Okay, maybe I'm not going to Frankfurt, but my book is on its way to the Frankfurt Buch Masse - the giant international book fair. Here's the video that will accompany my book: 

 https://www.salon.com/2025/03/23/dolores-claibornes-shocking-twist-bitchery-isnt-a/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3S1mLr3Io5sKsfiiAMcFI8ns0qzTwYwCYkYIjLa-6JBxQRookQg5fjBM4_aem_J3aRMqSvSgw8XMI41RF2VA​

The shocking twist of "Dolores Claiborne"? Being a difficult woman isn't a crime New interviews with the "Dolores Claiborne" cast and creators reveal how it subverted a popular '90s trope 
​By Tom Joudrey
Published March 23, 2025 1:30PM (EDT)
​

Seventeen years after I wrote a chapter in Tony Magistrale's The Films of Stephen King anthology, I was contacted by Salon Magazine. My take on the film Dolores Claiborne was exactly what the author Tom Joudrey was looking for: I praised the Bitch. 

It took a long time for the world to catch up with my defense of ornery women. It isn't our job to present a smiling, sexy front for the male gaze. In my opinion, Stephen King is a feminist for presenting a female protagonist as an older, unattractive, bitchy woman as the heroine. She leads her vile, alcoholic pedophile of a husband to his own demise. And Dolores nearly acquiesces to her elderly friend's desire for her to end the older woman's long-suffering life. She's not exactly a sweet old lady, but never does King show Dolores to be an evil woman. Ornery, yes. Evil, no. I love that. Obviously, Salon Magazine loved that, too. 

About fucking time. 

It's been 17 years since I wrote that chapter, and 15 years that I've been single. I always said Kevin would be my last lover, meaning I thought we'd be together until I died. Nope. We split up when it was finally clear to me that he liked me a lot but he didn't love me. I was a convenience, not a partner. Leaving him was an act of self-preservation. It hurt to leave, but it was more painful to stay. I felt then, and still do, that it isn't necessary for a woman to put up with a lopsided affair or a half-hearted relationship out of fear of being alone. 

Despite lots of well-meaning advice to "get out there again," I've remained single and it's been one of my better decisions. I got through the death of my daughter without the help and support of a man beside me. Truly, that's the one time I desperately needed a man, and pretty much what I thought a marriage should be... shouldering the tough times together. But I had to get through it alone. I've endured the worst pain I can imagine by myself. At this point, why bother?

Now, I'm one of those weird, old women who lives alone and mutters to herself. 

I've thought about dating over the last 15 years, and I've had offers from friends to introduce me to "nice older men." No, thank you. I want to travel to see my friends around the world, or simply stay home in my pajamas without comment or criticism. I want to get in my car and drive to the coast or buy some frivolous doo dad for my house without justifying or explaining my reasons. 

And dressing to please a man? No. I recently donated all my high heeled shoes and boots to Goodwill. Why was I hanging onto those uncomfortable things? Sure, there was a brief time in my life when I wore short pencil skirts and spike heeled shoes for the man in my life. The blisters lasted longer than the relationship. 

In the movie Dolores Claiborne the three women, mother, daughter, and crone, all share the quote, "Sometimes being a bitch is all a woman can hold on to." Being a bitch means speaking the truth and holding true to oneself. Why is that seen as ugly? Why does "being attractive" mean biting one's tongue and wearing uncomfortable clothes? Why does it mean smiling and nodding at others when one's life is falling apart? 

Shortly after my daughter, Chelsea, died, I found myself walking in a daze through a grocery store. Chelsea was a vegan, and my younger daughter had a gluten-restricted diet. Shopping meant thinking clearly about what foods I would buy. Suddenly, I found myself shopping without Chelsea in mind. It was too much and I started to cry. A man took it on himself to "cheer me up." He said, "Smile, it can't be that bad." 

Why would a man do that? He didn't know me, but he wanted me to smile. Why? I just looked at him and spit out, "My daughter just died." You never saw anyone turn and run as quickly as he did. That right there was me being a bitch. Totally justified. Ungraceful. Bitch. I'm glad I said it. It wasn't my job to make him feel better. And it wasn't his job to try to make me a more attractive woman in his eyes. Sometimes women are just human... and that isn't always pretty.  

