NIU’s English Department will return to nature with Thursday’s visit of novelist and short story writer Dan O’Brien.

O’Brien, who is known for stories about the land, history and wildlife of the American West, will speak at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Adams Hall Chandelier Room. His novels include, “The Contract Surgeon,” “Brendan Prairie,” “In the Center of the Nation” and “Spirit of the Hills.”

He is also the author of a collection of short stories called “Eminent Domain.”

“O’Brien artfully combines suspense, romance and a deep appreciation of the landscape of the American West, especially that of the Black Hills, in his novels,” said Keith Gandal, associate professor of English. “We’re delighted to have him on campus.”

In addition to being a writer, O’Brien works as a biologist studying endangered species, operates a South Dakota cattle ranch and is a world-renowned

falconer.

O’Brien’s visit was made possible by the generosity of a private gift to the English Department.

English Department chair Heather Hardy said the department is very fortunate for the gift.

“Private support is crucial to our being able to provide our students with these kinds of enriching educational and cultural opportunities outside the classroom,” Hardy said. “We’re extremely excited about the visit of Mr. O’Brien. We’re hoping we can bring additional creative writers because they create

opportunities for interaction of our students with professional writers.”

In addition to the reading, O’Brien will lead a workshop in a creative writing class.

“I think it’s a very special opportunity,” said Gandal. “I’ve never had a published creative writer come to class and lead a workshop.”

Gandal said O’Brien requested students’ work in advance so he could give them feedback on their writing.

It’s a rare opportunity for exchange between the students and a well-known and respected writer, Gandal said.

Matt Duncan, a graduate student in creative writing, said he’s seen O’Brien read before and found it enjoyable.

“He’s very engaging,” Duncan said. “He gives an interesting take on the Western region of the United States.”

O’Brien’s writings have been published in The New York Times, and he has written several screenplays, including one for Steven Spielberg, and one called

“A Falconer’s Memoir,” produced by National Public Television.