Hiring a narrator for an audiobook means turning over control of your characters. From how your protagonist is portrayed to how that laugh line lands, your audiobook listeners' journey through your story will be dictated by your narrator's performance. In the case of Ena of Ilbrea, her journey through a society that holds onto negative stereotypes of strong women could end in triumph or disaster depending on how the narrator depicts her battle against the Guilds. Get full access to Page by Page ...
May 19, 2021•13 min
How many words does it take to complete a character arc with integrity while contributing to the greater narrative? How many miles can a rowboat travel along a coast in one day? How much backstory will your readers need, when do they need it, and what's the most efficient and entertaining way to offer that world building? All of these questions become monumentally important when orchestrating an epic fantasy narrative. On this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell walks through her triu...
May 11, 2021•15 min
Planning on making that move through the wardrobe a permanent one? Here's a helpful list of questions to ask before deciding to apply for citizenship in a new fantasy world. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 27, 2021•8 min
It's release day for Soul of Glass, book two in the Heart of Smoke series! In today's episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan shares the top four reasons you'll want to escape into this paranormal dystopian with chemically induced vampires...as if chemically induced vampires weren't enough of a reason. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...
Apr 23, 2021•5 min
Did you know the love interest dies on page 235? Did you want to know long before you hit the tragedy that destroyed the hero's heart? Whether you like to know the trauma ahead or want to be surprised as you turn the page, spoilers can ruin or (allegedly) improve the reader's experience. Dive into the pros and cons of knowing the plot twist in advance in this week's episode of A Book and A Dream. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...
Apr 14, 2021•10 min
From fonts to story formula, branding has a huge impact on how readers perceive authors. Whether an author presents a chipper personality or offers a stark website, every interaction with readers fosters a future relationship. As an author, it's your job to create a consistent brand that clearly tells your readers what to expect. As a reader, you (often subconsciously) interpret these cues to decide which books to adore and which to pass over. Peek inside the making of an author brand in this we...
Apr 08, 2021•14 min
700 years ago, the Great King of Inisvarden did...a bunch of stuff you won't need to know about until book six, but the author is dumping the information in the first part of book one. If you've ever come across moments like this while reading, you're not alone. If you've ever come across moments like this while writing...you're NOT alone. The good news? There are many ways to avoid these info dumps. Learn the tell-tale signs of a dreaded info dump and how to avoid them in this week's episode of...
Mar 30, 2021•12 min
To free, or not to free... Offering the first book in your series for free can be a powerful marketing tool, but the method is neither foolproof nor danger-free. From negative stereotypes to being lost in the chaos, this episode of A Book and A Dream will give you a crash course on navigating the free-books waters. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...
Mar 23, 2021•11 min
Reviews can make or break a book, but how does an author capture these illusive unicorns? From searching for help to begging online, there are many mythical paths to reviews. But the way is dangerous. Take the tale of my woe with you. It's dangerous to go alone! Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 18, 2021•12 min
Are you beginning to build your writing career? Do you find humor in the unfortunate mistakes others have made? Either way, this episode of A Book and A Dream is right for you. From learning what advice invites chaos to the importance of building a digital home base, these are the top five things Megan O'Russell wishes she'd know when she was just beginning her journey as an author. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...
Mar 09, 2021•14 min
From sacrificial bleaching to rebellious chopping, hair changes have long been a way of outwardly displaying internal transformations. From the sexist to the meaningful, it's time to dive back into a discussion full of tropes and truths. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 02, 2021•12 min
Nurturing readers from buyers into fans is a long process filled with many perils. But those special fans who become advocates for their favorite books can help keep authors from feeling like they're screaming into the void. From Bookstagramming to creating social proof, dive into how unicorn readers can change an author's outlook and career. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...
Feb 23, 2021•15 min
When travel isn't possible, technology can save the day. From virtual reality to obscure documentaries, there are many possibilities for doing worthwhile research from home and exciting possibilities for readers who want to dive further into their favorite stories. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe
Feb 17, 2021•12 min
Legacy. What is a legacy? The words of an author can last long after they are gone, continuing to resonate with readers for generations. Or centuries. The concept can seem surreal. But the passing of an author, reminder of copyright law, and durability of print books can make the question of a legacy panic-inducing and immediate. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...
Feb 11, 2021•12 min
Feeling a little trapped? Staying safe has meant locking ourselves away from the world. But maybe our cages are cocoons. From publishing new books to learning new skills, in this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell explores the transformations to carry with us as we break back out into the world. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...
Feb 02, 2021•13 min
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 visiting https://books2read.com/heartofsmoke You can also view all of Megan's controversial(?) TikTok...
Jan 26, 2021•16 min
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...
Jan 19, 2021•14 min
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 Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...
Jan 12, 2021•17 min
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, you can find the "wheel of Ilbrea" by visiting https://www.meganorussell.com/ilbrea Get full access ...
Jan 05, 2021•27 min
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
Dec 29, 2020•13 min
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 Magic, book one in The Chronicles of Maggie Trent, by visiting https://books2read.com/maggietrent/ ...
Dec 15, 2020•8 min
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 available for preorder . And Girl of Glass can be found at your favorite online retailer by clicking...
Dec 08, 2020•15 min
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 Coffee Consumed -One World's Best Husband Who Makes the Coffee and Keeps Me (semi)Sane. Cheers to the n...
Nov 20, 2020•11 min
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...
Nov 10, 2020•22 min
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 story will be written by the listeners. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussel...
Oct 27, 2020•15 min
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 Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...
Oct 20, 2020•9 min
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...
Oct 14, 2020•8 min
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 https://books2read.com/FourDays Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.sub...
Oct 05, 2020•8 min
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. Links from episode: Myth and Storm: https://amzn.to/3ibatVr Suzanne van Rooyen: https://www.amazon.com...
Sep 28, 2020•44 min
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.jpg Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe...
Sep 21, 2020•7 min
