Colleen A. Parkinson is the award winning author of the harrowing play, "The Injured Child," and the poignant one-act play, "Waiting For The Train." She has also penned book reviews for The Mississippi Rag and other periodicals. "The Finest Hat in the Whole World," her first published novel, has been widely praised for its lyricism, compelling story, and intimately-drawn characters. In addition to writing and theater, her interests include American History, psychology, antiques, genealogy, literary classics, and every kind of music. Colleen believes in performing anonymous acts of kindness whenever the opportunity arises, giving back to her community, encouraging the discouraged, and always - always - paying it forward.