I don't want to promote my book. It was important to get the muck out of me, but the whole concept of selling my sorrow pulls me into a sticky dilemma. Yes, I want to encourage fire departments to know the buildings in their neighborhoods as a safety measure. I want every building to be inspected. Yes, I want every parent who has lost a child to know that the craziness and isolation that comes with grief is a natural phenomenon. But selling this as a book? No. It has cost me a lot of money to get this book out of my body and onto the page. I will never recoup the cost, in terms of money and pain. But somehow I need to reconcile the loss of my daughter with my need to get the message out there: This kind of death is preventable. 

booksfortanmay
 4d
Book: Ghost Ship Fire

Author: Colleen Dolan

Review: Ghost Ship Fire recounts the tragic story of the 2016 Oakland warehouse fire, a horrific blaze that claimed the lives of 36 young people. Colleen Dolan, the mother of one of the victims—a well-known musician named Cherushii—relives that dreadful night, waiting outside the burning building, desperate for news of her daughter. Moving beyond the immediate tragedy, the book delves into the intense, high-profile criminal trial that followed. Colleen shares her journey from that painful night to her search for justice, giving readers an intimate view into the emotional and legal aftermath of a disaster that shocked the nation. Her account reveals the public’s hunger for drama in times of tragedy and explores the deeply personal and isolating journey of a mother seeking answers amidst intense media attention and a protracted legal battle.

What I found compelling about this book was the raw honesty in Colleen’s story. She doesn’t shy away from describing the heart-wrenching details of her loss, but she balances this with strength and resilience as she navigates a complicated legal system. Her writing captures both the public spectacle and the quiet, deeply personal pain of losing a loved one in such a senseless tragedy.

Colleen’s careful documentation of the trial, along with her insights into her own grief, offered a perspective I rarely see in true-crime or disaster narratives—a focus on the human element and the dignity in mourning and seeking justice. The book’s tone was thoughtful and reflective, making it more than a retelling of tragic events; it felt like an exploration of grief, resilience, and the power of a mother’s love.

Add Threads to my social media feast. I needed a written component to Instagram. I received two additional reviews last week. Both were kind, and I'm grateful for the exposure for my book. 

Meanwhile, I am inundated with offers from review sites that want to help me build my audience for a fee. Nearly every one of these sites asks for my location. I can't keep up with my inbox. I am located in Marin County in Northern California. Perhaps the question is a means to get me to respond to their sales pitch.

​I'm moving forward slowly. My book launch at Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA happens on Saturday, November 23rd at 4:00pm. If you see this and live nearby, I hope to see you there. 
Love,
Colleen 

FROM THE BOOK ADDICT 

​Book: The Ghost Ship Fire
Author: Colleen Dolan

Review:
December 2, 2016, became a date forever etched in Colleen’s memory. Her 33-year-old daughter Chelsea was among the many who lost their lives in the Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland, California. Chelsea’s boyfriend, David, was the one who informed Colleen about the fire, sparking days of anxious uncertainty as they waited for confirmation of her fate.

Chelsea’s parked car outside the warehouse pointed to the heartbreaking likelihood she had been inside. Later, the description of her brightly colored outfit confirmed her passing, marking the start of Colleen’s difficult journey through grief. Left with haunting questions—how had the fire started, why couldn’t anyone escape, and why hadn’t firefighters been able to intervene—Colleen searched tirelessly for answers.

Coming to terms with such a loss took years. Although nothing could compensate for the lives lost, Colleen found meaning in sharing her story to let other grieving parents know they aren’t alone. Chelsea’s vibrant life serves as a reminder to embrace authenticity, pursue dreams, and live fully. The cover art is touching, and the title fitting. I found this story gripping, feeling every ounce of the author’s sorrow and courage through her deeply personal words.

Rating: 5/5

FROM BOOKISH WORLD 4 

The Ghost Ship Fire
By
Colleen Dolan

Review:
Discovering purpose amid profound loss is a challenging journey. The Ghost Ship Fire tells the heartbreaking story of Colleen Dolan, whose daughter Chelsea perished in a tragic warehouse fire. Chelsea, a gifted electronic musician, had joined Joel, known as Golden Domma, and other artists to support a performance that fateful night. However, when a fire broke out, it became so hazardous that firefighters were unable to enter, trapping Chelsea and 35 others inside.

As parents grappled with the devastating reality of their children’s fate, many found themselves bewildered by the circumstances surrounding the fire. For Colleen, the need to understand what happened led her to investigate, seeking any detail that could explain the tragic events of December 2, 2016.

