Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson

JoAnn M. Dickinson Author
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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. May 12

    A Child Wrote a Space Adventure Children's Book! STEM Learning, Imagination & Self-Publishing

    What happens when a child’s imagination becomes the heart of a published children’s book? In this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I sit down with author Darya Gunay to talk about the inspiring story behind Dani the First Kid in Space — a fun and imaginative STEM adventure about a young boy who travels through a portal and explores the planets in our solar system. Darya shares how her son, Dani, came up with the story idea, how she helped him organize his thoughts, and what the creative process looked like as they turned his imagination into a finished children’s book. We also talk about encouraging kids to write, dream big, explore science, and believe their ideas are worth sharing. This conversation is perfect for parents, educators, children’s book authors, and self-published authors who want to inspire young readers through creativity, storytelling, and STEM learning. In this episode, we discuss: • How Dani came up with the children’s book story idea• Turning a child’s imagination into a published children’s book• Using storytelling to teach kids about planets and the solar system• Why STEM learning belongs in children’s books• The self-publishing process behind Dani the First Kid in Space• Encouraging kids to write, create, and believe in their ideas If you love children’s books, STEM education, space adventures, or behind-the-scenes author stories, this episode will inspire you. Connect with Darya Gunay: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darya_gva/ Dani’s Author Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dani-Gunay/author/B0GT63Q7MF Darya’s Author Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Darya-Gunay/author/B084MJVVTM Google Play Book — English eBook: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=19fVEQAAQBAJ ________________________________________ 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 #selfpublishing #childrensbooks #authoradvice #publishedauthor #steamlearning

    31 min

  2. Apr 21

    From Idea to Published Book: What New Authors NEED to Know

    Writing a book is only the beginning.Author coach, and publisher Brenda Cortez shares the biggest mistakes new authors make and the most important lessons she teaches writers before they publish their first book.Brenda works with authors from the earliest idea stage all the way through editing, layout, publishing, and bringing books to market. Through BC Books, she and her team of editors, illustrators, and designers help authors transform their ideas into professionally published books—while allowing authors to keep full rights to their work.In this conversation, we discuss:• The most important advice every new author needs• The biggest mistakes first-time authors make• What writers need to understand about editing and publishing• How working with a professional team can simplify the publishing process• The ripple effect a book can have on readers and communitiesIf you're writing a book, thinking about writing one, or navigating the publishing journey, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement from someone who has helped many authors turn their ideas into published books.To learn more about Brenda: https://www.bcbooksllc.com/coaching__________________________________ 📲 LET’S STAY CONNECTED: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonautho 🌐 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 LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorHarleighRose #selfpublishing #indieauthor #childrensbooks #writingtips #kidlit

    34 min

  3. Apr 14

    Writing Chapter Books for Kids: Building a Series Young Readers Return To

    In this episode children’s author Leigh Ann Hughes shares her inspiring journey back to writing after years away. Leigh Ann opens up about how motherhood reignited her creativity and how she builds engaging elementary chapter book series like Cob & the Kingdom and the Hart Girls Adventure Series. This conversation dives deep into chapter book writing for young readers, pacing, character development, and what it takes to create stories kids want to return to again and again. A must-watch episode for aspiring and established children’s authors.https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BJXHJ9HB/allbooks___________________________________________📲 LET’S STAY CONNECTED: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonautho 🌐 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 LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorHarleighRose #selfpublishing #indieauthor #publishedauthor #writingtips

    46 min

  4. Apr 7

    Successful Brand Building for Children’s Books | Elizabeth Retter

    How does a children’s book character grow beyond the page and into a bigger brand? In this episode, I sit down with award-winning Elizabeth Retter, creator of the beloved Easton series, to talk about brand expansion, animation, stuffed toys, school visits, and the heart behind her mission. Elizabeth shares how Easton’s children's books grew into a plush toy, how she used AI to create animation, why consistency matters when creating author products, and how her work with rescue animals continues to shape her stories. We also talk about what authors really need to know about building a successful children’s book business — one rooted in connection, purpose, and long-term growth. If you’re a children’s author, self-published creator, educator, or parent, this episode is packed with insights on storytelling, business, and building a world readers connect with deeply. Website:https://elizabethretter.com/ ______________________________________________________ LET’S STAY CONNECTED: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonautho 🌐 Visit my website: ⁠https://www.joannmdickinsonauthor.com⁠ For FREE downloads! 📸 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 #ChildrensBooks #SelfPublishing #kidlit #brandbuilding

    29 min

  5. Mar 31

    Blending Faith, Farm Life, and Science in Children’s Books | Author Sarah Philpott

    How do faith, farming, and science come together in a children’s book? Award-winning author Sarah Philpott, PhD, talks about how life on her family’s cattle farm inspired her new lift-the-flap board book Wake Up, Little Seed. Sarah is an ECPA award nominee and Selah Book of the Year winner, and she shares how her experiences as a farm mom, author, and PhD graduate in education shape the way she writes for children. http://allamericanmom.net/IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlphilpott/ 📲 LET’S STAY CONNECTED: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonautho 🌐 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

    31 min

  6. Mar 24

    Writing Children’s Books for Autism & Reading Challenges | Author Carole Barton

    Not every child learns to read the same way, and some children need stories written with their unique learning challenges in mind. Children’s book author and speech-language pathologist Carole G. Barton shares how her books are designed to help children build confidence, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. With over 25 years of experience as a speech therapist, Carole uses storytelling to support children who struggle with reading, social communication, and learning challenges. Whether you’re a parent, educator, speech therapist, or children’s author, this conversation highlights the powerful role books can play in helping kids succeed. https://www.brunosfriendshipchronicles.com/meet-the-teamIG: https://www.instagram.com/carolegbarton/ _________________________________________ 📲 LET’S STAY CONNECTED: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonautho 🌐 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

    25 min

  7. Mar 19

    Can Colors Help Children Understand Their Emotions?

    Can something as simple as five basic colors help children understand complex emotions? Award-winning children's author-illustrator and teacher Katie Gigliotti shares the inspiration behind her Colors of Emotions 5-book series and how she intentionally uses color, mood, and visual storytelling to help children recognize and express their feelings. Katie also discusses her creative process as both author and illustrator, how emotions influence her artistic decisions, and how she involved her audience through social media polls to help name characters and share the book’s creation in real time.https://www.katiegigliotti.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/katiegigliottibooks/ _____________________________________________________ If you enjoy bringing STEM, creativity, and emotional learning to life for kids, I’d love to invite you to subscribe to Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson. I interview children’s authors, educators, and creators who share how storytelling sparks curiosity, emotional growth, and lifelong learning. Connect & Explore: 🌐 Website: https://joannmdickinsonauthor.com 🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonauthor 📺 YOUTUBE“Watch full episodes on YouTube and Subscribe” https://www.youtube.com/@JoAnnMDickinsonAuthor?sub_confirmation=1

    34 min

  8. Mar 17

    How do lifelong friends transform into a children's book about diversity?

    How does an author turn lifelong friendships into a children’s book series about diversity and inclusion? Author, professor, and researcher Dr. Kimberly A. Matthews shares how her first children’s book was inspired by her real-life friends, reimagined as kindergarten classmates on their first day of school. What began as one story grew into a series celebrating cultural representation, diverse backgrounds, and the powerful common bond of friendship. This meaningful kindergarten story highlights the importance of inclusive children’s books, social-emotional learning, and helping kids understand that while we may look different, our first-day-of-school nerves, excitement, and desire to belong are universal.https://secretingredient.fyi/ _________________________________________________ I’m JoAnn Dickinson, an award-winning children’s book author who has successfully self-published 16 books in just 4years, and now I’m sharing everything I’ve learned along the way. This channel is dedicated to helping aspiring children’s book authors, illustrators, and indie publishers bring their stories to life through real conversations about writing, self-publishing, marketing children’s books, and everything in between. LET'S CONNECT: LINKTR.EE: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonauthor 🌐 Visit my website: https://joannmdickinsonauthor.com 📺 YOUTUBE “Watch full episodes on YouTube andSubscribe” https://www.youtube.com/@JoAnnMDickinsonAuthor?sub_confirmation=1

    25 min
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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.

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