Best Megan ORussells Podcasts (2024)

1
The Man Behind the Woman Behind the Stories: Five Reasons I (The Husband) am Important 14:53

3y ago14:53

14:53

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.By Megan O'Russell

1
Speaking Slowly into Microphones: Guiding Narrators through Fantastic Worlds 11:46

3y ago11:46

11:46

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.By Megan O'Russell

1
Well...That Didn't Happen: An Update on Publishing in 2021 22:14

3y ago22:14

22:14

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.…

1
Narrators, "Naughty" Women, and Not Having the Time 12:34

3y ago12:34

12:34

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 …

1
How Many Novellas Does it Take to Make a Novel? 15:00

3y ago15:00

15:00

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 bec…

1
Six Questions to Ask Before Moving to a Fantasy Realm 8:07

3y ago8:07

8:07

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.By Megan O'Russell

1
Soul of Glass: A Special Release Day Episode 4:29

3y ago4:29

4:29

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.By Megan O'Russell

1
For the Love (or Hate) of Spoilers: An author's take on giving away the plot 9:48

3y ago9:48

9:48

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 adva…

1
Find Your Nike Swoop...Just Do It: Building an Author Brand 13:40

3y ago13:40

13:40

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 (…

1
Overloading Your Readers: Info Dumps and the Top Three Ways to Avoid Them 11:31

3y ago11:31

11:31

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…

1
Free Books or Paying for Clicks: The Paths to Indie Author Success 10:48

3y ago10:48

10:48

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.…

1
Book Reviews: Magic or Mythology? 12:07

3y ago12:07

12:07

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!By Megan O'Russell

1
Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now: Five Tips for the Aspiring Author 14:20

3y ago14:20

14:20

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 …

1
Chop the Locks: A Deeper Dive into Hair Changes in Fiction 11:35

3y ago11:35

11:35

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.By Megan O'Russell

1
Bridging the Void: The Author-Reader Relationship 14:33

3y ago14:33

14:33

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.…

1
Digital Age Adventures: Researching the High-Tech Way 12:15

3y ago12:15

12:15

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.By Megan O'Russell

1
Writing the Legacy 11:51

3y ago11:51

11:51

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.…

1
The Unavoidable Transformation: Preparing for Post-Pandemic Life 12:58

3y ago12:58

12:58

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.…

1
BookTok: An Unexpected Gem 15:31

3y ago15:31

15:31

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 episo…

1
Amazon Kindle Categories: A Love Story 14:20

3y ago14:20

14:20

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.By Megan O'Russell

1
Killing Your Darlings: Who to Save and Who to Slaughter 16:31

3+ y ago16:31

16:31

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 hi…

1
Realistic(ish) Goals for 2021: Planning Your Writing Future 27:12

3+ y ago27:12

27:12

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…

1
Top Five Lessons Salvaged from the Dumpster Fire of 2020 12:52

3+ y ago12:52

12:52

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.By Megan O'Russell

1
Winning by Admitting Defeat: When Shifting Course Offers a Smoother Path to Success 8:00

3+ y ago8:00

8:00

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 …

1
Returning to The Domes! (And to Podcasting!): Creating New Stories in Old Worlds 14:58

3+ y ago14:58

14:58

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... A…

1
Feeling Accomplished: On Releasing of My Twentieth Novel 11:14

3+ y ago11:14

11:14

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 -T…

1
From Harry Potter to Hunger Games: The Politics of YA Fiction 21:44

3+ y ago21:44

21:44

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.By Megan O'Russell

1
Have You Heard: The Difference Between Audible and Your Local Library 14:37

3+ y ago14:37

14:37

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…

1
The Theatrics of Writing 9:12

3+ y ago9:12

9:12

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 explor…

1
She or I: Changing Perspectives 7:54

3+ y ago7:54

7:54

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?By Megan O'Russell

1
Mommy, Where Do Stories Come From? The Real World Inspiration Behind Fantasy Realms 8:11

3+ y ago8:11

8:11

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…

1
Magnifying Voices: An Interview with Suzanne van Rooyen 44:18

3+ y ago44:18

44:18

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, t…

1
RBG and the Bechdel Test 6:50

3+ y ago6:50

6:50

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.c…

1
Reader Fatigue: Why It's OK to Reread/Rewatch Your Favorites 6:13

3+ y ago6:13

6:13

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.…

1
Top Four Author Skills I Use in Real Life 11:33

3+ y ago11:33

11:33

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 sa…

1
Pivoting to Find Your Path: An Interview with Victoria Gilbert 33:12

3+ y ago33:12

33:12

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://…

1
Top Five Pieces of (Contradictory) Writing Advice 15:46

3+ y ago15:46

15:46

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/SRj8L1vYcDsBy Megan O'Russell

1
The Wizard Has Spoken―Girl of Glass and Wrath and Wing Are Now Available on Audio! 12:20

3+ y ago12:20

12:20

“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-UU…

1
Stranger Times: How the Current State of the World is Affecting Our Relationship with Entertainment 9:31

3+ y ago9:31

9:31

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...By Megan O'Russell

1
Perception is Reality: How POV Shapes the World in Fiction 16:32

3+ y ago16:32

16:32

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.…

1
Inheritance: A Look at Unspoken Privilege and Generational Wealth in Fantasy 7:48

3+ y ago7:48

7:48

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 …

1
Top Six Objects to Smuggle into a Fantasy Realm 6:59

3+ y ago6:59

6:59

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, Ink…

1
From Comic Books to MMA to Anime: An Interview with Mark Halberg of The Fandom Effect Podcast 35:12

4y ago35:12

35:12

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 …

1
Welcome to Ilbrea: Discover the Secrets Behind the Series 9:25

4y ago9:25

9:25

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 ad…

1
Audiobook Auditions: Hitting the Narrator Jackpot 11:48

4y ago11:48

11:48

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 wh…

1
New Paths in Publishing from Wattpad to Audio: An Interview with Lydia Srofe 43:45

4y ago43:45

43:45

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 Ly…

1
Shelving the Book―A Cautionary Tale for Creative Minds 9:22

4y ago9:22

9:22

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.By Megan O'Russell

1
Top Five Fictional Female Characters for World Domination 5:17

4y ago5:17

5:17

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.By Megan O'Russell

1
Diving Deeper into Ilbrea 11:01

4y ago11:01

11:01

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://boo…

1
Criticism―How To Deal With It And Why It's Often More Useful Than Praise 15:03

4y ago15:03

15:03

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: ht…

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Megan ORussells Podcasts

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