In a recent interview with the BBC, celebrated British children’s writer Jacqueline Wilson expressed her surprise and delight at being considered a “gay icon” after publicly revealing her long-term relationship with a woman in 2020.
Wilson, 78, has garnered a new and unexpected audience since opening up about her sexuality. Her latest publication, Think Again, explores same-sex relationships and marks her first adult novel.
The beloved author, known for her nuanced depictions of childhood struggles, reflected on the idea behind her new book: “The idea has been on my mind for years… I wanted to write about what happens to my characters when they grow up.”
Wilson’s latest work follows Ellie Allard and her friends as they navigate life’s challenges at 40. The author emphasizes the importance of realism, stating, “The girls don’t have their happy-ever-after ending… but there are things in their lives that are great and fun.”
Wilson also highlights the significance of choice in modern life, noting, “There’s not just one path nowadays… women now are more sensible and work out what they want.”
The former children’s laureate has explored various themes in her books, including LGBT issues in her 2020 novel, Love Frankie. Wilson acknowledges the parallels between her life and her writing but emphasizes the importance of imagination and nuance in storytelling.
With a career spanning over 100 books, Wilson remains committed to tackling difficult and dark issues, including suicide, mental health, and domestic violence, in her works aimed at children aged 7-12.
Wilson defends her storylines, saying, “I want to show what life is like for children who are a bit outside the system and feel they don’t belong and are unhappy for some reason.”
Her own life experiences have influenced some of her earlier characters, and she remains dedicated to writing about real-life issues, stating, “I promised myself as a child that I would write about these issues if I ever got a chance.”
