Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson

JoAnn M. Dickinson Author
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson is the podcast for children’s book authors, illustrators, and creatives who want to learn how to write, publish, and market children’s books. Hosted by award-winning children’s book author JoAnn M. Dickinson, each episode features interviews with authors, illustrators, editors, and indie publishing experts. Discover writing tips, self-publishing advice, marketing strategies, and inspiring stories that show the power of children’s literature to build confidence, empathy, and imagination.

  1. 1d ago

    How to Write Children’s Books Kids Want to Read Again & Again | Kelly Riera

    What makes kids want to read a children’s book again and again? In this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I’m joined by children’s author Kelly Riera, creator of the What They Love series and founder of Bright Voyage Books. Kelly shares the story behind What Trucks Love to Do: Wreck and Build Construction Crew and her newly released What Trucks Love to Do Too: Help and Serve Crew. We talk about writing rhyme and meter, creating memorable characters, working closely with an illustrator, and what Kelly has learned from reading her books to children and seeing their reactions firsthand. Kelly also gives us a peek at what’s next for the series, including the upcoming holiday book, What Santa Loves to Do. Whether you’re a children’s book author, aspiring writer, or simply love discovering the story behind a book, this conversation is full of creativity, practical insights, and a whole lot of trucks! 🚚📚 Listen in and discover what goes into creating children's books kids love to read again and again. Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0FDBLJWPG/allbooks Website: https://BrightVoyageBooks.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/kellyrieraauthor/ _______________________________________ 📲 LET’S STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Visit my website: ⁠https://www.joannmdickinsonauthor.com⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joann.dickinson.author/ 📘 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/JoAnnDickinsonAuthor/ 📺 YOUTUBE “Watch full episodes on YouTube and Subscribe” https://www.youtube.com/@JoAnnMDickinsonAuthor?sub_confirmation=1 🎧SPOTIFY “Listen On The Go”: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjhykL1T0fAuSJzcw6Tia #childrensbookauthor #selfpublishing #authortube #writingtips

  2. Sep 8

    Speech Therapist to Children’s Book Author | The Story Behind "Never Trust a Wobbly Broom"

    What happens when someone who has spent her career helping others find their voice decides to use her own voice to create stories for children?In this episode, I’m joined by debut children’s author, speech-language pathologist, and Yellow Rocket Press founder E.M. Wynne, author of Never Trust a Wobbly Broom.E.M. shares how writing first became a creative outlet in childhood, why she returned to storytelling years later, and how her professional background in speech and language shaped the rhythm, repetition, word choice, and read-aloud quality of her debut picture book.We also go behind the story of Never Trust a Wobbly Broom—from the inspiration behind Poppy and Cobweb to finding illustrator Maia Bhatumashvili and developing the whimsical visual world of the book.Our conversation also explores:• How children's books can help children find their voices• The powerful connection between music, memory, and communication• Why illustrations play such an important role in storytelling• Choosing self-publishing and creating an independent imprint• How E.M. built Yellow Rocket Press around the idea of “stories that launch imagination”• Why characters like Poppy can become an important part of an author’s brand• What E.M. is creating nextThis is a thoughtful conversation about creativity, communication, children’s literature, self-publishing, and what can happen when you give yourself permission to return to something you once loved.📚 Learn more about E.M. Wynne and Yellow Rocket Press at https://www.yellowrocketpress.com.IG: https://www.instagram.com/yellowrocketpress/🎙️ Subscribe to Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson for more conversations with children’s authors, illustrators, creators, and publishing professionals.____________________________________________📲 LET’S STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Visit my website: ⁠https://www.joannmdickinsonauthor.com⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joann.dickinson.author/ 📘 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/JoAnnDickinsonAuthor/ 📺 YOUTUBE “Watch full episodes on YouTube and Subscribe” https://www.youtube.com/@JoAnnMDickinsonAuthor?sub_confirmation=1 🎧SPOTIFY “Listen On The Go”: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjhykL1T0fAuSJzcw6Tia #ChildrensBooks #PictureBooks #SelfPublishing #ChildrensBookAuthor #authortube

  3. Sep 1

    The Superpowers Every Child Already Has: Building Emotional Intelligence Through A Children's Book

    , What if a child’s greatest superpowers weren’t flying or becoming invisible—but empathy, resilience, mindfulness, and logical thinking? In this episode of Beyond the Book, I’m joined by children’s book authors and school counselors Ashley Zomalt and Kacy Brubaker, creators of Captain Emotions and the SuperPower Pack, the first book in the We All Have SuperPowers series. Ashley and Kacy share how their years of working with children inspired them to transform important social-emotional skills into memorable characters, including Empathetic Eric, Resilient Rain, Mindful Mia, Logical Lexi, and Captain Emotions. We go behind the book to explore how research shaped the series, why emotions aren’t “good” or “bad,” and how storytelling can give children practical tools for navigating emotions, friendships, challenges, and everyday life, without making the story feel like a lesson. We also talk about the resources they’ve created for parents, teachers, and counselors, from conversation starters and mindfulness exercises to activities, lesson plans, and companion guides. And don’t miss the wonderful story of a young reader who remembered a grounding technique from the book and asked his mom to use it during a frustrating moment in real life. That’s when a children's book becomes more than a story, it becomes a tool a child can actually use. A thoughtful conversation for parents, educators, counselors, children’s book authors, and anyone interested in social-emotional learning and helping children recognize the superpowers they already carry within themselves. Website: https://weallhavesuperpowers.com/📚 Captain Emotions and the Super Power Pack:https://www.amazon.com/Captain-Emotions-SuperPower-Pack-SuperPowers/dp/1556200447📚 We All Have SuperPowers Series ______________________________________________ 📲 LET’S STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Visit my website: ⁠https://www.joannmdickinsonauthor.com⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joann.dickinson.author/ 📘 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/JoAnnDickinsonAuthor/ 📺 YOUTUBE “Watch full episodes on YouTube and Subscribe” https://www.youtube.com/@JoAnnMDickinsonAuthor?sub_confirmation=1 🎧SPOTIFY “Listen On The Go”: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjhykL1T0fAuSJzcw6Tia #childrensbookauthor #authoradvice #superpowers #writingtips

  4. Aug 25

    Reinventing How Kids Discover the Alphabet | Beyond A is for Apple

    What if learning the alphabet could feel more like an adventure? On this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I’m joined by children’s author, educator, and licensed clinical social worker Ophra Ashur, author of Sailing the ABCs. We talk about her creative approach to bringing letters to life as lovable “Alpha-Besties,” the thoughtful learning concepts woven throughout the story, and the wonderfully detailed illustrations—including the very personal story behind the book’s newspaper origami sailboat. A fun and inspiring conversation about early literacy, creativity, learning through play, and thinking beyond “A is for Apple.” Sailing the ABCs by Ophra Ashur, Children's AuthorWebsite: https://www.ophraashur.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ophra_author/@ophra_authorFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ophra.Ashur.Author/ Amazon sales page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G38T9D61 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244170795-sailing-the-abcs _________________________________________________ 📲 LET’S STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Visit my website: ⁠https://www.joannmdickinsonauthor.com⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joann.dickinson.author/ 📘 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/JoAnnDickinsonAuthor/ 📺 YOUTUBE “Watch full episodes on YouTube and Subscribe” https://www.youtube.com/@JoAnnMDickinsonAuthor?sub_confirmation=1 🎧SPOTIFY “Listen On The Go”: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjhykL1T0fAuSJzcw6Tia #selfpublishing #childrensbooks #authoradvice #publishedauthor #writingtips

  5. Aug 11

    How I Accidentally Built Two Book Brands | What Every Author Can Learn

    Have you ever stepped back and looked at everything you've created?While organizing my coloring books, I realized I hadn't created one children's book brand; I had built two completely different children's book brands.In this first episode of Building Your Children's Book Brand, I share how discovering those brands changed the way I market my books, organize my website, and help readers quickly recognize the children's books that are right for them.Whether you've published one children's book or an entire series, this video will help you discover patterns in your own work and begin building a memorable book brand.This week's Children's Book Branding Challenge:Lay out all of your books, or if you're writing your first book, write down three words that describe the experience you want readers to have. You might discover your brand is already taking shape. Book a 1:1 Coaching call with me: https://www.joannmdickinsonauthor.com/pages/book-a-coaching-call-with-joann________________________________________ 📲 LET’S STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Visit my website: ⁠https://www.joannmdickinsonauthor.com⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joann.dickinson.author/ 📘 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/JoAnnDickinsonAuthor/ 📺 YOUTUBE “Watch full episodes on YouTube and Subscribe” https://www.youtube.com/@JoAnnMDickinsonAuthor?sub_confirmation=1 🎧SPOTIFY “Listen On The Go”: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjhykL1T0fAuSJzcw6Tia #selfpublishing #childrensbooks #authoradvice #publishedauthor #writingtips #branding

