For author Hannah Barnaby, great stories don't begin with elaborate plans. More often, they start with a simple question. "One day, while I was watching the kids run around, I thought, 'What if there was a boy or girl who was proud of being a bad guy? What would happen?'" Barnaby said. That spark of curiosity eventually became Bad Guy, one of several books inspired by everyday moments and a generous dose of imagination.
Barnaby has built a career creating stories that are equal parts heartfelt, adventurous, and memorable. While she has worked as a bookseller, editor, reviewer, and writer, she said she has learned that the best stories come from trusting her instincts. "A story has to just be a story before it can become a book," she said.
Whether she's writing about friendship, family, or adventure, one idea continues to find its way into her work. "We all want a place and a community where we can feel embraced for being ourselves," Barnaby said. "That quest is different for everyone."
Charlottesville has played a meaningful role in that creative journey. Barnaby has called the area home for 14 years, and local experiences have quietly come to life on her pages. "Everything from the view at the Afton Overlook to the taste of Chiles' strawberries has made its way into my work," she said, noting that Charlottesville directly inspired two of her picture books.
When visiting schools, Barnaby is frequently asked where her ideas come from. Her answer is simple. "I always tell them to keep their antennae up, because once you open yourself up to receiving ideas, you'll start to find them all around you," she said.
Looking ahead, Barnaby hopes to return to writing novels after several beloved picture books. With her daughter heading off to college, she's embracing a new season of life and creativity. She said, "I'm feeling inspired to leap into the unknown and take some chances," she said.