Writer in the Making
Episodes
Can You Believe It?
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Remember me talking about a surprise? Well... WIM Plus has expanded again! This time it’s a store with writer merch! For a limited time (until Feb 2...
A Blog Post I Wanted to Share
26 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I wrote a blog post last week on self editing. It got a few likes so I thought I’d share. Read the full post here! https://dariawhite.com/2021/01/22...
Pep Talk—You’ve Got What it Takes
19 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a while since we’ve had our pep talks, right? Well... this pep talk is personal. Have you ever felt unqualified? Did someone tell you we...
Mapping out My Goals
12 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I’m back! Missed me? Tune in to hear what I have planned. There may be a surprise but I can’t tell you yet.
Wishing You a Happy New Year
29 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ready for the New Year? What’s one resolution you have for 2021? This is the last episode of the year so I’ll share one of mine. Happy New Year wr...
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas time is here! I hope you enjoy the holiday this season no matter who you spend it with. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Thank you for yo...
I Found this Interesting
18 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I found this article and thought I’d share! “7 Common Novel Writing Tips (use caution)” https://www.nownovel.com/blog/common-novel-writing-tips-...
Free Resources for Writers
15 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for tools for your book? Publishing ideas? Promotions? Need writer self care tips? Check out this FREE giveaway from now until Jan 9th! https:...
It’s Story Time
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What now? You’ve written your novel but no clue on where to start revising! What do you do? Can you relate to this story? https://wim-plus.teachable...
It’s the last day!
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you entered yet? Check out Book Luver’s 2020 Christmas giveaway and enter for a chance to win a Free Kindle Fire! It’s the last day! https://...
My First Online Christmas Party
08 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
So... I did it! I hosted my first online party. How did it go? Have a listen. Don’t forget the giveaway! https://bookluver.com/2020-christmas-giveaw...
2020 Christmas Giveaway and more!
01 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I’ve partnered with a site called Book Luver for a free giveaway! Which book is participating? Christmas Therapy! Get your copy along with other fre...
Grateful
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
2020 has been a year, right? What’s there to be thankful for? Well... there are a few things I can think of in case you’d like to know. :)
In Case You Need a Cheerleader!
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We’re in the middle of November! What does that mean? Camp NaNo is almost over! How are you doing?
Updates and Encourgagement
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Feel like your story is taking long to write? Is it still coming together in your head? I know that feeling. I have some encouragement for you fellow ...
Build Your Own Podcast
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How did my second webinar go? Were you there? Here’s a link to watch the full session! https://youtu.be/4ipITg7S3_o
Another Webinar!
04 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I’m partnering with CritiqueMatch again for another webinar! “Build Your Own Podcast” Nov 5th at 7pm (EST). Ever thought about starting your own...
C.P.S. Checklist (WIM Plus +)
27 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Download free checklist here! Sitting on your novel? Get the tools you need to achieve your stellar book! Want more in depth knowledge? Get on my mail...
The Story behind WIM Plus+
21 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Why did I start an online school? Listen to my story and how WIM Plus was born. If you love my podcast, we kick it up in WIM! Enroll today and discove...
My First Webinar!
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Webinar? What? Yes, I’m hosting my first webinar with critiquematch.com! Register for free today! Want to know what I’ll be discussing? Have a lis...
WIM Plus +
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve been to www.dariawhite.com, you know I have a link to author services. Guess what? There’s more! I have an online school! While my knowl...
SelfPub Conference 2020
14 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Alliance of Independent Authors presents “Tools and Tech for Indie Authors Conference.” It’s free! Want to learn more? Check it out here https:/...
CritiqueMatch
07 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The FirstFive contest is back! Want feedback on your story? Click here https://blog.critiquematch.com/p/fiction-five-writing-contest.html and enter fo...
Thank you: The Wedding Report
29 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I’m thrilled with the response to The Wedding Report! Thank you all for your support. Haven’t gotten your copy yet? Check it out here https://book...
New Release: The Wedding Report
22 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It’s release day! The Wedding Report is here so check your local retailers. I’ll let you in on a secret behind this story. Remember I’ve mention...
