Making It Up as You Go Along
A Children’s Guide to Writing Stories
Patricia Forde author Mary Murphy illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Little Island Books
Publishing:3rd Sep '26
£10.99
This title is due to be published on 3rd September, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£14.99(9781915071903)

Learn how to write stories from Laureate na nÓg (Ireland's children's literature laureate) and bestselling author of The Wordsmith, Patricia Forde.
In this fun and practical illustrated guide, young writers can learn from some of Ireland's most beloved authors, including Eoin Colfer (Artemis Fowl) Catherine Doyle (Twin Crowns), Pádraig Kenny (Stitch) and Derek Landy (Skullduggery Pleasant), and discover how to:
- Find inspiration to start your story
- Craft and develop twisty plots
- Create brilliant characters
- Build spectacular new worlds
Also includes imaginative exercises, accessible explanations of writing terms and engaging illustrations by beloved Irish artist Mary Murphy.
'A rich resource with a Gaelic flavor'
'For all young readers with big imaginations and ambitions of being an author, this book is gateway to their dreams.'
'The book is especially valuable because it offers readers a springboard to understanding how the various elements of narratives work—Forde introduces point of view, voice, protagonist, conflict, arc, tone, exposition, motive, and much more. Murphy’s clever spot-art vignettes, depicting children with different skin tones and abilities, and diagrams clarifying the writing principles add energy and humor and helpfully present the material. The friendly voice, useful strategies, and excellent advice make this a valuable and accessible resource. Entertaining, comprehensive, and encouraging; for anyone who’s curious about how stories work.'
'Full of useful and practical tips, from how to write comedy to how to write a cracking mystery story. Each section has striking illustrations by Mary Murphy and the book is designed with great care and attention.'
"An all-in-one guide, workbook, and source of inspiration for young writers, made to encourage creativity and empower every child to share the story they have to tell"
-- YA Books Cen- Short-listed for The Week Junior Book Awards 2026 (UK)
- Long-listed for KPMG-Children's Books Ireland Awards 2026 (Ireland)
ISBN: 9781918353037
Dimensions: 210mm x 148mm x 25mm
Weight: 300g
272 pages