Colleen Alles is a writer, former librarian & teacher, and Michigan girl for life. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Michigan State University (2005) and her MLIS from Wayne State University (2015). Her debut novel, Skinny Vanilla Crisis, was published in 2020 (Atmosphere Press). Master of Arts, her second novel, is available now (Scantic Books). After the 8-Ball, her first poetry collection, was published in 2022 by Cornerstone Press (University of Wisconsin). Her fiction and poetry have appeared in Red Cedar Review, Tar River Poetry, Third Wednesday, The Write Michigan Anthology, The Michigan Poet, and other places. Her fiction made the longlist for The Fugere Book Prize for Finely Crafted Novellas in 2023 (Regal House Publishing). Colleen is a contributing editor for short fiction (Barren Magazine) and Poetry Editor of The Lakeshore Review. Her house is chaotic with young children and a hound, so don’t be shocked to encounter poems about chaotic houses, small children, or hounds. Colleen writes, runs, reads, and worries she wouldn’t make sense outside the Midwest.
I’d love to hear from you!
Experience & Education
Atmosphere Press - Developmental Editor (2021 - )
The Lakeshore Review - Poetry Editor (2023 - )
The Masters Review - Guest Instructor, TMR’s Novel Writing Workshop (2022 - )
Barren Magazine - Contributing editor, fiction (2020- )
Quiethouse Editing - Beta Reader (2016-2019)
Grand Rapids Public Library - Library Assistant, Grand Rapids History & Special Collections department (2014-2020)
Literacy Center of West Michigan - Literacy Coordinator, Adult Tutoring Program (2011-2014)
Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center - GED & Read180 Instructor (2009-2011)
Education
Spalding University - MFA in Writing (2023 -
Wayne State University - MLIS (2015)
Saginaw Valley State University - Teaching Certificate (2007)
Michigan State University - BA (2005)