When Jacqueline Wilson announced her new adult book, Think Again, fans of the Girls series rejoiced. Treasured characters Ellie, Magda and Nadine have all grown up, and are facing new heartaches and joys in this new novel. To celebrate the latest chapter of this iconic story, we chatted to Jacqueline Wilson about her writing process, which Girls character is a paper person, and her advice for aspiring authors.
How much of your writing process happens with pen and paper?
I used to write all my stories using a pen and notebook. Nothing beats that lovely feeling of putting pen to paper.
Of all your characters, who would be the biggest Papier fan?
I know Ellie in Think Again would definitely love Papier products. She’d like the E is for … notebook and confide all her thoughts and feelings in it every day. She’d also draw with Papier fineliner pens.
What is the importance of telling stories?
Human beings have been telling each other stories since they were cave dwellers. It’s a wonderful way of bonding, sharing the joy, the humor and the suspense of stories with each other.
How would you describe your writing process in five words?
Day-dreaming, delighting, struggling, demanding, satisfying …
What’s your most treasured piece of stationery?
The notebook containing the start of my story Hetty Feather (now in the Foundling Museum in London).
What’s your best piece of advice for writers?
If you write just two or three paragraphs every day then you’ll have a finished novel at the end of the year. So keep going!
What does your writing routine look like?
I sit up in bed in the morning and write 1,000 words before I get up. So far I’ve avoided having lunch in my pyjamas!
Where do you find inspiration and ideas for your novels?
Perhaps I’m inspired by a random newspaper article, or a sentence some child says at a signing session – or an idea might just come out of the blue.
Is writing adult fiction different to writing for children/YA?
It’s more complex and you can don’t always have to be reassuring writing adult fiction – but the process is pretty much the same.
You’ve created characters that resonate with so many people. What’s the key to creating a relatable character?
I try to imagine them in depth and show what they’re thinking, all their worries and insecurities.
What book have you reread the most?
I first read I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith when I was a schoolgirl. I’ve read it so many times since I can almost chant it by heart – yet it’s still as fresh and delightful as ever. The main character Cassandra tells the story in diary form in her special notebook.
Which three authors or literary characters would you choose as dinner guests?
Anne Tyler, Katherine Heiny and David Nicholls. I love the way they write, and I think we’d all get on well together.
