Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson

Struggling to market your children’s book? Bestselling children's book author Ron Keres (Finn the Frog Collection) breaks down what actually converts: hot titles, conversion-ready covers, A+ content, smart Amazon ads, profitable school visits, series branding (spine numbers!), and simple merch that fuels word-of-mouth.

We also talk spooky bestsellers (The Scariest Story You’ve Ever Heard, The Scariest Campfire Story You’ve Ever...

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I’m joined by Lindsey Pope, children's book author of Sheldon’s Time, Stella’s Dream, and Sully’s Strength, three heartfelt children’s books that explore themes of self-awareness, emotional resilience, and healing.

Lindsey opens up about her journey through anxiety and depression, and how writing became her lifeline. We explore how Sheldon’s Time gave voice to h...

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I sit down with Katie Gigliotti—teacher, illustrator, bestselling children’s book author, and self-publishing mentor. Katie shares how her roles as a mom, educator, and creative spark her storytelling and illustration process.

We discussed the personal inspirations behind her books, her upcoming playful series about color, and what it’s like to bring other authors’ v...

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I sat down with Dr. Latonya Peterson, author, educator, and community leader, to explore how storytelling can be a powerful tool for building emotional resilience and self-confidence in children.

With deep roots in Georgia and a career dedicated to leadership and justice, Dr. Peterson and her husband co-author heartfelt children’s books that blend adventure with Soci...

Children’s author interview: Suzy Duffy on United Tales of America, 50 fairy tales for 50 states blending SEL for kids, geography for kids, and engaging stories for reluctant readers. With 2M+ video views, 7 published books, and multiple #1 Amazon bestsellers, Suzy shares how a decade in Boston with five children sparked a gratitude project that’s become a movement.

Discover how Suzy and illustrator Mike Roberts craft hand-painted c...

In this episode, we explore Bullying into Bravery with Christine B. Bianco (also known as Christina Del Monte), the author and illustrator of the whimsical Dorothy Dustbucket series and the fun, heartfelt Frog, Fish & Worm. Christine’s journey, from nurse to TV designer to self-published author, is a powerful story of creativity, resilience, and purpose.Christine shares how she uses art and humor to teach children about bullyin...

In Part Two of Secrets of Hawthorne Manor: Behind the Scenes, JoAnn dives into the challenges of writing her very first middle-grade mystery. From pacing short, suspenseful chapters to weaving in cliffhangers, discover the writing journey that brought this spooky story to life.

Highlights from this episode:

• Spooky discoveries: a hole in the deck, eerie wall carvings, a self-playing piano, thunder, and secret boxes.

• Suspenseful det...

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I sit down with award-winning author and illustrator Kaelen Felix, the brilliant mind behind Wings and Whispers: Tales of Friendship.

We explore how she turned a time of uncertainty into a powerful story about kindness, friendship, and transformation, with her nieces featured as characters in her new book!

We also discussed her journey of working with a publisher, he...

Step behind the scenes of JoAnn M. Dickinson’s middle-grade mystery, Secrets of Hawthorne Manor.

In Part One of this special mini-series, JoAnn shares how her characters came to life:

• Jack, the new kid with a mysterious family past and a deep tie to Hawthorne Manor.

• Twins Oliver and Olivia—the bold leader and clever strategist.

• Their friends Violet and Ethan gd humor.

✨ Learn how each character adds heart, brains, and bravery ...

In this heartfelt episode, debut picture book author Farial English shares the deeply personal inspiration behind her upcoming release, The Boy Who Wanted to Fly, based on her cousin Amna, who contracted polio as a child but never stopped dreaming of running, climbing, and soaring through the sky.

Set in a screen-free world of books, handmade kites, and imagination, Farial’s story is a celebration of resilience, unplugged play, and ...

In this heartwarming episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I sit down with debut author Christine Devane, a former elementary school teacher turned children’s book writer, to talk about her journey from shy child to published author.

Christine shares how growing up in North Andover, Massachusetts, surrounded by books, family, and a collection of lucky elephants, shaped her love for storytelling. After 13 years of teaching...

In this heartfelt episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, we’re joined by author and educator Diane Henrique, who shares the powerful story behind her debut children’s book and how it became a source of strength during one of the most difficult times in her life.

When Diane was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, her decision to publish a book became more than a creative goal; it became a lifeline. With no publishing back...

From whispered bedtime stories to bold, empowering picture books, Neha Moghe Roy, founder of ChatterChirps, has built a world where kindness, courage, and curiosity take center stage. In this heartwarming episode, Neha shares how storytelling with her daughter inspired books like No! Stop! Tell! and All the Sports I Can Play, which help children understand their emotions, build confidence, and stay safe.

We talk about the power of ...

In this solo episode of Beyond the Book, host JoAnn Dickinson shares one of the most important lessons she’s learned from interviewing countless authors — the critical need to control your own Amazon KDP account.

Whether you publish independently or work with a hybrid publisher, having your own KDP login means you can:
✅ Schedule free eBook promotions
✅ Add and update A+ Content
✅ Monitor your Amazon listings, categories, a...

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book, host JoAnn Dickinson welcomes award-winning author Deanna Bussadori, the creative mind behind The Super Big Brother and Sister Series. Her stories are rooted in real-life moments with her children and focus on helping young readers feel seen, supported, and emotionally understood especially during big family transitions like becoming an older sibling.

We dive into:

• The inspiration beh...

In this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson chats with Travis Peterson indie author, designer, and now author coach, about his creative journey and mission to support fellow indie authors.

We explore:
✔️ How his daughter inspired Ada and the Helpers, a story about hearing loss and inclusivity
✔️ Why Never Ever Build a Blanket Fort uses the Armor of God to fuel imagination and faith
✔️ How to balance meaningful themes like d...

What makes a child hide the truth, and how can stories help them heal?
In this episode, author and educator Vicky Phillips shares the powerful inspiration behind Dottie’s Tall Tales and how imagination became a safe space for one young girl to be herself.

Inspired by a former student in foster care, Dottie's Tall Tales follows a young girl who spins wild stories to hide a truth she’s not ready to share. With a powerful messag...

In this fun and creative episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I’m joined by illustrator and award-winning author Harleigh Manske of Doppy’s Official and Doppy’s Children’s Books to talk about how we brought two special books to life:

🎒 John’s Camp-tacular Activity Book

🚀 Rylee’s Space-tacular Activity Book

We’re pulling back the curtain on:*The creative process behind activity book development*How we turned storybooks in...

Meet Brittany Phillips — teacher, mom, and author of The Boy in Boots and The Mouse House, as she shares how childhood reading struggles, outdoor adventures, and her son Colton all inspired her storytelling journey.

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with teacher-turned-author Brittany Phillips, the creative mind behind The Boy in Boots and The Mouse House.

Brittany shares how her early struggles with reading shaped her passion ...