Interview with Derrick Thapeoplespoet Lewis
32 years old, Author Derrick Lewis is an epilepsy survivor as well as a sexual abuse survivor. He is also a single father and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Louisville, KY, to Ms. Carmen R. Lewis and Mr. Frederick A. Pompey Sr. His father went to prison four months before he was born, so Derrick was raised by his mother with the help of his grandmother. He is the oldest of his mothers kids (him and his little sister) and the youngest of the now six of his father’s ten sons. Derrick went to graduated from valley traditional high school in Louisville, KY, with an 3.8 g.p.a.
Tell me more about your latest book
My latest book 8813 : Pieces of me r.i.p bree, is basically my thoughts and opinions on our current situations; ranging from the Breonna Taylor verdict….the protests….and the police killings.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
With this book I try to encapsulate the feelings of these times, so to me that was the most challenging part.
What is your normal procedure to get your books published?
I self published all my books… so all I had to was upload my manuscript, followed by my book cover, the pay for my proof copy. Going the independent route was real important to me, so that I can control my own content.
Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
Yes I do ! It’s like a spiritual cleanse for me, as well as my self therapy; to release all the toxicity that’s been weighing on me.
How many books have you written so far?
I have three books out of now, with my fourth slated to be released in the next coming weeks.
My books are as follows:-
8813 : The Realization Of A Dream
4-3-19
Comin from where im from
4-3-20
8813 : Pieces of me r.i.p bree
10-4-20
What’s the best way to market your books?
I can’t really say what the best way is to market my book, because honestly I’m still trying to pinpoint my target audience. But what I have done is make myself visible, by doing my YouTube videos, and attending various open mic around the city to market myself.
How hard or easy is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
I think your consistency is what helps you maintain your writing career. I’ve been writing for almost twenty years, so I know its possible to stay relevant. But to be honest I didn’t really get comfortable putting my works online until about 6 or 7 years ago
What is your advice for aspiring writers?
The advice of I would have for a upcoming artist is to never give up and be true to yourself, because once you stray outside of yourself.
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