Hey friends! Welcome to episode 107 of The Bookcast. I'm recording today with a bit of a cold, so I sound funny, but I'm here and that's all that matters.  I  had to come in and share a mid-month update on my latest reads, writing efforts and author wins with you. Also, it snowed in Atlanta, a thing that only happens every few years, so there's that.   

Book Report - I have read 14 of 100 books. I'm well ahead of my challenge and as per usual, I'll re-evaluate mid year. SO FAR it looks like I am going to be bumping up the goal much earlier. I just love reading.

Here's what I've read so far this month- note I was on vacation for the first six days of the month.  I'm trying something new by tracking on both Goodreads and StoryGraph. I don't personally enjoy storygraph but I want to stick it out to see if I get good reporting at the end of the year. Goodreads is very social but not good at reporting. 

• Track Her Down by Melinda Leigh (Bree Taggart #10)
• A Winter Crest Christmas Reloaded: Mia and Zen by Cordae
• One More to Die by Joy Ellis (Audible Original)
• Tell Her Story by Margo Hunt (Audible Original)
• The Family Lies by Angela Henry
• The Setup by Falguni Kothari
• Lacey James series by Chris Patchell
• Shooting the Moon by Brenda Novak
• Westmoreland Legacy series bundle by Brenda Jackson: 
  • The Rancher Returns
  • His Secret Son
  • An Honorable Seduction
• The Secret Witness by Victor Methos
• More Than Friends by Reese Ryan (Love and Music Suite #3)

Writing Updates:

• Currently working on a Valentine's Day story titled Rules in Romance
• Calculated Risk is with my editor and due end of February
• Missing Persons is complete but needs editing
• Still plugging away at my Berkeley Sisters trilogy
• Writing fan fiction on my Substack (short fiction by dlwhite.substack.com)

I ended the episode asking how you all are planning to get through these interesting times ahead. Drop me a line - I'd love to hear from you!

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I wasn't planning to do a year-in-review episode, but I do love analyzing my numbers, so here we are.I am starting the new year exactly how I like-- talking about books and writing. I'm just bringing you all into the conversation.

In episode 106 I share my reading and writing accomplishments through 2024, I discuss my top-earning titles, marketing efforts, and ad/marketing performance. I also discuss my plans for 2025, including upcoming releases Missing Persons and Calculated Risk, plus my goals for exploring short fiction and celebrating the 10th anniversary of Brunch at Ruby's.

Find full show notes at my website- Booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/106 or my substack. 

Support the show

Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com.
Follow my substack at authordlwhite.substack.com
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Find the Bookcast on booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast or your fave podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify |Overcast | Podlink| Youtube

On Epi 105 of the Bookcast, I'm shooting from the hip with coffee in hand and the microphone ON.   

Book Report:
I'm thrilled to share that I hit my reading goal for the year - currently at 206 books out of my target 200. With a week and change left in the year, I've no clue where that final number will land. I've been a reading SOMEBODY this month, already at 19 books including some standouts:

• "A Man for Mrs. Claus" by Rebekah Weatherspoon - Put this directly into your face immediately. It's the perfect blend of holiday whimsy and steam, with such an innovative take on a holiday story.
• "Protected" by Sharon C. Cooper - The latest in her Atlanta's Finest series. If you love romantic suspense set in Atlanta, you need Sharon C. Cooper (and Delaney Diamond's Cordoba Agency series) in your life.
• Christmas with a Billionaire by Stephanie Nicole Norris - Brand new release available on her website now and hitting retail on Christmas Day.

My latest book Festival at Evergreen Falls is out now! It's available at all ebook retailers, and while the response has been minimal so far, it's been overwhelmingly positive. Special shoutout to The Reading Room 444 for that lovely review!

I'm fully embracing vacation mode until January 6th. My gift to me is a Kindle Fire HD 10 Plus with charging dock and a bunch of cozy new pajamas. My vacation plans are reading, watching shows (currently loving "Get Millie Black" on HBO Max), and deliberately avoiding the upcoming political circus. I've got every streaming service and I'm building up my watch list to keep me entertained through 2028. Don't call me until midterms. 

Looking ahead, I've got some exciting projects brewing. 
Brunch at Ruby's 10th anniversary edition; possible novella add-on???
Missing Persons-  done, needs editing and revision  

Catch the full episode and show notes at books by dlwhite.com/bookcast/105 or on my Substack. Catch all the links you need at Booksbydlwhite.com/linkinbio 

Support the show

Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com.
Follow my substack at authordlwhite.substack.com
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Find the Bookcast on booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast or your fave podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify |Overcast | Podlink| Youtube

Welcome back to my new and seasoned Book friends!

I'm back(ish) with Episode 104 of the BookCast. Despite the weather, the podcast mic AND the coffee are HOT and ready or not, I'm here to share what's been happening in my reading and writing world.

