AUTHOR & POET

Catherine Bateson grew up in a second-hand bookshop in Brisbane, an ideal writer's childhood. Since 1990 she has published poetry and young adult's fiction whilst living in Central Victoria with her husband and two children.

Catherine Bateson writes poetry, verse novels and novels for both younger readers and young adults.

She has won the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers twice - with RAIN MAY AND CAPTAIN DANIEL, 2003, and Being Bee, 2006. RAIN MAY AND CAPTAIN DANIEL also won the Queensland Premier's Literary Award.

Two of her other novels, PAINTED LOVE LETTERS and MILLIE AND THE NIGHT HERON were CBCA Honour Books. MILLIE AND THE NIGHT HERON was shortlisted for the YABBA and the KOALA Children's Choice awards, 2007.

BEING BEE also picked up the gold sticker, winning the 2007 CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers.

Her first book for Woolshed Press was the critically acclaimed THE WISH PONY, which was an Honour Book in the 2009 CBCA Book of the Year awards.

Catherine's first novels for young adults, A DANGEROUS GIRL, and its sequel THE YEAR IT ALL HAPPENED (UQP), expertly use a variety of poetic forms including haiku, free verse, free renga and acrostic. In these forms she develops deep narratives that portray the dramatic, but everyday, changes that can happen in a year.

PAINTED LOVE LETTERS (UQP 2002) is a portrait of a family coping with death. Writing in her poetic voice, Catherine is never indulgently sentimental but consistently challenges taboos.

Catherine's younger reader books are ideal for primary and lower secondary students.

Catherine has taught creative writing for the past thirteen years, and has been a guest writer at many schools. Her work has been read on radio and featured on television. She has also appeared at various poetry and writers festivals throughout Australia.

Catherine works with a wide range of students from junior primary to upper secondary and has presented a number of specific workshops on poetry and prose techniques. She has also led enormously successful fantasy/science-fiction writing workshops. Stay up to date with Catherine's work via her website.

"I cannot speak highly enough of Catherine as a writer in residence. Highly recommended!"
– Peter Hoens, English Co-ordinator, Middle School, Ryan Catholic College

"Catherine's workshops for junior and middle school students were informative and creative. The student activity which followed readings from her prose and verse novels were challenging and enjoyable."
- Peter Hillman, Balwyn H.S.