Bestselling author Kathy Lette will discuss her new book in Whitstable in the first of a series of fundraisers before next year's WhitLit festival.

The Australian writer will talk about her novel Courting Trouble at the Horsebridge Centre next Friday in conversation with fellow novelist Jane Wenham Jones.

The event hopes to build on the success of the town's first literature festival in May which is due to return next year.

Aside from the book, audiences can expect Ms Lette to reveal why she turned Hollywood hearthrob George Clooney down for a date, made the Queen laugh and when she hid Julian Assange in her attic.

Speaking about her upcoming visit, Kathy says she is excited by her first visit to Whitstable.

She said: "Whitstable looks a fantastic place, growing up in Australia I was obsessed by castles so I'm looking forward to that and being a surfer girl I'd like to have a swim.

"Other writers have told me it is a real fun place where the audience is warm, witty and wise so who could resist that.

"When I first came to London I didn't like the English I thought they all graduated from Oxford with advanced smuggery but once you meet you get out and meet ordinary people it's great.

"I would say we are going to have a lot of girl talk and a lot of laughter. Men who are attending might have to have their ear muffs in for some of it."

The visit is the first fundraiser in a series of events leading up to next year's WhitLit festival.

Tickets in advance cost £10 and £12 on the door. For more information visit www.horsebridge-centre.org.uk or contact 01227 281174.