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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.

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From Actor to Graphic Novel writer, Elisa Eliot brings her years of study and knowledge in the performing arts, and from screenwriting and producing to children's books. You'll learn about creating the most unique yet truthful characters and bringing them to life. Plus so much more!

MORE ABOUT ELISA:

Elisa Eliot began performing with the Houston Grand Opera at 12, starred in plays throughout school and won her state’s science fair before studying Drama, Literature and Playwriting at Yale, where she starred in 40 more productions. She won the lead in the Off-Broadway production of Bells of the Mill on a summer break before moving to Los Angeles, where she quickly racked up roles in TV and film. She wrote and produced the feature, A Genie’s Tail, which debuted on Showtime and is available on most streaming platforms.

On May 14 2024, Eliot released her debut graphic novel, ZAK VS. ZOMBIES through Orange Hat Publishing about a group of misfit kids who band together to save the world from the technology-obsessed talkers. As an original cast member of We’re Alive, in addition to writing and producing their upcoming spin-off, Scout’s Honor, Eliot is already an experienced zombie survivor. Eliot remains an in-demand actress, voiceover artist and creator/writer/producer while simultaneously raising twins and Jack Russell terriers and developing new animated and written content in her spare time.

WEBSITES

BOOK: https://www.zakvs.com

FILM & TV CONTENT: https://www.triplejackproductions.com, https://www.triplejackkids.com

SOCIALS

INSTA: @elisaeliot @zakvszombies

FB: https://www.facebook.com/elisa.eliot.yudofsky.nord, https://www.facebook.com/ZAKVSBooks/

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Are you stuck writing a particular book?

Feeling frustrated with your productivity?

Sick of trying strategies that never work?

Here's how to overcome all these obstacles and more: discover and work with your unique strengths! Jump into today's interview with Becca Syme, success coach (primarily utilizing the Gallup Strengthsfinder®) where we talk all about transformation and the power of an individualised approach.

This is such a golden episode you will listen to over and over again! Also go do the Gallup Strengths Test https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/ and discover your top five strengths, so you can start being the best creative YOU!

MORE ABOUT BECCA

Becca Syme holds a master’s degree in transformational leadership and has been a success coach (primarily utilizing the Gallup Strengthsfinder®) for over fifteen years. She’s coached over 5,000 individual authors and creatives through her Write Better-Faster and Strengths for Writers classes & coaching cohorts: six- and seven-figure authors, major award winners, midlisters, and new authors alike.

She is the author of the Dear Writer books and host of the Quitcast for Writers Podcast/You Tube channel, created around the content of Becca Syme’s “What to Quit, What to Keep, and What to Question” model of coaching writers.

Find out more at https://betterfasteracademy.com/

SEE THE VIDEOS ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS http://betterfasteracademy.com/next-steps-videos

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Yes it's been a while since a new episode has dropped, but after much anticipation, here is the latest episode launching off the podcast in 2025! If you have ever wanted to find out how to hit your local community and sell your own books, this is the episode for you! We talk all about sourcing your own distribution, approaching local indie bookstores and of course, school visits! Enjoy today's episode with the incredibly dynamic Kristy Nita Brown!

MORE ABOUT KRISTY:

Kristy Nita Brown is a dynamic junior fiction author, educator, and creative entrepreneur who independently publishes books. Her debut book, Looking for Lily, was shortlisted for the 2023 West Australian Young Readers’ Book Award and placed second in the 2022 Children and Young Adult Aspiring Author Competition. Her follow-up book, Mavey and Beth’s Double Act: Where’s My Whistle?, secured fourth place in the 2023 edition of the same competition.

Kristy is a seasoned TAFE lecturer and teaching artist who runs creative writing and filmmaking workshops across community libraries and schools. In 2024, Kristy is funded by the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries to lead the Book Builder's Challenge, an innovative, creative writing program that empowers students to write, illustrate, edit, market and publish books. Kristy is also a participant in the Path to Published mentorship program with best-selling author Sasha Wasley, the SEW Arts teaching artists training program, and the Creative Schools program developed by Form.

FIND HER AT:

Website: https://www.kristynitabrown.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/kristynitabrownbooks

https://www.facebook.com/kristynitabrownbooks

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I'm so excited to be sharing my interview with Lisa Glanz. If you're someone who loves drawing and uses procreate, you're sure to know who she is!

But even if you're an author today we dive deep into reverse engineering your creative career to build a thriving business, how to draw cute characters for your kids books, and so many other things about the creative journey!

Enjoy today's interview.

AND. If you heard my introduction and want to sign up for the massive bonus and be one of my first ever students of The Children's Book Author Blueprint, check out ElenaPaige.com/learn

MORE ABOUT LISA

Lisa Glanz is a full time illustrator with a devoted eagerness in helping others achieve their creative goals. In addition to creating professional digital tools for artists, she loves teaching and sharing knowledge she's gained both as a business owner and artist.

Lisa knows how difficult the creative journey can be - she'd love to make yours easier by teaching you what she's learned along the way. Her courses and products are designed to help you gain more knowledge, build confidence and produce work you're proud of.


https://www.lisaglanz.com/
You tube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Lisaglanz/featured
IG: https://www.instagram.com/glanzgraphics/

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People will ALWAYS judge your book by its cover: it's the harsh reality! So make sure you get your cover design right. Today we discuss what makes a great cover and how you can make sure your cover helps to sell your book, with Cover Designer, Holly Dunn. Enjoy the episode!
Elena

MORE ABOUT HOLLY DUNN:

Holly is a book cover designer based in New Zealand. She specialises in working with indie authors to make their stories shine through custom illustration and hand lettering. Before switching to full-time design, she worked at a company helping indie authors market their books. Now, along with her design services, she creates resources to help indie authors on their self-publishing journey.

LINKS:

hollydunndesign.com

Instagram

YouTube

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