Author’s name: JoAnn M. Dickinson
Illustrator’s name: Kerrie Nichols
Other book titles: The Young Rylee Series, Amelia Ophelia Series, Lou’s Zoo Series, John’s Camping Adventure and my new chapter book Secrets of Hawthorne Manor (a total of 14 books).
What is your upcoming book title? Secrets of Hawthorne Manor
Date of release: 4/21/2025
Preorder or Order link: Amazon.com: Secrets of Hawthorne Manor: 9798992502114: Dickinson, JoAnn M., Nichols, Kerrie: Books
Publisher: Two Sweet Peas Publishing
Agent: Self-Publishing
Hometown: Resides in So. California
Social links: IG @joann.dickinson.author, FB @joanndickinsonauthor, Linkedin @JoAnnMDickinson, Twitter @JoAnnDAuthor
1. What is the premise/pitch for your book?
Secrets of Hawthorne Manor is a spooky, middle-grade mystery about a boy named Jack Hawthorne who discovers his family’s long-lost connection to a haunted estate. When he and his new friends explore the abandoned Hawthorne Manor, they uncover cryptic clues, restless spirits , and a century-old curse. As they dig deeper, they must solve the mystery and confront the chilling truth hidden within the house—before the spirits trapped inside lose hope of ever being set free. It’s a story of bravery, friendship, family legacy and discovering that sometimes, the past doesn’t want to stay buried.
2. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?
1. It’s more than just a ghost story
While it has plenty of spooky moments and paranormal twists, at its heart, it’s a story about friendship, courage, and uncovering family history. It’s about kids working together to face the unknown and make things right.
2. Mystery lovers will be hooked
Each chapter reveals clues, hidden rooms, and long-buried secrets that draw readers deeper into the mystery of Hawthorne Manor. If you love puzzles, old journals, and haunted houses—this one’s for you!
3. The ghosts have stories too
The spirits inside the manor aren’t just there to scare—they each have a past, a purpose, and a message. Readers will discover that not all ghosts are evil… and some just need help to find peace.
4. It’s written for middle-grade readers (ages 9–12)
Perfect for fans of spooky adventures like Goosebumps or The Graveyard Book, it’s age-appropriate, exciting, and just the right amount of creepy for young readers who love a thrill.
5. It’s the first in a series
Secrets of Hawthorne Manor kicks off a bigger adventure. Future books will follow Jack and his friends as they explore new parts of the manor—and uncover even deeper secrets connected to Jack’s family legacy.
3. What helpful hints or tips can you offer fellow writers about writing, publishing, and promoting a book?
Writing requires focus and space. I always need a quiet environment with no interruptions—when inspiration strikes, breaking that flow can be really disruptive. Give yourself permission to protect your writing time.
When it comes to publishing, I want new authors to know that self-publishing is a real business. It’s more than just uploading a manuscript—it involves editing, layout, cover design, printing, launching, and marketing. I hired an author coach early in my journey, and that was one of the best decisions I made. It helped me build a system for each book launch and develop a professional workflow.
Marketing is the biggest challenge for most indie authors. You are your own marketing team, and consistency is key. I’ve learned that a strong online presence—through social media and a dedicated website—is essential. That’s how readers find you, connect with your work, and come back for more. It takes time and effort, but it’s worth it.
If I could give one piece of advice, it’s this: invest in your growth, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your books are worth it.
4. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?
I have too many but here’s what I put together.
- I need structure and a quiet space to write. Once I’m in the zone, ideas flow—but even small interruptions, like a lawn mower, trash truck, buzzing fly in the room or outside conversations can throw me off.
- I used to be out and about all the time, but writing has turned me into a bit of a homebody. I truly enjoy sitting at my desk, getting lost in a new story.
- I love the great outdoors—hiking, nature, and travel inspire so many of my books, especially those that focus on STEM learning and environmental themes.
- I’m fueled by mint chip ice cream covered in chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Sometimes I will add a banana to an extra layer, and a good skinny vanilla latte or two! Coffee is a must-have during writing sessions.
- As a kid, I used my dog Freckles (a Collie-German Shepherd mix) as a pillow while watching cartoons. He was my gentle giant and favorite snuggle buddy.
5. What did you learn about yourself while on the journey to publishing this book?
Secrets of Hawthorne Manor is my first chapter book, and I quickly learned that writing a longer story is a very different process than crafting picture books. At first, I thought it might be easier—after all, I’d written several rhyming stories. But I soon realized that developing a full-length chapter book takes a whole new level of planning, imagination, and storytelling skill.
I hired a developmental editor to help me learn the craft of expanding a story beyond simple plot points, and that experience was invaluable. It taught me how to deepen the characters, build suspense, and truly carry a theme across an entire book.
I originally envisioned Secrets of Hawthorne Manor as an early reader chapter book, but it evolved into something more layered and complex than I expected. Through the process, I discovered how much I enjoy digging into the details and building a world readers can get lost in. It stretched me creatively—and I loved every minute of it.
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