Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time

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

RBG and the Bechdel Test

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

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

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.substack.com/subscribe

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 PodcastWebsite/blog: http://victoriagilbertmysteries.com/Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaGilbertMysteryAuthor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriagilbertauthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/VGilbertauthorPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/victoriagil5582/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/VictoriaGilbertYouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4J0jvZ-D0NVF9Qv7H2ua8QDelta Goodrem's Enough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFsmz9SpZHE Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

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

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-jackpotThe Girl of Glass audiobook is available here: https://books2read.com/GirlofGlassThe Wrath and Wing audiobook is available here: https://books2read.com/WrathandWing/ Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe

Stranger Times: How the Current State of the World is Affecting Our Relationship with Entertainment

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