Mary Francis Shura facts for kids

Mary Francis Shura Craig (born Mary Francis Young on February 23, 1923, in Pratt, Kansas; died January 12, 1991, in Maywood, Illinois) was a very busy American writer. She wrote more than 50 novels between 1960 and 1990. She used many different names for her books.

She wrote exciting adventure stories for kids and romances for teens. For these, she used names like Mary Francis Shura, M. F. Craig, and Meredith Hill. She also wrote gothic novels as Mary Craig. Her romance novels were published under Alexis Hill, Mary Shura Craig, and Mary S. Craig. Finally, she wrote thrilling suspense novels as M. S. Craig.

Mary Francis Shura Craig received the Carl Sandburg Literary Arts Award in 1985. She was also chosen to be the president of the Mystery Writers of America in 1990. This shows how important she was in the writing world.

About Mary Francis Shura Craig

Her Life Story

Mary Francis Young was born in Kansas on February 23, 1923. Her parents were Jackson Fant and Mary Francis Young. She went to Maryville State College to study. Later, her family moved to the Pacific Northwest.

In 1943, she married Daniel Charles Shura. They had three children together. Sadly, Daniel passed away in 1959. In 1961, she married Raymond C. Craig. They had one daughter before they divorced. Mary Francis Shura Craig died on January 12, 1991.

What She Wrote

Mary Francis Shura Craig was a very creative writer. She wrote many different types of books for different ages. She often republished her novels with new titles. This means the same story might have been sold under a different name later on.

Books for Kids

Under the name Mary Francis Shura, she wrote many adventure stories for younger readers. Some of her popular books included Simple Spigott and The garret of Greta McGraw. She also wrote The riddle of Raven's Gulch, a mystery for kids. Later, she wrote the "Kids of the Neighborhood" series. This series included books like Chester the great and Eleanor. As M. F. Craig, she wrote The Mystery at Peacock Place.

Young Adult Stories

Mary Francis Shura Craig also wrote books for teenagers. As Mary Francis Shura, she wrote several books in the "Sunfire" series. These were historical romances for young adults. Titles included Jessica and Marilee. She also wrote Winter dreams, Christmas love. Under the name Meredith Hill, she wrote more young adult romances. These included The Silent Witness and books in the "Chrystal Falls" series.

Other Kinds of Books

Mary Francis Shura Craig explored other genres too. As Mary Craig, she wrote gothic novels. These are often suspenseful stories with a mysterious, old setting. Examples include A Candle for the Dragon and The Cranes of Ibycus.

For adult romance novels, she used the names Alexis Hill and Mary Shura Craig. As Alexis Hill, she wrote the "Riviere Saga" series. As Mary Shura Craig, she wrote books like Lyon's Pride. She also wrote romance as Mary S. Craig, like Dark Paradise.

Finally, as M. S. Craig, she wrote exciting suspense novels. These books kept readers on the edge of their seats. Some titles were To play the fox and Flash point.