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
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/heartofsmokeYou 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/fivelawsGet 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/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
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 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
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-jackpotThe Girl of Glass audiobook is available here: https://books2read.com/GirlofGlassThe 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 onFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/FandomEffectTwitter:@FandomEffectBuzzsprout:https://fandomeffect.buzzsprout.com/1106156Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWFYIN8V21C2gvzBsJOIJxgApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fandom-effect/id1506262530Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7fUcTKyC40nXM3cM84htOyIHeart 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-clubAlso available wherever you get your podcast!Newsletter: https://bookwitchclub.comInstagram: @lydia.srofeLydia'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/EmberandStoneWant 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!
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
