BEST-SELLING children's author Jacqueline Wilson talked about her life and work when she shared a few secrets with Swindon youngsters.

She met pupils from Catherine Wayte Primary School in Abbey Meads.

Last week, the author of children's favourites Double Act and the Illustrated Mum, won three awards for her work, including the WH Smith People's Choice for her novel Girls in Tears.

Following the award, she was invited to the Swindon headquarters of WH Smith for a book signing and to meet local schoolchildren, who yesterday bombarded her with questions.

Jacqueline, who has written 70 books, told the youngsters, who were aged 10 and 11, how she developed a love of writing while growing up on a council estate.

She said: "I used to write lots of stories, and decided I wanted to be a writer, but I don't think my parents thought I would make it.

"I was an only child, and I always used to make up imaginary people."

Jacqueline added that she hated using a computer to write.

"I hate using a computer because I have to take my rings off to use the keyboard," she said, wiggling her fingers at the children.

And she had the following advice for aspiring writers.

"Read as much as you can, and live in the world of books. It will get your imagination going, and give you ideas."

There were astonished gasps as Jacqueline said she has 15,000 books at home.

When Lewis Rhodes, 10, asked her who her favourite author was, she said it was Jane Austen.

After the talk, children were given copies of Lola Rose, Jacqueline's latest book and her favourite to date and Secrets.

Jacqueline certainly inspired Glenn Matthews, 10.

He said: "I want to be a writer when I grow up, and she gave me loads of ideas."

Jacqueline is returning to Swindon next Friday to meet youngsters at an event at Upper Room in Regent Street.