Professor Jacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson signed books for fans after her lecture at Roehampton University last Thursday evening. The children's author is a professorial fellow, sharing her expertise with students on the Creative Writing and Children's Literature courses. She parted with valuable tips for those of us learning the craft of writing for children.

You are not alone. Everyone wants to write for children nowadays.

We laughed and inwardly cried and sighed at the thought of those wanting 'to dash off a little children's book.'

What will make your submission different from all the others? Here are a few of her tips from the top:

What ever it is, your heart has to be in it. You have to care about your characters. 'Imagine what it's like for the child.'

Keep writing more and more. Don't stop at the first book! Make the most of your lucky breaks.

Don't re-read as you write. Finish the draft first before you judge it.

For those writing historical fiction, 'imagine it as fiercely as you can.'

Jacqueline Wilson has just completed Hetty Feather which was commissioned by the Foundling Museum and will be published in Oct 2009. She says she tried to write with an authentic Victorian voice whilst keeping it lively and direct.



And in a pleasing circle of events, JACQUELINE WILSON MAGAZINE will be published by D.C.Thomson who named their comic for girls after their most junior journalist in 1964 - JACKIE.