Jacqueline Wilson in Shropshire: Top author shares inspirations for tales at Shrewsbury Bookfest

The author of many popular books, including Tracy Beaker, was at Shrewsbury High School where she spoke about what inspires her to write.

The 70-year-old spoke to a packed hall on Friday but the Shropshire Star was invited to have a chat before she took to the stage.

Jacqueline spoke about how important it is to get children reading at a young age and how there is a book for everyone to enjoy.

She also talked about how Tracy Beaker is still as popular today as it was when it first came out in 2000.

The author then spoke about her love for Shrewsbury and how she first visited the school in 1999.

"I love doing things like this," she said. "It's very strange now because a lot of people who interview me are young women who grew up reading my books.

"It's great hearing what they have enjoyed and what they have read.

"I remember the details of when I first came. I remember it very well and I love this town, it is very beautiful.

"This has to be my sixth or seventh time at this event. I can't remember exactly but I love doing these things as they are very important to young people.

"I told the audience a few stories about what inspires me to write the stories and about my school days.

"The adults in the audience like to hear about how I find my inspiration to write my books, so I also spoke about that.

"I also talked about my new book Rent A Bridesmaid, which is my 104th book.

"At the moment I am about to finish my 105th book and I have had an idea for my 106th.

"I have had to write the ideas down so that I don't forget them, but as I am still getting ideas I am still writing."

Jacqueline is known for her book series Tracey Beaker, which was turned into a CBBC show in 2002 and aired until 2005.

However, as the show was so popular it was repeated on the channel for many years after filming stopped.

Now there is a spin-off show called The Dumping Ground, which was first shown three years ago on CBBC. Even though Tracy Beaker was at the height of its popularity in the early noughties, Jacqueline says she still has schoolgirls talking to her about the series.

She added: "Tracy Beaker is by far the most popular book I have ever done.

"I think it is down to the fact it was a TV show on CBBC and even when filming stopped the channel would repeat the show.

"People still ask me about it and talk to me about those books, which is great.

"Even boys talk to me about Tracy Beaker, which is great because I have never written just for girls.

"I think it is great that boys can enjoy my books. Although my new book Rent A Bridesmaid has a pink cover and is about girls wanting and dreaming about being a bridesmaid and tomboys who aren't so keen."

She added: "But I think there is a book out there for everyone.

"I think it is incredibly important for parents to get children into reading.

"I know children these days love their Gameboys and phones, but you cannot beat reading and getting into a good story.

"I always say there is a book for everyone, whether it is a football book, there is something for everyone.

"If parents read it is easier for children to get into reading, but I still think it is incredibly important."