Sheffield Steel

Once upon a time the British city of Sheffield was renowned for its steel manufacturing. Now, this South Yorkshire metropolis has another linkage to Steel. Ian Fleming Steel Dagger-nominated author Lee Child is in town this week, according to the Sheffield Telegraph:

Best-selling crime thriller writer and graduate of the University of Sheffield, Lee Child, will be in Sheffield this week to share his extensive literary knowledge with the local community.

Lee, who is a Visiting Professor at the University of Sheffield, has written 12 novels over his career and has already had Hollywood knocking on his door. ...During his visit to the University on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 November 2008, Lee will hold writing workshops for students in the School of English Literature, Language, and Linguistics. He will also take part in a question and answer session in conjunction with the Off the Shelf Festival and will host a book club to discuss his latest book, Nothing to Lose.

Lee will also get a chance to tour his old University digs in Crookes and visit the University’s Union of Students. With fond memories of Sheffield, Lee is keen to return to the city. He met his wife Jane whilst studying at the University and his brother, who is also a writer, still lives in the city.

Lee said: “I am delighted to be returning to the University of Sheffield as a Visiting Professor. It will be an opportunity to engage with staff, students and members of the local community, as well a chance to visit some of my old haunts from my university days. I feel like I never really left Sheffield, though. I have relatives in the city and whenever I visit I always feel at home.”

Read the full story here.