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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.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:
- 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
MORE ABOUT DUSTIN:
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.
CONNECT WITH DUSTIN:
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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