Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson

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/

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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.

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What starts as grief doesn’t always end the way you expect.

Author-illustrator Heather Boschke shares how returning to drawing during the pandemic, after nearly 30 years away, unexpectedly became a source of healing. What began as simple bird sketches led her back into nature, into birding, and ultimately into writing Little Birdie Buddies of Love, a children's and parents' book that has brought comfort to readers experiencing loss.

Heather opens up about feathers as symbols of presence, hope, and love, the emotional story that inspired this book, and how listening to those quiet “whispers” in her heart shaped her creative path. This conversation is a reminder that creativity can heal, and sometimes the smallest act can lead to something far bigger than we ever imagined.🌿

Learn more: littlebirdiebuddies.com

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Are you writing too many words in your children’s book?

Children’s book author and former elementary school teacher Ashlee Yates shares one of the most common children’s book storytelling mistakes new authors make: forgetting that illustrations do the heavy lifting.

If you’re learning how to write a children’s book, this conversation breaks down why kids connect more deeply with images than text, how illustrations support literacy and engagement, and how authors can write picture books that children actually want to read again and again.

Perfect for aspiring children’s book authors, educators, and self-published authors.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DK9VG6LVIG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleeauthors/

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Before you self-publish a children's book, there are three questions every author needs to answer, and skipping them can lead to confusion, wasted money, and stalled progress.Kim Eley, CEO, writing coach, and publisher at KWE Publishing, shares how she helps new and seasoned authors create a clear publishing “GPS” before moving forward.This episode is especially helpful for children’s book authors and first-time authors who want clarity, strategy, and a trustworthy path to publishing.https://www.kwepub.com/

________________________________________LET'S CONNECT: LINKTR.EE: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonauthor 🌐 Visit my website: https://joannmdickinsonauthor.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joann.dickinson.author/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoAnnDickinsonAuthor/ 🎧 Listen on the go - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjhykL1T0fAuSJzcw6Tia

#childrensbooks #selfpublishing #authortube #indieauthor author

Heidi Brooks, award-winning children’s book author and creative entrepreneur, shares many marketing tips on how she intentionally turns her books into brands.

We discuss Heidi’s new affirmation book, her Missy Moo children's book series, the coloring book, and how she expanded her characters into pajamas, hats, stickers, plushies, and more, plus why owning illustration copyrights is key to scaling with confidence.

https://mrs-bs-books.com/

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#childrensbooks #selfpublishing #authortube #bookmarketing

Burnout doesn’t happen because authors lack passion; it happens when there’s no creative system to support growth.Children’s book illustrator and author Kaelen Felix shares how she manages a growing series, a companion coloring book, and future projects without burning out. She breaks down the creative systems, intentional workflows, and mindset shifts that help her stay grounded, focused, and consistent.We talk about managing creative energy, maintaining illustration cohesion, organizing multiple projects, working intentionally with publishers, and building confidence as both an author and illustrator.This conversation is perfect for children’s book authors, illustrators, and indie creators who want to grow sustainably, without overwhelm, exhaustion, or losing their love for creating.Learn more about Kaelen: https://www.kaelenfelix.com/aboutSubscribe so you don't miss the full episode on February 12th!TIME STAMPS: 00:00 – Why some children’s book series grow beyond one book01:18 – What inspired the Wings and Whispers companion coloring book02:43 – Coloring book vs second book: which came first and why03:28 – Using original book illustrations to maintain cohesion04:57 – Choosing which illustrations belong in a coloring book06:13 – Doing your own layouts as an author-illustrator09:43 – Creative systems: managing multiple projects without burnout12:20 – How mentors and professors shaped her illustration style15:25 – Expanding into illustration work for other children's book authors (Crabby Abbey)19:39 – Writing tips for authors & illustrators: confidence, contracts, and consistency_______________________________________________________I’m JoAnn Dickinson, an award-winning children’s book author who has successfully self-published 15 books in just 4 years, 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. Connect & Explore:🌐 Website: https://joannmdickinsonauthor.com🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonauthor🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjhykL1T0fAuSJzcw6Ti#childrensbookauthor #selfpublishing #authortube #writingtips

Do your characters solve problems, or do they just talk about them?If you write children’s books, this question changes everything.Award-winning children’s book author and literacy educator Dr. Karen Nespoli will explore how strong characters, problem-solving, and show-don’t-tell storytelling help turn meaningful lessons into stories kids actually enjoy. This conversation is packed with insight for children’s book authors who want to teach with heart, without preaching.https://www.karennespoli.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drkarenn/

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Connect & Explore:🌐 Website: https://joannmdickinsonauthor.com🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonauthor📸 Instagram: @joann.dickinson.author📘 Facebook: @joanndickinsonauthor🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjhykL1T0fAuSJzcw6Ti

Developmental editing, line editing, and copy editing all play a crucial role in shaping children’s books, but how do you know which your manuscript needs?

In this episode, I sat down with a professional editor who helped develop my first chapter book, Secrets of Hawthorne Manor, to break down each editing stage and how it supports children’s book authors.We explore how editors approach new and seasoned writers, when a manuscript needs deeper story development versus final polishing, and how to prepare your children’s book for publication.htpps://www.carriebturner.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriebturner/

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What does it take to turn inspiration into a children’s book series?
Children’s book author John Doriot shares the story behind his Oreo children’s book series, his creative process, and what inspired him to bring these stories to life. John offers insight and encouragement for aspiring and seasoned authors navigating their own writing journeys.

https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonauthor

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.

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