Author

EXPLORE THE WRITINGS OF C.C.TURNER

Catherine C. Turner’s writing delves into the complexities of identity, history, and human resilience. From military history to deeply personal memoirs, her works explore the intersections of family, war, and culture, with a particular focus on the voices often left unheard. Her latest projects include an in-depth look at the Australian Light Horse Charge at Beersheba and a family memoir examining intergenerational trauma across three generations of veterans. Discover more about her evolving body of work, including her fiction and non-fiction projects, and join her in exploring the stories that shape our world.

Published Works

Catherine’s published pieces span fiction, non-fiction, reviews, and poetry, with contributions appearing in literary journals, newspapers, member publications, and arts platforms. Her early works gained recognition for their clarity and emotional insight, while more recent pieces reflect her ongoing engagement with cultural commentary, storytelling craft, and critical reflection. The works listed below mark key moments in her creative development and public voice.

Fiction

“For sale in 2050: beachside home in Longreach”, #8Wordstory, Queensland Writers Centre — selected by Nick Earls from Twitter submissions (then) @ozalleycat (15 Nov 2017)
‘Never Put on a Deadman’s Jacket’ (short story) — University of Canberra’s Professional Writing magazine, FIRST (1998)
‘Big Fat Queenslander’, ‘That Blank Stare’, and ‘Momentary Window’ (short stories) — CUrio, University of Canberra’s student newspaper (1997)
‘Thoughts of the Hour’ (award-winning short story) — Oakey State High School’s annual magazine, Insight (1996)

Non-Fiction

Reviewing books and performing arts shows — ArtsHub (since 2024)
‘Today’s Irish Magic’ (travel article) — Canberra Irish Club's publication Ar Ais Aris - Back Again (2005)
‘Vanity Competitions’ (article on an aspect of vanity publishing) — Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre’s member newsletter (November 2003)
Articles covering the University of Canberra’s Public Relations Association of Students (PRAS) Communication Awards — Canberra City News and The Chronicle (2000)
‘Open Day Shows Off Lively Campus’ (article) — Monitor, the University of Canberra’s newspaper (1999)

Live Reading

of own poetry at Coffs Harbour heat of the Australian Poetry Slam (the example piece, 2018)
of own poetry at NT Writers’ Festival (after an EOI process and alongside Jennifer Mills, 2010)
of own poetry at the NT Writer’s Centre’s Off the Page – the Grand Finale event, received the ‘Newcomer Award’ (2003)
Live performance of own and published classic poetry during the Canberra Floriade Festival (1997)

Books in Progress

Catherine C. Turner’s current works-in-progress reflect a diverse and evolving literary practice grounded in research, lived experience, and cultural inquiry. From military history and intergenerational memoir to children’s literature and contemporary fiction, these projects explore themes of identity, resilience, and representation. The list below offers a preview of manuscripts in development, each shaped by Catherine’s commitment to thoughtful storytelling and her belief in the power of narrative to foster connection, reflection, and change.

It wasn’t about the water

Grounding the myths about the Australia Light Horse Charge at Beersheba in WWI (adult, non-fiction)

BLURB

With in-depth explorations of three key figures, along with the author’s own experiences of war, this story shows there’s always more to learn about personal resilience in the face of war

STAGE

First draft completed (50,000 words) — originally contracted by an independent publisher and since ‘positively’ rejected by major and independent publishers. Am now considering using my publishing ability to self-publish.

Read the associated blog here >

Activate in event of war

Lessons from three generations of veterans (adult, non-fiction)

BLURB

A braided family memoir to inform debate about intergenerational trauma through the lens of military and war service — me (Afghanistan), my dad (Vietnam), and his dad (WWII and Korea)

STAGE

Idea development with initial research to apply for PhD

Working title in development

(adult, fiction)

BLURB

a novel based on an Australian visual artist

STAGE

idea development

Clemmie, Bessie and the Blue Fairy-wren

An original Australian fairytale inspired by an historical figure (children’s picture book)

BLURB

A story of how a tiny bird inspires a curious girl to dream big (based on Dr Mary de Garis)

STAGE

Submitted as capstone research project (with critical annotation) for Master of Fine Arts (Cultural Leadership) (NIDA) and presented at the Australian Fairy Tale Society’s national conference. Next steps: work-up a couple more stories to be able to show its potential as a series (akin to Little People, BIG DREAMS, biography series by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara with various illustrators)

Along Came Afghanistan

(adult, fiction)

BLURB

A story about a couple separated by war, their story told through each others' eyes, their mates, and the media.

STAGE

10,000–word novella submitted as Honours creative thesis (along with an exegesis). Some work done to expand into a full-length manuscript

RAW:

The Story of the 135th Assault Helicopter Company (Experimental Military Unit) (adult, non-fiction)

BLURB

10,000-word draft submitted as major writing project in creative writing degree. Some work done to expand into a full-length manuscript

STAGE

10,000-word draft submitted as major writing project in creative writing degree. Some work done to expand into a full-length manuscript

Awards

FICTION

Highly Commended for short story ‘Thoughts of the Hour’ in the Darling Downs group of the Children’s Book Council “Anywhere Anytime Anybook Book Week” Competition (1996)