Chat to the one and only JUDY BLUME - ask Judy a question and discuss her latest book IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT on Monday 8th August, 9-10pm

[TillyMumsnetBookClub]

Judy Blume is a revolutionary. Her books have sold more than eighty-five million copies in thirty-two languages. She wrote about racism, bullying, sex, menstruation — you name it, she did it - with clarity, warmth and honesty. Now she has written what she says will be her ‘final novel for adults’, using her own experience of catastrophic plane crashes in her hometown as the central plot. IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT is set in 1950s suburban America, and told in a chorus of voices, covering the whole small town. Miri is an amusing and gawky 14 year old living with her glamorous single mother, her make-up saleswoman grandmother and her journalist uncle. Miri’s best friend, Natalie, comes from a wealthier family whereas her first-love/almost-boyfriend Mason is an orphan. When three separate planes fall out of the sky in the space of three months, the impact on the community is immense. Fear, panic, horror and a desperate need to make sense of the devastation means that emotions and relationships are pushed to the limit. But it is the long-term fallout that Blume really explores, with repercussions on her characters drawn out over three generations. It is a beautifully crafted, tightly woven work of art, with Blume’s unmistakable voice ringing throughout.

To find out more about the book, and for your chance to win one of 50 copies, please go to the book of the month page and fill in your details before 10am Monday 27 June. We'll post on this thread when all the copies have gone.

You can also find out why Judy is a Mumsnet heroine and read what Judy’s up to on the official Blume website or follow @JudyBlume on Twitter

We are honoured and delighted that Judy will be joining us to answer your questions about IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT, all her terrific novels and her exceptional career on Monday 8 August, 9-10pm. Please feel free to discuss the book here throughout the month and then come and meet Judy on the night, and ask her a question or simply tell her what you think of any of her work. Here is your chance to chat to a legendary literary figure, so please do come along, whichever book you’ve read at whatever age…

@princessbarbie

Hi, I would like to ask how you feel looking back on some of your earliest books - do you still feel the same person you did when you wrote them?

sometimes I'll take a book I wrote years ago and flip through it wondering how I knew those things - i'm thinking especially of blubber -- I'm the same person, yet different. I know different things now, have had different experiences. I doubt I could write my early books now.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question and so openly. I really admire your writing style and will be adding your new book to my must read summer break list. Thanks again and wishing you all the best, Tania xx

So my question is: what made you turn to these events (i.e. the plane crashes in Elizabeth) for this book - and were you influenced by something that my mother often talks about, i.e. the spate of "end of the world" rumours and fears that seemed so prevalent in the 1950s? It is interesting, perhaps, to compare those "end of the world" fears with our current ones - our current ones seeming much more real, of course, seeing as we know we did survive another 60 years, but we don't have the benefit of hindsight now! Did you want us to think about that, or am I just off on a tangent? wink

Hi, it's Judy again.
I'm not seeing all the answers to your questions that I know I've answered. Can't find any new questions. help!

Re-Post!

Hi Judy. I loved 'Are You There God..It's me Margaret' when I was growing up, as I was from a mixed culture / religious background like Margaret. Her story really helped me think about and understand my struggle for an identity, so thank you!

Don't blame you, Judy. Here's my earlier one to keep you going.

QUESTION:- If you were transported to a desert island for two weeks, and you could take a maximum of 10 items, including food or drink, what would you take? (Portable gas/electricity would be made available to power any item if required)

@GrumpyMcGrumpFace

So my question is: what made you turn to these events (i.e. the plane crashes in Elizabeth) for this book - and were you influenced by something that my mother often talks about, i.e. the spate of "end of the world" rumours and fears that seemed so prevalent in the 1950s? It is interesting, perhaps, to compare those "end of the world" fears with our current ones - our current ones seeming much more real, of course, seeing as we know we did survive another 60 years, but we don't have the benefit of hindsight now! Did you want us to think about that, or am I just off on a tangent? wink

I didn't think about it when I was writing the book. There were a lot of conspiracy theories then, most involving Communists. I did include them. Imagine if something like this happened today. We'd be on high alert, our kids would be scared, we'd all be scared -- yet somehow life would go on.

