Meet Author Joni M. Kerr: From Chalkboards to Storybooks -

Some people collect souvenirs when they travel. Joni M. Kerr collected stories—classroom by classroom, country by country, child by child.

Over the course of a 38-year teaching career, Joni didn’t just educate students; she immersed herself in the rhythms of life across the globe.

From Florida and Texas to classrooms in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, China, Luxembourg, Tunisia, and Malaysia, she spent nearly three decades teaching internationally, learning firsthand how culture, curiosity, and human connection transcend borders. Those experiences didn’t fade when she retired—they transformed.

Now an author, Joni writes with the perspective of someone who has lived inside many worlds and learned how deeply connected they truly are.

Her stories—particularly for children—are rooted in cultural awareness, resilience, and the quiet power of understanding one another.

Whether she’s drawing from personal experience or listening closely to the stories of others, her work reflects a lifelong belief that empathy grows when we dare to look beyond our own familiar landscapes.

In this interview, Joni shares how a lifetime in education led her to writing, why global experiences shape everything she creates, and how stepping out into the world—again and again—continues to fuel her creativity and purpose.

Interview with Joni Kerr

How long have you been writing, and what first inspired you to start?

I have been writing since 2023.
After taking a sabbatical to care for my aging parents, I found myself needing something meaningful to focus on beyond my role as a caretaker.
Writing became that anchor.
To develop my skills and give my ideas structure, I enrolled in an online course that guided me through the process of planning, setting up, and writing a book.

What genre do you write—and what genres do you personally love to read?

I have written two informational books and three children’s books.
While I enjoy both, I have a special passion for children’s literature—even though it takes longer, as collaborating with an illustrator is essential to bringing the stories fully to life.
I love writing about international and global lifestyles, as that reflects how I grew up.
Through my stories, I hope to inspire curiosity, encourage travel, and motivate readers to experience the world firsthan

Who are some of your favorite authors or books that have shaped you as a writer?

As an educator, most of the books I read are children’s literature.
One of my favorite authors is Patricia Polacco, an American author and illustrator whose books I have shared with my fourth-grade students over the years.
I am especially drawn to her stories because they thoughtfully explore real-life struggles and celebrate the resilience of people who overcome challenges.

For readers meeting you for the first time, how would you describe your writing style and the themes you gravitate toward?

I am passionate about writing stories that celebrate cultural diversity and highlight the strength, resilience, and perseverance of people as they overcome life’s challenges.

What’s the story behind your current book or series—what drew you into that world or these characters?

I often write from personal experience, drawing inspiration from the people and real-life stories that have shaped my journey.

If you could give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, what would you tell them?

I would advise a new writer to take a writing class to learn how to effectively outline a story.
I would also recommend sitting down with an established writer and listening carefully to their advice.
Most importantly, I would encourage new writers to simply get their ideas down on paper first and worry about refining and polishing their work later.