Join author Megan O'Russell in this candid, humor-filled glimpse into the creation of a new book series, starting at page one. You're invited to step into the real-time writing process as Megan weaves fae, shifters, witches, and seers into her latest young adult fantasy novel: Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer. No second drafts allowed. No untwisting love triangles. No bringing characters back to life. meganorussell.substack.com
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Fic Fix is a conversation podcast where we, Kiana and Rychele, discuss and debate what we love and don’t about book recommendations we give each other. We invite you to join us to hear our take on the amazing and crazy world that is young adult fiction, and fangirl/boy/person along. Come back every week to join the conversation. Thanks for listening!
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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 week’s episode, we read chapter nine! Join us as we discuss reapers and their place within the aitherion comm…
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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 week’s episode, we read chapter eight! Join us for a slideshow from Laureldale High’s Kindness ambassador. We…
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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 week’s episode, we read chapter seven! Join us for one of Ella’s…most disturbing visions yet. In this episode…
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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 week’s episode, we read chapter six! Join us as Ella’s second day at Laureldale High comes to an abrupt, and …
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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 week’s episode, we read chapter five! Join us as we head back to Laureldale High with Ella for her second day…
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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 week’s episode, we read chapter four! Join us as we explore similarities and differences between this writing…
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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 three! Join us as we discuss multiple POVs, how our theatre background bleeds into t…
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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 supern…
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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 ex…
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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 W…
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The Man Behind the Woman Behind the Stories: Five Reasons I (The Husband) am Important
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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. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.co…
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Speaking Slowly into Microphones: Guiding Narrators through Fantastic Worlds
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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. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe…
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Well...That Didn't Happen: An Update on Publishing in 2021
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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. Ge…
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Narrators, "Naughty" Women, and Not Having the Time
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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 …
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How Many Novellas Does it Take to Make a Novel?
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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…
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Six Questions to Ask Before Moving to a Fantasy Realm
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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. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribeBy Megan O'Russell
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Soul of Glass: A Special Release Day Episode
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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. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack …
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For the Love (or Hate) of Spoilers: An author's take on giving away the plot
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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…
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Find Your Nike Swoop...Just Do It: Building an Author Brand
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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 (…
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Overloading Your Readers: Info Dumps and the Top Three Ways to Avoid Them
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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…
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Free Books or Paying for Clicks: The Paths to Indie Author Success
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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. Get full access to Page by Page P…
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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! Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscrib…
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Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now: Five Tips for the Aspiring Author
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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 …
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Chop the Locks: A Deeper Dive into Hair Changes in Fiction
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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. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subscribe…
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Bridging the Void: The Author-Reader Relationship
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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. Get f…
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Digital Age Adventures: Researching the High-Tech Way
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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. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorussell.substack.com/subsc…
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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. Get full access to…
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The Unavoidable Transformation: Preparing for Post-Pandemic Life
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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. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast S…
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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…
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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. Get full access to Page by Page Podcast Substack at meganorusse…
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Killing Your Darlings: Who to Save and Who to Slaughter
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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…
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Realistic(ish) Goals for 2021: Planning Your Writing Future
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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…
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Top Five Lessons Salvaged from the Dumpster Fire of 2020
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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/subscri…
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Winning by Admitting Defeat: When Shifting Course Offers a Smoother Path to Success
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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 …
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Returning to The Domes! (And to Podcasting!): Creating New Stories in Old Worlds
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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…
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Feeling Accomplished: On Releasing of My Twentieth Novel
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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…
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From Harry Potter to Hunger Games: The Politics of YA Fiction
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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 meg…
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Have You Heard: The Difference Between Audible and Your Local Library
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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…
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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…
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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 meganorusse…
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Mommy, Where Do Stories Come From? The Real World Inspiration Behind Fantasy Realms
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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…
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Magnifying Voices: An Interview with Suzanne van Rooyen
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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…
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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…
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Reader Fatigue: Why It's OK to Reread/Rewatch Your Favorites
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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 Po…
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Top Four Author Skills I Use in Real Life
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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…
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Pivoting to Find Your Path: An Interview with Victoria Gilbert
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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://…
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Top Five Pieces of (Contradictory) Writing Advice
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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 meganoruss…
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The Wizard Has Spoken―Girl of Glass and Wrath and Wing Are Now Available on Audio!
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“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…
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Stranger Times: How the Current State of the World is Affecting Our Relationship with Entertainment
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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…
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Perception is Reality: How POV Shapes the World in Fiction
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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. Get full access to Page by…
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