AN author’s tale of a teenager’s life in the media spotlight has hit the bookshelves, years after her first piece of writing was published in her local newspaper.

Katy Birchall, 27, who grew up in Eight Ash Green, is celebrating the release of her first book – The It Girl.

Her book tells the story of geeky teen Anna, who is forced into the spotlight as an IT girl when her journalist father gets engaged to an Oscar-winning actress.

Katy got the writing bug after she had a letter about her church published in the Gazette’s sister paper, the Essex County Standard, when she was just 11.

The It Girl is for sale in 12 countries, including France, Germany and Spain.

She said: “It’s a really amazing feeling.

“It’s been so busy that sometimes I have to pinch myself.

“It’s when I walk into a shop and see it on the shelf, that’s when it’s really crazy.

“The best thing is the reviews you get from teenagers who say they can relate to the character and it really cheered up their day.”

Katy, who now lives in Brixton, London, was a student at Holmwood House School, in Lexden, before moving to boarding school.

Since the book came out in May she has had a jam-packed schedule of book signings and school visits, fitted in around her job as a deputy features editor of County Life magazine.

She is also hard at work writing the book’s sequel.

She said: “It’s been really exciting.

“You can only hope it goes well.

“It’s all happened really quickly. It’s just been crazy – in a good way.”