


Three things Seren knew: #1 Her life felt odd being so tame. #2 She lost her parents when she was young and missed then dearly. #3 Her life was never going to be the same after the day Chase came back into it.
In a world, not unlike our own the economy has tanked allowing the inhabitants to seek solace in a world of virtual gaming. Now, money hungry corporations will stop at nothing to make a buck, even if that means releasing a product that will claim millions of lives.
Robert turned his palm, revealing another, much larger metal piece. “Silly boy, I wouldn’t hurt her.”
“Well, you can’t be too careful.” Chase scowled at him.
Seren lowered one of Chase’s arms, stepping up next to him. “What is that?”
Robert looked down at the flat piece of metal, etched with groves that appeared to be in no particular design. “This is one of the things you will need.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “I’m assuming you didn’t come to just catch up after all these years.”
“Please come with us. I have so many questions.” She motioned towards the car.
“I shouldn’t. If they see me with you, they’ll know what you’re doing.” He cupped the metal piece in his hand, turning it over and thrusting it at Seren.
“But I don’t know what I’m doing.” She pleaded with him. “Please, I don’t care if we go to your place or a diner or whatever.”
“Seren, it is very dangerous.” He shook his head.
Chase intervened. “For who? Her or yourself?”
Robert flashed him a stabbing look. “Seren is like family to me.”
“Some family. You abandoned her just like her family did,” he cut into him.
“I have been trying to save this world that’s quickly spiraling out of control these days, if you haven’t noticed. But my inactivity in Seren’s life hasn’t been for a lack of caring. It’s because I was trying to keep her out of it and keep her safe.” He took a step back.
Chase looked at Seren. “Yeah, well, her parents dragged her into it. So now we need some answers.”
“Fine.” Robert huffed. “I’ll meet you at the Shelby Street Diner at four. But take this now, just in case.” He grabbed Seren’s hand and placed the new metal piece and a small piece of paper in it. “If I don’t show, follow the instructions on this paper. Promise me.”
“Sure Thing.” She nodded, staring at the folded paper in her palm.
“Now, please leave. You never know who is watching.” He walked back to his corner.
She started to unfold the paper, but Chase put a hand over hers. “Not here. Let’s get out of here. I am starting to get a really bad feeling. I don’t care if he’s crazy or not. He’s right. You never know who’s watching.”
“You’re starting to sound like them.” They walked back towards the car.
“Yeah, well, this is all a bit creepy. I don’t really want to take any chances.” He put a hand on her back and shrugged.
A few feet from the car, Chase spotted a boy, couldn’t have been but a year or two out of his teens, running in the direction of the car that he’d left running when he went after Seren. The boy threw the door open and threw it into gear.
Before the wheels could make more than an inch rotation, the car exploded. The shockwave of the explosion throwing them and several other bystanders to the ground. Shrapnel flying in every direction, a piece of metal lodging into...
As an adult, she branched out and worked as a freelance writer for corporations and non-profit organizations, writing press releases for newspapers, magazines and online blogs and web sites. She also worked with politicians to create campaign and promotional fliers, bios and web site blurbs. Other works she has done have been research and photography for a few Mid-Michigan sites highlighted in the book Paranormal Lansing by Nicole Bray and Robert DuShane. She’s also worked with several companies, creating their how-to articles and product descriptions.
In 2009, Colleen joined a writer’s group called Writing at the Ledges in her home town of Grand Ledge, MI. In 2010, they published their second anthology of the group’s poems, short stories, memoirs and essays entitled Seasons of Life. Colleen’s short story, “Full Circle” was a part of this book, being one of the longer pieces and receiving several great reviews. In 2012, the group published their third anthology, in which, Colleen had two short stories.
In 2008, Colleen collaborated with her friend, Carrie Peterson, about a dream Carrie had one night. This dream became part of the opening sequence for her novel, When In Maui. Carrie’s dream and her friendship help Colleen shape When In Maui into Colleen’s first full length novel, published in 2012.
In 2013-14, she wrote a tech thriller, Immersion. Signing it with Anchor Group Publishing and released 2015. A story she's anxious to see reach a wider audience. Anchor Group also picked up When in Maui, an opportunity Colleen is very excited to see develop.
Colleen currently lives in Michigan with her two daughters – a budding chef and an aspiring free spirit that rivals her own inner gypsy. She is teaching writing classes locally. Her next novel? She’s working on a few projects and anxious to share them with you all.
