Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester is very happy to shine our Friday spotlight on the author of many children’s books, Hans Wilhelm.
Hans, where can people find your work? (Besides Annie’s Book Stop in Worcester – though they should totally check here first)
I would say, at any good bookstore. And if they don’t have the book, they will order it for you.
How can we follow your work and share your awesomeness?
I would say that my website and my Facebook page are the best way to keep in touch. Here is my website: www.hanswilhelm.com and my FB page is here: https://www.facebook.com/hans.wilhelm.399
What was the inspiration for your classic “I’ll Always Love You”?
The book was inspired by a true story about the death of my dog Elfie. It shows the importance of saying “I Love You” not only to our pets, but to everybody in our life. Not just thinking it – but actually saying it. It is the only cure against excessive mourning and grieving which is caused by ‘undeclared love’ according to Dr. Kuebler-Ross, the pioneer in death and dying research.
It is a universal subject which may be the reason why this book has been selling strongly for 27 years.
Elfie has obviously helped you with the inspiration of that book. Do you have other pets? And do they help you with your writing?
I no longer have any pets. As an author I have been on the road a lot with book signings and live presentations until Covid came. I hate to leave pets alone for any length of time. But I get inspiration from other furry friends that populate my garden like bunny Ralph who became the hero in my Bunny Trouble series. And then there are my imaginary dog friends like Waldo and Noodles and many more who have inspired countless adventures.
You have published over 200 books. What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned, thus far, in your writing career?
Enjoy the process as the story unfolds in you and on the paper. Cherish every minute, even if at times you might get frustrated or impatient. For me this initial flow of creativity is the greatest gift and pleasure. When you truly enjoy being a channel for the inspiration and are thankful for it then it matters little if a book finds a publisher or not. It could very well be that the deeper meaning of the story was meant only for yourself and less so for others. Writing and illustrating is a powerful way of self-discovery.
What is your passion when you’re not writing? How do you make time for your non-writing hobbies you love?
Since my teenage years I have been deeply interested in spirituality. Having explored many paths over the years I have only recently begun to share my personal insights in short videos that have now become my main hobby. I visually explain the spiritual laws of the universe by using my gift of illustrating and draw the dynamics of these laws to show how all the dots connect. My mission is to inspire viewers to explore spirituality and to look at the bigger-picture perspective of their life. When we see how everything fits together and there are no mistakes, we will begin to grasp the perfection and the Love that is the foundation of everything. If anybody is interested, they can see them on www.LIFEexplained.com
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions, Hans!
Annie's Book Stop of Worcester 