Books by DL White Bookcast

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.
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

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.
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

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

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

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
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

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

This week on The Bookcast by DL White, I discuss the books I read this week and an exciting writing update as well as a few in-person events. 

I am feeling the change in seasons though it remains warm in Atlanta until October. I changed my bedroom decor to brighten my mood during these fall and winter months as I suffer from seasonal affective disorder. 

The Neverlist was featured in the Stuff Your Kindle event. I have given away over 5,000 copies and hope readers discover my other works, especially the Potter Lake series. The Never List was also reviewed on The Lit Library Podcast. I had a ball listening to this rowdy, engaging discussion of the book. 

Book Report
have read 147 books of my challenge to read 200 books in 2024. I am 10 books ahead of my challenge.

Read

1. For the Love of You - Candace Shaw 
2. When I Fell for You - Candace Shaw 
3. Then There was You - Candace Shaw 
4. Free Agent- Christina C. Jones 
5. Lowcountry Love - Rhonda McKnight 

Am Reading 

1. Another Girl Lost by Mary Burton

Books I put down

1. Break Every Rule- Brian Freeman

Writing Update
 
I talked about Book 15:  Calculated Risk and Project 10: Same Time Next Week - two writing projects I am happy to have on my plate this fall.

Same Time Next Week will be serialized on my Short Fiction Substack. There will only be a few more free chapters until subscriptions turn on. I also talked about my memories of writing this book as my first NaNoWriMo project.  This was my first project writing steamy scenes and helped develop my commercial writing skills.

Upcoming in-person events are a local book festival in November (info coming soon) and IndieLove and  and the Black Romance BookFest in 2025. 

Thank you for listening to another episode of the book cast. Please support my work through purchases, reviews and newsletter signup. 

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

I am DL White, an Atlanta based, self published author of romantic fiction that centers Black love. On this week's Bookcast, my indie author podcast, I talk about  my August reading and what I've got planned for the coming months as well as a super brief writing update and I'm feeling those 2020 vibes... and not in a good way. Tap into today's episode for a chat about finding ways to de-stress during tense times of year.

Book Report: 

• I'm at 142 / 200-books for the year - 9 books ahead of schedule (go me!)

  August Reading Wrap-Up

I managed to squeeze in 17 books but I'll be honest, I've hit a wall lately. The books just haven't been "booking" for me. Standouts:

1. "The Summer House" by James Patterson and Brendan Du Bois - My first James Patterson read, and it was a wild ride!
2. "Guide Me Home" by Attica Locke - Part of the Highway 59 series. Seriously, Attica Locke can write!

September contenders

1. Break Every Rule - Brian Freeman - Sep 10, 2024
2. The Christmas Inn - Pamela M. Kelley - Sep 24, 2024
3. Christmas in Spite of You - K.C. Mills - Sep 24, 2024
4. Lowcountry Love - Rhonda McKnight

For detail on themed Reading Months, the writing update and how I am handling the stress of an election year, go to this episode's page at Booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/96. 

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

I am DL White, an Atlanta based, self published author of romantic fiction that centers Black love. On this week's Bookcast, my indie author podcast, I'm doing a  dry run of a new format, recording on a new day, posting on a different day and time. It’ll be a quick and dirty bookchat and I’ll give an overview of writing and book sales. I’m hoping a slight change in format will breathe a little life into this podcast and give me some renewed energy because I’ll be honest… I’s tiyad boss.

If you enjoy this kind of thing and love this podcast, be one of the cool kids and join my podcast supporters at Bookcast.buzzsprout.com OR Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. Every little bit helps and all contributions go toward bringing this show to your ears.

Find full show notes including the Book Report, what I'm watching/reading/ writing at Booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/95 or my substack. 

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

Welcome back to a new BookCast episode! For #94, I’m tinkering. Moving things around. I’m bored, so that requires a bit of a re-tool.

Find full show notes including my thoughts on this week’s reads on my website: 

Bookcast by DL White

I'm back after a short break and ready to dig into my reads from the last few weeks, though I have hit a slump lately. I'm always on the hunt for a thriller that bites back and also gearing up for the 20k in 5 days writing challenge in September. We are fewer than 100 days to the US election. Heavy political discussions and trying to pay attention to everything I need to know before I step into the ballot box saps my energy and social media activity and spending time on other things suffers. 

I'll share some updates on my writing projects. Or… projects I started and decided I could not maintain enough interest to push them through. My rule: if it’s not a hell yes, it’s a No. 

But I am thinking about brining those projects to substack. *ponder face* 

I'm also thinking about shaking up the podcast schedule and would love your feedback! I want my Saturdays back so the thought currently is to prep Thurs/Fri, record SUNDAY and post the episode up at midnight Sunday (it’s always scheduled, I am not up posting live). That way it posts with other podcasts that run during the week. I might try it this week and see how it goes. 

I'm open to your thoughts on today’s episode, the podcast in general, and of course, I'm always grateful for your support through book purchases and newsletter sign-ups and follows. Find links to everything I do on my website- booksbydlwhite.com/linkinbio. 

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

On this episode, I share a glimpse into my experiences, challenges, and triumphs as a self-published author and passionate reader.  I updated listeners on my goal of reading 175 books and wrap up my July reading list.
Find that list in the show notes on my website: Booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/93.

I also discuss the anxiety of the earnings reset at the beginning of each month, and I share my efforts to navigate platforms like Substack while managing my writing and publishing journey.  I also discussed frustration with the paywall economy and the desire to support black authors and readers within digital platforms while everything of value is for sale. 

Recommendations: 

• Spa Girls Podcast 459 Why Your Book Isn’t Selling.
• The Lit Library is a new podcast hosted by Black readers and writers focusing on Black authored books. 
•  The Black Romance podcast and 
• Black Romance Has a History had Ms Bev on to talk about establishing roots as a Black romance author and the impact that her work has had on every author that has followed her trailblazing career. 
• Follow Substack by DL White at substack.com/authordlwhite

Full show notes including my July reads, my list of read/reading goals for August and any relevant links can be found on my blog at booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/93. 

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