AN acclaimed Gourock author is to speak at a major global science fiction event in China as he gears up for the release of his latest book.

Ken MacLeod will be travelling to Chengdu, the capital of China's Sichuan province, to appear at the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon). 

Ken is flying out to China for the 81st conference which runs at the Chengu Science Fiction Museum from October 18-22. 

The celebrated writer says he feels 'very honoured' to have been invited to take part in such a prestigious event. 

Ken, 69, said: "I am very excited about it.

"It's a huge privilege.

"Chinese science fiction fans are so welcoming, so I'm really looking forward to the experience."

Ken has a busy few months ahead, as the third and final chapter of his Lightspeed trilogy - Beyond the Light Horizon - will be released next May. 

It continues to follow hero John Grant and features faster-than-light travel in Inverclyde. 

Ken says the book will feature 'a lot of scheming and skullduggery' and is a 'satisfying' end to the trio of novels. 

At the convention in China the local writer will appear on panels and will get the chance to meet people from all over the world who read his books. 

He said he's particularly excited to be taking part in the convention at a time when science fiction is experiencing a huge surge in popularity in China.

Ken added: "Sci-fi is huge in China and the industry is really booming at the moment. 

"China had its first successful sci-fi blockbuster, The Wandering Earth in 2019, and the whole scene has really grown after that."

Ken travelled out to Beijing in 2019 for the China Sci-Fi Convention but says Chengdu will be a completely different experience. 

Ken added: "Chengdu looks like an amazing city. 

"It looks very industrial but it does have national parks. 

"It will be very different from Beijing as it's a big city in a completely different area."

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The week before he travels to China, Ken will be attending OH!CON, the Outer Hebrides Comic Con. 

He said he's thrilled to know that people all over the world enjoy his work. 

Ken added: "It's clear there some fans of my work in China and people definitely know my name but there are no Chinese translations of my books just yet!"