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, 2020•6 min
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, 2020•12 min
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, 2020•33 min
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, 2020•16 min
“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, 2020•12 min
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
Aug 10, 2020•10 min
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, 2020•17 min
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, 2020•8 min
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, 2020•7 min
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, 2020•35 min
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, 2020•9 min
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, 2020•12 min
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, 2020•44 min
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, 2020•9 min
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, 2020•5 min
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, 2020•11 min
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, 2020•15 min
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, 2020•14 min
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, 2020•11 min
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, 2020•37 min
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, 2020•10 min
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, 2020•40 min
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, 2020•12 min
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, 2020•11 min
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, 2020•10 min
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, 2020•10 min
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, 2020•14 min
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, 2020•13 min
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, 2020•12 min
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, 2020•14 min