A Free Short Story
18 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
“What Mackenzie Needs” is a new short story that you can read now! How? Subscribe to my newsletter and get your copy today. Tune in to listen to t...
The Unexpected Character: The Wedding Report
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A character that wasn’t a part of the original cast. Javier Flores. Who is he? What does he mean to Chantelle? Should Lance care if something sparks...
My favorite scene: The Wedding Report
10 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Wedding Report releases September 22nd! Today I share my favorite scene between Chantelle and Lance. Another favorite song of mine is Anne Drury’...
Thank You!
03 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Thank you for the birthday wishes! Also, thanks so much for your support of Thinking of Zoe!
Reflections on my Birthday!
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s my birthday! Thank you all for your support! I appreciate it.
Thinking of Zoe
26 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking of Zoe releases August 29th! Get your copy today! I’ve also included a snippet of another song I think fits Alex and Zoe! It literally came...
Photo Bombed & Thinking of Zoe!
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I’m about 7K into my first cozy mystery, Photo Bombed. Thinking of Zoe releases August 29th! Pre-order if you’d like or you can read it now on Sma...
Thinking of Zoe & Those We Love in Blue
11 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking of Zoe is in the final stages! August 29th so pre-order at any major retailers! Have you read the first chapters of Those We Love in Blue yet...
Hit the Betseller list?
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Another article from BookBub with tips on how to hit the bestseller list. While this isn’t a guarantee for your book, there’s no harm in trying! Y...
COVID-19 and your Book
29 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I saw an article that asked should authors write their books with the present events occurring? Should the pandemic be included in your story line? Ho...
My First Cozy Mystery
28 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I’m putting together my lists of suspects! Things are coming together as I write my first cozy mystery, Photo Bombed! Are you writing a mystery? Lis...
Growing your Newsletter
24 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I watched a webinar by DIYMFA a few weeks back and it talked about growing your newsletter. We’ve discussed this before but I want to revisit it. I ...
Thinking of Zoe: an update!
21 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking of Zoe is in revision mode. I did take a break from it so I can come back with a fresh perspective. Plan is to still release in the fall! So ...
Other Genres
16 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve been following me on Goodreads, you’ll notice Christian Fiction and Cozy Mystery have been added. It’s true I’m branching out to wri...
Experience as a Judge
14 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The contest is halfway there at critiquematch.com! I’m glad I was apart of this contest to help fellow writers with their work. Listen to hear my ex...
Christmas Therapy is here!
10 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas Therapy is here! Get your copy, paperback or ebook, and enjoy this sweet holiday romance! Christmas in July! Click here https://books2read.c...
Experiences of a Black Writer
08 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I did an interview with blogger/writer/editor Kirsten McNeill’s blog “The Art is Ours.” I share in the post my experiences as a Black woman as w...
Tips from a Volunteer Judge
02 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As I judge in the FictionFive contest, I saw some key things that stood out in the manuscripts. We all know the basics to a certain extent. I say neve...
The Wedding Report, Thinking of Zoe, & FictionFive contest!
30 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
My next novel I’m working on is The Wedding Report! I have three plot twists in the making so I’m in revision mode. Thinking of Zoe is underway, a...
My First Contest as a Judge!
24 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Critique Match is hosting its FictionFive contest! Unpublished authors can have the first five pages (1500 words) critiqued by top rated writers, volu...
Thinking of Zoe is finished!
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking of Zoe (Bridge Point Romance, Book 3) is finished! It’s around 38-39K, so it’s the longest so far in the series. And... it leads into boo...
For Juneteenth
19 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
*Disclaimer * A special episode for Juneteenth!
Christmas Therapy & continuing the conversation
17 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas Therapy comes out next month! I’m working on the paperback now, so pre-order if you haven’t already. In this episode, I also include som...
Let’s Meet at the Bridge
09 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
*Disclaimer* (another special episode). One of my favorite lines in the movie Black Panther is when Angela Bassett yells to her son in his first offic...
