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 referencedCalculated Risk (now wide; ebook, print, and audio)The Never ListMissing PersonsHey LoverElysiumThe PearlShorts & FanfictionA Misadventure in Cloudcroft, New MexicoQuestions and Answers (coming up on Substack sook)Writing Plans for 2026The 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 showStay 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.