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We have a shorter episode this week.  I catch you up on my reading challenge (92 of 150 books, 8 ahead of schedule), I dig deep into my Monk rewatch on Philo, talk honestly about new release sales for Standard of Care and Petty Season, and I chat about Noir Pages. Recently read: Crushed — L.M. Bennett No One Knows You're Here — Rachel Howzell Hall The Revelation of Dionne Daphne — Mara Brock Akil We Could Have Been — Aubrey Pynn Playing by the Rules — Reese Ryan Currently reading: With Her Baby on Her Back — Suzette D. Harrison I also talk about my Awesome August fanfic story, I Want You Back, starting August 1st, and my Labor Day short currently in progress. For the full rundown, including my complete Monk breakdown, all the book and event details, and every link mentioned, head to booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/142. Support the show Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

I’m back after a little break and catching up on everything: book festival recaps, a new release I snuck out, my reading update, what I’ve been watching, and some fun fan fiction plans. Reading Challenge Update I’ve read 87 of my 150 book goal for 2026, which puts me at 58% and eight books ahead of schedule. Recently Read: Straps and Sparkles, Carmen Lee Petty Season, DL White IRL, Aja August Lane, Regina Black A Paid Companion, Nea Forester Group Trip, Aria Days The Stranger Beside Me, Ann Rule The View from Here, Rachel Howzell-Hall Love, PRN: Hearts of Midtown Hospital Book 1, Cadence Rush Chasing a Second Chance: Westmoreland Legacy Book 8, Brenda Jackson Currently Reading: No One Knows You’re Here, Rachel Howzell-Hall The Stranger Beside Me was my July pick for the 12 Lives biography challenge, and it took me deep into the story of Ted Bundy and Ann Rule’s real relationship with him before his crimes came to light. What I’ve Been Watching I’ve been spending a lot of time on Black BookTube, following the creators who’ve built out a whole playlist of book hauls, interviews, and vlogs. I’ve also got my eye on the new Little House on the Prairie adaptation on Netflix, all eight episodes of which dropped on July 9th. Before I dive in, I’m listening to the Wilder podcast by Joe Piazza and reading Prairie Fires, a biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, so I can go into the new version with the real history in mind. Writing and Publishing Updates I released Petty Season the week of July 4th, an age gap romance set in the British Virgin Islands. Theo is 29, runs the water taxi out to a resort on Peter Island, and has a thing for women over 40. Camille Augustine is 49, freshly out of a marriage, and finally taking a vacation for herself. It’s spicy, it’s fun, and you can grab it at booksbydlwhite.com/pettyseason, through retail, or at the library (the library version is a touch less spicy). I’m working on a Labor Day short next and have the cover art already confirmed. Order Forms & Upcoming Events My personal signed book order form is open on my link in bio page through August 8th, maybe a little later. I’m using that order to stock up for the Petersburg Book Festival on September 12th in Petersburg, Virginia, which is free to attend. I also have a wholesale order form available for bookstores or bulk orders. Fan Fiction Corner: Awesome August It’s almost time for Awesome August, my annual celebration of JC Chasez’s birthday (he’s turning 50 this year). This year’s theme is storytelling through album, song titles, or lyrics, and I’m building my story off “I Want You Back.” I’ve got until August 31st to finish and post it, and if you write NSYNC fan fiction, I’d love to see you join in. Wine with Writers Recap I spent the weekend in Baltimore for Wine with Writers at the Last Resort Artist Retreat with a group of authors, including Takara Allen, Rae Lyse, Danielle Allen, Piper Huguley, and Beverly Jenkins. The weekend included a wine and small bites evening with a Black-owned wine company and Black woman-owned caterer, a wellness morning with a sound bath and yoga, a signing session where I completely sold out of books for the first time ever, and an author panel on staying in the business long term. Bosk Pop-Up I also popped up at Bosk, a wine, coffee, and tapas shop, after seeing a call for vendors on Threads. I was the only book vendor there, sold a good amount, and had a great time until the rain rolled in. I’m considering doing more local vendor markets this fall Links & Resources Petty Season: booksbydlwhite.com/pettyseason Shop all books: booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite Newsletter signup: booksbydlwhite.com/linkinbio Episode page: booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast141 Substack: authordlwhite.substack.com Support the show Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

Today's epi is a quickie before two weekends of travel. Reading update, watching update, promo news, and upcoming events. Reading Challenge Update 75 of 150 books read for 2026 Recently Read The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, Jeff Hobbs In Bloom: Liana, C Monet Currently Reading The Goodbye Man, Jeffery Deaver Balls in Your Court, Nina Hai Spring (Seasons of Love book 3), Norian Love What I've Been Watching Agatha Christie's Miss Marple on HuluComparing Miss Marple to ElsbethConsidering Murder, She Wrote and the original Perry MasonWriting and Publishing Secret project in progressStandard of Care is still a new release New Releases for Less promo through BookFunnel on june 16thLeslie's Curl and Dye picked up 900+ downloads from the Freebooksy and Fussy Librarian stackMake It a Black Diamond Summer sale runs through July 4th: Beach Thing is free, books two and three are 50% offUpcoming Events Black Ink Book Fest, New Orleans (attending, not appearing)Wine with Writers the following weekend   (appearing, sold out)  Support the show Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

