A WRITER is to appear at the Edinburgh Literary Festival to perform readings of her debut novel.

Ali Lewis, author of coming-of-age novel, Everybody Jam, will appear at the festival, which is part of the Edinburgh Fringe, after her novel attracted critical acclaim.

Ms Lewis, from Thirlby, North Yorkshire, signed copies of her book, set in the Australian Outback, at Waterstones in Darlington on Saturday.

She said: "It's very exciting. I'm looking forward to it.

"The signing has been great. A couple came up from Ripon - they had both read the book, both loved it, and wanted to buy it for a friend and get it signed. I was very touched."

Award-winning author Mal Peet described the novel as engrossing, edgy and fast-paced.

The author, a former reporter with The Northern Echo, spent a month in the Outback, which inspired her work.

To buy tickets for Ms Lewis' reading at the Edinburgh Literary Festival on Saturday, August 27, visit edbookfest.co.uk