» Avery St. Germain, Connecticut, Hartford, Judy Blume, Mark Twain House » Longtime Judy Blume Fan Meets The Author
Longtime Judy Blume Fan Meets The Author
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youthjournalism.org
Youth Journalism International reporters meet author Judy Blume in Hartford on Thursday. From left: Mary Majerus-Collins, Avery St. Germain, Judy Blume, Kiernan Majerus-Collins, Yelena Samofalova
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By Avery St. Germain
Junior Reporter
HARTFORD, Connecticut, U.S.A. – After growing up with Judy Blume, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got the chance to meet her.
Some authors write such meaningful novels, and then go on to make such terrible decisions in life.
My first sight of Blume was when she walked through the doorway, talking with some friends and signing fans’ books. She was older than I had thought, but her eyes, so like the characters she wrote about, were lively and full of energy.
Youth Journalism International reporters circulated around the room, asking younger children about their own experiences with Blume. The author had been in families for generations, her books teaching and inspiring people everywhere.
When we finally got to talk to her, the way she spoke reminded me of all her characters. Margaret, Steph, Sally, Peter, and so many others – her writer’s voice showed through in her conversation.
During the Clemens lecture for the Mark Twain House, Blume was smart, funny, and personal. She shared her experiences with the audience about how her stories came to be, some difficulty with fan mail, talked about her family, and even gave her aspiring novelists some advice.
“Read,” she told us. “Never, ever give up.”
The advice seemed so direct, so real, so simple. Blume has been an inspiration to me my whole life, her words reaching out to people everywhere, changing lives and the way people choose to act.See the rest of Youth Journalism International’s five-part package on Judy Blume’s visit to Hartford:
Author Judy Blume Tells Her Own Stories
Video: Writing Advice From Judy Blume
Author Judy Blume’s Censorship Began With Her Children’s School Principal
Generations Of Readers Love Judy Blume
Author Judy Blume Tells Her Own Stories
Video: Writing Advice From Judy Blume
Author Judy Blume’s Censorship Began With Her Children’s School Principal
Generations Of Readers Love Judy Blume
Filed under: Avery St. Germain, Connecticut, Hartford, Judy Blume, Mark Twain House
What a lovely piece! I’m glad YJI had the opportunity to meet with Judy Blume – I’m rather jealous!