1. Tell us a little about your publication credits.

I am the author of two children’s picture books, The Knot Fairy and The Sock Fairy. These books reveal the answers to two of life’s major mysteries: How did my hair get so tangled while I was sleeping? And Where IS that missing sock? After all, who better to blame it on than a fairy? The two books have won a combined total of eleven children’s book awards. Coming in April is the third book in the series, The Belly Button Fairy. I don’t want to give away the plot, however, have you ever wondered why everyone’s belly button is exactly in the middle?

2. How long have you been writing for children?

My first children’s book was released in 2007. Before that, I authored seven cookbooks. I do love children’s books more because no one ever asked me to read one of my cookbooks to them.

3. How much time do you spend each week writing and/or revising? And howmuch time on other writing-related tasks such as promotion, researchingmarkets and so on?

When I’m working on a new book, as I am now, I work on it one to two hours a day. My books are all in rhyme and after about an hour, my brain stops rhyming and goes to sleep. As far as promotion, I work about four hours a day. This includes, but is definitely not limited to, contacting schools and libraries for visits, creating and mailing flyers to prospective clients and making contacts via the internet. I also make time for one to two events or appearances each week For me the writing is much easier than the promotion.

4. How much time do you spend reading children’s books? And what are youreading right now?

About once each week I visit my local bookstore or library, purchase a very large cup of coffee and read the new books on the shelf. In addition, I read upper elementary chapter books with my grandchildren. I just finished reading the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer at the urging of one granddaughters. I am now reading The Secret of Bailey’s Chase by Marlis Day with another of my grandchildren. In addition, I still manage to find time to read “grown up” books. I just finished a wonderful book – The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker.

5. What advice would you give other would-be children’s writers, or sharewith other professional children’s writers?

First, be sure you know the reading level of your target audience and know the age of the children you are writing for. This may sound too obvious, however I have met several authors who, when asked what the age level is for their book, don’t have an answer. Second, find a group of children in your targeted age group and create your own focus group. Third, read the book to them and listen to what they have to say. This may be painful, however it is crucial. Finally, make the book the very best you can and don’t let it go out into the world until it is ready.

6. What is your favourite online resource for children’s writers? Why?

My favorite resource is other writers. I am finding that following their blogs is a great way for me to keep up with other writers’ thoughts and insights. These blogs offer a wonderful resource for information and advice. I have been contacted by other children’s writers through my blog, as well as through Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. This has given me the opportunity to interact with them and share ideas. I am always eager and willing to share my thoughts and resources.

7. Do you have a website or blog? What else do you do to promote yourpublished works and/or your writing skills?
I do have a blog – http://bobbiehinman.blogspot.com – and a website – http://bestfairybooks.com. In addition, I exhibit my books at major book fairs and have been a guest presenter at many of these events. I also attend fairy festivals, art fairs and toy fairs. I host fairy events at bookstores and have even hosted a Fairy Ball for children. In each city that I visit, I try to schedule several school and library visits. At these events I give away postcards, bookmarks and information about my presentations. I use my colorful postcards as business cards and hand them out freely wherever I go.