Judy Blume, a name synonymous with beloved young adult literature, is known for works such as Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Deenie, Tiger Eyes, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and Blubber. Her last book, In The Unlikely Event, came out in 2015, marking the end of her book-writing journey. Blume now spends her time in Key West, Florida, managing a bookstore and reading children’s books. Despite her decision to cease writing, her books continue to resonate with devoted fans.

During a conversation with NPR’s Scott Simon at the Santa Fe International Literary Festival, Blume shared insights into her evolution as a writer.

Scott Simon: How did you begin to write? What do you think made you a writer?

Blume responded she was first and foremost a reader. She encounters many kids who aspire to be writers yet don’t enjoy reading. She advises those children to reconsider, emphasizing that every writer she knows began as a reader. Blume says this was certainly the case for her.

Simon: What was the spark that set it in motion from reading to writing, do you think?

Blume noted that having married young and looking after her two children, she sought a creative outlet and writing became that pursuit. While she loved caring for her kids, she desired something more fulfilling.

Simon: I have read that at one point in your life you made felt art pieces?

Blume’s first career involved creating felt artworks, which she ultimately abandoned due to an allergic reaction to Elmer’s glue. The $300 earned from selling her art funded the purchase of a small electric typewriter, which she credited as pivotal in her writing journey. As she recalled, stories were always part of her life, even at age nine, though she never shared them, fearing being thought of as odd.

Simon: When you were writing, what was the process like for you?

Blume detailed her writing process, explaining how she maintained a notebook for each book, recording thoughts and ideas for months before beginning the actual writing. Starting a book was simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating. Characters became real enough that she discussed them at dinner as if they were family. Living with these characters for extended periods eventually led Blume to decide that 50 years of writing was enough; she was ready to engage with the world outside.

Simon: I get the idea that you, at least for the moment, don’t miss writing right now.

Blume confirmed she doesn’t miss writing, but she remains grateful for its impact on her life. She admits she could have penned more books, yet cherishes her new career in running a bookstore, finding fulfillment and joy there.

Simon: Do characters ever come calling on you?

Blume humorously shared that her characters respect her current phase of life and remain silent, unlike readers who often suggest sequels that feature aging characters like ‘Margaret In Menopause.’ Blume keeps these characters eternal within the pages of her books, where they belong.