Introduction to Jacqueline Wilson
Jacqueline Wilson has been writing for more than five decades and has published hundreds of books. She describes her new novel, Image Imperfect, as "the simplest and most difficult thing" that she has ever written. This novel is a continuation of her 1999 book, The Illustrated Mum.
The Story Behind The Illustrated Mum
The Illustrated Mum tells the story of two sisters, Delphin and Star, who strive to deal with their unstable and strongly tattooed mother’s situation, whose bipolar disorder threatens to pull their family apart. The sequel, Image Imperfect, focuses on Delphin (33), who still takes care of her mother and feels down with life, living in a prayer and working in a tattoo salon.
Writing About Difficult Topics
Wilson explains that writing Image Imperfect was easy because she loved the book, but it was difficult because people carry their own ideas about what could have happened to these characters. She wanted to stay true to life and not give the characters a perfect ending. Wilson’s trademark is writing about the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable, and she has written about messy families, mental illnesses, poverty, and the resilience of children.
The Impact of The Illustrated Mum
The Illustrated Mum is Wilson’s second highest-selling children’s novel in paperback in Great Britain, and she admits that she has felt a special affection for the book for a long time. She says that she has received many letters from children who said that the book was "just like my mother or father." Recently, a woman hugged her at a concert and said, "Thank you for helping me to deal with my mother," which almost made Wilson cry.
The Sequel: Image Imperfect
The life of the three women in Image Imperfect has developed in a way that is both expected and painfully credible. Marigold still struggles to take her medication or settle into stability. Star has qualified as a doctor and lives in Edinburgh, separated from Marigold’s mental health problems. Delphin is still the caretaker, holding things together when Marigold is in a crisis. Wilson explains that she wanted to give Delphin decisions in love and work so that she could find out what she really wants.
Too Strong for Children?
When The Illustrated Mum was first released, Wilson was warned that a certain scene could be "too strong" for children. However, she insisted that the scene was necessary to show the reality of Delphin’s situation. Wilson does not regret writing about tough topics, even though she has been criticized for going too far. She believes that children need to know the truth about life, but also acknowledges that there are limits to what can be written about in children’s books.
Writing for Adults
Wilson’s commitment to honesty remains, and she has started writing novels for adults. Her first adult novel, Think Nut, became a bestseller debut in 2024. She enjoys the freedom of writing fiction for adults, where she can use everything that feels true without worrying about scaring or boring children. Wilson is already working on another sequel, but she is shy about revealing which character the protagonist will be.
Personal Life and Inspiration
Wilson speaks openly about her personal life, including her mismatched marriage and the lonely years that followed. She has been happy with her partner for the past 23 years and has found love in a way that she never thought possible. Wilson’s experiences have inspired her writing, and she continues to write about the imperfections of life. She is pleased to be seen as a gay icon and is committed to writing about the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Future Projects
Wilson is working on a new novel, and although she is shy about revealing the details, she promises that it will be another sequel to one of her beloved characters. She is excited about the freedom of writing fiction for adults and is happy to be able to write about anything that feels true. Wilson’s fans can look forward to more honest and inspiring writing from this prolific author.
