Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time

A community of book lovers, a few curses, and some wardrobe issues.  What do these have in common? Thousands of views on social media. For this week's episode of A Book and a Dream, Megan takes a dive into the world of TikTok and the strange encounters and epic viewership that can nurture a bridge between author and reader. As mentioned in the episode, you can order your copy of Heart of Smoke by...

Looking for your next read? Amazon categories will guide you even if you don't shop in the Kindle store.  From some of the unfortunate mistakes authors make to how categories affect your next book binge, peek behind the curtain and see the nuts and bolts behind this literary love story. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

Immense changes can be necessary between when the author feels a manuscript is ready and when the readers finally receive the book. From standing up to an editor to preserve the heart of your story to adapting how you lure your reader into the world you've created, there is a fine line between what's worth fighting for and when you should simply hit delete. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast...

Where is the line between productivity and madness? For planning her 2021 publishing schedule, Megan O'Russell has pulled in her best resource to help her establish that fine line―her husband Chris. In this special guest episode, Chris agrees to some projects he may later come to regret. If you're having problems choosing realistic 2021 goals, this episode is for you. As mentioned in the episode,...

Slogging through tough times can teach us valuable lessons. While 2020 has been an undeniable disaster, Megan O'Russell offers some useful advice to carry into 2021, whether you're aiming to up your writing game or just trying to get through another Zoom meeting. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

There are times to power through and times to step back and admit you need to change course. Reconfiguring our plans is never a fun activity, but changing our expectations of ourselves and the world can be necessary for continuing to thrive artistically as the world throws one curve ball after another into your publishing path. As mentioned in the episode, you can get your copy of The Girl Without...

Ever wonder what it's like to write a new story in a well-established world? Whether you're an author considering a similar course, or a reader who loves delving into the details of your favorite worlds, you won't want to miss today's episode of A Book and A Dream. Spoiler: Hope you like cats. There may or may not be a special guest appearance... As mentioned in the podcast, Heart of Smoke is now...

The journey to twenty published novels in less than two years has been an interesting, crazy, and sometimes exhausting adventure.  The completion of The Tale of Bryant Adams rounds off my numbers with: -Six Series -Four Completed Series -Six Audio Books -Two New Complete Collections to be Ready Before Christmas -One New Series Starting in January -Two Feline Office Assistants -Unknown Amount of Co...

Every story has its inspiration, and when drawing concepts from the real world, touching on the political becomes inevitable.  From revolutions to classism, this episode of A Book and A Dream looks at some young adult reading favorites and how their political leanings could be (mis)interpreted. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

Audiobooks may be the wave of the future, but there are hurdles indie authors need to conquer first.  If you enjoy audiobooks, especially if you are an Audible member, this episode is important for your listening future.  The path to great listening experiences is paved by the work of authors and narrators. If you want great audiobooks to continue to be produced, please remember the end of this st...

Storytelling―one of the most rewarding ways to communicate and a great way to describe acting and being an author.  The similarities between theatre and writing a book extend deeper than the act of communicating through stories, and understanding those connections can help an author craft a stronger narrative and a lusher world for readers to explore. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substa...

When building a book from the ground up, there are a few fundamental decisions that are required to create a strong foundation. One of those choices is between telling your story from a third-person or first-person perspective. Both have advantages, but which is right for your project? Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

Authors are frequently told, "Write what you know." Ever wonder how that works for fantasy and sci-fi? In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell shares how the fantastical elements in one of her series stemmed from a very real, fairly dangerous event. You can get your copy of book one in The Tale of Bryant Adams, How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days, by visiting htt...

In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell speaks to author Suzanne van Rooyen on topics ranging from the struggle of switching from writing short stories to novels to the importance of LGBTQ+, genderqueer, and transgender representation in books.  From finding a book that reflects your journey to using fiction to become a better ally, this interview is one you will not want to miss. L...

How many women belong in power? How much independence should female characters be granted? In this week's episode of A Book and a Dream, Megan O'Russell explains the three rules behind the Bechdel Test and discusses why it's so difficult to find books and movies that can pass. To learn more about the Bechdel Test, visit  https://dykestowatchoutfor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/The-Rule-cleaned-up...

Having trouble diving into a new book series? Don't feel up to watching that new movie everyone's talking about? As someone who's suffering from a reading drought herself, Megan O'Russell promises you're not alone. Check out this week's episode, because science says re-bingeing your favorite series can be healthy. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subsc...

Creating imaginary worlds may not be a usable skill in everyday situations, but that doesn't mean the tools authors use in world building aren't applicable in real life. Have an "impossible" problem? Need to travel? Have to write a scathing letter? There's an author skill to help you get through. After the episode, be sure to follow this link to sample more of The Tethering audiobook: https://www....

On this episode of A Book and A Dream, meet Victoria Gilbert: author of YA Fantasy Crown of Ice and Cozy Mystery A Murder for the Books. From switching careers to diving into a new genre, Victoria has perfected the pivot that drives success. Links Mentioned in Podcast Website/blog: http://victoriagilbertmysteries.com/ Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaGilbertMysteryAuthor/  In...

What's worse than too many cooks in the kitchen? Too much advice for the author.  Here are a few of Megan's favorite (contradictory) pieces of advice she's heard again and again. Be sure to check out the Girl of Glass audiogram by visiting the following link: https://youtu.be/SRj8L1vYcDs Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

“If we walk far enough," says Dorothy, "we shall sometime come to someplace.” In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses how the first part of her audio journey is complete and shares some other exciting news. Spoiler: IT'S ABOUT KITTENS! As mentioned in the episode, you can find Meeny here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CD2J-UUBoaQ/ Hear more about Megan's adventures in audio...

Times are...strange.  In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses the scary place that is the world right now and how the pandemic has affected the way we experience entertainment. Including Tiger King. Yep... Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

First person? Third person?  One perspective? A cast of characters each seeing the world their own way? In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell explores the many angles and choices an author must make when writing a book, and explains how the perfect strategy for one project may not work for the next series. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack....

Does having a rich uncle mean you'll be the chosen one? Does your lineage prepare you for greatness? Not always. But in the world of fantasy books, sometimes inheritance and a lucky birth will set you up for an epic adventure. Want to know what separates our protagonists with generational wealth and knowledge from the true underdog?  Check out this week's episode of A Book and A Dream. Also, don't...

You're being whisked away to a land of fantasy and wonder. You can choose one item to bring with you...what do you choose? From the practical to the social media savvy, check out this week's episode of A Book and A Dream to hear Megan O'Russell's list of the top six things she'd try to smuggle into a fantasy realm. As mentioned in this episode, Inker and Crown releases this week! To order your cop...

Need something to perk you up? Need to add a little joy into your life? From Doctor Who to anime, there are a ton of niches to lose yourself in.  On this week's episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell is joined by Mark Halberg from The Fandom Effect podcast. Straight from the guru's mouth, learn how to choose a new fandom to immerse yourself in and what helps transform a series from a distr...