Originally from Florence, Ky., Colleen Steffen earned a B.A. in journalism from Franklin College in Franklin, Ind., and a M.A. in English literature from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. She spent 13 years as an award-winning feature writer and editor at The Elizabethtown, Ky., New-Enterprise; The Anderson, Ind., Herald Bulletin; The Jacksonville, Fla., Times-Union; and The Muncie, Ind., Star Press. She also worked in public relations for nonprofit historic-preservation group Indiana Landmarks. 

Today Steffen is an instructor in Ball State University's acclaimed journalism department, teaching everything from beginning reporting to graduate-level literary journalism. A faculty member with BSU at the Games, she has mentored student writers covering the last two Olympic Games, in London and Sochi, as well as assisted in two summer-long study-abroad programs. This summer, she’s leading a team of student feature writers, photographers and videographers uncovering the hidden stories of the Indiana State Fair. 

Steffen spent five years researching Catherine Winters' life and times and completed the first draft of her nonfiction account in 2012. It is currently being marketed by the Sara Camilli Literary Agency. A lover of travel, antiquing and good books, Steffen lives in Muncie, Ind., with her husband and daughter. 

Colleen Steffen is available for interviews and public presentations. 

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