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Writer in Residence extends stay at Leeds Beckett
Sunjeev, named one of Granta’s Best of British Young Novelists in 2013 and a rising star of contemporary literature, is Leeds Beckett’s first Writer in Residence and has been working with both academics and students over the last 12 months to support both English Literature and Creative Writing courses at Leeds Beckett.
Speaking about continuing his role at Leeds Beckett, Sunjeev said: “I've been so warmly welcomed by the team at Leeds Beckett, and so well supported in my role, that when the university asked me if I'd continue for a second year my answer was a resounding and appreciative yes. I look forward very much to continuing my work with students and colleagues alike.”
Sunjeev was recently awarded the South Bank Sky Arts Awards literature prize, for his novel, ‘The Year of the Runaways’, which was also shortlisted for the Man Booker prize in 2015.
Dr Katy Shaw, Head of English and Creative Writing in the School of Cultural Studies and Humanities at Leeds Beckett, said: “I am delighted that Sunjeev Sahota will be part of the English team for another year as Leeds Beckett Writer in Residence. The past 12 months has seen Sunjeev received the EU Prize for Literature and the Sky Arts Award, and his work with our students and staff has produced some innovative and exciting teaching and learning experiences.
“We look forward to more students having the opportunity to work with a Man Booker-nominated author as part of their studies here at Leeds Beckett.”
Born of Punjabi descendants, Sunjeev grew up in Chesterfield. After finishing school, Sunjeev studied mathematics at Imperial College London before working in the marketing department of a leading insurance company. His love of literature began when he was 18 years old when, on a trip to India, he picked up a copy of Salman Rushdie’s Midnight's Children at the airport; it was the first novel he read and the catalyst to his writing career.
Since then Sunjeev has published two novels: Ours Are the Streets, which examined radicalisation among Muslim youths in Sheffield and ‘The Year of the Runaways’, which, released in 2015, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. The novel explores global issues of identity, belonging and culture through the lives of three male immigrants who arrive in 21st century Sheffield.
In February, Sunjeev was announced as a judge for the BBC National Short Story Award. The BBC National Short Story Award is one of the most prestigious competitions for a single short story, with the winning author receiving £15,000, and four further shortlisted authors receiving £600 each. The 2017 Award is open to UK residents or nationals, aged 18 or over, who have a history of publication in creative writing. The Awards are now in their 12th year and the ceremony will be broadcasted live on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row programme from 7.15pm on Tuesday 3 October 2017.
In April, Sunjeev was announced as the winner of the much acclaimed EU Prize for Literature for his book, ‘The Year of the Runaways.’ The extremely prestigious prize, which is open to the 36 member countries of the ‘Creative Europe’ programme, aims to highlight the diverse creativity and richness of Europe’s contemporary literature talent.