As such, it is never too early to learn the basics of writing fiction, which is when writing guru Martha Alderson of Los Gatos steps up to the plate.

Regularly a workshop and writing coach for adults, Alderson will be hosting a special workshop for children on Jan. 31 at the Los Gatos Neighborhood Center, sponsored by the Friends of the Los Gatos Library.

The author of two novels, Spirits of War and the recently completed Parallel Lines, Alderson teaches plot-based and historical-fiction workshops at UC­Santa Cruz, the California Writers Club, Jack London Writers Camp, and Writing Salon in San Francisco.

The workshop is geared for children between the ages of 8 and 12 and will last from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with a break for lunch.

Although aspiring writers are welcome, Alderson says she particularly encourages children who don't like or have difficulty with writing to attend as well.

"It is a very nurturing, safe environment without huge expectations of any kind of a test at the end," Alderson says. "I think it's a place that kids can find a piece of themselves that they didn't know was there."

As the former owner of a school for children with learning disabilities, Alderson is keen about what helps all children absorb information. She says visual aids are key and are especially helpful with developing a story. "Everything we do has a visual aid to go along with it. I believe kids do much better when they can hear it, see it, and feel it," she says.

This approach worked for 9-year-old Julianna Small, who participated in the workshop last year. "It was really fun and I learned a lot," she says. "To write an exciting story you have to have a hero and action."

Her mother, Daphne, believes the class "is a wonderful experience that goes beyond what they are getting in school," she says. "It is a neat thing for them to participate in."

Julianna obviously felt the same way. She was so inspired, she went on to write a book of her own, and plans to take the workshop again on Jan. 31.

To facilitate learning, the workshop is divided into two segments separated by a lunch break. The first portion explains character development and involves the entire group. For the second part, children are divided into small groups to work on dramatic skills, highlighting the importance of showing emotion in a story rather than telling about it. The children then have time to work on their own stories. Once finished, those who are brave enough have the opportunity to read their stories aloud. "They usually have really amazing stories," Alderson says. "I don't know who has more fun in the workshop."

Friends of the Los Gatos Library board member Rita Baum helps with the workshop and says she is amazed by the children's creativity. She thinks the success of the workshop is because "the emphasis is that they can do it. The kids get out of there with stars in their eyes," Baum says.

"[Alderson] loves working with children, and you can really see that," adds Baum. "She very much respects the kids and their abilities. It's just great, we are so lucky to have her."

The cost of the workshop is $15, which includes a journal as well as juice and cookies during lunch. To register, visit the Los Gatos Public Library, located at 110 E. Main St. The neighborhood center is located at 208 E. Main St. For more information call 408.399.5700.