A Book and A Dream: An author’s adventure in writing, reading, and being an epic fangirl: Recent Episodes
Megan O'Russell
Do you love books? Are you in the mood for a laugh? Join Megan O'Russell's journey as she dives further into the epic adventure of being an author, explores her love and obsession of all things book-related, and finds the humor in writing roadblocks. With twenty books across six series, Megan has taken the Indie Book world by storm. Her journey from traditional publishing to prolific Indie author has been filled with lots of laughter and more than a few tears. Whether you're an avid reader or a fellow author, this humorous look at the book world is meant for you.
Welcome to Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time. Readers and writers alike are invited to take a look behind the veil as YA author Megan O’Russell creates her newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, one episode at a time.
In this episode, we read chapter two! We also discuss choosing a voice for your narrator, aetherions vs. other supernaturals, and swearing* in YA novels.
Here are the pictures of the bookshelves mentioned in this week’s episode. The first is from Obidos, Portugal! The second is…our modest version. :)
To check out the beer of the week, click here!
Note: There is adult language in this episode. Because of the nature of this book and podcast, we will not be editing or bleeping* any of the swears out. Thanks for listening!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meganorussell.substack.com
Welcome to Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time. Readers and writers alike are invited to take a look behind the veil as YA author Megan O’Russell creates her newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, one episode at a time.
In this episode, we finish reading the first chapter, discuss our plans for serial publishing and Kickstarter, and explore the similarities between werewolves and musicians.
Click here to learn more about the beer of the week!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meganorussell.substack.com
Welcome to Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time. Readers and writers alike are invited to take a look behind the veil as YA Megan O’Russell creates her newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, one episode at a time.
Woo Broo is a beer crafted specially for the 2024 Three Rivers Comic Con in Pittsburgh, PA.
Read more about the Initiation Well here!
Chapter 1 will be published in full once the second episode has been released!
*Note: I will get around to posting the transcripts of the podcast minus the chapter readings. Those chapters will be available to read on Kindle Vella and on Substack!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meganorussell.substack.com
Sometimes, life puts you on vocal rest and makes you consider alternative solutions.
On this episode of A Book and a Dream, Megan's husband Chris is flying solo. Tune in to hear what a day in the life of a writer's spouse is like and how Chris contributes to the business.
How many names does it take to build a world?
In this episode of A Book and a Dream, Megan digs into how big a world Ilbrea has become and how the expansive nature of the Ena of Ilbrea series impacts the creation of the upcoming Ilbrean audiobooks.
2020 taught us never to get cocky in our plans. 2021 seems determined to reinforce this lesson.
In today's episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan digs through her plans for 2021, exposing some...mistakes, and some awesome achievements (can you say more audio?) Great things happen when you learn to accept the gifts the world smashes into your face.
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.
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 triumphs and terrors in the writing and editing process for Myth and Storm, book two in the Guilds of Ilbrea series.
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.
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.
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.
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 week's episode of A Book and A Dream.
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 A Book and A Dream.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 videos by visiting her TikTok profile here: https://www.tiktok.com/@meganorussell?
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.
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.
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
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.
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/
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!
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/fivelaws
Get your copy of Ena of Ilbrea: The Four Book Saga here: https://books2read.com/enaofilbrea/
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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/Suzanne-van-Rooyen/e/B0061NT89E
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SuzannevanRooyenAuthor
IG: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne_writer/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Suzanne_Writer
Suzanne'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/2Gk6Zm4
Anna-Marie McLemore: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Marie-McLemore/e/B00W2GDN2M
Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard: https://amzn.to/36clTFX
The 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/3mZ5hHF
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver: https://amzn.to/2EDxHps
The Salvagers series by Alex White: https://amzn.to/3kPBMX9
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
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.
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
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
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/victoriagil5582/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/VictoriaGilbert
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4J0jvZ-D0NVF9Qv7H2ua8Q
Delta Goodrem's Enough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFsmz9SpZHE
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
“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 Girl of Glass audiobook is available here: https://books2read.com/GirlofGlass
The Wrath and Wing audiobook is available here: https://books2read.com/WrathandWing/
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...
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.
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. https://books2read.com/InkerandCrown
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
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:@FandomEffect
Buzzsprout:
https://fandomeffect.buzzsprout.com/1106156
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWFYIN8V21C2gvzBsJOIJxg
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fandom-effect/id1506262530
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7fUcTKyC40nXM3cM84htOy
IHeart Radio:
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-fandom-effect-63433112/
Email:thefandomeffectpodcast@gmail.com
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 details is now available to all.
Visit https://meganorussell.com/ilbrea and see for yourself!
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.
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!
Newsletter: https://bookwitchclub.com
Instagram: @lydia.srofe
Lydia's primary website: https://www.lesrofe.com
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.
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.
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
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://books2read.com/InkerandCrown
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!
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.
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
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.
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: @PrinceKaiFanPod
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.com/Scarlet-Book-Two-Lunar-Chronicles/dp/1250768896/ref=nodl_
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.
Ever heard the phrase "write what you know"? Ever wonder if some of your favorite authors heeded that advice and to what extreme?
