What hits you first is the exhaustion carved into every face. The sickly pallor. The terrifying weight loss ravaging everyone—yes, including me.

I'm recording from my new in-progress recording closet/studio! This episode covers my reading updates, what I've been watching, writing progress, and a deep dive into the reality of book launches. I share honest numbers from my Missing Persons release and discuss the emotional ups and downs of being an author. Topics Covered Reading Challenge Update I'm at 112 out of 175 books for the year - three books ahead of schedule! Recently Read: * Awakening by C.M. Barnes (an erotica that actually has a great story) * The Devil's Advocate by Steve Cavanagh (I'm now obsessed with this legal thriller series) * 13 by Steve Cavanagh (Eddie Flynn #4) * The Dating Prohibition by Taj McCoy Currently Reading: * Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh (Eddie Flynn #8) I'm diving deep into Steve Cavanagh's entire Eddie Flynn series, even though I'm reading them out of order because I'm impatient and just getting whatever's available on Libby, Hoopla, and Everand. What I've Been Watching I've been avoiding reality by diving into my to-be-watched list across Netflix and my Philo subscription. Netflix Documentaries: * Crack: Cocaine, Corruption and Conspiracy (rewatching) * Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser (three episodes, really good) * I Am a Killer (drags a bit for me) Tried but Didn't Work: * High Town (still can't get past episode one) Philo/Hallmark Content: * Sinister Surgeon (Hallmark movie about a cosmetic surgery practice) * Safe Room (starring Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker) * Aurora Teagarden Mysteries (one movie, pretty good) * Ruby Herring Mysteries series: * Silent Witness * Her Last Breath * Prediction Murder Lifetime: * Prison Brides (only watched one episode, that was enough) Boris Kodjoe both starred in and directed Safe Room which was surprisingly good - haven't seen him and Nicole Ari Parker in a movie together in years. Writing and Publishing I'm taking August off after releasing Missing Persons on August 5th, then diving into Powder Lake 4 in September. I get honest about launch numbers - Missing Persons sold 45 units in two weeks for $166 profit. While not Instagram-worthy, I'm on track for 73% business growth this year. I discuss the emotional whiplash of being an author, the cheerleading imbalance in the community, and how the publishing landscape has changed since COVID. Despite slower individual launches, I'm choosing authentic growth over viral moments and building something sustainable with 815 total units sold this year. Main Topic: The Reality of Book Launches and Author Emotions The heart of this episode focuses on being brutally honest about what book launches actually look like for indie authors. I share real numbers from Missing Persons and discuss the emotional whiplash that comes with this business. I talk about how my overall business is growing 73% this year, but individual launches still feel disappointing. I explore the vulnerability of putting creative work into the world, and why I choose authenticity over viral moments. This is a candid look at building a sustainable writing career versus chasing momentary success. Contact Information * Website: booksbydlwhite.com * Email: author@booksbydlwhite.com * Social media links: booksbydlwhite.com/linkinbio * Blue Sky: booksbydlwhite.com * Other platforms: @authordlwhite Links & Resources * Missing Persons: Available at booksbydlwhite.com/shop * Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/booksbydlwhite * Newsletter signup: booksbydlwhite.com/linkinbio * Episode page: booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast125 * Substack: authordlwhite.substack.com