Queer Magazine Co. uses a questionnaire form to conduct the interview - in written form.
Thanks for joining us today -
Briefly introduce yourself to our readers
My name is Derique. I am 33 from Brooklyn NY. I enjoy traveling writing and spending time with my family. My first published work appeared in 2004 when I lent a few poems to a collective writing book. I have an upstart baking company and am currently creating my own brand of soap products.
Wow, awesome! Hope us at QMC get us a bar! -
What Led You To Become an Actor?
This book was never intended for publication. I became an author out of privately sharing my story and being urged to share it with the world.
The world definitely needs it! -
Can you speak about the meaning of your book? 'The Reasons and Apologies'
The reasons and apologies is the world’s story told through my personal experiences. These are memoirs documenting issues, decisions, generational curses and love that we can all relate to. The title was chosen because I wanted to document the reasons for the attempt and the hurt succeeding could have caused.
Just inspiring! -
Tell us about the division of the book... Why is it a series?
The book wasn’t intentionally divided and ultimately was more of a strategy than anything. My editor for book 1 received my first book of 900 pages and was very direct in telling me people would never buy a book that large about what she called “a nobody”. So she is credited with the idea of creating a series. However she just wanted to chop the book in half and make it a sequel while it was my idea to then turn it into a structured series telling the story from multiple perspectives.
900 Pages? Wow! The series was a great idea. -
Is there a mission driving your journey?
The mission driving my journey is to change the narrative of generational curses and to promote self expression and mental health awareness.
Yesss! We are here for it -
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your career?
The most rewarding aspect of writing is the reading. Reading reviews or letters I receive. Being told that I am actually changing lives and changing what family conversations look like. Reading for research learning backgrounds and relating to others stories.
You went through a heartbreak before... Correct? Did that heartbreak have an impact on 'The Reasons for the Apologies'?
Yes I went through a very public divorce. That particular heartbreak took the biggest mental toll on me. As readers will find early in the book, that heartbreak is a continuous topic throughout. And the entire series for that fact. That 15 year relationship was my entire adult life and was my main source of pain and joy.
If you don't mind can you share about your suicide attempt and share some motivation to the LGBT kids out there
My suicide attempt came from a point of feeling unneeded, unloved, just a place of distance and disgust for myself. Writing this “ The Reasons” made it ever clear to me how preventable the attempt in itself actually was. On my behalf and on the behalf of the people around me. But more so in writing “Sometimes sorry isn’t enough” I learned how much more damage it did than good. To anyone out there but especially the youth who have battles thoughts I urge you to seek assistance and to remember that the battle starts in our minds. You are not alone and never have to be again.
Breathtaking, thank you! -
Tell us how your advocacy is going for HIV?
TeamDerique is present with contributions to every years aids walk. 10% of annual sales from my books is donated to GMHC.
As we wrap up, anything far as background you would like to share about your book?
The book started out as a therapy assignment, just a way to clear my emotions and release my hurt right after the attempt.
Gallery of Derique
Derique, Queer Magazine thank you for your time and we're here to support you on all your journey's. Continue to shine your light upon the darkness of this world. We hope your story spreads and inspires the LGBTQ+ youth.
- Queer Magazine Co
Keep Up With Derique by following him on social media:
@deriquebookshelf @astoldbyderique
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