SCHOOLCHILDREN hoping to pursue a writing career received a boost with a visit from Cowley author Rhiannon Lassiter.

Prolific science fiction author Ms Lassiter, 34, pictured, spoke to pupils at Oxford Spires Academy about how she wrote her first novel as a teenager while devouring every book she could get her hands on.

Her first novel was accepted for publication when she was just 19, only a few years older than the pupils she was talking to.

Esme Partridge, 14, above right, has already had work published.

Esme said: “She has really inspired me to continue in my own writing.”