Authors who will just love talking shop

He will address the Abbeydale Writers Group at the Red Deer on Pitt Street on October 16 to launch the group’s 17th anthology.

“I’m really looking forward to talking to the Abbeydale writers, I think it’s essential to keep in touch with readers,” said Steve who lives with his wife Lesley in Welham near Retford, Notts.

Stephen is currently in Anchorage, Alaska at a book fair where he will give talks and book signings.

“I have travelled a lot to these gatherings and they are usually good fun.

“I once had a close escape with an amorous female fan in a lift in the US but generally people are very nice and keen to know how I work and what’s coming next.

“They often read things into my stories that I didn’t know were there so it’s always interesting. I get emails every day from all over the world and I reply to as many as I can. I think it’s important.”

Sheffield's Off The Shelf annual celebration of writing and reading will offer over 170 events including readings, workshops, walks, talks, competitions, a Reader's Day, performance and poetry and more as well as a programme of events for children and young people.

This year’s Festival offers a wide ranging and exciting programme of events including appearances by Rabbi Lionel Blue, Berlie Doherty, Helen Dunmore, Michael Frayn, Robert Goddard.

Retired politician and Sheffield Wednesday lover Roy Hattersley is a guest as are Dom Joly, Galway Kinnell, Linton Kwesi Johnson, John O’Farrell, Deborah Moggach, John Mortimer, James Naughtie, Tony Ross, Sarah Waters, Michael Wood and Benjamin Zephaniah.