Losing a child is a pain beyond words, and finding solace in such loss is a daunting task. This book was written for grieving parents seeking answers, who want to know not just the “how,” but also the “why.” Through the vibrant, if brief, lives of these 36 young individuals, we’re reminded of the importance of cherishing every moment. Deeply moving and poignant, this memoir offers solidarity to those who feel isolated in their grief. I was captivated from start to finish, as the storytelling flows smoothly, making it a compelling and accessible read.

Rating: 5/5

​

​I'm late to the pack, but have finally broken through my old school ways and joined Instagram. Bear with me as I stumble through all these pages on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Substack, and Medium. I can't keep it all straight; life was much simpler with one simple page on Facebook.
Now, I also have:
Colleen Dolan Author on Facebook
Colleendolan529812.substack.com
https://www.instagram.com/colleen.dolan.52
@colleendoland36stars on Medium.com
I believe my WhatsApp is just my phone number, which I don't want to give out and don't answer, anyway. Too many scam calls.
For all those who have asked on Instagram, I'm located in Northern California.
My websites are:
http://redpenguinbooks.com/ghost-ship-fire-by-colleen-dolan
www.colleendolanwrites.com
Whew! All the advice I've received to "get on social media" is exhausting. I don't want to keep staring at this computer screen. Is it just me? What I would like to do is start work on the audiobook version of The Ghost Ship Fire. It may take me a while. Thank you for your patience.

www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/28-indies-worth-discovering-11-24/#trust-no-one-1
​
​

Awards & Accolades



Our Verdict:

• GET IT

THE GHOST SHIP FIRE
A MOTHER’S SEARCH FOR ANSWERS
by Colleen Dolan ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
A poignant, hard-hitting real-life tale of tragedy and accountability.
In Dolan’s memoir, a mother examines the circumstances leading to a fire that took the lives of her daughter and others.
The author was awakened one December night in 2016 by the boyfriend of her oldest daughter, Chelsea. He couldn’t get ahold of Chelsea, a D.J. booked for a gig at an Oakland warehouse where a fire had apparently broken out. Dolan took the 45-minute drive to find the Ghost Ship warehouse in flames; the information she initially received indicated that Chelsea was only missing. Days later, she received the tragic news that her daughter, along with 35 musicians and partygoers, had died. The author grieved, eventually learning from media reports of charges filed against two men: the Ghost Ship’s master tenant and his event manager. She and a group of the victims’ families watched their trial unfold to determine whether these men were guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Dolan soon realized that a number of people’s deceptive and neglectful acts may have triggered the appalling and fatal fire. The author’s candid account takes readers through events chronologically, from the nerve-wracking days of not knowing Chelsea’s fate to the families’ outcry when the assistant district attorneys offered a plea bargain. She provides bittersweet memories of Chelsea’s eventful youth, including a trip to Japan when she was only 15, during which she lost her passport. Details are also provided about some of the others caught in the fire. The book presents an in-depth look at the trial: In straightforward prose, Dolan recounts witness testimonies and discusses a variety of theories about the cause of the fire and the reasons why 36 people couldn’t escape the blaze. While much of the blame fell on the men charged, this scrupulously detailed story also raises questions about the firefighters’ response (“Bowron concluded, ‘I didn’t see people banging on the windows to get out. There was no reason to use precious resources if no one…’ He didn’t finish the sentence and he was excused”) and the warehouse owner’s potential culpability.
​
A poignant, hard-hitting real-life tale of tragedy and accountability.
Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 193
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Nov. 8, 2023
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Categories:
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS | TRUE CRIME | GENERAL BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR
​

​October 31, 2024by blogespresso
The Ghost Ship Fire𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Ghost Ship Fire 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Colleen Dolan ✍️
.
.
🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Ghost Ship Fire” by Colleen Dolan is a profoundly moving memoir about loss, resilience, and accountability. On December 2, 2016, Colleen’s life changed forever with a phone call from her daughter Chelsea’s boyfriend, David, who informed her that a fire had broken out at the Ghost Ship warehouse in Oakland where Chelsea was.
As Colleen arrived at the site, she was met with a devastating scene—the warehouse engulfed in flames and her daughter unaccounted for. Chelsea, an enthusiastic supporter of the Bay Area music scene, was there with others musicians when the tragedy struck. Soon, the parents of other victims began to arrive, sharing in the horror and grief. Colleen’s heart shattered as she learned of her daughter’s fate, her vibrant spirit lost to the flames.
Haunted by nightmares and unrelenting sorrow, Colleen sought to understand the events that led to the fire. Her search revealed details about the building’s tenant, Derick Almena, and other figures involved. Through her pain, she reflects on memories of Chelsea, bringing the past into sharp focus amid her grief.
Colleen’s memoir reaches out to other parents enduring similar anguish, reminding them that they aren’t alone. The raw honesty and depth of emotion in this book offer a glimpse into a mother’s unimaginable heartache, but also her strength. Reading this story, I was struck by the profound impact of the tragedy and the resilience shown by Colleen and other families. The composite images of those lost serve as a poignant reminder of the lives cut short and the parents left behind, searching for answers and justice.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

