Teens@Random

Please welcome award-winning and best-selling author Judy Blume to Random Buzzers! Judy's books have sold over 80 million copies and include teen (and adult!) favorites such as Tiger Eyes, Blubber, Then Again, Maybe I Won't, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, and Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself, amongst others. You can read a full list of her books here.

Judy will be appearing beginning on April 27th, to answer your questions and say hello right here within this very forum!

Make sure you stop by and ask her a question by commenting on the thread below!

Welcome, Judy! We're thrilled to have you!

Head Buzzer

Last Modified Apr 27, 2009, 10:24:27 AM

Hi Judy! I'm so glad that you're visiting, and welcome to Random Buzzers! 

I loved all of your Fudge books, and Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, was one of my favorite books of all time, when I read it! In fact, I was going through my bookshelf yesterday, and happened to find my copies of Freckle Juice and Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret! I couldn't help but reread them, for the memories.

My question is, what was your inspiration for the plotlines of those books? (Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, and Freckle Juice)

Thanks! 

Posted Apr 13, 2009, 03:39:11 PM

Welcome to Random Buzzers Judy Bloom!!  You are one of my favorite authors!!  I read all the Fudge books growing up, and they are all fantastic! I think my favorite is Fudge-a-Mania. My other favorites are Freckle Juice and Are You there God? It’s Me, Margaret.  
  Since your books were my favorite growing up, I was wondering what your favorite books were growing up.

Last Modified Apr 27, 2009, 10:24:58 AM

OMJ, I remember when I was about 11 my older sister got me four of your books (Are You There God?  Its Me Margaret., Blubber, Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself, and Iggie's House).  My favorite was probably Blubber, followed closely by Starring Sally.  I haven't read them in a while, but they were definitely some of my favorite books at that age.

Posted Apr 19, 2009, 11:07:27 PM

Welcome to Random Buzzers Judy!! We're so happy to have you and it is an honor to have fantastic authors like yourself here with us!

Posted Apr 22, 2009, 02:37:39 PM

Welcome, Judy! It's amazing to have you here!

I was wondering... what advice would you give those of us who want to be writers?

And do you find writing just as exciting now as you did when you began? 

Posted Apr 24, 2009, 02:09:55 PM

Hey Judy! It's awesome to have you here. I LOVED the Fudge books, and I ALWAYS check the library to see what books of yours they have. Right now I'm waiting for my order of Forever to come in. I can't wait. You're an awesome writer.

My question to you is kind of a two-part question. Do you stay in contact with other YA authors? If you do, how does that work? I mean, how do you meet them and get to know them and everything?

Okay, so I guess that was really three-part. But anyway, it is BEYOND awesome to have you here!!!!! Thanks!!!!!

Max.

Posted Apr 24, 2009, 06:06:23 PM

Hi Judy!

It's great that you're taking the time to come to this website.  I just wanted to say that "Freckle Juice" is my favorite book of yours.  It was so great.  I remember reading it when I was younger, and I loved it.

My question for you, is: What was your favorite book to write, and why.  

My other question is: Do you remember where you put your pencil?  You said "Just don’t ask where I put the keys or where I parked the car—two things I’ve never been able to remember."  I agree with that (except for the car part, as I can't drive )  but, I can never find my pencil either.  :D

Thanks!

~Anna

Posted Apr 24, 2009, 09:32:45 PM

I love your books!  My question is; Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

Posted Apr 24, 2009, 09:45:45 PM

Welcome Judy! I remember reading Tiger Eyes in fifth grade. We had thirty minutes of silent reading everyday and my teacher had that book on her shelf. At first I just needed something to read so I wasn't too conscious of what I would be getting into. I absolutely loved it---so much that I re-read it three times that year, which is a remarkable feat since I usually devour books too quickly to ever look back. Thank you for writing such amazing works.

Posted Apr 24, 2009, 10:12:05 PM

Hi! I'm really glad that you're here! What was your favorite book that you wrote and what was your favorite by another author?

Thanks!

Posted Apr 24, 2009, 11:05:10 PM

Hey Judy-what was your favorite book to write? Do you ever do signings?

Posted Apr 26, 2009, 11:47:35 AM

Thanks, everyone!  This is going to be fun.  I'm writing a post for my blog www.judyblume.com/blog.php about buzzing for the next two weeks.  I know it's only Sunday and I don't officially begin until tomorrow but I couldn't resist dropping by early to check in.  (Actually, I have a long list of Sunday To Do's which I'd better get to -- or maybe I'll just enjoy the Sunday papers instead!)  It's a gorgeous summer day in Key West.  Hope it's nice wherever you are, too.

xxx Judy

Last Modified Apr 27, 2009, 01:32:07 PM

Welcome to our marvelous hive of literary lovers!

Posted Apr 26, 2009, 03:51:52 PM

Hi Judy Blume!! I would like to know what inspires you to write your books?

Posted Apr 26, 2009, 05:11:27 PM

Welcome Judy Blume! When I was younger I read all your books. You were my favorite author!  My favorite book that you have written is Forever.

I dont have any questions for you but am excited to see what you have to share with us during your visit!

Last Modified Apr 27, 2009, 12:08:17 AM

I'm using this self portrait of "Teen Judy" that I once had to draw for Dave Egger's "Best Non-Required Reading of 2008."  Now you see why I don't illustrate my books for young kids. (But I love Dave and am a fan of his work so I couldn't say No!)

Okay....I think I've figured out how to reply to each of your questions so let's see if this works.

Posted Apr 27, 2009, 11:46:34 AM

Inspiration -- well, I was a lot like Margaret when I was in 6th grade;  when my son (now grown) was a toddler he was something like Fudge, plus at that time I read a story in the paper about a real toddler who swallowed a pet turtle.  You know something I just thought of?  On my website:  www.judyblume.com, I've annotated every title -- so you can find out where I got the idea or inspiration for each of my books.  But really, it's mostly about imagination and observation.

And thanks for remembering so well!

Posted Apr 27, 2009, 11:54:00 AM

Fav books when I was growing up?  I loved the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace.  I still remember them well and am glad they're still available.

Last Modified Apr 27, 2009, 08:58:23 PM

Is writing still exciting?  On a good day, YES!  But right now I'm at the very beginning of a first draft of a new book. I dread first drafts so there aren't many "good days."  It never gets any easier -- in fact, I think it's harder now.

Advice?  I try not to give much.  You write because you can't help yourself.  It's something that comes from deep inside.  It's a need we have.  Otherwise why would any of us do it?  But if this describes you, then don't ever let anyone discourage you!

Last Modified Apr 27, 2009, 09:00:01 PM