Page 38 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

JoAnn Dickinson Shares Her Journey
from Storytelling Dreams to
Award-Winning Children’s Books
JoAnn Dickinson discusses her creative shift from real estate to children’s books, her self-publishing journey, her story- telling inspirations, and how she weaves emotional growth, STEAM learning, and magic into every story.
Curiosity, and Heartfelt Adventures
young readers and their families through vibrant storytelling
and heartfelt messages. Her award-winning series—includ- ing The Young Rylee Series, Lou’s Zoo Series, Amelia Ophelia Series, John’s Camping Series, and her middle-grade debut Secrets of Hawthorne Manor—reflect a rare talent for weaving adventure with emo- tional depth. Each of JoAnn’s books sparkles with creativity, championing STEAM learning and social-emotional growth without ever losing the magic of a well-told story.
38 II NOVELIST POST
Jas told to Eleanor Wilson oAnn M. Dickinson
fulfilling for many years and in many ways, but as life shifted and I moved to part-time work, I felt a pull toward something more creati- ve. Writing has always been a quiet passion that taps into a different part of who I am. I began writing stories during those transition years, and I found that creating children's books fed my imaginati- on in a way nothing else did. It was a natural shift, and once I saw how my stories resonated with young readers, especially my grandchild- ren, I knew I had found something meaningful. Real estate gave me structure, but writing gives me joy.
How does the theme of serendipity influence your storytelling across your different series?
Serendipity plays a quiet but powerful role in my stories. Many of my characters stumble upon unexpected moments. Whether
it’s a mysterious box in Secrets
of Hawthorne Manor, or Rylee’s rocket idea that turns into a space adventure. These lucky turns often open the door to something bigger: friendship, bravery, or a newfound purpose. Children naturally relate to the idea of surprise discoveries and the joy of the unexpected. Serendipity reflects how real life can take us somewhere magical when we least expect it, and I try to weave that feeling into each book, whether it’s a ghostly secret, a camping adventure, or a silly sprinkle who dreams of becoming a cookie.
Can you share the creative process behind your first book, I Love To Go Camping?
The inspiration came from my grandson’s first camping trip. He came back so excited, sharing every detail, from catching a
fish to exploring nature. I could see the wonder on his face as he talked about it. That pure joy and curiosity sparked something in me, I knew I wanted to capture those
“firsts” in a story. I started writing down the experiences as he desc- ribed them, adding rhyme to make it fun for young readers. That book began my author journey, and it taught me how meaningful it is to turn a child's memory into somet- hing other children can enjoy, too.
How do you weave STEAM and SEL elements into your stories without making them feel instructional?
It always starts with the story. If the characters feel real, learning happens naturally. In Rylee the Young Rocketeer, STEAM concep- ts come through her creativity and curiosity about space. Readers are engaged in the story, and learning follows. With Amelia Ophelia The Beekeeper by the Sea, I wove in science and environmental themes while touching on kindness and community. I never write to teach a lesson; those elements are part of the character’s journey. When kids connect with the story, the messa- ges stick without feeling forced.
What challenges did you face when you decided to self- publish your books through Two Sweet Peas Publishing?
Like many first-time authors, I didn’t know where to start, I was lucky to find an author coach who walked me through everything: formatting, layout, ISBNs, prin- ting, distribution, and marketing.
It was a steep learning curve, but once I understood the process, it made me feel empowered. With a strong team, my editor, illustrators, book designer, and printer, I’ve published 4–5 books a year. I crea- ted Two Sweet Peas Publishing as my DBA, named after my grand- kids who inspired it all. They were my “two sweet peas,” and naming the imprint after them made the journey even more personal.
Secrets of Hawthorne Manor is your first middle-grade chapter book—what was different about
Celebrating center stage. As a self-published children’s author with more
than a dozen enchanting titles Imagination, to her name, she has captivated
has built a remarkable literary world where imagination, curiosi- ty, and kindness take
Through her independent imprint, Two Sweet Peas Publishing, Jo- Ann’s passion for storytelling has blossomed into a dynamic career that continues to inspire. Whet-
her inviting readers to explore a haunted manor or join a daring zoo adventure, JoAnn’s characters en- courage bravery, compassion, and self-discovery. In this exclusive in- terview, she shares the journey that led her from real estate to writing, the heart behind her most beloved characters, and the wisdom she’s gained from building her own pub- lishing brand. It’s a conversation as warm, imaginative, and inspiring as her books themselves.
JoAnn Dickinson creates vibrant, imaginative worlds that nurture cu- riosity, compassion, and creativity, making a lasting impact on young readers and families.
What inspired you to transition from a career in real estate to writing children's books?
My career in real estate was