POPULAR US author Jodi Picoult is to kick-off a series of lunchtime talks with some of today's most popular writers.

Picoult will be the first of the guests in Conversation Pieces on Friday, May 2 at 1pm at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The discussions, hosted by BBC Radio Scotland's Iain Anderson, will give each member of the line-up of celebrated authors a chance to discuss their latest published work.

Picoult's recent works include five issues of the Wonder Woman comic book series, and her latest novel, Change of Heart, which looks at the nature of organised religion and belief.

The season continues with a talk from Scottish crime writer Quintin Jardine on Wednesday May 7 at 1pm.

Jardine will discuss his latest thriller Aftershock, the sequel to Death's Door, which spent five consecutive weeks at the top of the Scottish bestseller list.

Glasgow author Alex Gray's will discuss her thriller Pitch Black on Monday, May 19 at 1pm.

The book is a dark, page-turner which is steeped in the history and atmosphere of the city.

The season will close on Monday, June 2 at 1pm with a talk from the former director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and former Director of Programmes at Scottish Television, Alistair Moffat.

Mr Moffat will talk about The Reivers: The Story of the Border and The Wall: Rome's Great Frontier, which is to be published in May.

All events are £4 in advance or £5 on the day.

Call 0141 353 8000 or go to www.glasgowconcerthalls.com for more information.