Book REPORT:  I'm at 190 books out of my 200-book reading challenge for 2024! This week, I dove into some quick reads including:
The House on the Water by Margot Hunt
The Next Grave by Kendra Elliot
Technically Speaking by Michael Elliot
Stranded by Chris Bruno

On the writing front, I've been incredibly productive! Festival at Evergreen Falls will be out before the holidays, and I've just finished a newsletter exclusive called Olympias on King Street.  It's about a plus-size lingerie boutique owner and her landlord, with a twist I think you're going to love!

I'm particularly excited about my progress on Missing Persons, a project that's been brewing since I wrote Dinner at Sam's. It follows Yvette Young, the investigator who helped Gibson track down Vanessa's husband.

I recently had a wonderful time at the Tinsel and Tales event at the Bookworm Bookstore in Powder Springs, where I got to hug and catch up with fellow authors like Sharon C. Cooper and Dr. Vanessa Riley. 

I'm feeling optimistic about 2025 – it's looking like it'll be my most prolific year since 2020. It's nice to be back in the lab.

Until next week, I'll be here drinking my coffee, enjoying my cream of wheat (I'm in my winter hot breakfast era!), and working on new stories for you.

What are you reading this week? Drop me a comment at books by dlwhite.com/bookcast/104! or pick up this episode on my substack. 

Support the show

Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com.
Follow my substack at authordlwhite.substack.com
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Still I write!

Hello to my new and seasoned friends!

Hopping on briefly to be honest about where I'm at - I'm not okay right now, and that's okay. Like many years, I'm dealing with seasonal affective disorder and depression. While things are stable externally (bills paid, health okay), my mental health needs some TLC-- and I meant Tionne, LeftEye and Chili, mostly. But also uninterrupted sleep and my usual comforts.

Writing helps me process when I'm stressed, so I want to share fun updates: 

I just finished a cute holiday short story called "The Festival at Evergreen Falls" that's giving total Hallmark/Lifetime movie vibes. You'll meet Thandie and Kwame in December.

"Olympia's on King Street,"  is a short about a plus-size lingerie boutique owner and her landlord. Grab it free when you subscribe to my newsletter- Booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter. I send 1-2 emails a month that are usually sales, discounts, book news. Not too much navel gazing....unless you're into that. O_o 

Atlanta metro locals!  I'll be at the Bookworm bookstore in Powder Springs, GA next Saturday (December 7th) from 2-4 PM. Would love to see you there!

My Friday, but make it Black sale is running until midnight Monday - 50% off everything in my web store. Visit the Books by DL White store HERE.

Calculated Risk is complete and with the editor for a spring release. While waiting, I'm focusing on writing fun, lighter pieces that bring me joy. I'm also being mindful about my media consumption and keeping a close circle of supportive people around me.

Stay connected!  I'm  most active on Instagram, Substack (and my short fiction publication here, BlueSky, and Facebook.  

Support the show

Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com.
Follow my substack at authordlwhite.substack.com
Buy books by DL White at https://payhip.com/booksbydlwhite
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Find the Bookcast on booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast or your fave podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify |Overcast | Podlink| Youtube

Epi 102 of the BookCast was a bit shorter than usual since I was traveling for work in Charlotte, NC (which, by the way, was absolutely lovely – shoutout to the Kimpton Hotel and Steak 48!) but I still wanted to share my week with you all.

On the reading front, I'm cruising along at 179 books out of my 200-book goal for 2024, about 4 books ahead of schedule. This week I managed to squeeze in three reads: Beverly Jenkins' "Holiday Heat," Stephanie Nicole Norris's veteran-themed "Wait No More," and Zariah Well Banks' holiday novella "Mistetowed."

Big social media update: I've mostly moved over to Blue Sky from Twitter/X. While my author account is still auto-posting on Twitter, I'm actively engaging on Blue Sky now, loving the positive vibes and especially enjoying our "Black Sky" and "BlackBookSky" feeds. You can find me at @authorDLWhite on Blue Sky.

Writing-wise, "Calculated Risk" is with the editor (looking at a 2025 release), and I'm still working on a special 10th-anniversary cover for "Brunch at Ruby's." My new project, "The Festival at Evergreen Falls," is coming along slowly. I just cleaned up the first three chapters and realized my hero doesn't have a POV.

OOP. 

If you're interested in keeping up with my work, you can find me on Instagram at  author_DLWhite, check out my Substack for Tuesday teasers and weekly posts, or visit booksbydlwhite.com/linkinbio for all the links and details.

Thanks for sticking with me through 101 episodes! Though my coffee got cold during this recording (the worst!), it was great catching up with everyone. Until next time!

Support the show

Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com.
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On episode 101, I shot straight from the hip, no script in hand, because sometimes you just need to get real. As an Atlanta-based author with 14 full-length novels behind me, I felt it was important not to skip another episode, even though I'm still processing a lot.
The truth is, I'm working through my emotions this week. My focus right now is on figuring out what I need to do to protect my mental health and personal well-being while still finding ways to live and find joy anyway. 

