Crime Author and ‘Vera’ creator Ann Cleeves inspires Sunderland students

Award-winning crime author Ann Cleeves OBE has shared her expertise and knowledge with University of Sunderland students to help unlock their future careers.

Ann joined Creative and Professional Writing students to share her experience as a successful writer at the University’s Media Centre on its St. Peter’s Campus.

Ann is best known for her series of novels following Detective Vera Stanhope, which was later adapted into the TV hit Vera. Her Shetland novels have also been adapted by the BBC and stars Ashley Jensen.

Ann said: “I was delighted to have talked to Sunderland students and hear about their writing and reading on this lovely campus.”

Ann, who is an author of more than 30 novels, was awarded the Crime Writers Association's most prestigious award, the Diamond Dagger, and the Theakston Old Peculiar Outstanding Contribution Award, in recognition of her impressive writing career.

In 2022, Ann was awarded an OBE for services to reading libraries and received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University in 2014.

This visit is part of a series of talks by industry professionals, including authors, screenwriters, publishers and editors, to give students the insight to unlock their future careers.

Dr Barbara Henderson, Programme Leader for BA English: Creative and Professional Writing at the University, said: “It's really important that our students not only learn to be excellent writers, but that they also find out about pathways to publication and learn to network with other authors and industry representatives.

“That's why we've been working hard to put students in front of those who've been successful. It's hugely exciting that such a brilliant writer and well-known name as Ann Cleeves has spoken to students and I know they have learned a lot from her wealth of experience."

If you are interested in studying English: Creative and Professional Writing at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.