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.
Discover how teacher-turned-author Elizabeth Retter transformed her rescue dog Easton’s real-life adventures into a beloved children’s book series, and how this loyal pup became a local celebrity inspiring kindness, creativity, and compassion.
Website: https://elizabthretter.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethretterauthor/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/Elizabeth-Retter-Author-100094419022831/
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Children's Book Author Kimberly Patton Kerner shares how she transformed her favorite Christmas traditions into A Jingle and Belle Christmas, a heartwarming children’s book filled with kindness, friendship, the magic of giving, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Perfect for aspiring authors and holiday children's book lovers alike!
Website: https://www.ajingleandbellechristmas.com/
Email:kimber@aeei.com
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Children’s Book author Kelsey Clark returns to Beyond the Book to share her newest interactive adventure, Searching for Apollo in Athens! Follow Athena on a fun, fast-paced journey through famous landmarks in Greece as she searches for her brother Apollo. Hidden cats, clever clues, and stunning illustrations make this a must-read for curious young explorers!
For ages 1-5Book: https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Apollo-Athens-Animal-Gui...
Cozy mystery fans and indie authors — this one’s for you!
Dennis Shock joins JoAnn Beyond the Book to share how he turned his love of food and storytelling into two hit cozy mystery series.
Learn his secrets to self-publishing success, from using Amazon ACX for audiobooks to designing covers with GetCovers.com and mastering read-through marketing.
Watch now for inspiration, writing tips, and real-world advice on creating cozy mys...
In this inspiring episode, children’s author Carol Lomasney shares how her newest book, The Best Friend Crew, continues her mission of teaching kindness, empathy, and faith-based values to the next generation.
Carol's stories reflect her deep faith, family roots, and passion for shaping the next generation with kindness and empathy.
https://www.carolklamasney.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/carolklomasney/Amazon: https://www...
Join host JoAnn Dickinson as she interviews Dr. Deana Plaskon, therapist, educator, and children's book author of the Bella and Bird Explore Emotions series.
Learn how her real-life therapy horse, Bella, a Gypsy Vanner breed, and her barn swallow friend, Bird, help children navigate emotions through equine therapy, resilience, and compassion.
Website: https://www.bellabirdbooks.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bellabirdbooks/
Ama...
In this emotional and inspiring episode of Beyond the Book, host JoAnn Dickinson sits down with children’s author Jennifer Randazzo, creator of The Empathetic Elephant, F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God), and Grandpa & Lewy.
Jennifer shares how her father’s battle with Lewy body dementia inspired her to write Grandpa & Lewy, a story that bridges generations and opens hearts.
Discover how her heartfelt books inspire compassion, fa...
Join host JoAnn Dickinson as she talks with scientist and children’s book author Vicky Cerdeira, creator of Monster Science: Create Your Own Genetic Masterpiece.
Discover how Vicky inspires children of all abilities to love STEM through creativity, hands-on learning, and inclusive science fun!
You will love her creativity, passion for science, and her students!
IG: @funscibooks
FB: @funsci
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Inspired by the love and resilience of rescue dogs, this children’s book author shares how their journey sparked a story full of compassion and second chances.
Writing from a dog’s perspective opened the door to themes of hope, kindness, and belonging.
Learn how the bond between humans and rescue dogs became the heart of a children’s book that inspires young readers everywhere.
Website: https://www.judymcgeeauthor.com/
IG: https://ww...
Children’s book author Tina Singh joins me to discuss her rhyming children's book, The Adventures of Double-Woo, an inspiring story about kindness, teamwork, and friendship, as well as her brand-new Halloween adventure, filled with bravery, helpfulness, and a fun scavenger hunt!
Learn how a touching moment with her son inspired her stories, why rhyme connects so deeply with kids, and how her children's books help families sp...
On this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, meet the incredible Bryant Family, a Christian homeschooling family turned award-winning authors!
Together, Bobby Bryant II and his children B.J., Ava, and Joseph co-wrote their debut children’s book, Trusting Timothy: A Story About Cheating.
Rooted in faith, built on family values, and powered by creativity, their story is a testament to the strength of teamwork and the import...
I sat down with Alyssa Cornwell, children’s book author, to talk about how family roots, family legacy, and storytelling have shaped her journey as a writer.
Her book is rooted in family legacy, genealogy, connecting past generations to the present through imagination and discovery.
We explore the powerful themes behind her debut book, including:
* The role of family legacy in inspiring creativity
* How storytelling connects generation...
Discover how children’s book author Lori Skala turned real-life animal rescues into inspiring children’s books that teach kindness, compassion, and hope.
From her journey as an educator to becoming a self-published children's book author, Lori shares valuable insights on writing, publishing, and marketing meaningful children’s books.
The Road to Rosie
The Hair Tie: When something so simple becomes so specialLori
Skala: 100% of...
Children’s book author Melissa Burch shares how she launched a fully funded Kickstarter campaign in just two weeks. (Her Kickstarter ends Oct. 8th.)
In this interview, she explains the systems, tools, and strategies that helped bring her books "Whatever You Do, Don’t Brush Your Teeth" and "Stick With Me" to life.
If you’re a children’s book author looking for creative ways to publish and market your work, Melissa...
In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, meet Nicole D. Atkinson, author, self-publisher, and founder of Nicole D. Atkinson Books. Nicole's journey began in a humble notebook at age 12 and evolved into a meaningful mission: to help children develop emotionalresilience and strong values through storytelling.
From writing during her twin boys' naptime to dreaming of her own bookstore lounge and tea spot, Nico...
Get ready to travel the world, one story at a time, with children’s book author Kelsey Clark, creator of the Animal Tour Guide series.
In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, Kelsey shares how her lifelong love of travel, culture, and language became the foundation for her heartwarming children’s books, including Giuseppe Takes Us to Capri and Zala the Slovenian Dragon.
Partnering with her childhood frien...
Get ready to move, imagine, and be inspired!
In this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, we’re joined by professional dancer,choreographer, and debut children’s author Alison Thompson.
Alison shares her beautiful journey from training at the London Contemporary Dance School and California Institute of the Arts to performing with leading UK dance companies, and how raising her three children and teaching Sunny Steps tod...
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...
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
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Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!