Thank You from a Black Author
02 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
*Disclaimer: This is a special thank you to you all for being supportive during this time as we watch what’s happening in our country and around the...
Ever done a Presale?
26 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all heard of pre-orders, but what about a presale? Smashwords has launched its presale features that allows readers not only to reserve their ...
Revive an Old Writing Project
14 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I saw a post from last month on ProWritingAid’s blog that I thought I’d share. Having trouble finishing a manuscript? I have. Have a listen for so...
Still Writing...
08 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking of Zoe is still going! I’ve yet to write the second plot point, but I’m excited as I build to the climax. Also, I have another announceme...
Camp NaNoWriMo update
29 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I’ve written over 25K for camp! The thing is... I’m not finished with the story as I thought I would. Listen in to hear my progress.
Anything for Noelle
21 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Book 2 is here! Check your local retailers for your copy today. Thanks so much for your support of this series.
Progress with Thinking of Zoe
15 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We’re about halfway into Camp NaNoWriMo. How’s my project coming? How’s yours?
The Unfinished Novel
07 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Remember The Wedding Report? This time last year I was writing this story during Camp NaNo 2019 April. I set it to the side and moved on to another st...
Authors going Virtual
02 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I received another email from BookBub! Want to know how other authors are promoting their books during this time? Have a listen! https://insights.book...
Camp NaNoWriMo April 2020
31 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking of Zoe is underway! I’m excited to write and participate in April’s Camp NaNoWriMo 2020. Are you participating?
Authors helping Authors
26 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I received an article from BookBub that I wanted to share. Basically, it’s authors helping authors during this time. Enjoy! https://insights.bookbub...
Thinking of Zoe—Book 3
24 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I’m loving my Bridge Point Romance series! Thanks so much for your support. Book three is underway while I’m finishing up edits with book two. Mee...
Anything for Noelle is finished!
18 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Book 2 of the Bridge Point Romance series is complete! Edits are coming along and I may be releasing it sooner. I’m excited for this story and the o...
Write a Pageturner (2)
09 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We’re back with more tips on how to write a page turner! It’s not about the story you tell, but how you tell it. While some of us start with plots...
Write a Pageturner
06 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It looks like as a writer I’ve gone from being “predictable” to “this story had me clutched!” How did I do that? I’m not an expert but I’...
Meet the Cast—Anything for Noelle
05 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We’re behind the scenes! Tommy and Noelle are the stars of my upcoming novella, Anything for Noelle (Book 2 of the Bridge Point Romance series). How...
Christmas Connection: Thank you!
03 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The reviews are coming in for Christmas Connection (Bridge Point Romance, Book 1). Thank you all for your support! Book two is underway! Get your copy...
Revisiting Imposter Syndrome
28 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We haven’t talked about this one in a while. Imposter Syndrome. It came up in my writers group and in a webinar. So... let’s revisit it.
Christmas Connection is here!
25 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas Connection (Bridge Point Romance, Book 1) is available at Amazon! Coming to other retailers soon! Enjoy the story of Jackson and Bailey. Mor...
Structuring Scenes
19 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The more I write, the more I learn. Here are some tips on structuring your scenes. How do you know where to start? Is this scene necessary? What shoul...
Big Announcement!
12 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas Connection is almost finished! Guess what? There will be a book two! Yay! My first series!
Behind the Scenes: Christmas Therapy
04 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Another look behind the scenes at Christmas Therapy! I’ve included a list of songs as part of the book’s playlist. Pre-order today at any major re...
Christmas Connection Update
30 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
My short novella is almost done, but every story has a process. I’ve gone back and forth with these characters but the journey is almost over. How’...
Christmas Therapy is coming!
24 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I’ve been writing this book since last year and it’s in the final stages. Finally! Look for the pre-order in all major retailers! It will also be ...
Tips on Social Media
22 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I recently got an email titled “Three Social Media Mistakes for Would-Be Authors.” How can we implement social media as writers? Should it be all ...
Character wounds—part 2
14 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What if you’re still struggling with your characters’ wounds? What’s wrong with them? Will you ever pinpoint it? Patience is key. How do I know?...