  6. Aug 6

    Children's Book Formatting What Every Self-Published Author Should Know

    Thinking about formatting your own children's book? Before you hit publish, listen to this first. In this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, professional book designer and formatter Mike Nicloy shares expert advice on creating a polished, professional book for Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. We discuss common formatting mistakes, Adobe InDesign, children's books vs. middle grade books, and why professional formatting can improve your readers' experience. Whether you're publishing your first picture book, chapter book, middle grade novel, or another children's book, you'll walk away with practical tips to help you publish with confidence. Guest: Mike NicloyProfessional Book Designer, Formatter & PublisherNico Eleven Publishing: www.nico11publishing.comhttps://www.cgsportspublishing.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nico11publishing ______________________________________ 👉MY BOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01MSD31JP/allbooks LET’S STAY CONNECTED: Visit my website: ⁠https://www.joannmdickinsonauthor.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joann.dickinson.author/Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/JoAnnDickinsonAuthor/ YOUTUBE “Watch full episodes on YouTube and Subscribe” https://www.youtube.com/@JoAnnMDickinsonAuthor?sub_confirmation=1

  7. Jun 23

    Can Early Reader Chapter Books Teach Adventure, Literacy, and STEAM Learning

    Can early reader children's chapter books do more than entertain?In this episode, Children's Book Author and preschool director Danielle Simone discusses how her Adventures of Sid series combines adventure, literacy, STEAM (STREAM) learning, environmental awareness, and real-world exploration to create meaningful reading experiences for young readers.Danielle shares the inspiration behind her children's chapter book series, how real locations such as the Appalachian Trail, Wash Woods, Bone Cave, and Tangier Island became the backdrop for her stories, and why educational fiction can help children connect reading with science, nature, engineering, and critical thinking.We also discuss:📚 Writing early reader children's chapter books🌎 Environmental education through storytelling🔬 STEM, STEAM, and STREAM learning for children🐾 Creating memorable characters inspired by real life🏕️ Outdoor adventure children's books for kids🏫 Educational resources for teachers and homeschool families✍️ Hybrid publishing and the author journey🏆 Children's Book awards and marketing strategies for children's authorsWhether you're a parent, teacher, librarian, homeschool educator, aspiring author, or children's book enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into how children's chapter books can build literacy skills while inspiring a lifelong love of learning.🌐 Learn more about Danielle Simone:https://www.daniellesimoneauthor.com https://www.bookawardpro.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/1914gooseAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DRTJMQDX/allbooks _____________________________________________________ 📲 LET’S STAY CONNECTED: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonauthor 🌐 Visit my website: ⁠https://www.joannmdickinsonauthor.com⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joann.dickinson.author/ 📘 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/JoAnnDickinsonAuthor/ 📺 YOUTUBE “Watch full episodes on YouTube and Subscribe” https://www.youtube.com/@JoAnnMDickinsonAuthor?sub_confirmation=1 🎧SPOTIFY “Listen On The Go”: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjhykL1T0fAuSJzcw6Tia

  8. Jun 19

    How Do You Teach the Five Senses to Children?

    How do you teach the five senses to children?In this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, children's author and former kindergarten teacher Stacy Taylor shares how storytelling can help young readers learn sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch through her Moose Tracks Tales series.As a former kindergarten teacher, Stacy understands how young learners discover the world through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. We discuss her children's books The Moose Smooch and Moose Nose Knows, and how the Moose Tracks Tales series uses memorable characters, humor, and imagination to make sensory learning fun for preschool and elementary-age children.Stacy also shares her self-publishing journey, her experience writing educational children's books, and why stories can be such a powerful tool for teaching important concepts in early childhood education. https://www.moosetrackstales.com

See All (89)

About

Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson is the podcast for children’s book authors, illustrators, and creatives who want to learn how to write, publish, and market children’s books. Hosted by award-winning children’s book author JoAnn M. Dickinson, each episode features interviews with authors, illustrators, editors, and indie publishing experts. Discover writing tips, self-publishing advice, marketing strategies, and inspiring stories that show the power of children’s literature to build confidence, empathy, and imagination.

Information