Blogger KRISTI HOLL is the author of 42 books, including
MORE WRITER'S FIRST AID.
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- What’s Hindering You?
- Putting Your Writing First by Using Accountability
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- Habits: Anchors for the Writer’s Life
- What Fear is Holding You Back?
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April 6, 2012
I was pleasantly mystified this week when a good number of $7 e-books on Writing Mysteries for Young People were sold.
Then I read Jan Field’s free newsletter, where she mentioned the Middle Grade Mystery Writing Contest with a grand prize of $500!
[That prize money sounded like a good reason for an extra post this week. Next Wednesday we'll continue with our discussion on motivation and commitment.]
Follow the Rules
According to the contest website:
The contest is for a well-constructed fictional mystery that will engage readers 9 to 12, to 900 words. Entries will be judged on structure, appeal for the audience, use of the best elements of the mystery genre, and an interesting protagonist.
Among the possibilities are a scary but age-appropriate story, a puzzle the reader is asked to solve using problem-solving skills, or a mix of mystery with another genre, such as historical, inspirational, or humorous fiction. The judges will look for originality, and publishability.
Entries must be received by April 30, 2012.
Specifics of the Mystery Genre
Hopefully you will be one of the five people who wins a free copy of Writing Mysteries for Young People that Jan is giving away. In case you aren’t, these are the topics covered in the ebook. It can take the mystery out of writing mysteries!
- Introduction: “Once Upon a Mystery”
- Chapter One: “Amateur Sleuths: The Basics”
- Chapter Two: “Amateur Sleuths: Tricky Traits”
- Chapter Three: “Villains: the People You Love to Hate”
- Chapter Four: “The Perfect Victim: Do’s and Don’ts”
- Chapter Five: “Setting: Scene of the Crime”
- Chapter Six: “Choosing Your Crime”
- Chapter Seven: “Pre-Thinking Your Plot”
- Chapter Eight: “Plots and Subplots”
- Chapter Nine: “Avoid Plot Clichés Like the Plague”
- Chapter Ten: “Planting Clues”
- Chapter Eleven: “Climax and Denouement”
- Chapter Twelve: “Finding Ideas for Mysteries”
- Chapter Thirteen: “Killer Openings”
- Chapter Fourteen: “The Magazine Mystery”
- Chapter Fifteen: “Cracking the Case”
- Chapter Sixteen: “The Mystery Notebook”