I'm back after a busy May and an even busier start to June. This episode has a full book report, a writing and publishing update, and a complete recap of Black Romance Book Fest Year Two: the panels, the signings, the chaos, and the sales numbers.  I also talk about what's coming up this summer, including Wine with Writers in Baltimore and some (hopefully) exciting audio opportunities. Reading: I'm at 72 / 150 books for 2026 and 8 books ahead of schedule. May was a great reading month with 11 books.  In June I've been working through Jeffrey Deaver's Colter Shaw series (the source material for Tracker), plus new releases from Jsin Graham, Frederick Smith, Donna Hill, and Shemeka Irby. Find the full list on my website at Booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/139 or on my substack.  Publishing: May was my best sales month in years ! 1,042 units! MAKE IT A BLACK DIAMOND SUMMMER is running now through July 4th. Beach Thing is free in ebook, and Elysium and The Pearl are 50% off at my store ONLY.  Wine with Writers pre-orders close June 8th. BRBF Year Two: Over 3,000 attendees, sold out of multiple titles, pitched the Black Diamond series for audio distribution, and had my best event ever, two years running. Find full show notes including every book mentioned at  booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast139 or authordlwhite.substack.com. Find all links, pre-order forms, and the newsletter at booksbydlwhite.com/linkinbio. Support the show Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

I'm back after a week off but I have a  good excuse.  In this episode I catch up on reading, go down a mystery rabbit hole (including the Lori Loughlin drama and why a series abruptly ended), and share a full breakdown of the Standard of Care soft launch. I also talk about a conversation I had with a longtime reader about why my books have changed, and why I'm writing shorter novels on purpose...and what burnout had to do with all of it. Books mentioned: Ms. Lorraine’s Late in Life Love by Taccara Martin These Heathens by Mia McKenzie L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood by Anne Soon Choi Mist and Malice by Rachel Howzell Hall The Mediator by Robert Bailey Should We? by Jessica Terry Sunset Over Napa Valley by Monica Garner The Potting Shed Murder by Paula Sutton Bibliotherapy in the Bronx by Emely Rumble LCSW  Full transcript and show notes: authordlwhite.substack.com Support the podcast: booksbydlwhite.com/shop | buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite | booksbydlwhite.com/linkinbio Support the show Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

I'm back! After a few months away, I'm back in the closet with a mic, some iced coffee, and a lot to get into.  In this episode I catch up on my May TBR, I talk about the 12 Lives Challenge,   about my Hallmark mystery obsession and what it has to do with writing romance, I break down the release plan for Standard of Care, and get into event season. Beverage Break: Iced coffee. It was 11 a.m.   Book Report 2026 Goodreads Reading Challenge: 53 of 150 books — 35% toward goal, 4 books ahead of schedule. What I want to get read in May:  These Heathens: A Novel — Mia McKenzie (listening on audio)Ms. Lorraine's Late-in-Life Love — T.L. Martin | A reverse age-gap novella set in the world of The Black Wife Effect in the Cinnamon Grove neighborhood. 1 Read it in one night. Delightful — especially if you're 40+ and into romance.L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood — Anne Soon Choi | The next 12 Lives Challenge read.Mist and Malice (Haven #2) — Rachel Howzell HallThe Drowning Season — Debra Webb | ALC from NetGalley. Releases approximately May 12th.Sunset Over Napa Valley — Monica Garner | ARC that is no longer an ARC — released April 28th. Getting to it.The 12 Lives Challenge Hosted by Dr. Raymond Williams (@rtwilliams16). The goal: read 12 biographies in 2026. The rule: biographies only! No memoirs, no autobiographies. It has to be a book about someone, written by someone else.  Join in and use the hashtag #the12liveschallenge. DL's progress — 4 of 12: The Smartest Guys in the Room — Bethany McLean & Peter Elkind (the fall of Enron)The Wizard of Lies — Diana B. Henriques (Bernie Madoff)The Butler: A Witness to History — Wil HaygoodG-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century — Beverly GageWhat I'm Streaming Garage Sale Mysteries — amateur sleuth, small town, cozy stakes, killer always gets caughtHaley Dean MysteriesMystery 101Occasional free mystery movies on Hulu and YouTubeWhy it connects to writing: Romance and cozy mystery run on the same contract with the reader: the outcome is known going in. The satisfying ending is guaranteed.  The work is in stacking complications, near-misses, and tension so the reader stays engaged even when they know where it's going. That is the exact problem a romance writer solves every time they sit down. Low stakes, familiar structure, no emotional tax after months of finishing a book is  not a guilty pleasure, it is maintenance and self care.  Writing & Publishing Update Crime Writers of Color Podcast I sat down with Robert Justice on the Crime Writers of Color podcast to talk about Missing Persons, a Young Investigations novel. Episode dropped April 16, 2026. If you haven't read Missing Persons yet — attorney Wesley Payne and private investigator Yvette Young take on a missing father case that gets complicated fast. It's a romantic mystery (DL's words) and the perfect entry point if you've been curious. Listen to the episode: crimewritersofcolor.com/cwoc-podcast/missing-persons-with-dl-white Standard of Care Release Plan The book is done. Edited, formatted, promo materials in hand (shoutout to Smirks Novel Tea for the graphics). May 15 : Soft Launch (website/direct only) Ebook available at booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support the show Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

