In Episode 116 of The BookCast, I share my progress toward 20 published books - a milestone in indie publishing that many believe creates a sustainable writing career. I'm currently at 18 books in retail formats and on track to hit my goal this year.  

Congrats to Karen Talley on her debut Poetry collection. Grab it HERE.

I've reached 55 books toward my 100-book Goodreads challenge for 2025 (29 books ahead of schedule), and I'm excited to announce several major publishing updates: 

Ruby's Ten 10th anniversary edition is available with new covers- Booksbydlwhite.com/rubysten

The companion novella Drinks at Minks is out in all formats.

Calculated Risk is finally released through Prolific Works

Baking Bad is launching April 18. Catch the Sample Sunday snip on my blog or my substack- links are on my website- Booksbydlwhite.com/linkinbio. 

Listen for my thoughts on why the 20 books philosophy matters particularly for Black authors and what milestones might come next.

For complete show notes including my full reading list and all links mentioned: → booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/116

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In Episode 115 of The BookCast, I share exciting updates about my upcoming releases, including the 10th anniversary edition of Brunch at Ruby's and its companion novella, Drinks at Mink's. I'm at book 51 of my 100-book Goodreads challenge for 2025 (already 30 books ahead!), and my St. Patrick's Day short story Clover is now available. The episode focuses on doing "more" in 2025 - more writing, more releasing, and leaning into creative productivity despite self-doubt. Listen for a special audio snippet from Clover and updates on Ruby's Ten, Potter Lake 4, and other projects.

For complete show notes including my full reading list and all links mentioned: → booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/115

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In Episode 114 of The Bookcast, I share my thoughts on the impact of Amazon boycotts on indie authors and how diversifying publishing platforms can protect your writing career. 

I begin with my book report, having reached 44 books toward my 100-book goal for 2025, and highlight recent reads. I provide updates on my writing projects and my plans to participate in 20K in Five Days to work on Potter Lake 4. The main focus of this episode explores the challenges authors face when exclusively tied to Amazon, especially during boycotts, and offers practical strategies for authors looking to diversify their publishing platforms and for readers seeking alternatives to Amazon.

For a full transcript of this episode, visit: booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/114

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In Episode 113, "I Like the Pressure," I share insights about my writing process and publishing journey. I begin with my book report, having read 41 books toward my 100-book goal for 2025, and highlight 13 books I completed in February across romance, thriller, and contemporary fiction.

I then break down my February sales performance, revealing a successful direct-to-reader strategy through BookFunnel that generated most of my revenue. My holiday novella "Grumpy Valentine" performed exceptionally well without Amazon distribution, proving my direct sales approach effective.

My project updates include progress on "Ruby's 10" anniversary hardcover edition, complete with dust jacket, plus a special epilogue novella for fans. I'm also preparing for the Black Romance Book Fest in May- preorders are open! 

The episode's main topic explores my realization that I work best under pressure. By analyzing my Clifton Strengths (Intellection, Input, Responsibility, Adaptability) and Enneagram type (9w1), I discovered that what seems like procrastination is actually my natural creative rhythm. Rather than forcing myself into rigid daily writing schedules, I'm embracing quarterly planning with deadlines that trigger my responsibility strength while accommodating my thinking process—working with my nature rather than against it. 

Visit booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/113 for complete show notes. 

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Welcome to Epi 112 of the Bookcast, my space for short fiction, updates on writing and publishing and all the bookish and authorly goodness. I’m talking about my latest release, Grumpy Valentine, and how I took on the challenge of narrating my own audiobook. Was it worth it? You’ll have to listen to find out!

In This Episode

📚 The Book Report – What I Read This Week

• Not Our Daughter – Chad Zunker
• Who’s Loving You – Lula White (Metamorphosis Series, Book 1)
• Kill Her – Chris Patchell (Detective Lacey James Series, Book 7)
• Justice for All – Chris Patchell (Short Story)

📚 Books on My Current Reading List

• You Could Do Damage – KC Mills (ARC)
• The Quiet Wife – Diane Saxon (ARC)
• Rise and Betrayal – Justine Hill Edwards (Heritage Savings & Trust Series)
• Junie – Erin Crosby Eckstein

📺 TV & Movies I’m Watching

 Wil Trent, Elsbeth, The Equalizer, The Irrational, Matlock, The Pitt, Papa’s House, Scamanda, Land Man, Save My Skin

Streaming & Subscription Thoughts

• Netflix price increases and managing streaming costs.
• Using JustWatch to track new episodes.
• The Wayans Family being inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame (so exciting!).

