In Episode 117 of The BookCast, I tackle a topic that often generates debate in the reading community… how I manage to read 100+ books every year while working full-time and writing my own novels. I share my April reading progress, updates on multiple projects, and explain my philosophy on reading, including why audiobooks absolutely count and why the whole "reading competition" argument misses the point of enjoying literature.
Book Report
I'm at book 58 of my 100-book goal for 2025, significantly ahead of schedule. I'll likely update my challenge goal soon.
Books I've read in April so far:
Pomegranate by Helen Elaine Lee (about a woman rebuilding her life after release from jail)
Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (excellent dual-timeline story, publishes April 8)
Spilling the Tea by Brenda Jackson (listened to this in one sitting during a slow workday)
Love, Rita by Bridgette M. Davis (exceptional memoir about sisterhood and caregiving)
Currently reading/on my TBR list:
Eve Falls First by Fiona Zedde
August Lane by Regina Black
Something on the Inside by Karen Talley (poetry collection)
Luxury Experiences by Danielle Allen (from the Book Baes and HEAs promotion)
Bibliotherapy in The Bronx by Emily Rumble (audio ARC)
Podcast & TV Recommendations
Podcast shoutouts:
The Stacks Podcast (happy 7th anniversary to Tracy Thomas!)
We’re Your Girls with Taryn Delaney Smith
Relationshit hosted by Kamie Crawford
TV and movies I've watched:
G20 with Viola Davis and Anthony Anderson (highly recommended)
Coming soon: Oklahoma City bombing documentary (April 19)
Project Updates
Ruby's Ten, Drinks at Mink's, and Calculated Risk: Print versions approved and distributing across retail platforms
Brunch at Ruby's: New hardcover and paperback editions shipping to fulfill preorders.
Baking Bad: Mystery noir bakery crime fiction releasing April 18
Three-book sister series: Beginning to work on this project, more details coming soon. MIGHT meet with a publisher on it.
Calculated Risk Promotion Performance
Over 1,000 claims since April 1 through the Prolific Works promotion
Over 500 new newsletter subscribers
216 page views, 600 clicks (85% click-through rate), 510 claims (92% claim rate)
Paperback edition now available, with eBook remaining exclusive to the promotion
Why and How I Read So Much
The main topic explores how I manage to read 100+ books every year:
Reading is my default activity where others might turn on TV or scroll social media
I incorporate reading into everyday activities: lunch breaks, commutes, chores, etc.
I read at a comfortable speed (not speed reading) and listen to audiobooks at 1.8x speed
I mix up my reading with everything from novellas to hefty nonfiction
Audiobooks absolutely count as reading; science supports that our brains process them similarly to visual reading
The debate about what "counts" as reading creates unnecessary gatekeeping
Reading isn't a competition. I'm not trying to prove anything by reading a lot, I just enjoy it.
Host & Show Info
Host Name: DL White
About the Host: I'm an Atlanta-based author of romantic fiction that centers Black love, with numerous published novels, short stories, and fan fiction works.
Podcast Website: booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast
Community & Calls to Action
Share this episode — If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with other readers and writers.
Rate & Review — If you listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or Substack, please give the podcast a rating or drop a comment.
Support the Show — You can buy books direct at payhip.com/booksbydlwhite, join my newsletter (booksbydlwhite.com/newsletter) or buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite. Support the podcast directly at Bookcast.buzzsprout.com or subscribe to my short fiction substack at Shortfictionbydlwhite.substack.com
Transcript
For a full transcript of this episode, visit: booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast/117
Share this post