Writing for Young People

Applying the methodology of 'reading-as-a-writer' to the craft of writing for young people, this critical and practical textbook combines close readings of contemporary middle-grade and YA literature with author interviews and writing exercises

Elen Caldecott graduated with an MA in Writing for Young People from Bath Spa University and was highly commended in the PFD Prize for Most Promising Writer for Young People. Before becoming a writer, she was an archaeologist, a nurse, a theatre usher and a museum security guard. It was while working at the museum that Elen realised there is a way to steal anything if you think about it hard enough. Elen either had to become a master thief, or create some characters to do it for her - and so her debut novel, How Kirsty Jenkins Stole the Elephant, was born. Kirsty Jenkins was shortlisted for the Waterstone's Children's Prize and longlisted for the 2010 Carnegie Award. Kirsty Jenkins was followed by How Ali Ferguson Saved Houdini. Operation Eiffel Tower is Elen's third novel for Bloomsbury. Elen lives in Bristol with her husband, Simon, and their dog. www.awfullybigblogadventure.blogspot.com