A SCIENTIST who swapped physics to become a writer came to Greenock to meet fans at South West Library.

Dr Helen Sedgwick, a former research physicist, is now a successful author.

Her debut novel The Comet Seekers was inspired by astronomy and her background as a scientist.

Helen visited the library in the last of Inverclyde Council's 'A Chat With' series of free live literature events in local libraries.

Alison Nolan, libraries team leader, said: "We had a fantastic afternoon with Dr Sedgwick.

"Twenty-one people attended, including members of Inverclyde Skywatchers Astronomy group.

"The audience listened as Helen gave readings from her debut novel and then then they had the opportunity to put their questions to her, which led to lots of interesting discussions."

Alison said fans told her they could have listened to Helen all day and that she had given them a great insight into being an author.

Helen who was shortlisted for the Saltire Society's Fiction Book of the year with her book The Growing Season, said she enjoyed her afternoon in Greenock.

She said: "I had a wonderful afternoon at South West Library."

Helen describes her work as fiction which is inspired by a wide range of interests from science to feminism.

She said: "I write fiction with a particular interest in science, biotechnology, feminism, diversity, history, alternative worlds, the uncanny, and the juxtaposition of science and technology with our imaginations and the unexplained."

She has also taught creative writing at Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Strathclyde universities, and with various community projects.

Helen said: "I love talking about science, writing, society, and the combination of the three."