Jacqueline Wilson, a prolific author with over 100 books and a damehood, has released her first adult novel, 'Think Again', and continues to explore her characters' lives into their forties, reflecting her long and diverse writing career.

Her latest novel, 'Picture Imperfect', is a sequel to her 1999 children's book 'The Illustrated Mum', revisiting characters like Dolphin, now 33, who cares for her bipolar mother while feeling unfulfilled in her life.

Wilson still feels joy and gratitude for her success, expressing her desire to keep sharing stories for both children and adults, and hints at working on another sequel involving her characters.

Her writing process is intuitive, often starting without a detailed plan, which helps her reconnect with her characters and their stories.

Wilson emphasizes her commitment to truthfulness, tackling difficult themes such as mental illness, family dysfunction, and resilience, including tough scenes that reflect real-life struggles.

While her children's books are carefully balanced to be honest without being overwhelming, her adult fiction, like 'Picture Imperfect', allows her more freedom, including explicit content like sex scenes.

Motifs like tattooing appear in her work, notably in 'The Illustrated Mum' and 'Picture Imperfect', and she humorously considers getting a tattoo herself, though her skin is too fragile.

Wilson's personal life, including her marriage, divorce, and 23-year partnership with a woman, has made her a gay icon, and she shares reflections on love inspired by her own experiences.

Growing up in Kingston, London, Wilson faced a challenging childhood marked by her parents' difficult relationship and her mother's inability to see her as a separate person, which inspired her storytelling.

As an only child and avid reader from a young age, Wilson was inspired by books featuring real, sometimes challenging children, and she uses her stories to promote empathy and kindness.

Her first novel about bipolar disorder, 'The Illustrated Mum', had a strong emotional impact on readers, especially those with similar family issues, highlighting her focus on honest storytelling.

Wilson's mother never read her books and harshly disowned her in her final days, which adds a complex layer to her personal and creative journey.