Brief Bio
A full-time author and teacher of writing since 2004, with 21 books published and more on the way, Colleen Murtagh Paratore is best known for her 1/2 million selling debut novel, The Wedding Planner's Daughter, published world-wide and twice optioned for a movie, first of seven "Willa Books," the award-winning picture book, The BIG BOOK About Being BIG; critically acclaimed novels, Sunny Holiday and Dreamsleeves; and writer's notebook, FIREFLIES, a "gift of encouragement to people of all ages to write from the sparks without worrying about the rules." Her inspirational memoir, Writing it Right, co-authored with her poet mother Peg Spain Murtagh, now in its 3rd printing, celebrates the transformative and healing power of writing in moving ourselves forward through painful times in our lives. A teacher of writing at The Arts Center of the Capital Region and an adjunct instructor of Public Speaking at The Sage Colleges, Albany and Troy, NY, Colleen is also a book coach and a popular inspirational speaker at conferences and fundraising events.
Active in her profession and community, former elected Trustee of the Troy Public Library, Colleen currently serves on the Board of Directors of the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region (dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all), the Rutger's University Council Children's Literature, Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County, and was the 2015 Literacy Ambassador for Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region. She is the founder of T.R.E.A.T. (Troy Reads Every August Together) which welcomes city kids to city parks to talk about books and enjoy a frozen treat. Member of the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce, the Women's Fund of the Capital Region, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, The Children's Literature Connection, and the Troy 100 Forum, Colleen holds a BA in English, magna cum laude, from The College of Saint Rose , Albany, NY, an MA in English, with honors, from Trinity College, Hartford, CT and is a graduate of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce "Capital Leadership" program. Proud mother of three wonderful sons: Christopher, Connor, and Dylan Paratore, she is a resident of Troy, NY More at www.coleenparatore.com and www.facebook.com/coleen.paratore
Active in her profession and community, former elected Trustee of the Troy Public Library, Colleen currently serves on the Board of Directors of the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region (dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all), the Rutger's University Council Children's Literature, Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County, and was the 2015 Literacy Ambassador for Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region. She is the founder of T.R.E.A.T. (Troy Reads Every August Together) which welcomes city kids to city parks to talk about books and enjoy a frozen treat. Member of the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce, the Women's Fund of the Capital Region, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, The Children's Literature Connection, and the Troy 100 Forum, Colleen holds a BA in English, magna cum laude, from The College of Saint Rose , Albany, NY, an MA in English, with honors, from Trinity College, Hartford, CT and is a graduate of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce "Capital Leadership" program. Proud mother of three wonderful sons: Christopher, Connor, and Dylan Paratore, she is a resident of Troy, NY More at www.coleenparatore.com and www.facebook.com/coleen.paratore
