1. Idea Generation:
* Inspiration from everyday life: Wilson often draws inspiration from real-life situations, news stories, or conversations she overhears. She's also known to incorporate elements of her own childhood and experiences into her stories.
* Character-driven: Often, an intriguing character will spark the initial idea for a book. She may be drawn to a particular personality, or a unique situation they find themselves in.
* Exploring themes: Themes like friendship, family, love, loss, and growing up are central to her writing, and she often uses her stories to explore these complex emotions.
2. Research and Planning:
* Thorough research: Wilson believes in doing her research thoroughly. If the story requires specific knowledge about a certain period or subject, she will immerse herself in it through books, documentaries, or even visits to museums and historical sites.
* Character development: She takes time to flesh out her characters, understanding their motivations, backgrounds, and relationships. She often writes detailed character sketches and backstories before starting the actual writing.
* Outlining or storyboarding: While not strictly a "plotter", Wilson does prefer to have some kind of outline or plan for the story, especially for longer books. This helps her to stay focused and ensure a clear progression of events.
3. The Writing Process:
* First draft: She believes in just getting the story down on paper in the first draft, focusing on the flow and basic plot points.
* Rewriting and Editing: Wilson is known for her meticulous rewriting process. She will go through several drafts, carefully revising, adding detail, and refining the language.
* Collaboration: She often collaborates with her editor, who provides feedback and suggestions. This process is essential to her and helps to shape the final product.
4. Final Touches:
* Title selection: Wilson is meticulous in choosing a title that captures the essence of the story and resonates with the reader.
* Cover design: She works closely with the illustrator and publisher to create a cover that appeals to the target audience and reflects the story's themes and characters.
Important Note: Jacqueline Wilson emphasizes that her writing process is fluid and adapts to each project. She doesn't have a rigid formula, but rather allows the story and characters to guide her through the creative process.