Reading as Refuge
I'm going to have to step back from Non-Fiction November - real life is just too much right now. Instead, I'm diving deep into my comfort genres: women's fiction, literary fiction, and romance, especially holiday romance. I might throw in some non-fiction later, but right now, I need the comfort of fiction.
Despite everything, I'm still ahead on my Goodreads challenge at 177 of 200 books. This week I finished:
- "The Quiet Damage" about QAnon and family impact - sad but hopeful in the final chapters
- "Overseas with a Billionaire" by Stephanie Nicole Norris (snatched this new release right up!)
- "While I Slept" by Lakisha Johnson
- "Holiday Heat" by Beverly Jenkins (so grateful to see her on Bluesky now)

Social Media Shifts
I'm not leaving Twitter, but I'm spending more time on Bluesky . It's peaceful there, with great communities for books (BookSky), Black voices (BlackSky), and romance writers (RomanceLandia). I'll still be on Instagram and Facebook too, but I'm intentionally creating safe spaces for myself online.

 Writing Update
I haven't opened any documents this week, but I did read through "Calculated Risk" because I missed Imani and Desmond. Even in its rough draft form, I really like it and I'm excited for you all to get it in 2025. "The Festival at Evergreen Falls" is still waiting for me. I'm hoping to get some writing done during my business travel this week.

Free Books Alert!
Two upcoming events for your reading pleasure:
1. Black Reader Appreciation Experience (BRAE.website) - running 12th-16th with lots of authors offering free ebooks
2. Stuff Your Earbuds at RomanceAudioBookworms.com - November 15th-16th for free indie audiobooks.

I appreciate all your good thoughts, prayers, and support.  I'm focusing on taking care of myself and finding joy where I can. Books have always been my coping mechanism, and my face is going to be buried in them. 

Support the show

Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com.
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Welcome to a milestone episode! In this special 100th installment, I'm taking a moment to celebrate how far we've come while sharing my latest reading and writing updates. From my humble beginnings recording in my closet to now having published multiple novels, it's been a trip.  
I talk about my #GLOCKtober reads, my plans for #NonficNovember plan, and reflect on 100 episodes of growth. Plus I'm sharing that's in the MAYBE pile of upcoming projects. Plus, I'll give you a sneak peek at what's brewing for my 10th anniversary as a published author.

Find full show notes including the books I read/ plan to read and the upcoming works and appearances at booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/100 or my substack at authordlwhite.substack.com.

 

Support the show

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Follow my substack at authordlwhite.substack.com
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Find the Bookcast on booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast or your fave podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify |Overcast | Podlink| Youtube

I'm back!
After a short break, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you all in my latest Bookcast episode. First and foremost, Calculated Risk is officially done! I came in at just over 40,000 words and I'm so excited about this project, which will be part of a group release in 2025. This episode is a brief overview of my writing process and I also give you a sneak peek into Calculated Risk, sharing the blurb and introducing my characters, Imani and Desmond. You can find even more teasers on my Substack (author dlwhite.substack.com).
Beyond the book, I catch you up on my October reading challenge (I hit 169 books!), my upcoming appearance at the Snellville Book Festival (November 9th), and my thoughts on the upcoming election. It's a relaxed, Sunday morning chat filled with updates and personal reflections. I'm looking forward to sharing more full episodes soon, including (maybe) a holiday short story!

Hope you enjoy! Leave comments and messages of love at my website- Booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/99 or my substack - author dlwhite.substack.com.

Support the show

Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com.
Follow my substack at authordlwhite.substack.com
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Find the Bookcast on booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast or your fave podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify |Overcast | Podlink| Youtube

On epi 98 of The BookCast by DL White, we are chatting about reading, writing and storytelling.

There has been some discourse about whether authors include too much inconsequential detail in their writing. As a writer who strives for vivid description, it is important to immerse the reader in the scene without bogging down the narrative. Skillful writing can transport readers through evocative language, while keeping the story moving forward. I talk more about this approach on today's episode.

I also talked a little about Facebook advertising, the BOOK I read this week (just ONE!) and what I am hoping to get into. 

I also shared a writing update:
Same Time Next Week has been updated through Chapter 7. This is a serial that is updated twice a week on my short fiction substack. 
Calculated Risk has 5,000+ words and I am feeling good about it. I am working to develop the slightly antagonistic meet-cute between Imani and Desmond. They both carry wounds from their past that they will help each other overcome through their relationship. Crafting complex, relatable characters is supremely rewarding. 

Lastly, I reviewed upcoming author appearances. Don't forget to share any comments or feedback you have at my website (booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/98) or my substack (authordlwhite.substack.com).

The Bookcast is written, produced and edited by me. Our theme music and any sound effects are provided by Pixabay. Our break tunes were brought to you by Infrared Krypto. Look him up on Youtube or Spotify. I think he calls his genre lofi jazz. Super nice instrumental with a great tempo. Today’s selection is called Clearview off of his latest album Ultraviolet. You should spin that thang! 

Support the show

Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com.
Follow my substack at authordlwhite.substack.com
Buy books by DL White at https://payhip.com/booksbydlwhite
Buy Merch by DLWhite at my spreadshop.
Find the Bookcast on booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast or your fave podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify |Overcast | Podlink| Youtube