Bookcast Episode 111: Doing The Least

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.

Book Report

I'm at 31 of 100 books for 2025 (21 books ahead of my Goodreads challenge). This week I read:

• We Are the Brennans by Tracy Lang - A literary fiction that was fine but predictable. Gave it 3 stars but probably won't continue with this author.

• A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall - An ARC that didn't quite deliver the thriller elements I was hoping for. The reveals felt more stressful than suspenseful.

Currently Reading

• Not Our Daughter (ARC, publishing Tuesday)

• Savings and Trust

• A Quiet Wife by Diane Saxon (ARC)

• You Could Do Damage by Casey Mills (ARC)

• Kill Her by Chris Paschel (Lacey James #5)

• Who's Loving You by Lula White (ARC)

What I'm Watching

• Finished American Manhunt: OJ Simpson - So many new details

• Completed An Update on Our Family on Max

• Watched Goodrich on Max (because Michael Keaton)

• Binged Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix - fascinating -based on a true story about cancer fraud

• Enjoyed 90s Boy Band Boom on The CW with my NSYNC fanfic writing group via Kast app

Weekly Shows

Caught up on The Irrational, Will Trent, Elsbeth, Matlock, and The Pit. Letting Papa's House episodes stack up for a future binge.

JustWatch App to track shows I’m watching week to week.

Writing & Publishing Updates

• February sales are looking good - 75 units moved so far (35% Amazon, 64% wide platforms)

  • Over 50% of wide sales are coming through BookFunnel

• Two book clubs are reading my work:

  • The Spine Collectors are reading Brunch at Ruby’s this month

  • Special discount codes available for book clubs ordering direct (ebooks and audiobooks)

• Leslie's Curl and Dye is currently free

• Participating in two BookFunnel events through February:

  • Celebrating Black History Month

  • Small Town Heart first-in-series collection

Works in Progress

• Ruby's 10th anniversary edition:

  • Received and happy with the cover art

  • First round of edits expected next week

  • Aiming for all editing to be complete by March 15

  • Planning both ebook and hardback formats

• Calculated Risk:

  • First round edits completed and returned to editor

  • Next round expected before final deadline end of February

• Grumpy Valentine:

  • Currently at 21,000 words (7 chapters)

  • Projecting 9 chapters plus epilogue

  • May release shortly after Valentine's Day

• Music of My Heart (*NSYNC fanfic):

  • Posted new chapter last week

  • Taking a short break to let readers catch up

Q2 and Beyond

• Planning to focus on either Missing Persons or my planned trilogy

• Fall release planned for Still I Rise - early stages but want to take my time

• Goal for the year is to be prolific:

  • Write and publish both shorter and longer works

  • Focus on getting multiple projects written before heavy editing

  • Balancing between quick releases and longer, more developed stories

Remember, you can find me at:

• Website: booksbydlwhite.com

• Newsletter signup: booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter

• Support the show: bookcast.buzzsprout.com | buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite

• Buy Books & merch: Booksbydlwhite.com/shop

Thanks for listening! Have a superlative week!