Five Minutes with Jacqueline Wilson

Posted on 2 November 2015

Smart girls, strong girls, bad girls, brave girls. Bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson writes about them all, and never fails to strike a chord. Her books are insightful and emotionally challenging, but also hopeful and sweet. To celebrate her brand new book, Hetty Feather: Little Stars , Jackie shares with us the books she loved growing up, what she’s working on now and her tips for aspiring writers.

What kind of books did you enjoy when you were growing up?

I loved all the girly classics like Ballet Shoes, Little Women , What Katy Did and A Little Princess. When I was a teenager, I was obsessed by The Diary of Anne Frank and my favourite novel was I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith.

What’s your favourite book of all time?

It’s so difficult to choose! I’d probably say it was Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

What made you want to be a writer?

I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I can remember because I simply love books so much. Even before I could read I would look at the pictures in books and try to make up my own stories to go with them.

Do you have a favourite place to write?

I can write anywhere at all but these days I prefer writing sitting up in bed when I wake up in the morning.

What helps you write?

Food always jollies things along! If I’m stuck I’ll make myself a cup of coffee and nibble on a shortbread biscuit

What are you writing at the moment?

I’m writing a story about a little girl who is desperate to be a bridesmaid.

Do you have any writing tips for any aspiring writers out there?

It’s a good idea to read as much as you possibly can and I often advise children to keep a diary. If you write a little bit every day it gets you into the habit of writing regularly.

Jacqueline Wilson’s latest book, Hetty Feather: Little Stars, is out now. Buy your copy today!