Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time

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 …

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.

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…

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 …

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 wor…

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 wit…

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 a…

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 …

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 …

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…

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 o…

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 L…

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 T…

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 yo…

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" proble…

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 …

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 ou…

“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…

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 entertainmen…

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 …