Jacqueline Wilson was born in 1945, and grew up in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. Her father was a civil servant, her mother an antiques dealer. She married at 19, and began writing fiction when her daughter was born. Her first novel, for adults, was published when she was 24. She has since become an award-winning children's author. On June 2 and 3, she will be appearing at Hay Fever, the children's festival in association with the Guardian Hay Festival. Divorced, she still lives in Kingston.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Browsing in a bookshop with a special friend.

What is your greatest fear?
Blindness.

With which historical figure do you most identify?
Charlotte Brontë, because she was little and plain and passionate.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I worry too much.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?
Falling flat on the floor at my first proper dance.

What makes you depressed?
The state of my house.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?
The wrinkles.

What is your favourite smell?
Roses.

Your favourite journey?
Driving round Cape Cod on the back roads.

Your favourite fantasy?
That I can sing in tune.

Do you believe in monogamy?
Yes.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My daughter.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Truthfulness.

Have you ever said 'I love you' and not meant it?
No.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
'Thank you very much for your lovely letter.'

What is your greatest regret?
Not going to a Queen concert when Freddie was alive.

What keeps you awake at night?
Wondering why the plumbing is clunking ominously.

How would you like to die?
Holding someone's hand.

Do you believe in life after death?
No, but I wish I did.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
You never know what's around the corner.