In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell shares some of her favorite (sometimes ludicrous) real-life encounters and how she wove those moments into her stories, and wonders what would happen if we could ask big name authors about their real-world inspiration.
Have you ever watched someone read a book you've already read? You know they're about to get to a really upsetting part, and you just can't look away? You have to see what their reaction is going to be?
In this spoiler free (as always) episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell confesses her love of watching readers do this exact thing (i.e. Book Six of Harry Potter, that scene in Mockingjay...you know the one), and muses on why we love watching others get their hearts torn out.
In case you missed episode 11, you can find it on Megan's website (by clicking here) or wherever you get your podcasts.
"Grown-ups" LOVE YA books. From The Hunger Games and Maze Runner to Twilight and Harry Potter, the vast majority of YA books are bought by adults between the ages of 18 and 64.
On this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell talks with guest Leah Stuhler, author of The Cupcake Bullies, about how Leah's love of YA books and podcasts culminated in her starting a podcast of her own YA Book Chat.
You can find Leah at YA Book Chat on Instagram and Facebook
Or on Twitter @LeahStuhler
And feel free to email her at yabookchat@gmail.com
And don't forget to check out When Worlds Begin, a new collection of novels by Megan O'Russell.
Hope at the end of the world.
Love stronger than magic.
Courage to topple kingdoms.
Adventures that reach new realms.
When Worlds Begin offers four full-length novels by Megan O’Russell. From breathtaking adventures to dystopian darkness, this collection has something for every fantasy fan.
Included in this collection: Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Tethering, and The Girl Without Magic.
Pre-order your copy by visiting https://books2read.com/whenworldsbegin/
Did you ever crawl into a wardrobe in the hopes of reaching Narnia? Or dream of running head-first at the wall between platforms nine and ten at King's Cross Station?
In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses the fears of blurring the lines between fantasy and reality in the reader's mind―from broken noses to terrible tragedies with a special shout out to the horror of following a true tale like Into the Wild and the sad fate of some fans.
Be sure to connect with Megan O'Russell on:
Facebook
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MeganORussell.com
Before Harry Potter landed on bookstore shelves, entire scenes, entire story arcs were rewritten. Ever wonder what our favorite books would have been like in their original forms?
In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses what it's like as an author to "kill your darlings" in order to give readers the best journey possible.
*As referenced in this week's podcast, the number of books Megan has written totals twenty (with the twenty-first being written as this plays).
Need tips on surviving natural disasters and stranger danger? These five fantasy novels might help.
In this episode, Megan O'Russell shares the top five lessons in survival she learned from fantasy novels, ranging from The Chronicles of Narnia to Maze Runner.
Did you know the CDC released a guide to surviving the Zombie Apocalypse? It's true! That was almost a decade ago, and it's what inspired this episode of A Book and A Dream. You can find the original CDC blog post here: https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2011/05/preparedness-101-zombie-apocalypse/
Tune in. Your survival may depend on it!
Be sure to connect with Megan O'Russell on:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
MeganORussell.com
Imposter syndrome: the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills.
In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses wrestling with imposter syndrome as an artist and taking steps to defeat it.
Check out the Style Your Life podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/style-your-life
Prefer videos? Catch this episode and all the rest on YouTube by visiting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWz8gqksUVpd1aEXSjRtc0g
By horse, by train, or by dragonback, consistency in travel makes a story shine.
In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses this particular obsession, sheds some light on how she navigates these stormy seas, and also shares some advice to aspiring writers on how they might avoid the trouble with travel times.
Prefer videos? Catch this episode and all the rest on YouTube by visiting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWz8gqksUVpd1aEXSjRtc0g
Books, like scents, can trigger powerful memories. Some become ingrained in our yearly traditions. Others act as pinpoints in the timelines of our lives.
In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell shares some books, as well as other works of art, that take her anywhere from beaches in Thailand to sitting on her couch, recouping after a stress fracture.
Prefer videos? Catch this episode and all the rest on YouTube by visiting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWz8gqksUVpd1aEXSjRtc0g
In the age of Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, content bingeing is the new norm.
In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses what makes a book binge-worthy and shares some of her favorite binges.
You've been kidnapped. Your only hope for escape is to call on the crew from one fantasy novel.
In this episode of A Book and A Dream, Megan O'Russell discusses her top three picks for who would come to her aid, and one famous fantasy team she would rather stay far away.
Acting and writing are two forms of storytelling and the two passions that have driven Megan O'Russell's life.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child combines a fantasy series with Broadway magic in an inspiring way.
In this spoiler free episode, Megan chats about how Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling have changed her life yet again.
Love theatre? Still waiting on your Hogwarts acceptance letter? Don't miss this episode of A Book and a Dream.
Do you love books? Are you in the mood for a laugh? Join Megan O'Russell's journey as she dives further into the epic adventure of being an author, explores her love and obsession of all things book-related, and finds the humor in writing roadblocks. With fifteen books across five series, Megan has taken the Indie Book world by storm. Her journey from traditional publishing to prolific Indie author has been filled with laughter and more than a few tears. Whether you're an avid reader or a fellow author, this humorous look at the book world is meant for you.