Sunday, June 27, 2010

How My Grandkids Helped Me Create a New Career


How was I to know that by simply combing my granddaughter's hair, I was standing on the threshold of a new career.

It was the Spring of 2005 and my husband and I were babysitting for our 6-year old twin granddaughters and their 9-year old brother. It was actually day 2 of our 10-day babysitting stint, but that's another story!

I was trying to comb through Emily's morning tangles, she was crying, and, well, you know the scene. So...I did what grandmas do so well - I made up a story. Suddenly, out of nowhere, came the story of the sweet little Knot Fairy who visits sleeping children and loves to tangle their hair. Emily stopped crying. She loved the story and begged me to tell it every day - not only to her - but to all of her friends. Not only one time, but over and over and over.

To make a long story very short, my hubby and I were energized by the grankids' excitement. We created a publishing company, incorporated, hired the best illustrator we could find, hired a graphic designer, found the perfect printer, and Best Fairy Books, Inc. was born. That was 2005. This year we published our 4th book and we just received our 19th children's book award.

We actually have 10 grandkids and they are all a part of the process. They are the source of new ideas and they are my best - and most honest - critics. Their names appear on all of the dedication pages and their funny little voices are features on the CDs that accompany my books.

I would never have believed it if anyone had told me how my grandkids would change my life. They have taught me to always be open to new possibilities and to go after whatever life has to offer - even in the Golden Years!

Bobbie Hinman
http://bestfairybooks.com

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

wow, Bobbie! That is a fantastic story. My first book came from an idea from one of my kids too. And Bravo for going for it-- you put both feet all in and that's fantastic!

can I link your blog to mine?

Fairy Lady said...

Hi Jennifer. Yes, I would love to have you link your blog to mine. I will do the same.

butterflylullaby.blogspot.com said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
butterflylullaby.blogspot.com said...

Bobbie how wonderful to find you on my page as my fairy friend. And I have to say how fantastic your books look, well done! You re one busy fairy. Would you like me to make you into a real fairy? Message me!