Jacqueline Wilson on writing, favourite characters & Tracey Beaker’s unexpected popularity

The much-loved children’s author, and former Children’s Laureate, has published over 100 books, and given us characters such as Tracey Beaker, Hetty Feather. On Sunday 20 February, we’re delighted to welcome Wilson to the Southbank Centre as part of our Imagine Children’s Festival to explain how some of her most-loved characters came to be, and to talk about her newest books, The Runaway Girls and The Primrose Railway Children.

But we couldn’t wait until then, so we caught up with the author recently to ask her about her inspirations, and to find out which of her many characters was really her favourite.

You’ve written over 100 books now, what inspires you to keep writing?

I’ve been writing books all my adult life – I can’t imagine not having a story in my head. It’s the first thing I think about when I wake up, and the last thing I think about when I go to bed.

Do you have a favourite character among the many you’ve created?

It’s hard to decide – I’m very fond of Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather, and Lucy and Kitty from The Runaway Girls are my current favourites.

It can often be hard to determine what other people will like, so has the popularity of any of your books or characters surprised you?

I’m always surprised and delighted whenever a character becomes popular. I certainly never thought that Tracy Beaker would have such a long fictional life, and still be appearing on television!

‘I’ve been writing books all my adult life – I can’t imagine not having a story in my head.’

Where do you draw inspiration for your characters from? And with new characters what comes first, story or character?

My characters seem to appear ready formed in my imagination. I suppose it’s rather like a small child playing with imaginary friends. I get the vaguest idea for a story and then the main character pops up!

A number of your stories have been adapted for television; how does it feel when you see characters you’ve invented brought into physical reality?

It’s always very interesting and exciting. I’ve been very lucky – I’ve always had brilliant actors who make my characters their own.

‘I never thought that Tracy Beaker would have such a long fictional life’

You’re not one to shy away from introducing serious topics, such as depression and divorce, to children’s books. Do you think it’s important not to hide life’s less celebrated aspects from children?

I think it depends how it’s tackled. I wouldn’t want to upset or worry children too much. If it’s necessary for plot reasons to have something troubling happen in the story then I try really hard to be tactful and reassuring – and I make sure my books always have humorous touches to ease any tension.

Is there a subject you’ve not yet tackled through your books that you’d love to explore?

I’ve got one or two ideas floating in my head at the moment, but I’ll keep quiet about them for now.

And lastly, if you could give only two tips to any aspiring young writer, what would they be?

I would suggest reading a great deal – and keeping a regular diary so that they develop the ability to write whether they feel like it or not!