BURNLEY supply teacher turned author Victoria Connelly is aiming for stardom after landing an international publishing deal.

And as she releases her next novel, she is in negotiations for her first book to be transformed into a Hollywood movie.

A Weekend with Mr Darcy, the first in a trilogy of novels, is Victoria’s second UK novel, but her first to be published in the US.

And the company she is talking with in Tinsletown, 2S Films, is owned by Academy Award winner Hilary Swank, and produced recent hit PS I Love You.

Victoria said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be published in America.

“And it’s the fastest that I’ve ever sold a book.

“US publisher Sourcebooks made me an offer for the whole trilogy before I was even halfway through the first book.”

The novel follows a group of Jane Austen addicts to a convention celebrating the famous romantic author, where their lives take an intriguing twist.

Victoria, 39, who taught English at St Theodore's School, in Ormerod Road, said she was looking forward to writing the rest of the trilogy.

She said: “It gives me a good excuse to read all of Jane Austen’s books again and watch all the fabulous film adaptations, including my favourite – the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth.

"I first read the book when I was 17. It’s my favourite Austen and I never tire of reading it. Truly one of the greatest love stories.”

Victoria's first UK novel, Molly’s Millions, about a florist who gives her lottery winnings away in pursuit of happiness, came out last summer.

A Weekend with Mr Darcy, published by Avon, HarperCollins, was released on September 16, with US publication in the spring.

It will be followed by Dreaming of Mr Darcy and Mr Darcy Forever.