Colleen

Oakley

Bestselling Author

Editor, Journalist & Novelist

Travels from: Atlanta, GA

“Colleen Oakley is in a world of her own when it comes to creating lovable, quirky characters—and those in The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise are her best yet… An absolute blast.” — Taylor Jenkins Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Malibu Rising

Colleen Oakley is the USA Today bestselling author of six novels. Her book The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise was a Good Morning America Buzz Pick, a Reader’s Digest Book Club pick, a Marie Claire Book Club pick, and named a most anticipated read for 2023 by the Today Show. Colleen’s novels have been translated into 21 languages, optioned for film and have received numerous accolades including the French Reader’s Prize, LibraryReads Hall of Fame, and Georgia Author of the Year.

A former magazine editor for Marie Claire and Women’s Health & Fitness, Colleen’s articles and essays have been featured in The New York Times, Ladies’ Home Journal, Women’s Health, Redbook, Parade and more. A proud graduate of the University of Georgia’s school of journalism, Colleen currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, four kids, four chickens and a mutt named Baxter.

Colleen’s sixth novel Jane & Dan at the End of the World (March 2025), is a hilarious book about a date night that goes off the rails when one couple gets wrapped up in a crime in progress.

Colleen's Featured Titles

My journey to becoming an author

The background/origin story and how Colleen came to be a published author. In this talk, Colleen weaves her love of reading as a child and her mom’s tireless work as a literacy advocate with the importance of education, community libraries, and teachers who encouraged her along the way. She also offers tips for those who want to pursue their own writing careers.

Redefining Success

What does success look like? When you mix creative pursuits with capitalism, it can be easy to forget why you got into writing (or any art form) to begin with. And if you’re not making loads of money or on the top of bestseller charts, can you still be a success or are you a Failure with a capital F? Colleen Oakley talks about how she had to redefine success for herself in order to keep her head up in an often difficult profession, and how failing is often the springboard to something better.

The Three R's: Research, research, research

As a former journalist, Colleen’s favorite part of writing isn’t the actual writing—it’s the research. In this talk, she shares the most fascinating bits she’s learned over the years—from wild allergies (there’s a woman allergic to water!) to second-wave feminism facts to the science behind mutual dreaming. She also talks about her process, interviewing experts, and how she starts with facts—and then spins those facts into fun fiction.

Jane & Dan at the End of the World

How a book on the end of a marriage, midlife, eco-terrorism, and a prohibitively expensive restaurant on a cliff came to be. Colleen divulges the inspiration behind her latest book, fun facts from her research and how she finds the balance between heavy topics and humor.

Ask Me Anything Author Q&A

Colleen is an open book! In an interview/q&a format, Colleen is happy to answer any questions about her books, writing, publishing, parenting four kids, living on a one-acre suburban farm (complete with chickens and a garden that her husband spends an inordinate amount of time on with little to show for his efforts) and trying to stay sane through it all.

“Colleen was a great presenter and author. Our community greatly enjoyed her book and were enthralled by her presentation. She shared great stories about her writing process and really brought her story to life.” — Joel Mantey, Assistant Director of Findlay-Hancock County Public Library

“Colleen is one of my favorite authors – her books are delightful. She is a very entertaining speaker who kept our audience engaged through humor and heartwarming stories. We had great feedback about hosting her, and her books sold very well.” — Cindy Burnett, host of Thoughts from a Page Podcast

“Colleen Oakley’s The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise is the ultimate road trip, featuring a pair of quirky, original characters on the lam from the law. A funny, fresh take on unlikely friendships and family, I’d ride shotgun with Tanner and Louise in a heartbeat!” — Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Newcomer

“Oakley’s storytelling is first-rate. Readers will eagerly hop aboard this wildly fun, greatly entertaining ride.” — Shelf Awareness (starred review)

“With razor-sharp wit and plenty of twists, Oakley masterfully crafts an insightful exploration of midlife and marriage. A must-read for anyone who craves a novel that’s both laugh-out-loud funny and poignant, and keeps you guessing until the end. I loved Jane and Dan, and rooted for them from the first page!” — Karma Brown, #1 International bestselling author of What Wild Women Do

Colleen’s Events Page

Colleen’s Press & Writing Page

Honors, Awards & Recognition

People’s Most Anticipated Books of 2025
USA Today bestselling author
Indie Next Pick for two books
LibraryReads Hall of Fame author
Winner of French Reader Prize (Close Enough to Touch)
Two-time winner of Georgia Author of the Year
Long-listed for the Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize

Media clips

People | PEOPLE’s Most-Anticipated Books of 2025, from New Emily Henry and Taylor Jenkins Reid to a ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel

Southern Review of Books | Colleen Oakley on Small Towns, Journalism, and the Peculiarities of Grief

Today | See the cover and read an excerpt of ‘The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise’ by Colleen Oakley

Savannah Now | Author Colleen Oakley found an ‘escape’ in Talahi Island while finishing latest book

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.