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What makes a child who “hates reading” suddenly devour books?

In this episode, I’m joined by hugely successful children’s author Dustin Brady, best known for his blockbuster Trapped in a Video Game series, which has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. Dustin writes books for kids who think they hate reading — and somehow, miraculously, he turns them into readers.

We talk about how he comes up with ideas that are both wildly fun and highly commercial, what keeps kids turning pages, how he writes fast-paced books for reluctant readers, and what he’s learned from school visits, parents, teachers, and years of connecting with real kids.

We also dive into Dustin’s publishing journey — from self-publishing to being picked up by a traditional publisher — plus what he’s discovered about writing books that feel approachable, addictive, and impossible for kids to put down.

If you write for children, want to better understand reluctant readers, or dream of creating stories kids genuinely beg to keep reading, this episode is packed with insight.

• Writing for kids who think they hate reading
• What makes a children’s book truly page-turning
• How Dustin comes up with high-concept commercial ideas
• The importance of writing the book you would have loved as a child
• Keeping books tight, fast, and approachable for younger readers
• Cliffhangers, pacing, and chapter length
• School visits and what Dustin has learned from meeting real readers
• Dustin’s journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing
• How Trapped in a Video Game grew into a multi-million-copy success
• What to do when a book just isn’t working
• How to tell the difference between laziness and a story problem
• Why fun matters so much in children’s fiction

Dustin Brady is the bestselling author of books for kids who think they hate reading. His hugely popular Trapped in a Video Game series has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide, and he’s also the author of Escape from a Video Game, Adventures in a Video Game, Leila and Nugget Mystery Series, and The World’s Worst Time Machine.

Known for his fast-paced, funny, highly approachable books, Dustin has built a loyal following among reluctant readers, teachers, and parents alike. He writes stories that help kids discover that reading can actually be fun — and often addictive in the very best way.

Website: https://dustinbradybooks.com/
Instagram Andrews McMeel Kids: HERE
Books: Trapped in a Video Game, Escape from a Video Game, Adventures in a Video Game, Leila and Nugget Mystery Series, The World’s Worst Time Machine

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In this episode, I'm joined by Alysson Bourque from Expound Publicity—and she's making history as the first guest ever to return to the Children's Book Author Podcast!

We dive deep into holiday marketing strategies and modern publicity tactics that actually work:

• Why October is the best time to get prepared for Christmas book sales
• The genius of unexpected collaborations (think dirty soda carts and boutique book nooks!)
• How to use AI without losing your authentic voice
• The difference between earned and paid media—and why paid is now useful for authors
• Getting featured in satellite media tours and holiday gift guides
• When to invest in a PR firm vs. DIY marketing
• Thinking of your book as a product (the mindset shift that changes everything)
• Scaling beyond books: developing your IP into plush toys, musicals, and more

Whether you're gearing up for your first holiday selling season or looking to take your author business to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can start implementing today.

🎁 Special Podcast Listener Offer
I've just launched The Picture Book and Middle Grade Writing Blueprint—my most comprehensive course yet, covering everything from picture book mastery to middle grade novels, story idea generation, rhetorical devices, self-editing, and market research. PLUS monthly group coaching sessions with me!

Use code PODCAST100 for $100 off (brings it down from $297 to just $197). Valid through Christmas Day!
👉 Visit elenapaige.com to enroll

🧡 Learn more about Alysson and Expound at: expoundpublicity.com

MORE ABOUT ALYSSON & EXPOUND PUBLICITY:

Alysson Bourque is a bestselling, award-winning children's book author who began her career as a teacher after graduating from University of Louisiana Lafayette with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned a Juris Doctor law degree from the Southern University Law Center in 2007. Alysson is the author of seven books in The Alley Cat Series, including her upcoming Christmas release. Her work has been featured in major media outlets, and she's currently developing her IP for potential adaptation, including discussions with Apple about turning her series into a cartoon.

Using the latest industry trends, Expound's mission is to build a platform for an author to succeed and maintain their success as a writer. Created by a team of multi-award winning, bestselling authors and seasoned marketers, Expound Publicity is a full-service book marketing agency specializing in custom integrated campaigns tailored to each author's unique needs and goals.

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In this episode, I’m joined by two powerhouse women—Alysson Bourque and Lori Orlinsky—award-winning children's book authors and the co-founders of Expound Publicity, a boutique book marketing agency built by authors, for authors.

We talk about:

• The biggest marketing mistakes new authors make
• How to get media attention (without being famous!)
• Why writing a great book isn’t enough—and what to do about it
• The story behind Expound and how it’s helping authors not just launch… but grow

Whether you're launching your first picture book or looking to breathe new life into your backlist, this episode is full of practical takeaways and author-to-author wisdom.

🎁 Free Resource Mentioned in the Episode
Writing a children’s book? Don’t miss my Scene-Building Blueprint—a free, powerful tool to help you write scenes kids can’t stop reading. It includes a plug-and-play worksheet I use myself.
👉 GET IT HERE or visit elenapaige.com

🧡 Learn more about Alysson, Lori, and Expound at:
expoundpublicity.com

MORE ABOUT ALY, LORI, & EXPOUND PUBLICITY:

Alysson Bourque is a bestselling, award-winning children’s book author who began her career as a teacher after graduating from University of Louisiana Lafayette with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned a Juris Doctor law degree from the Southern University Law Center in 2007. Alysson is the author of seven books in The Alycat Series.

Lori Orlinsky is a bestselling, award-winning children’s book author and seasoned marketer, most recently serving as the marketing director at PBS Chicago. She is the mother of three little ladies who are small but mighty. At 5’1, she wishes her children’s picture book Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All), was around when she was growing up.

Using the latest industry trends, Expound's mission is to build a platform for an author to succeed and maintain their success as a writer. Created by a team of multi-award winning, bestselling authors, and seasoned marketers, Expound Publicity is a full-service book marketing agency specializing in custom integrated campaigns.

Support the show