IT has often been said that everyone has book in them. The sad reality, however, is that many of us never get round to putting pen to paper

Now people in the district are being handed the chance to learn from a published author.

Eliza Mood, who spent much of her childhood at Whitfield, will host a novel writing workshop at the Hexham office of the Philosophical and Literary Society, on Friday.

It will be a golden opportunity for would-be writers get some guidance and inspiration.

It will be Eliza’s second visit to the Phil & lit office in as many days. For she will be there tonight to launch her new book, O Man of Clay, a fable set in the future, which highlights present day issues relating to climate change.

“I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “From a young age I have always enjoyed writing. It will be great to meet people and help them with their own writing journey.”

Elisa will present her workshop based on developing an issue or idea, regardless of whether it is fiction, non fiction, or somewhere between the two.

The 62-year-old is originally from Warkworth on the North Northumberland coast. However, she has a strong connection with the Tyne Valley. Her mother, Margaret Mood, was headteacher at Whitfield School in the late 1960s.

Eliza went on to become a teacher herself, and spent several years working at Prudhoe’s Highfield Middle School, in the 1980s and early 1990s, where she enjoyed working with pupils on their literacy, and fondly remembers story telling sessions.

She went on to live near Hartlepool, where O Man of Clay is set, and now resides near Bishop Auckland in County Durham.

“I loved language from the very start,” said Eliza, who is also a university lecturer. “One of my first words was ‘powder’, a word with two syllables which really gives it a rhythm. I think language is exciting and is there to be played with.

“There’s also the human side of it. We all have different life experiences which can inspire our writing, including childhood memories.”

As a youngster, Eliza read avidly.

She would visit the library, and write poetry and short stories. From the age of eight, she had work published in the Puffin Post, and even won a Hexham Courant award for her writing in the 1960s.

Tonight’s book launch at the Phil & Lit will begin at 7.30pm.

The novel writing workshop on Friday will take place from 10am to 1pm.

As an introduction to her novel writing workshop, Eliza has offered some top tips for writers.

lListen to what you hear in everyday life ans be inspired by it. Narrative is important.

lRead something every day. If you want to write, you must read.

lFree-write for 10 minutes each day - have an observation booklet to jot down anything that comes to mind.

lWhen writing a book, get a first draft written down. Don’t be too pedantic.

lRead what you have written aloud.

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