Webchat with Jacqueline Wilson, Friday 12 October, 12.30pm Post a question for a chance to win a signed copy of her latest book

[RachelMumsnet]

We're thrilled that award-winning author Jacqueline Wilson is joining us for a live webchat on Friday. Jacqueline needs little introduction - she’s one of Britain’s best selling and most beloved children’s author.

Her latest novel My Mum Tracy Beaker marks the return of one of her most treasured characters. The Story of Tracy Beaker had a ground breaking impact on children’s books when it was was first published in 1991 and since then over 3.5 million Tracy Beaker books have been sold and the TV adaptation was CBBC’s most successful programme ever.

In her latest novel, Tracy returns as Mum to daughter Jess. Jess and Tracy Beaker aretheperfect team. Jess thinks Tracy is the best mum ever; Tracy is fun and daring, but she also works hard to give Jess the family home she desperately wanted when growing up in the Dumping Ground. Their flat might be a bit mouldy but it’s their happy home.

But when Sean Godfrey –Tracy’s rich new boyfriend – comes onto the scene, Jess is worried things are going to change. What if Sean wants to turn Jess’s brilliant mum into a new person altogether? Sean’s superstar mansion and fancy cars might have been Tracy’s childhood dream, but maybe the Beakers’ perfect home was right in front of them all along…

We have a SIGNED copy up for one lucky winner who posts a question for Jacqueline before or during the chat. If you've can't join us but have questions for Jacqueline, please post your questions here. Ditto if you want to post on behalf of your children. She'll aim to get through as many as possible during the chat.

Loved Jacqueline Wilson books as a child, I was adopted so found them very relatable. My question is who was your favourite fictional character as a child and why?

Hello Jacqueline,

My 10yr old daughter would like to ask ‘what are your hobbies, outside writing’ (which she knows is your day job but she sees it as a pleasurable task!)?

Thanks, and looking forward to reading the whole thread.

I would love to ask Jacqueline 'What does she feel are the biggest challenges facing young people right now?'.

My DD is loving her books by the way and I am so pleased! Thanks Jacqueline.

My 9 year old daughter loves your books and has most of them. I understand you cover some pretty grown up topics. Do you think I should read your books too so I can discuss them with her, or are they all explained and resolved in a way that isn't going to worry an anxious 9 year old?

Hi my dd is 9 years old & loves your books! In her words, she loves them because they make her feel lots of things, some happy & some sad.

She can't wait to read about Tracy Beaker as a grown up

She would like to ask:

Did you always want to be a writer or did you want to do other jobs?

Thank you!

Oh excited. Dd 12 has 2 shelves dedicated to your books and the Hetty feather trilogy literally fell apart she read them so often.

Dds question - "Hetty was my best friend during a really difficult time. She was always there, she never let me down. Did you have a literary best friend when you were young?"

No offense, but why do most of your characters have traumatic upbringings?

My daughter adores your books oks, her favourite is Lilly Alone. Have you ever thought of writing books with a Male main character?

A question from Tiggy aged 10 (who is off school and very bored!)
Who is your favourite character? Mine are Tracy and Tilly!

I'd just like to thank you for bringing into public consciousness that children do end up in care, and they are still human beings. People who have traumatic upbringings are still people. Tracy Beaker makes it easier for real-life Tracy Beakers to talk about their past and not be ashamed of it.

I am a big fan. I’m 30 now and started reading Jacky books at primary school. I still read all the latest releases. My question is, how did you get into writing about the Victorian era? I love hetty feather, clover moon and rose rivers. What made you start writing about the girls from this time?

I grew up a fan of Jacqueline Wilson books; she got me to read when I was struggling at school. Meeting her at Nottingham Waterstones book signing was one of the highlights of my childhood! My sister is now using the same books to help her step daughter get into literature as it worked so well for me back in the day and I'd love to win a signed book for them!

My question for Jacqueline: "A lot of your book characters do naughty things; what is the naughtiest thing you did as a child?"

For me it was putting the glasses I hated wearing behind the back wheel of the car to see what would happen when it reversed. I was about 5 at the time so my mum was mostly impressed I'd worked out the best way to destroy them!

I'm a huge fan! This is great

Would you ever revisit books a few years later? As you've done with Tracy Beaker, but for say Clean Break?

Hi, my daughter (10) loves your books and would like to know how long it usually takes you to write a book. Many thanks

I have never read a book of Jacqueline Wilson as a child (as I grew up in France and wasn't fluent then).

However they were definitely the kind of books I would have read.

My daughter is 7 years old and enjoys reading, which book of yours would you recommend that she reads first?

Hi Jacqueline, I've been wondering for years whether your early novels (Amber, This Girl, Falling Apart, Waiting for the Sky to Fall to name a few) will ever be re-released? I loved them as a teen in the 90s and would be really happy to see them re-released, perhaps as e-books.

My favourite author! Where do you get the inspiration for your stories? And also do you ever feel strongly aabout your own characters? Sad when they die or get hurt? Etc x

My 9 year old DD is a huge fan, she loves the Hetty Feather books especially.

Her question for you is ‘How did you feel when your first book was published and which of your books are you most proud of?’

I would also like to thank you for bringing her so much joy, I have never seen her light up about something the way she does about Hetty Feather.

So excited about this !

I loved reading your books when I was young. My favourite book was 'Midnight'.

I'm even thinking of buying this new book for my own pleasure !

No question to ask, just wanted to say I saw this thread and downloaded the new book (My Mum Tracy beaker) onto my kindle last night, and read it in one go. Also downloaded the suitcase kid (Radish was my favourite when I was a little girl and after reading it, I carried my own sylvanian rabbit everywhere for months) and finished that too! About to download another bunch as I'm breastfeeding my newborn and now re-reading all your books will keep me going through the night feeds. I really can't wait for my children to be old enough to enjoy your books like I have.

Hello Jacqueline! I have a question which I will detail below. It's from my 11 year old son, Ted

'Hi Jacqueline. How are you? I love your books and I am currently reading Hetty Feather Little Stars. I am not a fast reader so it takes me a long time to read but I will read all your books in the end.

My question is .. who is your favourite character that you've ever written? Mine is definitely Hetty and I am going to read Tracy Beaker when I've finished all the Hetty ones. Thank you for answering'

As you have such a huge readership & influence so many young people, do you worry about the responsibility of covering “ big” issues such as dieting/eating disorders, drugs, teenage pregnancy etc in an age appropriate way?

What tips do you have for aspiring writers? Any words of advice or wisdom?

Ahhh I love JW! Huge fan, have been since I was young. My 10 year old sister loves your books (and been a great excuse to read them all again!)

My question: are any of your characters based on anyone you've met in real life? And which book did you feel was the hardest to write emotionally?

Two big fans in my house too!

DD1 asks why all your lead characters are girls?

DD2 asks what do you enjoy doing?