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GL chats with THE Judy Blume...and you can win an e-book
Boys, beauty and bullying—Judy Blume’s novels cover it all. Synonymous with young adult fiction, Judy Blume’s stories have been read and loved by generations of girls. (Like the GL editors. And our older sisters. And some of our moms.)
Now, Judy’s books are going digital… and it’s your turn to fall in love with them! Read on to find out about three of GL’s fave Blume novels now available as e-books.
Click to get the e-book
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
When 12-year-old Margaret Simon moves from the suburbs to New York City, all she wants is to make friends. That’s why Margaret is thrilled when some of her new classmates ask her to join their top-secret club. But when Margaret realizes the girls in the club talk about nothing but boys, bras, and getting their first periods, she’s thrown for a total loop. Uncomfortable with talking about all of this with her new friends, Margaret turns to someone else…
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Tiger Eyes
When Davey's father is killed in a hold-up, her mother brings her and her brother to stay with relatives in New Mexico while they try to recover. But even surrounded by family, Davey has never felt more alone—until one day when she meets the mysterious Wolf, who is able to read her “sad eyes” and understand the rage and fear she feels. Slowly, with Wolf’s help, Davey finds the strength to carry on and conquer her fears. But will she ever stop hurting?
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Deenie
Deenie’s life is perfect. She’s beautiful, no stranger to the attention of boys and confident in her future career as a model—until she gets some shocking news that turns her world upside down. Through her struggle with an unexpected medical diagnosis, Deenie learns a lesson about the true meaning of beauty.
Wanna scoop these e-books, stat? CLICK HERE. Ready to meet Judy? Read on!
Judy Blume’s stories have touched generations of girls—and with her real, believable and relatable heroines, it’s easy to understand why. Judy tackles the troubles of growing up with ease and honesty. Read on to find out more about this amazing author!
What's the hardest part of writing for you?
I dread first drafts! I worry each day that it won't come, that nothing will happen.
I dread first drafts! I worry each day that it won't come, that nothing will happen.
Where do you get your ideas?
I used to be afraid to answer that question. I thought if I ever figured it out I'd never have another one! But now I know that ideas come from everywhere—memories of my own life, incidents in my children's lives, what I see and hear and read—and most of all, from my imagination.
I used to be afraid to answer that question. I thought if I ever figured it out I'd never have another one! But now I know that ideas come from everywhere—memories of my own life, incidents in my children's lives, what I see and hear and read—and most of all, from my imagination.
How do you decide where to begin?
I always start on the day something different happens. In Here's to You, Rachel Robinson, it's the day Rachel's older brother Charles, gets kicked out of boarding school. In Superfudge, it's the day Peter learns there's going to be a new baby in the family.
I always start on the day something different happens. In Here's to You, Rachel Robinson, it's the day Rachel's older brother Charles, gets kicked out of boarding school. In Superfudge, it's the day Peter learns there's going to be a new baby in the family.
How many books have you written?
Twenty-eight. Three are novels for grownup readers.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I used to say at least a year, if there are no disruptions in my personal life and other responsibilities don't get in my way. But that ‘s not always true. The book I’m writing now is complicated and required months of research. It may take me another year to finish, though I’m hoping it doesn’t.
What were you like when you were growing up?
I was small, skinny, a late developer. At first, very shy and fearful. Then, around fourth grade, much more outgoing. I can't explain the change. I enjoyed drama, dancing, singing, painting and performing. I loved to roller skate (we didn't have roller blades then) and to ride my bike. I also loved going to the movies, and browsing at the public library. I was always reading something.
I was small, skinny, a late developer. At first, very shy and fearful. Then, around fourth grade, much more outgoing. I can't explain the change. I enjoyed drama, dancing, singing, painting and performing. I loved to roller skate (we didn't have roller blades then) and to ride my bike. I also loved going to the movies, and browsing at the public library. I was always reading something.
Of all the books you have written, which is your favorite, and who is your favorite character?
An impossible question to answer. It’s like asking a mother, which is your favorite child? Each one is special in a different way.
An impossible question to answer. It’s like asking a mother, which is your favorite child? Each one is special in a different way.
How old were you when your first book was published and which book was it?
I was twenty-seven when I began to write seriously and after two years of rejections my first book, The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo, was accepted for publication.
I was twenty-seven when I began to write seriously and after two years of rejections my first book, The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo, was accepted for publication.
Were you a good student?
Yes, especially when the teacher made the subject come alive! English was my favorite subject because I always liked reading and writing. I wasn't that good at science and I gave up on math long before I should have. I like to think if I were in school today that would be different.
Yes, especially when the teacher made the subject come alive! English was my favorite subject because I always liked reading and writing. I wasn't that good at science and I gave up on math long before I should have. I like to think if I were in school today that would be different.
Are any of your other characters based on you or your family?
Sally, in Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself, is my most autobiographical book. I was a lot like Sally. Sheila, in Otherwise Known As Sheila the Great, has most of my childhood fears. And Margaret, in Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, is a lot like me when I was in sixth grade. (Uh-oh–now you know some of my secrets!) But Margaret's family is very different from mine.
Sally, in Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself, is my most autobiographical book. I was a lot like Sally. Sheila, in Otherwise Known As Sheila the Great, has most of my childhood fears. And Margaret, in Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, is a lot like me when I was in sixth grade. (Uh-oh–now you know some of my secrets!) But Margaret's family is very different from mine.
What about Fudge?
I knew you'd ask me about him! Fudge was based on my son, Larry, when he was a toddler. Larry never swallowed a turtle, though. That idea came from a news article about a toddler who actually did swallow one!
I knew you'd ask me about him! Fudge was based on my son, Larry, when he was a toddler. Larry never swallowed a turtle, though. That idea came from a news article about a toddler who actually did swallow one!
Do you have a favorite place to write?
Actually, I have two favorite places. In Key West (where it’s always summer) my desk faces a garden. When I slide the doors open I feel like I’m working outside. I can even smell the gardenias. During July and August (I guess you can tell I’m a summer person) we go to Martha’s Vineyard, an island off the coast of Massachusetts. I have a tiny writing cabin there, far enough away from the house to feel very private. I get up early in the morning and work until noon.
Actually, I have two favorite places. In Key West (where it’s always summer) my desk faces a garden. When I slide the doors open I feel like I’m working outside. I can even smell the gardenias. During July and August (I guess you can tell I’m a summer person) we go to Martha’s Vineyard, an island off the coast of Massachusetts. I have a tiny writing cabin there, far enough away from the house to feel very private. I get up early in the morning and work until noon.
Is it fun to be a writer?
Not always. It’s a solitary life and it can get lonely. You spend most of the day in a little room by yourself. But since I love to create characters and get to know them, I’m usually content.
Not always. It’s a solitary life and it can get lonely. You spend most of the day in a little room by yourself. But since I love to create characters and get to know them, I’m usually content.
Does anyone ever think you're writing about real people?
Yes. On a TV talk show, I was telling the host about Rachel Robinson’s family and he thought I was talking about a real family. I had to stop and explain that while they feel real to me, I’ve actually made them up.
Yes. On a TV talk show, I was telling the host about Rachel Robinson’s family and he thought I was talking about a real family. I had to stop and explain that while they feel real to me, I’ve actually made them up.
WIN A BLUME BOOK!
What’s your favorite place to enjoy your summer reading? On a beach, in a hammock, at the pool? Tell us your fave spot in the comments for a chance to win!
Congrats to our winner!
Sierra M. ~ Whittier, CA
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