Meet JoAnn M. Dickinson | Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with JoAnn M. Dickinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JoAnn M., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My career in real estate was fulfilling for many years, 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.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Thank you! I’d love to share more about my journey and what makes my business so meaningful to me. As an independent children’s author, I’ve written and published fifteen books through my imprint, Two Sweet Peas Publishing. My stories are designed to spark imagination, curiosity, and emotional connection, offering young readers stories that are both fun, heartfelt, and filled with meaningful messages. I’m especially proud of my award-winning book series, like The Young Rylee Series, Lou’s Zoo Series, Amelia Ophelia Series, John’s Camping Series, Lulu’s New Fur Friend, two activity books, and my first middle-grade mystery, Secrets of Hawthorne Manor. Each one is created with intention, promoting STEAM learning, kindness, and self-confidence.

What sets my work apart is the balance between adventure, emotion, and originality. I don’t just tell stories, I aim to inspire self-discovery, bravery, and compassion through unique design and characters kids can relate to. I’ve also taken an independent path in publishing, which hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Transitioning from a career in real estate to becoming a full-time author was a leap of faith, and like many independent authors, I’ve faced challenges in visibility, marketing, and distribution. But I overcame those hurdles by surrounding myself with a supportive creative team, staying true to my mission, and never giving up on the idea that stories can make a difference.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to trust the process and myself. Creating a brand from the ground up taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of community. What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I write with my heart. I care deeply about children’s growth, emotionally, socially, and intellectually, and I want every book I create to be a stepping stone for that growth. I hope families find joy, comfort, and inspiration in my stories, and that young readers walk away feeling a little braver, a little more curious, and a lot more loved.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d kick off the week with brunch at Plum’s Café in Costa Mesa, they have the most amazing Northwest-inspired breakfast and coffee. Then we’d stroll around Balboa Island, grab a frozen banana (a local classic), and take the ferry across to walk along the beach. We’d end the day with a sunset dinner at The Beachcomber Café in Crystal Cove, toes in the sand, watching the waves roll in.

Mid-week, we’d head to Laguna Beach to explore the local art galleries, stop by the Sawdust Festival if it’s running, and hike one of the coastal trails for ocean views that never get old. For a relaxed dinner, Nick’s Laguna is always a hit, with fresh, coastal cuisine and great vibes. We’d also make time to walk through Heisler Park, one of my favorite peaceful places with views you can’t forget.

We’d spend a full day visiting art galleries across Orange County. I’d also take them to Old Towne Orange for antique shopping and lunch at Café Lucca, followed by a visit to a local independent bookstore, where I’d secretly sneak one of my books into their bag as a surprise keepsake.

Another highlight would be exploring Dana Point Harbor, we’d take a whale-watching tour, then eat fish tacos at The Harbor Grill. For a fun and casual night, we’d head to Pacific City in Huntington Beach to grab dinner at Bear Flag Fish Co., watch the surfers, and maybe catch some live music.

To wrap up the week, we’d spend a peaceful morning at The Mission San Juan Capistrano, followed by brunch at Ramos House Café, where you dine outdoors in a charming historic setting. We’d finish with a beach picnic at Salt Creek, one of my favorite places to wind down, reflect, and soak in the California sun.

Orange County is full of charm, creativity, and coastal beauty, and I’d want my best friend to leave feeling relaxed, inspired, and already planning their next visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely — I’m so grateful for the incredible team of people who have helped bring my books to life. Writing may begin as a solo process, but publishing and sharing those stories with the world is very much a team effort.

I’d love to give a special shoutout to my amazing illustrators who each bring their unique style and heart to the stories: Kerrie Nichols, who illustrated both the Amelia Ophelia Series and Secrets of Hawthorne Manor; Daria Shamolina, the creative force behind the Young Rylee Series and John’s Camping Series; Daniel Wlordoski, who illustrated John’s Adventures at Yellowstone Park; and Lauren Sparks, who brought the animals of Lou’s Zoo Series to life with such uniqueness and warmth.

I also want to recognize my editor, Robin Katz, whose incredible eye and thoughtful edits elevate every story I write, and my talented book designer, Praise Saflor, who helps ensure every book looks and feels just right. Each of them has played a vital role in my author’s journey, and I couldn’t do this without them. They deserve this recognition.

Website: https://www.joannmdickinsonauthor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joann.dickinson.author/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannmdickinsonauthor/

Twitter: https://x.com/JoAnnDAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoAnnDickinsonAuthor/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoAnnMDickinsonAuthor

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjhykL1T0fAuSJzcw6Tia