Another couple of questions, if you don't mind! Firstly, where do you find the inspiration for your next book? Secondly, what question do you never get asked but would love to answer?! Thank you!

@barricade

Don't blame you, Judy. Here's my earlier one to keep you going.

QUESTION:- If you were transported to a desert island for two weeks, and you could take a maximum of 10 items, including food or drink, what would you take? (Portable gas/electricity would be made available to power any item if required)

Skipped that one because I have no answer for you. Sorry.

Wow Hi Judy Blume!!

Just wondering if you have any tips for aspiring writers on how to get started and have the confidence to send work out? Sorry not very original I know!

Hopefully you can see this question Judy. If you could recommend a book of yours for me and /or my sister, which would it be please? I am 9 and my sister Elise is 10. Thank you from Amelia :-)

@remroux89

Another couple of questions, if you don't mind! Firstly, where do you find the inspiration for your next book? Secondly, what question do you never get asked but would love to answer?! Thank you!

You never know where inspiration will come from. you just have to believe it will. Hmmm....question I would love to answer? Can't think of any.

P.S. You're doing really well, Judy. I can't remember when a guest had answered so many of our questions before. And making sure you give everybody a chance, too.

Kudos to you!!

Thank you - it's worth remembering that we are paranoid a lot of the time, so we can stop being paranoid about it

If needs be, I have another (100) questions... for instance, how do you think you managed to keep that authentic "teen" voice, despite the passing of the years? Is it a memory of how you felt at the time, although you felt differently when you were actually writing, or was the teen Judy always in there?

My 16 year old daughter has just wandered in and when she found out you were on a Webchat, she squealed in excitement! She wants to thank you for all the books.

Another quick question - what book are you reading now?

@MapMyMum

Wow Hi Judy Blume!!

Just wondering if you have any tips for aspiring writers on how to get started and have the confidence to send work out? Sorry not very original I know!

confidence? You just have to go for it. If you wait you'll never know. I cried in the closet after my first rejection. But then I became even more determined and stronger. Rejection hurts but you have to keep going. (Like life)

@FernieB

My 16 year old daughter has just wandered in and when she found out you were on a Webchat, she squealed in excitement! She wants to thank you for all the books.

Another quick question - what book are you reading now?

Megan Abbott's latest -- You Will Know Me.

Trying to read questions with cat on keyboard/knee...

Have you ever thought about writing your autobiography?

@moonbells

Trying to read questions with cat on keyboard/knee...

Have you ever thought about writing your autobiography?

Not autobiography but possibly my life from birth to 12 but with drawings (not by me) about family members and friends.

Thanks so much for getting through so many questions Judy - you've done an amazing job and sorry if it got complicated at times - it's been so busy!

Earlier Judy answered our Mumsnet Qs that we always put to our book of the month authors and here are her answers:

What childhood book most inspired you?

JB: Madeline when I was four
The Betsy-Tacy series when I was 9 and 10
If you mean inspired me as a new writer --
Beverly Cleary books
Harriet the Spy by Louise FitzHugh

What would be the first piece of advice you would give to anyone attempting to write fiction?
JB: Don't let anyone discourage you.

What was the best book you've given recently?

JB: Beloved Dog by Maira Kalman. Can't count the number of times I've given this book lately.

And the best you've received?
JB: Since we opened a bookstore I've been giving myself lots of books.
This summer - Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

Rachel -- how about those answers to your questions about books that inspired me etc. Can you post?

What are you working on at the moment?

@JudyBlume

Rachel -- how about those answers to your questions about books that inspired me etc. Can you post?

Thanks!

Hi Judy, thank you so much for talking to us tonight. I wanted to ask which of your books you are most proud of? I, like many others, loved 'Are you there.. Margaret' and found your books so reassuring as a teenager. Did a desire to reassure teenagers motivate you I your writing?

And thank you for answering all the questions