Celebrated children's author Jacqueline Wilson has said she "would feel very wary" of writing about her beloved character Tracy Beaker in an adult book because "it would seem inappropriate [as] we would learn about Tracy's sex life". Dame Jacqueline has touched on Beaker as an adult through the eyes of the character's daughter Jess in her children's books My Mum Tracy Beaker and The Beaker Girls. But having recently announced Picture Imperfect, an adult sequel to her 1999 children's book, The Illustrated Mum, it doesn't look like an adult book based on Beaker will follow suit. "I don't want to go there. That's my girl [Tracy] who I made everything happen for," Dame Jacqueline told an audience at the Hay Festival. She added that she had said "no, I would never do that" before, when planning future writing projects, but noted she had sometimes changed her mind, "so who knows?" Dame Jaqueline's Tracy Beaker books were made into a popular TV series for the BBC. Beaker was a young girl who was placed in a children's home due to neglect and domestic violence. The author said that she did generally enjoy returning to some of her characters once they had grown up: "I've been thinking about it over the years, because I've invented so many different girls, and it's interesting to think what happens to them when you finish writing about them." Dame Jacqueline recently brought back Ellie, Magda and Nadine in her adult fiction book Think Again, a continuation of her Girls in Love novels. The much-loved author, who was made a dame in 2008, is known for writing about difficult and dark issues in accessible ways. Most of her books, some of which explore topics such as suicide, mental health and divorce, are aimed at children aged between seven and 12. Her foray into adult books has brought a new kind of satisfaction, she explained. "I'm an obsessive writer but worry people think I'm churning that [same] stuff out again, so it's lovely to challenge yourself." She said she enjoyed seeing many of her audiences come along to see her at events "because they read my books as children". "The children are still keen but it's the mums that get really excited! It's like a sort of farewell tour that hopefully will go on." More from the Hay Festival 2025: Despite having written more than 100 books, Dame Jacqueline said she still felt anxious when writing. "Always about halfway through a book, even now, you think 'I've got the hang of this with all these books that I've written', but I get that terrible doubt and worry about it and and it's just something you learn. Work through it, get to the end." One habit that must help is that she writes in her pyjamas in bed, once she's fed the cat and let the dogs out first thing in the morning. "That's the magic time, and it just works for me. Apparently Michael Morpurgo does exactly the same!" But it wasn't always so easy to pick and choose her times to write. Dame Jacqueline said: "I was idiotic enough to be married at 19 and had a child at 21. "My husband wasn't a terrible man in the slightest but it was an age [the 1960s] when men went out and did, and women did everything else." She said she "adored" her baby daughter but she would only sleep for two hours at a time. When she did doze off, Dame Jacqueline said she wanted to sleep too but used the short window available to write. She got a little more time when her daughter Emma went to nursery in the mornings. "It gave me an urgency. I'd write for two hours and then concentrate on her in the afternoon." Now the writing challenges are different, with the threat of AI looming over the writing profession. But Wilson doesn't seem too worried about it. "I take comfort from the fact that my partner's brother-in-law... asked some AI thing to write a story for his daughter in the style of Jacqueline Wilson, and then he sent it to us. And either I've been blissfully unaware and I've been writing garbage or.... it was just unbearably awful."
Jacqueline Wilson says she wouldn't return to Tracy Beaker as an adult
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Jacqueline Wilson Discusses Reluctance to Write Adult Stories About Tracy Beaker"
Bbc News
8.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Jacqueline Wilson, the acclaimed children's author, has expressed her reluctance to revisit her iconic character Tracy Beaker in an adult context, citing concerns about the appropriateness of exploring themes like Tracy's sex life. While she has touched on the character's life as an adult through the perspective of Tracy's daughter Jess in her children's books such as 'My Mum Tracy Beaker' and 'The Beaker Girls,' Wilson has no intention of crafting an adult narrative centered on Tracy. During her recent appearance at the Hay Festival, she affirmed, "I don't want to go there. That's my girl who I made everything happen for," indicating a protective sentiment towards her character. Although she has previously stated that she would never write a book about Tracy for adults, she acknowledged that her views could change over time, though the prospect remains unlikely. Wilson's works have gained notoriety, particularly with the adaptation of her Tracy Beaker series into a successful BBC television show, which highlighted the struggles of a young girl in a children's home due to neglect and domestic violence.
In addition to her reflections on Tracy Beaker, Wilson discussed her recent transition into adult fiction with her new book 'Picture Imperfect,' which serves as a sequel to 'The Illustrated Mum.' She has also revisited other characters from her previous works, such as Ellie, Magda, and Nadine, in her latest adult novel 'Think Again.' Despite having published over 100 books, Wilson candidly admitted to experiencing anxiety while writing, particularly midway through a project. She shared insights into her writing routine, emphasizing how she often writes in her pajamas in bed, a practice she finds comforting and productive. Wilson's journey as a writer has evolved over the years, from the challenges of balancing motherhood with her passion for writing to now facing the implications of artificial intelligence in literature. Nonetheless, she remains confident in her unique voice, humorously reflecting on an AI-generated story that failed to capture her distinct style, suggesting that her work continues to resonate authentically with her audience.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores Jacqueline Wilson's reluctance to revisit her character Tracy Beaker in an adult context, highlighting her concern over inappropriate subject matter, particularly regarding Tracy's personal life. This discussion reflects broader themes about character evolution, authorial responsibility, and the challenges of addressing sensitive topics for different age groups.
Author's Perspective on Character Development
Wilson expresses a protective sentiment towards Tracy Beaker, stating that she feels uncomfortable exploring adult themes related to the character. This indicates a strong connection between the author and her creation, suggesting that Wilson values the integrity of Tracy's story and the audience's perception of her. The mention of Tracy's daughter Jess in her other works demonstrates Wilson's interest in character legacy, which allows her to explore new narratives without compromising Tracy's original essence.
Cultural Reflections and Societal Expectations
The reluctance to write about Tracy Beaker as an adult may resonate with societal expectations regarding children's literature. The author’s acknowledgment of writing about difficult topics in a way that is accessible to children indicates a sensitivity to the potential impact of her narratives. This awareness positions Wilson as a responsible author who is mindful of how her work can influence younger readers, particularly those facing challenging situations.
Potential Manipulation of Public Perception
While the article does not overtly manipulate public perception, it subtly shapes a narrative around responsible storytelling. By emphasizing Wilson's hesitance to delve into Tracy's adult life, it reinforces the idea that some characters should remain untouched by adult themes, thereby fostering a protective stance towards childhood innocence. This perspective could be seen as a way to rally support from parents and educators who advocate for preserving the integrity of children's literature.
Impact on the Literary Landscape
Wilson's comments may influence the literary community by prompting discussions about character continuity and the appropriateness of adult themes in children's characters. Her decision to focus on adult narratives without revisiting Tracy Beaker could set a precedent for other authors, encouraging them to maintain a clear distinction between children's and adult literature.
Market and Audience Considerations
The article appeals primarily to parents, educators, and fans of Wilson's work. It seeks to reassure these groups that the author remains committed to creating age-appropriate content. This focus may fortify Wilson's reputation in the children's literature sphere, potentially leading to increased sales of her new adult fiction while still catering to her established audience.
Conclusion on Trustworthiness
The article presents a trustworthy account of Wilson's views, as it quotes her directly and reflects her consistent themes throughout her career. There does not appear to be any hidden agenda or significant inaccuracies, making the article a reliable source of information about the author's current stance on her characters.