TOP author and journalist Theresa Talbot visited Greenock to pass on top tips to aspiring local writers.

Theresa, who previously hosted the Beechgrove Garden's Potting Shed, led the session at Barrs Cottage Library.

The workshop event was well attended with everyone from teenagers to a lady aged 88 coming along.

Theresa said: "It was so good to see the library being used by the local community.

"Twenty people came along - it was lovely we had a lady who was 88 and teachers and pupils from St Stephen's and Port Glasgow high schools studying for advanced highers.

"I cannot praise the library staff enough."

Theresa is a journalist and radio presenter but is really enjoying her career as writer.

Her latest book, The Quiet Ones, is her third crime novel.

Theresa said: "Part of the story was inspired by a chance meeting with a Glasgow taxi driver who told me he was once a promising young footballer until he was abused by his coach.

"The story is very loosely based on the abuse scandal within football clubs."

It should perhaps come as no surprise that the main character is a journalist.

She said: "My main character is a journalist Oonagh O'Neil - I wanted a character that could operate slightly outside the law."

She used this in her session to talk about dialogue and characterisation.

Theresa says she enjoys library visits because of the intimate environment and the chance to speak to readers and writers face to face.

Theresa said: "Anyone can be a writer, if you can pick up a pen you can be a writer.

"People did chat about my books and asked me where I got my ideas from and others said they had enjoyed my books, it was nice to get feedback.

"I get a lot of emails but it is always nice to chat face to face."