AUTHOR

Cath Crowley grew up in rural Victoria. She comes from a family of seven: her parents, three brothers and a dog called Elvis. All of them encouraged her to give up full-time teaching to write.

A fresh new voice in Australian young adult fiction, Cath studied Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT and works as both a freelance writer in Melbourne and a part-time teacher.

Her first book THE LIFE AND TIMES OF GRACIE FALTRAIN is a poignant and amusing celebration of the angst ridden early high-school years. Cath explains that the novel is "is about a girl wanting everything to be perfect and how her heroine Gracie, who is famously not a team player, must come to terms with the fact that life is messy."

"I love writing characters," says Cath, "and the short, almost verse-like chapters of THE LIFE AND TIMES OF GRACIE FALTRAIN are aimed at capturing the intensity of emotion felt by all the characters. Gracie is a likeable character to whom you'd like to say, don't do that - it will work out badly."

The fast-flowing first-person narrative is presented from different perspectives, much like a Greek Chorus, and the separate stories revolving around the character of Gracie all come together in a little documentary on her life and times; it's a great read for both female and male students.

2005 saw the release of Cath's second novel, CHASING CHARLIE DUSKIN.Written with humour and sensitivity it captures the conflicting emotional experiences of growing up and celebrates the freedom that comes with unlocking one's own potential. Her third offering, GRACIE FALTRAIN TAKES CONTROL was published in March 2006.

Cath's latest publication is GRACIE FALTRAIN GETS IT RIGHT (FINALLY) which follows our heroine Gracie through the treacherous waters of Year 12. Cath has lived and taught overseas but now lives in Elwood, in a sunny spot close to the beach where she is working on her next book. She has only played soccer once and is very clumsy.

"Just a word of thanks and appreciation for Cath Crowley's visit - she was terrific. Sessions were engaging and stimulating. The girls responded extremely well to her bright manner. The material delivered was appropriately pitched and professionally delivered. We will certainly look at using her again next year."
- Rhonda Linnell, St Margaret's School.

"Cath Crowley's understanding of what goes on between groups of kids - in and out of school - makes great reading...It sounds like a cliche to talk about laughter and tears but Cath also manages to write about the tumultuous nature of adolescence in all its horror and humour, so that I was laughing while searching feverishly for the Kleenex"

- Clare Renner, ACYL Newsletter

"Cath Crowley's first novel also sparkles with humour and the confident use of metaphor."

- The Age