About Me

What you always wanted to know about me, but were afraid to ask.

While I’m not a household name, yet, in the past, I have been successful in having several non-fiction pieces published in women’s magazines.

          At this time, I’m indulging myself in the pleasure of writing fiction—two contemporary love stories—one finished, one in progress— and an historical romance (Middle Ages) that has me absolutely involved with the time period.

          Last month, I received an Honorable Mention Award in Fiction from Writers’ Journal Magazine. Several weeks ago, the editor of Writers’ Journal phoned me to say I had won another prize…a First Place in their Write to Win! Contest. It will be on the newsstands after 8/24/11. I can barely wait. Again, same  magazine awarded me a 1st. place short story award in their Write to Win Contest (Oct.) and an Honorable Mention in their Jan. Fiction contest.

I have attended the Festival of the Book in Charlottesville, Va. For the past two years where, each time, the first page of one of my stories was selected for reading to the assembled group. I’ve been fortunate.

In college, (Upsala College, Sussex, NJ.), I was the student coordinator of the literary magazine “Forsythia” where you can see my poetry. The magazine was dedicated to our professor—who gave us all great encouragement—the late poet, Bette Distler.

I belong to two writing critique groups, one of which I facilitate at the Monday Morning Critique Group at the Parks & Recreation Bldg. in Lynchburg, Va. where we give each other help, encouragement, and even suggestions we hope lead to publication.

 I am a member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers (Pa.), the Hampton Roads Writers, the Piedmont Literary Society, Write Now! and Hill City Writers (all in Va.).

I have been married to my, darling, Joe, for 45 years. We have a son, John, who never ceases to amaze us, a wonderful daughter-in-law, Joani, a step-granddaughter Sara and the best grandson in the universe, Owen, who just started kindergarten.

DOWNLOAD MY DEBUT NOVEL, "MARCEL'S GIFT." AT AMAZON, COM.


Visit me on Face Book--- Colligan.marie@yahoo.com