Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time - podcast cover

Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time

Join author Megan O’Russell in this candid, humor-filled glimpse into the creation of a new book series, starting at page one. You’re invited to step into the real-time writing process as Megan weaves fae, shifters, witches, and seers into her latest young adult fantasy novel: Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer. No second drafts allowed. No untwisting love triangles. No bringing characters back to life. meganorussell.substack.com
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Episodes

Reader Fatigue: Why It’s OK to Reread/Rewatch Your Favorites

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/subscribe...

Sep 14, 20206 min

Top Four Author Skills I Use in Real Life

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.meganorussell.com/audio-books Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.subs...

Sep 07, 202012 min

Pivoting to Find Your Path: An Interview with Victoria Gilbert

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/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriagilbertauthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/VGilbertauthor...

Aug 31, 202033 min

Top Five Pieces of (Contradictory) Writing Advice

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...

Aug 24, 202016 min

The Wizard Has Spoken―Girl of Glass and Wrath and Wing Are Now Available on Audio!

“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 here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/760154/4350995-audiobook-auditions-hitting-the-narrator-jackpot The...

Aug 17, 202012 min

Perception is Reality: How POV Shapes the World in Fiction

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.com/subscribe...

Aug 03, 202017 min

Inheritance: A Look at Unspoken Privilege and Generational Wealth in Fantasy

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 forget to snag your copy of Inker and Crown , a tale told from the angle of the privileged in Ilbrea...

Jul 27, 20208 min

Top Six Objects to Smuggle into a Fantasy Realm

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 copy from your favorite online store, follow this link: https://books2read.com/InkerandCrown Get full a...

Jul 20, 20207 min

From Comic Books to MMA to Anime: An Interview with Mark Halberg of The Fandom Effect Podcast

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 distraction into an obsession. Find Mark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FandomEffect Twitter: @Fand...

Jul 13, 202035 min

Welcome to Ilbrea: Discover the Secrets Behind the Series

Maps, character art, insider information―all things that let our imaginations run wild as we try to figure out what might come next in the story or where the characters go after the book has ended. In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell explains how, as an author, her goal is to allow readers to escape into new worlds filled with adventure. With the files full of notes that came from writing Inker and Crown and the Ena of Ilbrea Series , a bounty of imagination-inducing Ilbrean d...

Jul 06, 20209 min

Audiobook Auditions: Hitting the Narrator Jackpot

After a year-and-a-half of ups and downs, Megan has finally taken the first step into audiobooks! In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell shares how, after a lifetime as a performer, moving to the other side of the audition process was an interesting and eye opening experience. From which platform had the easiest-to-find talent to what drove home her narrator pick, check out this episode for an inside peek at choosing the right voices for Girl of Glass and The Tethering . Get full...

Jun 29, 202012 min

New Paths in Publishing from Wattpad to Audio: An Interview with Lydia Srofe

Speaking with special guest Lydia Srofe, Megan O'Russell explores using Wattpad as a starting point for the publishing journey, the joys of online book clubs, and the importance of venturing into audio. If you're looking for a way to connect with other readers or trying to take the plunge into becoming a published author, don't miss the insights Lydia has to offer. Links for Lydia: The Book Witch Club: https://www.lesrofe.com/book-witch-club Also available wherever you get your podcast! Newslett...

Jun 22, 202044 min

Shelving the Book―A Cautionary Tale for Creative Minds

Have you ever found a $20 bill in your pocket and said, "Wow! Thanks, past me!" In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell shares the tale of an author who sat down to write book three in a four-book series to find she'd already written a third of it. Spoiler: that author was her. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...

Jun 15, 20209 min

Top Five Fictional Female Characters for World Domination

It's time for world domination, which is going to take some serious girl power! In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell shares her top five picks for fictional females she'd want by her side as she fights to become the ultimate world ruler. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 08, 20205 min

Diving Deeper into Ilbrea

From tiny seeds, worlds grow. In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell gives details of how Ilbrea came to be and what readers have to look forward to in this expansive world. Haven't read any books from the world of Ilbrea? Follow this link to be taken to your favorite online bookstore to get your copy of Ember and Stone: https://books2read.com/EmberandStone Want to see the "Wheel of Ilbrea"? Follow this link! https://www.meganorussell.com/wheel-of-ilbrea Get full access to Page b...

Jun 01, 202011 min

Criticism―How To Deal With It And Why It’s Often More Useful Than Praise

Being praised for your work is great! Criticism is sometimes more helpful! In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses how to use criticism to push your work, both in writing and in life, to new levels. As mentioned in the episode, Feather and Flame comes out tomorrow, May 26th, 2020! Follow this link to order your copy now: https://books2read.com/FeatherandFlame/ Also mentioned in the episode, Inker and Crown is now available for pre-order. Check it out here: https://books2...

May 25, 202015 min

Top Self-Isolation Reads During Quarantine

In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan offers her quarantine reading list and recommendations on what novel you should pick up for your next bookish escape. From romance, to magic, to daring adventures, she's here to help you find a young adult novel to dive into! Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

May 18, 202014 min

Smoke or Mirrors: When Should Art Reflect Life?

