The Life and Writings of Barbara Nelson Blinn

Barbara was the seventh of eight children born to Vernon and Goldie Nelson. Her parents owned farmland that was also used partially for their strawberry crop. The Nelsons were a poor family but were well respected in their small community. Barbara suffered a great deal of bullying in school due to her family's poor economic status and old-fashioned parents, as well as her handmade clothing and restrictions that her parents imposed on their children, such as not getting their drivers' licenses. 

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Writing became an escape from reality for Barbara. A high school teacher encouraged Barbara's writing and critiqued her work. This encouragement fueled her desire to continue writing in her spare time.