfying to see your work come to life. It becomes real when it’s out there.
Q: What’s next for you as a writer?
This was a big step. I’m planning a personal blog and looking forward to more competitions.
Joanne Rodriques: “From Bullied to Badass”
In “From Bullied to Badass,” the author shares a candid, autobiographical journey through adversity, trauma, and triumph. Written with raw emotional clarity, the story traces her path from childhood bullying and self-doubt to empowered motherhood and self-belief — all while navigating life with ADHD. It's a moving testimony of resilience and reinvention.
Interview with the Author:
Q: How did you feel when you found out you won?
I was shocked and elated! The night before I thought my effort was for nothing. But then I won, and it was a deep excitement I’ll never forget. I feel more confident now.
Q: What inspired your story?
It was the right moment — your competition ad came across my feed when I needed it most. My story is an autobiography I’d carried for 36 years. Writing it helped me model bravery for my daughter, who was facing a serious health scare.
Q: How would you describe your writing process?
With ADHD, I can be disorganized, but I used my hyperfocus. I wrote while my kids were at school, used spider diagrams, and poured my raw emotions into the draft, refining it later.
Q: What challenges did you face?
Keeping things simple was hard. Sticking to the word count and deadlines with ADHD was tough, but I pushed through by planning and focusing.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Be aware that not all competition is fair — stay grounded. Good people prevail.
Q: How did PubliWrite support your journey?
They were very supportive. This was my first time writing and publishing. I had many questions, and they answered every one.
Q: How was your experience using the platform?
It was great and beginner-friendly. The only improvement? I wish there were physical awards and more publicity around the winners.
Q: What would you tell writers thinking of joining PubliWrite?
Go for it! Especially if you don’t know much about publishing. It’s a great starting platform.
Q: What’s next for you?
I’ll republish a longer version of my story and charge for it. I’ll also focus on my business, Forever Rodriques, and support others in the ADHD community.
A Shared Victory, A Shared Message
Though their stories differ in tone and background, both authors share a core message: storytelling heals, reveals, and connects. They turned personal truths into communal reflections, and their courage paved the way for others to follow.
At PubliWrite, we believe every story matters. And when stories are shared, they can change lives — including the writer’s own.
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