Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson
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.
Episodes
Thinking about writing a children’s book or unsure what to do with a story you’ve already written?
In this episode, I sat down with Miriam Laundry of Miriam Laundry Publishing, and we discussed guiding authors through writing, editing, illustration, and launching children’s books. A valuable listen for aspiring and seasoned authors looking to streamline the publishing process.
Let's Stay Connected: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickin...
Are you a new or seasoned author making children’s book publishing mistakes without realizing it?
In this episode of Beyond the Book, editor and author Stacey Gittens shares her experience from working with authors, highlights common pitfalls she often sees, and explains why hiring experienced professionals can make all the difference before publishing.
____________________________________________________________
Join a growing commu...
From his Madison Avenue creative career to his work with Autism Speaks, Bill Shea shares how creativity, kindness, and a cherished childhood memory inspired his debut children’s book A Grandpa Joe Day.
Learn how Bill turned a rainy day with his grandfather into a timeless story of hope, love, and the magic of family.
https://www.agrandpajoeday.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/agrandpajoeday/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Grandpa-Joe-...
Discover how Dr. Peter B. Cotton went from pioneering medical breakthroughs to creating the award-winning Fred the Snake children’s book series. His newest book explores the Chinese Zodiac through fun, rhyming adventures that teach and inspire young readers.
Website and Blog: https://petercottontales.com/books/
IG: @Fredthesnakebooks_
MENTIONS
Illustrator: Bonnie Lemaire Marketing Manager: Bublis
____________________________________...
Join me as I chat with Mary A. Markham, author of the children's book Seed of Life and Certified Spiritual Director. Mary shares how kindness, acceptance, and spiritual listening can transform our lives, and how her book plants seeds of hope in young readers.
Subscribe for more inspiring interviews with authors who bring light and meaning to the world.
If you’re an author, creative, or someone craving deeper purpose and inspirati...
Want to become a bestselling children’s author?
In this episode, we talk about writing picture books and middle grade, succeeding with Amazon marketing, and building a thriving indie publishing career.
Perfect for new authors, seasoned writers, and anyone dreaming of publishing a children’s book!
Books: https://www.amazon.com/The-Witchs-Cat-4-book-series/dp/B09DGM4TYY
https://www.kirstiewatsonauthor.co.uk/
MENTIONS
https://prowritingaid...
Join me as I sat down with Kendall Concini-Moore, debut children’s book author of Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure and creator of @CloudyDayChronicles.
Kendall opens up about her journey with depression, the inspiration behind her “cloudy day” analogy, and how her story helps families talk about mental health, empathy, and love, even on life’s stormy days.
Blog: https://cloudydaychronicles.wordpress.com/
IG: https://www.instagram....
Debut children’s book author Vicky Cepeda, creator of JJ & Frijolito. In this inspiring episode, Vicky shares her journey from the Dominican Republic to New Jersey, how her love for reading sparked her writing, and why she’s passionate about creating inclusive stories for children with disabilities.
A powerful conversation about storytelling, empathy, and representation in today’s children’s literature.
Book: https://www.amazon....
I sat down with children's book author and screenwriter Lisa Marsico to explore how she transformed her screenwriting talent into the charming children’s book Penny the Pittie Pup.
With humor, heart, and creative insight, Lisa shares her inspiration, her process with KWE Publishing, and how she brought Penny’s courageous story to life.
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Penny-Pittie-Pup-Tail-Courage/dp/B0FPPGLCMCPublisher: https://KWEpubl...
Meet Alexandra Adlawan, a children's book author, illustrator, and animator whose creative vision is redefining what’s possible in children’s storytelling.
In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book, Alex shares how her early sketches became full-fledged book series, why she blends art and animation, and how she empowers young creatives to dream boldly and draw fearlessly.
website: https://alexandra-adlawan.com/IG: https://www....
Learn from Marketing Manager Jean Sime, an award-winning children's book author, publishing professional, and marketing expert, as she shares insider strategies to build visibility, connect with readers, and boost your children's book sales through grassroots and local event marketing.
Discover how indie authors can sell children's books at farmers' markets, book fairs, and community events, create eye-catching displ...
Marissa Bader and JoAnn, we explore how creativity and connection fuel an author’s journey.
Discover how children's book authors lift one another, share their wisdom, and build meaningful communities that spark storytelling success.
Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your writing path, this conversation will remind you that we grow stronger and more creative together.
website: https://www.marissabader.comIG: https://ww...
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/
MENTIONS:
Pownal Street Press
Orca ...
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
___________________...
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
___________________...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
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.
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
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