Grief and Friendship
 
Grief is funny; it hits at odd moments and tends to take everyone in the room by surprise, including me.
 
Like this summer I went to visit my dear friend Susie at her new home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We’ve known each other for 16 years and Susie’s had my back for the 8 years since my daughter Chelsea died. But this time was different. Something happened at the dinner table; we were laughing about how she and her husband met.
 
We all lived on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands then, and went to the beach almost everyday. One time Susie was already swimming, and I was putting on my usual thick coat of sunblock when a sudden gust of wind blew over the big sun-umbrella next to me. I chased the umbrella, tripped, and face-planted onto some poor guy who was just sitting on a beach chair peacefully reading a book about surfing… I knocked him flat on his back. I was mortified but pretended to be nonchalant, and I even asked his name…. while I fumbled around his body, trying to get up without doing anything embarrassing or hurting him any more than I had already.  
 
Susie saw what happened and came running over to help pry me and the umbrella off the poor guy. As she pulled me up by the hand, I introduced them, Susie, Michael. Michael, Susie. Four years later they were married.  The three of us love to rehash that old story, especially over one of Susie’s fabulous southern meals and a good bottle of wine. Laughing, I said, “I was so embarrassed I could have just died.” Then I flashed on my daughter, Chelsea, being dead and stopped laughing… It was noticeable.
 
Susie stood up and asked me to join her the kitchen to help her with the dishes. We hadn't even finished eating yet. Then she laid into me “for my own good,” going on and on about how I needed to drop this whole grief business. That “Chelsea doesn’t need to be a part of every conversation.”
 
That got me pretty riled up, and there we were, two close friends, shouting at one another about why I should or shouldn’t be sad. OKAY, Wine may have had something to do with the volume. But I was crying and yelling, “This is who I am. I came here because I love you and want to be around my dear friend. Why are you scolding me?” Susie had one hand on her hip and the other pointing at me yelling, “I love you! You're my good friend and I don’t want you to be sad!”  Then we got a look at ourselves in the hallway mirror.
 
We looked so ridiculous; we started cracking up. I mean, how stupid to be arguing about grief and love. We both went to bed shaking our heads at the absurdity of it. Meanwhile, Michael had slunk off to bed wondering if I would still be there the next morning. We were that loud.
 
The next morning, Susie apologized saying she didn’t have children and couldn’t possibly understand what I had gone through or why it would continue for so long. I told her, “It will never end, Susie. Can you still be my friend through that?” She gave me a big hug, and we took our coffee out onto the deck - overlooking a hillside covered with pine trees and a cool, dark pond below us. Her mountain home is peaceful, and we settled into the mood.
 
Ugh! It isn’t easy to be friends with someone who has lost a child unless you’ve lost one, too. I belong to a grief group for bereaved parents called The Compassionate Friends. It’s been a haven for me since 2017. And recently, I began leading the group, which has helped me turn a corner. I can put my story aside to be for others - the person I needed when Chelsea first died - someone who “gets it” and will just listen without giving advice. No doubt, there will be triggering moments in the group, I may get sad, but sending love out into the room is an expanding action. It’s grief and growing.
 
This summer, Susie showed me how my sadness can affect others who care about me. She taught me that good friends understand, even when they can’t understand… And, you know, that goes for me, too. If I can put my pain aside for bereaved parents, then I can put it aside for my friends. The truth is, the pain is always there, but so is the love. I’ve had a long time to grieve fully for my daughter. With therapy, grief groups, and the gift of time, I think I’ve gained the fortitude to understand my friends’ feelings, as well as my own. 

​So, I want to say to Susie and all the other friends who gave me the time I needed to grieve, “I love you! Thank you, my friends! Your feelings count too!”