I almost didn't make it to the mic due to burnout and a hectic schedule, but I pushed through knowing (105 of) my listeners expect the BookCast on Mondays. I share my current reading progress (now at 67 books toward my 175-book goal for 2025), updates on my recent publishing activities, and the latest chapter of my *NSYNC fan fiction serial.
I also open up about finding balance during politically challenging times, discussing how I'm creating a protective bubble around myself —not to remain uninformed, but to preserve my mental health and creative energy.
Episode Highlights
Now at 67 books of my 175 book reading goal for 2025 (8 books ahead of schedule)
Taking a break after publishing four works in three months: Grumpy Valentine, Clover, Calculated Risk, and Baking Bad
Chapter 19 of The Music of My Heart fan fiction is available now (very NSFW!)
Working on uploading the special hardcover edition of Brunch at Ruby's to IngramSpark
Preparing to pitch a book to a publisher at the upcoming Black Romance Book Fest
Reading Update [00:04:24]
I've read 67 books toward my goal of 175 books in 2025, putting me eight books ahead of schedule. I prefer audiobooks over page reads since my "special eyes" tend to bounce all over the page.
Recently Completed Books:
F*ck With Your Boy by Nicole Falls (Friends and Lovers book 3)
People of Means by Nancy Johnson (audiobook)
A Dead Draw by Robert Dugoni (Tracy Cross White #11, releasing mid-May)
Night Wherever We Go by Tracy Rose Payton (audiobook via Libby)
Currently Reading:
Ignacio by Delaney Diamond (Family Ties Book 5, about 60% complete)
August Lane by Regina Black (releasing in July)
Writing & Publishing Updates [00:09:57]
I'm taking a much-needed break after a busy publishing schedule - Grumpy Valentine (ebook, print, audio) in February, Clover (ebook exclusive) in March, Calculated Risk (paperback and ebook in Feb, for April release, wide ebook coming in September), and Baking Bad (ebook exclusive) in April. I'm working on uploading the special hardcover edition of Brunch at Ruby's to IngramSpark with both the printed case wrap and dust jacket. I've ordered books for upcoming events and am preparing to pitch a book to a publisher at Black Romance Book Fest, though I don't know anything about pitching a book. HMMMM.
Fan Fiction Update [00:15:31]
Chapter 19 of The Music of My Heart is now available on the archive and at shortfictionbydlwhite.substack.com. This NSFW (!!!) chapter follows Zoe and JC's weekend at Kelly's Montana ranch, where they collaborate on a troublesome bridge in Zoe's song. The story balances their relationship with Zoe's career development, exploring the challenges of the music industry where "so many fingers in the pot and so much to lose." I'm also working through the tension between Zoe's manager Alec and JC while keeping Zoe autonomous in her decision-making.
Living Through Challenging Times [00:20:03]
I've been intentionally creating a protective bubble around myself during these politically challenging times because "constant exposure to the news cycle makes me physically ill." This isn't about remaining uninformed, but about protecting my mental health and creative energy. I'm focusing on the good things in my personal life while "living anyway" despite the challenges. I'd love to hear how you all are managing to stay informed while protecting your mental health.
How are you living anyway? How are you keeping your joy?
Resources Mentioned
My website: booksbydlwhite.com
My shop: booksbydlwhite.com/shop
Bookshop page: bookshop.org/shop/booksbydlwhite
Newsletter/Substack: authordlwhite.substack.com
Short fiction substack: shortfictionbydlwhite.substack.com
I’m watching: Season 2 of Surface on Apple TV
Connect With Me
Social Media links: booksbydlwhite.com/links
Email: authordl@booksbydlwhite.com
Support the Show
Purchase books directly at booksbydlwhite.com/shop
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