Sparking Joy and Imagination: Joanne’s Journey as a Children’s Author

Joanne Deter has embraced retirement as a time for new adventures and is looking forward to this newest chapter in her life. With a love for storytelling, Joanne hopes this book will bring delight to young readers while conveying a true sense of outdoor adventures!

What inspired you to become a children's author?

I have 10 grandchildren and love to read to them. The joy of knowing I can spark a love for reading, curiosity, or empathy in a child motivates me. Writing for children lets me combine imagination with important life lessons, which feels both meaningful and incredibly rewarding. I hope my stories encourage kids to explore, dream, and enjoy reading. 

What was your experience like while writing this book?

Working on this children’s book with my daughter, Steph, has been a wonderful experience, and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring more stories to life in our upcoming books! Stay tuned for the next Wild Is Beautiful book! 

How did you get started writing? 

I started writing working on a novel set during the Korean War, inspired by a deep connection to this period and the lives affected by it. I continue to work on this project and hope to finish it sometime soon. 

Have you participated in school visits or author events?

We have several school visits on the calendar and hope to have many more opportunities to share our book.. We have puppets, storytelling, and activities to bring this book to life for school-age children.

What do you enjoy most about writing for children? 

What I enjoy most about writing for children is the opportunity to spark curiosity and wonder in young minds. Writing for children means creating a world where imagination knows no bounds. I hope through the Wild is Beautiful books to bring a sense of the Northwoods and adventures to children through the storyline and colorful illustrations. It’s incredibly rewarding to think that these stories might inspire their own creativity, empathy, and understanding of the world around them. Seeing a child’s excitement over a story I’ve written is one of the best feelings!