The 5-minute Interview: Judy Blume, Author

'My father died very young but he told me to enjoy every day'

Judy Blume, 69, has written such children's classics as 'Freckle Juice' and 'Tiger Eyes'. She has served on both the American Authors' Guild and the National Coalition against Censorship. Her next book, 'The Pain and the Great One: Soupy Saturdays' can be expected early next year.

If I weren't talking to you I'd be...

Working, writing. I tend to work until 12, when I take a break. I work out a lot too.

A phrase I use far too often...

"Help, the computer's broke!"

I wish people would take more notice of...

Just each other. And of the world.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

Getting published for the first time. I think my entire career from that moment onwards has been surprising.

I am not a politician but...

In America right now everything is so messed up. I like Obama, I mean anybody is going to be better than George Bush.

A common misperception of me is...

I meet people on the street or at book signings and they tend to treat me as if they know me, as if we're connected. It's great.

I'm good at...

Making up characters. The creative process; I enjoy thinking up the stories and situations for my books.

I'm very bad at...

Cooking.

The ideal night out is...

I love to watch movies. I enjoy all my time really.

In moments of weakness I...

I don't know. Sleep?

My philosophy is this:

Oh. Well, this is something my father told me. He died very young but he always used to say: "Enjoy every day."

Alice-Azania Jarvis