Writer in Bloomington, Indiana
Finding voice. Writing toward hope.
Colleen Wells writes poetry, memoir and creative nonfiction. She believes writing is a healing force and helps others feel more empowered to share their stories.
Newest book
In the Mood
A collection of 55 tools to promote mental health and well-being.
Each entry lights the candle of hope, saying both “I’ve been there too” and “This might help.” The writing invites, rather than prescribes.
Laura LaSuertmer, LMHCA
Books
Around the Bend
Poetry chapbook
Animal Magnetism
Poetry chapbook
Dinner with Doppelgangers
Memoir
Praise for her work
A brave and important look inside the experience of mental illness from a writer who has been there.
Susan Neville, author of Sailing the Inland Sea
A must read for anyone experiencing or living with someone who is diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
Alison Leslie, LCSW, Bloomington, Indiana
More praise for Around the Bend
These poems feel woven by hands that often feel shaky in the tasks of weaving a life, but they keep working at it, not ready to give up. The descriptions of depression and its effects are heartbreaking, and somehow never feel hopeless. Written by a gentle spirit, never letting these poems sink into pure anger and resentment, this is a voice from inside the head of someone who grapples with darkness, but strains for the light. At times, it is just a splinter of light, maybe not even visible, but the way that the pieces are arranged, it feels like one of the threads is golden and it is there, even if we don’t see it every moment. And hope does prevail, as the final line sings, “I rise up…looking up and ahead to what’s next.”
Mary Beth O’Brien, Creative Director, Women Writing for (a) Change Bloomington
What is around the bend for any of us? What would be if a single facet of our lives were different? In this aptly titled and accessible work, answers to these and other questions allow for reflection, release, and even commiseration over mental health and empty nest, time and everydayness. The words offered within these covers are ones of perspective and fortitude – Colleen Wells offers us vivid pebble after pebble and sometimes drops a boulder.
Janine Harrison, Weight of Silence and If We Were Birds, former Highland, Indiana Poet Laureate
Speaking and workshops
Colleen is available to speak at book clubs, libraries, schools and universities, writers’ groups and conferences, community and service clubs, retirement communities, and galleries or bookstores. Topics include writing and healing, journal writing, memoir and creative nonfiction, poetry, mental health and self-care.