2025 Wrap Up
Hey Tam Fam,
I can’t imagine bringing this year to an end without connecting with y’all.
The last time we spoke was in July for my Authorversary, and I could barely contain my excitement. Done in the Dark had been selected by the Official Chapter Chat and Literally Black book clubs, I was featured in several interviews and podcasts, I was in the midst of my “book tour,” and more than 1,200 copies had been sold and downloaded.
I also shared how daunting it felt to step into the world of marketing and promotion, and just how clumsy I was as I tried to find my footing on social media.
Over the past five months, the way this story moved through the world began to change—largely because of you. Reader reactions were bubbling up everywhere: posts, messages, tagged photos, and exchanges I couldn’t have orchestrated if I tried. Then one simple Facebook post by a Tam Fam member (“Go get this book right now!!! Omg!!”)—shared again and again—sparked a shift in momentum I could feel in real time: conversations multiplying, posts circulating, and a story holding space far longer and farther than I ever imagined.
Reader Response
As the novel reached more readers, the reviews that emerged carried real weight.
In midsummer, there were only a few dozen reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Now there are more than 150, with an average of 4.7 stars. That kind of response doesn’t come from hype—it comes from readers engaging deeply with the story, reflecting on its themes, and choosing to thoughtfully share its impact.
Some of the review titles alone stopped me in my tracks:
“A Love Letter to Black Women’s Resilience”
“Best Vacay Book”
“Jaw Dropping Good”
“Debut Novel Where?”
“Just Tell the Truth”
“My Nerves Can’t Deal”
Seeing how readers described their experience with the book, in their own words, has been humbling, affirming, and deeply motivating.
That depth of engagement has shown up most powerfully in book club spaces. Done in the Dark was also selected by the Booked and Bougie and Black Women Who Read book clubs, and debriefing with book club readers remains one of my favorite parts of this journey. Those conversations always teach me something new—often about the very characters I created—and they continue to shape how I think about the story long after it was written.
Growth, New Readers, and New Ways to Listen
Over that same stretch of time, the growth became tangible in new and unexpected ways. Sales skyrocketed, and the ebook found new homes on Apple Books and Kobo, as well as library apps like Hoopla and Libby—introducing the novel to entirely new audiences.
The biggest milestone came just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday: the audiobook dropped.
Creating the audiobook was its own journey. I learned as I went, inviting narrators with a wide range of experience to audition and listening closely to what each voice brought to the book. Choosing the right narrator for Done in the Dark was genuinely challenging—in the best way. Every actor brought their A-game; it was an embarrassment of riches. Ultimately, I chose Angel Pean, an award-winning narrator and actress whose voice captured the emotional nuance and depth the story required.
Looking Ahead
In July, I shared that I was working on the sequel, All Shut Eyes Ain’t Sleep, with hopes of publishing by Spring 2026.
As this year unfolded, it became clear that writing a sequel while also building and sustaining an author brand requires discernment and stamina. I’m still finding my way, but with a clearer sense of where my energy belongs and what it takes to protect the writing itself. Rather than rush the next story, I’ve made the decision to give it the time and attention it needs, with a revised goal of publishing by the End of Summer 2026.
I’m also excited to share that literary assistant Yolanda Gore has joined the team, bringing strategic insight, creative direction, and marketing savvy. Her work supports the momentum of the current book and will help shape what comes next—allowing me to stay focused on the writing.
A Shared Reading & Listening Experience
Beginning January 15, I’ll be hosting a 10-day shared reading and listening experience on Facebook and Instagram, culminating in a live virtual group discussion.
This is a chance to experience the story in a different way—whether you’re meeting it for the first time, revisiting it alongside others, or discovering how it shifts when you hear the characters’ voices.
It’s an invitation to engage intentionally, with moments to reflect and respond along the way. More details will be shared soon.
How You Can Help
If you’re part of a book club, reading circle, workplace discussion group, or community organization and think Done in the Dark might be a good fit, I’d love for you to suggest it for consideration. I offer a 15% group discount for purchases of 10 or more, and I also welcome opportunities to participate in book club discussions—virtually or locally, in person.
If you’ve read the book and haven’t had a chance to leave a review yet, I’d be grateful if you did. Reviews matter for indie authors—not just for visibility, but because they help the right stories find the right readers, especially when someone is considering a new or unfamiliar author.
Please know that if this book resonated with you, sharing your reactions—whether with family, friends, colleagues, or your own reading circles—truly matters. While traditional promotion efforts and paid advertising can create visibility, it’s genuine reader recommendations that build trust and encourage people to take a chance on a new author.
Where to Find Done in the Dark
Ebook & Print
https://www.TamaraWritesBooks.com (direct support ❤️)
Amazon · Barnes & Noble (online) · Walmart (online) · Kobo · Apple Books
Libraries via Hoopla and Libby
Audiobook
My website · Audible · Chirp · and most major audiobook retailers
Deepest Appreciation
As this year comes to a close, I’m so grateful for the way this story found its footing—rooted not in anything manufactured, but in care, intention, and trust. I’m moving forward with greater clarity and purpose, grounded by what we’ve built together and encouraged by what’s still ahead.
Thank you for walking with me this year, for making space for this story, and for being open to the ones still to come.
Happy New Year!
Tamara
PS: I’ll be sharing details about the January 15 shared reading and listening experience on my Facebook Author Page and Instagram (join me there / follow along)—those will be the best places to stay connected.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TamaraWritesBooks
Instagram: @TamaraWritesBooks
