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Get a Clue cover by Damonza
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Award winning author Fleur Bradley’s latest book, Get a Clue: How to Plot, Write, and Sell Your MG or YA Mystery is a succinct exploration of the process of writing a mystery from beginning to end. With an eponymous publisher and a green high top sneaker on the cover designed by Damonza, Ms. Bradley describes plotting based on sequences such as those in films of 100 years ago. She explains character development, plot progression, clues and finding time to write as well as pitches, jacket flap copy and writing organizations such as The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
The written explanations of pitches and back covers are excellent. It would be nice to see an illustration or photo of the back cover of a mystery with the pitch and explanation pointed out. (I have no idea what the legal and/or financial requirements would be.)
This book will appeal to those who would like structure and/or guidance on their writing journey and it would be a helpful resource for those teaching writing workshops to middle grade and high school students.
Source: Purchased by self. Published in 2026, the book is a slim 126 pages which includes Resources.
Internal and External links:
Visit author: Fleur Bradley
Learn more about: The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Previous interviews with Fleur Bradley: Daybreak on Raven Island and
Visit James Ponti's Writing Workshop Videos: James Ponti Resources scroll all the way down to access the videos.
Visit Greg Pattridge host of: Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Is this book aimed at young writers? It sounds useful for new writers of any age, to be sure!
ReplyDeleteRebecca, the book is for adults writing for middle grade. It could also be used as a teaching reference for middle grade students in a mystery writing workshop. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteThis sounds intriguing! When I was writing a mystery a few years ago, I couldn't find anything specifically for kidlit, so I used adult how-to books. But so much didn't apply, especially since I didn't have a murder in the book. :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeletePerhaps, your public library will carry it.
DeleteHappy MMGM. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteSounds like a helpful source for writers. Creating a compelling mystery is not easy and books like this make the journey a lot smoother. (no need to enter me in the Giveaway since I am not writing any mysteries in the foreseeable future).
ReplyDeleteWhoops, I got this confused with another review that had a giveaway. Thanks for featuring the book.
DeleteHappy MMGM. Thanks for your comments.
DeleteThis sounds like a great resource. I'll be looking for a copy. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteRosi, it is a nice resource. Thanks for the visit. Happy MMGM.
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