🖊 Writing & Publishing Updates

• Grumpy Valentine is out now! It’s exclusive to my website, and I narrated my own audiobook for the first time.
• Sales breakdown and how my direct sales strategy is shaping up.
• Upcoming projects: Ruby’s Ten, Calculated Risk, Missing Persons, and Still I Rise.

🎙 Main Topic: Narrating My Own Audiobook

• Why I decided to self-narrate Grumpy Valentine and how I made it happen.
• The equipment I used, the learning curve, and the behind-the-scenes process.
• Thoughts on expanding my backlist into audio and what this could mean for my author business.

🔥 Final Thoughts
Narrating your own audiobook isn’t for everyone, but it’s something I’m excited to explore further. If you’ve ever thought about doing it, start small, be patient, and remember—it gets easier with practice.

Links & Resources

🔗 Grumpy Valentine (Ebook & Audiobook): booksbydlwhite.com/grumpyvalentine
🔗 My books: booksbydlwhite.com/shop
🔗 Pick up a few free or severely reduced priced books (including some of mine!) in these bookfunnel special events! 

• Celebrate Black History with stories from a variety of authors: https://books.bookfunnel.com/blackhistorymonth2025/mvxkx4mekl
•  Small town first in series contemporary romanc

Support the show

Stay connected:

Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com

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Welcome to Episode 111 of The Bookcast. This is a space where I talk about the books I’m reading and writing plus what I’m watching to keep me from scrolling the entire internet. 

Today I'm talking about the importance of doing the least - taking time to rest and recharge. After three intense days at the office this week, I'm embracing some downtime to catch up on reading, writing, and just being still and I hope you are too. Take a listen to the first few minutes of today’s show for some encouragement to be still. 

Find full show notes for this episode at my website- booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/111. 

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 Hello, everybody. I’m so glad you’re here—welcome to Episode 110 of the Bookcast.

Happy Black History Month! Whether or not this admin want to "celebrate" it (side-eye at the powers that be), we’re still here. We still uplift our ancestors, we still celebrate ourselves, and we always will. Welcome to episode 110 of the Bookcast. Let’s talk about what we’re reading, writing and watching to avoid doom-scrolling. 

Find full show notes for this episode on my website: Booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/110.

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Welcome back to the Bookcast. Find full show notes on today's episode at my website- Booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/109. 
I have a smattering of things I want to talk about today-

1. BookReport
2. Writing / Sales/ Publishing Update
3. Appearances
4. Pirating! ARRR! 

Thank you for your support of this podcast. Subscribe, rate, review and SHARE if you loved it!

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Thanks for checking out this episode of The Bookcast. Show notes for epi 108:

Book Report
I'm crushing my Goodreads challenge already! 23 books completed so far this year (18 books ahead of schedule). My initial goal is 100 books, but I'll probably increase it once I get too far ahead.  

• Playing for Keeps by AC Author - A sweet romance about online connections turning real-life
• Damage Control by Robert Dugoni (2009 audiobook)
• Hold Strong by Robert Dugoni (coming Jan 28) - A surprisingly engaging WWII historical with romance elements
• Several quick thrillers by Audrey J Cole in audio format (Fatal Deception, The Summer Nanny, Viable Hostage, and The Recipient)
• Reclaiming the Black Body by Alicia McCullough - Excellent read, especially the chapters on fatphobia in the Black community
• More or Less Maddie by Lisa Genova - Good but not quite as spectacular as her other works like Inside the O'Brien's or Still Alice

Currently Reading -  three books in progress:

• Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson (45% in, might switch to audio)
• Black and Blues: How a Color Tells a Story of My People by Imani Perry (advance audio copy)
• Out of the Ashes by Kara Thomas
• The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee (releases tomorrow)
• Savings and Trust by Justine Hill Edwards - About the Freedman's Bank, reading ahead of the author talk

Writing Updates

•  Calculated Risk is with the editor, due February 28th for a spring release
• Missing Persons likely coming summer/late fall
• Book 4 in the Potter Lake series planned for fall
• Working on a Valentine's Day short story (might be fashionably late!)
• January sales at $83 so far - hoping to hit $100+ by month end

Special Offers & Updates

• Black Diamond Romance series bundle on sale for $6.99 (booksbydlwhite.com/blackdiamondromance)
• Leslie's Curl and Die (Potter Lake Book 1) free on most platforms except Amazon - Booksbydlwhite.com/potterlakeseries
• Chapter 8 of my fanfic Music of My Heart now up on NSYNCFiction.com/archive and short fiction Substack
• Same Time Next Week serial complete - 75 chapters plus epilogue available to paid Substack member

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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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If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.