Why get dressed when Sunday is pajama-shaped? That’s all I have to say about that.  In Episode 136 of The Bookcast, I’m talking through my January reading, checking in on the book that is BOOKING, and sharing a few updates and thoughts that came up along the way. It’s a quiet, at-home episode, recorded without much planning and very much in the spirit of a monthly check-in. Books Mentioned in Episode 136 Am Reading:  Nobody Heard a Thing — Angela HenryMr. and Mrs. Taylor: A Toxic Love Story — Shea SandersJanuary Reads Kin — Tayari JonesNo One Knew — Kendra ElliottChampagne Taste on a Bad Boy Budget — Zuri DayBehind These Four Walls — Yasmin AngoeSeven Daughters of Dupree — Nikisha Elise WilliamsThe Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust — Diana B. HenriquesThe Smartest Guys in the Room — Bethany McLean & Peter ElkindGroove — Bernice L. McFaddenIf I Ruled the World — Janelle Williams (Amy DuBois Barnett)The Wilderness — Angela FlournoyInside Man — John McMahonIn Black and White — Nia ForresterHer Cold Justice — Robert DugoniThe Fire That Burns — Kay SineBefore the Streetlights Come On — Ashley AntoinetteSundown Girls — L.S. StrattonYours Forever — Farrah RochonI Don’t Wish You Well — Jumata EmillUpcoming Appearances  Black Romance Book Fest — Atlanta — May (pre-orders open on Beventi)Wine with Writers — Baltimore — June (Preorders coming soon!)  Support the show Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

Welcome back to The Bookcast. I’m DL White, and this episode is an easy, unstructured start to Season 7!  I’m talking through how I approach a new year, what I’ve been reading, what I want to write, and how I’m easing into 2026 without forcing goals before I’m ready. Books mentioned in this episode:  Kin — Tayari Jones (ebook, ARC)No One Knew — Kendra Elliott (audiobook, ALC)Champagne Taste on a Bad Boy Budget — Zuri Day (audiobook, recent release)Books by DL White referenced Calculated Risk (now wide; ebook, print, and audio)The Never ListMissing PersonsHey LoverElysiumThe PearlShorts & Fanfiction A Misadventure in Cloudcroft, New MexicoQuestions and Answers (coming up on Substack sook)Writing Plans for 2026 The goal is two & a possible.My first project of the year is in planning, anticipated to be ready before Black Romance Book Fest in May, which means drafting now and editing by late March.I’m using 20K in Five Days (Jan 21–25) to get a strong foundation in place.Continue producing shorter works to increase reader discovery Writing new characters makes me more energized right now than forcing long-stalled series work.Everything else is light and in-flux. My year really begins in March, so I'm ramping slowly. Strap in for the ride!  Support the show Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

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 CordaeOne More to Die by Joy Ellis (Audible Original)Tell Her Story by Margo Hunt (Audible Original)The Family Lies by Angela HenryThe Setup by Falguni KothariLacey James series by Chris PatchellShooting the Moon by Brenda NovakWestmoreland Legacy series bundle by Brenda Jackson: The Rancher ReturnsHis Secret SonAn Honorable SeductionThe Secret Witness by Victor MethosMore Than Friends by Reese Ryan (Love and Music Suite #3)Writing Updates: Currently working on a Valentine's Day story titled Rules in RomanceCalculated Risk is with my editor and due end of FebruaryMissing Persons is complete but needs editingStill plugging away at my Berkeley Sisters trilogyWriting 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! Support the show Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

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 Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

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 Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

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 Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

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 Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

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 Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.

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.  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 Stay connected: Visit my website–Booksbydlwhite.com Join my newsletter – booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter Follow me on Substack–Main Substack | Short Fiction Substack Buy books & merch – booksbydlwhite.com/shop Support this show with a recurring gift at bookcast.buzzsprout.com or Buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you really liked it, tell a friend.