Thanks to shakabu, I've discovered Richard Powers via this Guardian article. Physicist turned computer programmer turned one of America's great living authors (apparently), he's an inspiration for all who think there may be life after writing code. Interestingly, he claims similarities between the two art forms... All his books look valuable but The Gold Bug Variations is what I'll have to read first I think...

For those thinking of making the jump :), esteemed Canadian author Pierre Berton has some useful advice.