Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time

Top Five Lessons Salvaged from the Dumpster Fire of 2020

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

Winning by Admitting Defeat: When Shifting Course Offers a Smoother Path to Success

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/ Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

Returning to The Domes! (And to Podcasting!): Creating New Stories in Old Worlds

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 here! Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

Feeling Accomplished: On Releasing of My Twentieth Novel

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 next twenty books...though I may need a nap first.Get your copy of Five Simple Steps here: https://books2read.com/fivelawsGet your copy of Ena of Ilbrea: The Four Book Saga here: https://books2read.com/enaofilbrea/ Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

From Harry Potter to Hunger Games: The Politics of YA Fiction

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

Have You Heard: The Difference Between Audible and Your Local Library

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 meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

The Theatrics of Writing

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

She or I: Changing Perspectives

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

Mommy, Where Do Stories Come From? The Real World Inspiration Behind Fantasy Realms

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.substack.com/subscribe

Magnifying Voices: An Interview with Suzanne van Rooyen

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/3ibatVrSuzanne van Rooyen: https://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-van-Rooyen/e/B0061NT89EFB: https://www.facebook.com/SuzannevanRooyenAuthorIG: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne_writer/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/Suzanne_WriterSuzanne's Books:I Heart Robot: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Robot-Suzanne-van-Rooyen-ebook/dp/B075V7WL1Q/The Other Me: https://www.amazon.com/Other-Me-Suzanne-van-Rooyen-ebook/dp/B01HL3WBDM/Scardust: https://www.amazon.com/Scardust-Suzanne-van-Rooyen-ebook/dp/B01AGHEO6C/Obscura Burning: https://www.amazon.com/Obscura-Burning-Suzanne-van-Rooyen-ebook/dp/B073Q9LWSV/Note: Not all books are young adult. Don't forget to read the blurbs before gifting these books to your favorite Tweens!Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender: https://amzn.to/30bpQa4 Pet by Akwaeke Emezi: https://amzn.to/2Gk6Zm4Anna-Marie McLemore: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Marie-McLemore/e/B00W2GDN2MInvisible Boys by Holden Sheppard: https://amzn.to/36clTFXThe Tensorate Series by JY 'Neon' Yang: https://amzn.to/3cEiHEc(Dark Themes) The Deep by Rivers Solomon: https://amzn.to/368VskJ(Not YA) Danielle Cain series by Margaret Killjoy: https://amzn.to/3mZ5hHFI Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver: https://amzn.to/2EDxHpsThe Salvagers series by Alex White: https://amzn.to/3kPBMX9 Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe