Evelyn Hood was a Scottish author of over 40 novels and numerous short stories. She was also known for her plays, pantomimes and poems. In collaboration with her son Simon, she wrote seven musicals for young children; all have been performed, and some are yet to be published. Evelyn was also the author of “Forward by Degrees”, a history of the University of Paisley (now known as the University of West Scotland). This book was commissioned to mark the University’s centenary in 1997. Evelyn Hood was also a strong supporter of Paisley’s thread mills industry for which she published “Memories of the Paisley’s Thread Mills”.
A former journalist, Evelyn was best known for her family sagas, many of which are set in her home town of Paisley. Some of the seven books which make up her Prior’s Ford series, set in a modern-day fictitious village in Dumfries and Galloway, were published under the pen-name Eve Houston, however this was later reversed and they are now published again under Evelyn Hood. Other pen names used for different published genres are Elizabeth A. Webster, Louise James and Evelyn Steel.
Two of her novels, “A Time to Care” and “Secrets in Prior’s Ford”, were also published in German.
The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) commissioned Evelyn Hood to co-write a play addressing mental health issues. “Pieces in a Jigsaw” was used by SAMH as a training piece for mental health workers.
During her long, distinguished career as a writer, she also adjudicated annually at competitions, gave book readings, talks and interviews throughout Scotland and England. She enjoyed tutoring aspiring writers and seeing the rewards of their success.
Evelyn Hood was a member of the Scottish Association of Writers
(www.scottishassociationofwriters.com). Her estate is represented through Sheil Land Associates Ltd, London (www.sheilland.com).
For many years she was involved in amateur dramatics in her home town Paisley and she enjoyed directing musicals and plays. Evelyn died in 2023 in Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland.
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