A DUNTOCHER-born author has opened up on her "excitement" at attending a book festival in England.

Emma Clapperton, who writes under the pseudonym Alex Kane, has released 10 books, with her latest title being published back in March.

She was recently a guest at the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival which took place in Harrogate.

Emma hosted a dinner table in the restaurant of the hotel in which the event was taking place alongside nineteen other writers.

Diners were presented with copies of the author's latest novel 'The Two Sisters'.

A sequel to her previous title 'Janey', the story follows twins Sinead and Orla who were given up for adoption at birth.

As adults, their lives have taken different paths. Orla’s got a big house in Glasgow, a supportive husband and teenage daughter, Molly Rose, while Sinead’s struggle with drugs and alcohol has taken her to some very dark places.

Emma explained her excitement at attending the festival.

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"It takes place across a long weekend in July each year, Thursday – Sunday and features a variety of events from different writers," she said.

"There was also a new blood panel where writers can pitch ideas.

"It was such a fantastic weekend for readers and writers.

"If you’re a reader of crime and thriller novels and you’d love to be surrounded by your favourite or new writers, then it is the place to be."

Emma, who has been writing since 2010, previously worked in early years childcare for over two decades before becoming a full-time author in 2022, after the birth of her daughter.

And the writer detailed the event she was involved in hosting

"The diners didn’t know ahead of time who they’d be hosted by which was a little more relaxed for me," she continued.

"Each table place had a copy of Two Sisters. There was also a murder mystery which was written by Ruth Ware and acted out by five crime writers.

"Each table had to solve the ‘whodunit’ and if there was a draw, then the table with the most detail won.

"Our table didn’t win. We were too busy chatting about books, our favourite writers and the festival in general.

"It was really such a good event; I’d love to do it again."

Emma also opened up about her future plans for more books.

"My eleventh crime novel, 'A Mother’s Revenge', is coming out in November of this year, which is a follow up to my previous novel," she added.

"I am currently working on book twelve, which hasn’t been announced yet, however it does come out in Spring 2025, with proof copies going to press and writers in December of this year.

"I have a meeting planned with my agent as the book I’m currently writing is the last in my current contract.

"So we will be discussing the future and what our plans are. I have two book pitches ready to go and am excited to see what will happen."