Art reflects life. We're all familiar with the phrase. But is that always what we need it to do? In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses how the pandemic is affecting authors' publishing schedules for 2020, including her own concerns about publishing a series she's been planning for over a year. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...

May 11, 202011 min

From Creative Outlet to Artistic Career: An Interview with Isabel Sterling

On today's special guest episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell is joined by Isabel Sterling, author of These Witches Don't Burn , who discusses her journey from studio music composer to Young Adult author and the importance of queer representation to teen lit readers. Find Isabel at: Website: http://www.isabelsterling.com/ Podcast: http://www.isabelsterling.com/pubexplained Twitter: @IsaSterling Instagram: isa_sterling Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.su...

May 04, 202037 min

Top Five Post-Pandemic Niche Fiction Predictions

What would happen if the Gryffindors were all confined to their tower because of a dragon pox outbreak? A bunch of rowdy teenagers with all that pent up magic... In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell shares her top five predictions for post-pandemic works of fiction. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...

Apr 27, 202010 min

Extreme Fandom―An Interview with Bethanie Finger of Prince Kai Fan Pod: A Marissa Meyer Book Club Podcast

In today's special edition episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell is joined by Bethanie Finger of the Prince Kai Fan Pod. Tune in as they discuss Marissa Meyer, The Lunar Chronicles, and how the YA Fantasy genre retains such high readership amongst not-so-young adults. Find Bethanie and the Prince Kai Fan Pod at: https://princekaifanpod.wixsite.com/website https://www.patreon.com/princekaifanpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/princekaifanpod/ Instagram: @princekaifanpod Twitter: @Pri...

Apr 24, 202040 min

Adjusting Your Artistic Expectations (AKA My Past Self Owes Me Wine)

What do you do when your "Plan A" falls apart? On today's episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses our penchant for beating ourselves up when everything doesn't go according to plan and how success is partly learning how to adapt, including changing our timelines and our goals. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...

Apr 20, 202012 min

Big Budget, Bad Choices: Lines That Shouldn’t Have Made It Through Edits

In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses how some unfortunate lines can make it through edits and right onto your TV screen. If you've ever felt bad about your contributions to art and life in general, this episode is for you. Warning: There will be comedy ahead. P.S. As mentioned at the top of the show, grab your free copy of When Worlds Begin by visiting https://books2read.com/whenworldsbegin now through April 20th. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at me...

Apr 13, 202011 min

Hair Chops, Dye Jobs, and Identity Crises: How Appearance Affects Character

In the age of COVID-19, is anyone else wondering how long it will be before their next haircut? In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses the importance of hair changes, not only in everyday life, but also as a dramatic element within fiction and fantasy. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...

Apr 06, 202010 min

Peeking Behind the Curtain: Enjoying the Magic Behind the Art

Have you ever "just had to know" how a magic trick was done? Did you lose that sense of wonder when the veil was lifted? In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses how, in writing and other art forms, understanding the magic behind the scenes can actually enhance the experience of the reader. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...

Apr 01, 202010 min

Creation in the Time of Chaos: 3 Ways to Thrive in Quarantine

Do you have a lot of unexpected time on your hands? Feeling the pressure to create art can add more stress than freedom. In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses tips for creating in a stressful time. Tune in for the Facebook live chat on 3/25 for insight on turning the draft you create in isolation into a book. https://www.facebook.com/ORussellauthor/ Find Ember and Stone here: https://books2read.com/EmberandStone Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at megan...

Mar 23, 202014 min

Age Is(n’t) Just a Number: Showing a Character’s Age Through Action and Perspective

In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses getting a character's age across through experience, knowledge, and even sexual know-how. Also a special notice! Ember and Stone, book one in the Ena of Ilbrea series, is only $0.99 for a limited time. Escape the madness of the world for a little bit. Escape into Adventure. https://books2read.com/EmberandStone Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...

Mar 16, 202013 min

A Book By Any Other Cover: How Cover Art Affects Success

Don't judge a book by its cover. A great sentiment in theory...not so much in practice. In this episode of A Book and A Dream , Megan O'Russell discusses the importance of cover art, including how changing the cover art of a series ( Harry Potter , The Chronicles of Narnia , The Lunar Chronicles ) affects our reading experience. Links mentioned: Sleepy Fox Designs: https://www.sleepyfoxstudio.net/ Cinder Cover: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36381037-cinder Scarlet Cover: https://www.amazon...

Mar 09, 202012 min

Can You Hear Me Now: Inner Monologues in Fiction

Did you know some people don't have inner monologues? Some individuals go throughout life without a voice in their head constantly commenting on what's happening. In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell explores the world of fiction through characters' inner monologues, and imagines a world of writing in which no inner monologues exist. Prefer videos to audio only? Visit my Instagram @orussellmegan. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/sub...

Mar 02, 202014 min
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