Happy New Year!
06 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Wishing you all a happy new year! Any goals this year? What did you accomplish last year?
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
23 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday! Enjoy your family and friends. Be blessed!
Character wounds
18 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How do you choose a wound that best suits your character? How do you know it’s them? Will it fit in the story?
Save the Cat—The Princess Bride (Act 3)
11 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We made it! We’re in act three of The Princess Bride (1987) film using the Save the Cat Beat sheet. Never forget that endings are just as important ...
Save the Cat—The Princess Bride (Act 2)
04 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We’re in act two of The Princess Bride (1987) film using the Save the Cat beat sheets. The middle is roughly fifty percent of your book. No one want...
Happy Thanksgiving!
28 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the holidays already? Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you enjoy the holiday with you and yours.
Save the Cat—The Princess Bride (Act 1)
26 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I’m going through the beats of The Princess Bride (1987 film) using the Save the Cat beat sheet. I hope this will help authors even more as they plo...
Romance Rehab
20 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Thanks to fellow authors, I’ve discovered Romance Rehab. Not does this site offer book reviews, but it includes help with your book blurbs. Have a l...
Pep Talk—The Dripping Faucet
15 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I haven’t been able to actually write my story until now. Here’s some encouragement for us all. Keep going writers! The words will come.
New Novella!
13 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In between writing my novels, I’m working on short stories and novellas. This one here is a new novella I hope to have in time for Christmas. Christ...
Plotting Your Novel—Save the Cat
06 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I’ve recently been using Save the Cat to help plot my work. Learn all 15 beats here! Do you need all 15 beats? Not necessarily, but at least you hav...
Don’t be afraid to take risks
31 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
When writing Christmas Therapy, I struggled with raising the stakes with my characters. I didn’t want the worst to happen to them, but that led to r...
Revising some more
29 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Round two of revisions are underway for Christmas Therapy! I haven’t set a release date as of yet, but it’ll be announced soon. So excited for thi...
Are you doing Camp Nano?
23 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
National Novel Writing Month is almost here! Are you ready? Am I ready? Have a listen.
Romance Summit Takeaway
18 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve been keeping with the Romance Summit this week, you’ve been learning different ways to craft your stories better. What was a takeaway fo...
Romance Writers Craft Summit
15 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I signed up recently for the Romance Writers Craft Summit. This week videos are live and taught by experts from world building to creating tension for...
First Round of Revisions
10 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Finally the first round of revisions are done! I’ve sent Christmas Therapy to my critique partner! How do I feel? Have a listen.
More Writer’s Guides
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Recently I have discovered a guide that helped me in writing sweet romance. Victorine E. Lieske’s How to Write a Swoon-Worthy Sweet Romance Novel. H...
Hallmark Review—An Unforgettable Christmas
30 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I have another book review! An Unforgettable Christmas by Ginny Baird is a available now! Check out my review for Hallmark Publishing on my blog daria...
We’re Close
27 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes it feels like revisions will never be over! Well, I’ve been in the revision cave all month. I have 14 scenes left to revise! Christmas The...
Hallmark Review—A Royal Christmas Wish
24 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Have you read A Royal Christmas Wish by Lizzie Shane? I had the privilege of reading this book for Hallmark and I loved it! Check out my review at Ama...
Reader Magnet?
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Is a reader magnet necessary? As I build my newsletter, now almost 700 subscribers, did a reader magnet make a difference? For me, yes! Whether it’s...
Hallmark Review—A Gingerbread Romance
18 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I have another review for Hallmark; A Gingerbread Romance by Lacey Baker! This was a Christmas movie that aired last year starring Tia Mowry. Hallmark...
Hallmark Review—Out of the Picture
13 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for a cozy mystery? I recently reviewed Tracy Gardner’s Out of the Picture from Hallmark Publishing. Check out my review on Amazon, Goodread...
Revising (Part 5)
11 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
“Elements of setting: How to create a vivid world” at nownovel.com/blog is mentioned in this episode. Learn how to paint the picture into your nov...