JoAnn Dickinson Shares Her Journey from Storytelling Dreams to Award-Winning Children’s Books
PHOTO: Children’s Author JoAnn Dickinson, Creator of Beloved Stories That Inspire Curiosity, Courage, and Kindness
Celebrating Imagination, Curiosity, and Heartfelt Adventures
JoAnn Dickinson discusses her creative shift from real estate to children’s books, her self-publishing journey, her storytelling inspirations, and how she weaves emotional growth, STEAM learning, and magic into every story.
JoAnn M. Dickinson has built a remarkable literary world where imagination, curiosity, and kindness take center stage. As a self-published children’s author with more than a dozen enchanting titles to her name, she has captivated young readers and their families through vibrant storytelling and heartfelt messages. Her award-winning series—including 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 emotional 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.
Through her independent imprint, Two Sweet Peas Publishing, JoAnn’s passion for storytelling has blossomed into a dynamic career that continues to inspire. Whether inviting readers to explore a haunted manor or join a daring zoo adventure, JoAnn’s characters encourage bravery, compassion, and self-discovery. In this exclusive interview, 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 publishing brand. It’s a conversation as warm, imaginative, and inspiring as her books themselves.
JoAnn Dickinson creates vibrant, imaginative worlds that nurture curiosity, 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 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 creative. 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 imagination in a way nothing else did. It was a natural shift, and once I saw how my stories resonated with young readers, especially my grandchildren, 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.
“Writing has always been a quiet passion that taps into a different part of who I am.” — JoAnn Dickinson
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 described 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 something 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 concepts 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 messages 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, printing, 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 created Two Sweet Peas Publishing as my DBA, named after my grandkids who inspired it all. They were my “two sweet peas,” and naming the imprint after them made the journey even more personal.
“Serendipity reflects how real life can take us somewhere magical when we least expect it.” — JoAnn Dickinson
Secrets of Hawthorne Manor is your first middle-grade chapter book—what was different about writing for an older audience? It was another learning curve! Going from 32-page picture books to a 170-page manuscript was a big leap. I hired a developmental editor to guide me through the process. How to grow a simple idea into a story with deeper characters and plot layers. With picture books, I love how illustrations carry half the storytelling. But with middle-grade, I discovered the joy of creating longer narratives where readers rely more on their imagination. Fewer illustrations allow kids to picture the people, the setting, and the adventure in their minds, which creates a different kind of connection. I found the process both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
How do you balance maintaining a light, imaginative tone while also addressing deeper lessons like acceptance and resilience? For me, it’s all about starting with heart. I lead with characters and settings that spark wonder. It’s a zoo full of talking animals or a haunted house with secrets to uncover. Once readers are engaged in the fun and adventure, I gently introduce themes like acceptance, empathy, or resilience through the characters’ growth. Kids absorb these lessons when they’re emotionally connected. I never want the message to overpower the magic, so I let it unfold through the story, not instruction. That balance keeps things meaningful but light, leaving room for imagination and thoughtful reflection.
Which of your characters do you feel most personally connected to, and why? I feel especially connected to the Lou’s Zoo series because it celebrates acceptance and being true to yourself. As a child, I was quiet and more of an introvert. School didn’t always come easily, especially reading and writing. I often felt like I was on the outside looking in. Back then, there wasn’t much emphasis on exploring your strengths or embracing creativity. That’s why this series is close to my heart. It shares the message I would’ve loved to hear growing up: that it’s okay to be different, and everyone has something special to offer. Through Lou and his zoo friends, I hope young readers feel encouraged to be themselves and let their creativity shine.
“I never write to teach a lesson; those elements are part of the character’s journey.” — JoAnn Dickinson
What role has your YouTube channel played in expanding your connection with readers and their families? YouTube was one of the first platforms I used to connect with readers and fellow authors. I shared behind-the-scenes moments, creative tips for new writers, and fun adventures with my grandkids, who inspire my stories. It gave me a space to build community in a more personal way. As time went on and more platforms emerged, the social media landscape became a lot to manage. While I’m not as active on YouTube, it played an important role early in my journey. Today, I focus more on platforms where I’ve built strong connections, but I still see YouTube as a valuable piece of my author presence.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to self-publish and build their independent publishing brand? Focus on creating meaningful books that parents and teachers want to use and that children will love. Invest in quality illustrations, editing, and design, because young readers connect well-crafted stories and engaging visuals. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is: don’t cut corners. It’s worth the extra investment to create something lasting, with a reliable team, an editor, an illustrator, and a book designer who understand your vision and can work within your schedule. A supportive team that meets deadlines keeps you on track for launches and long-term goals. Self-publishing takes dedication, but with support and a clear mission, it can be rewarding.
