Welcome to the Derrick C. Brown world of writing
My Substack blog is here!
Tips galore for writers and creative types.
I've made every mistake possible in the creative business. Lost money on bad book deals. Bombed on stage in front of crowds so hostile they made boot camp look like a hug fest. Driven 14 hours for a $50 gig in Arkansas and a stale sandwich. Been rejected more times than a telemarketer at dinnertime. But I've also killed it in front of a thousand people, written for film, landed poetry awards and record deals.
The good news? You don't have to repeat my failures unless you enjoy eating ramen for artistic integrity. (Spoiler: it gets old.)
It's free. Support is welcome but if you can't, no problem!
Your River is Waiting Workshop Series is back!
One year in planning and shooting and editing. I had many requests to do this poetry video workshop series so people could take it on their own time, rewatch and learn. It's finally here. Comes with lifetime access, a PDF tip sheet with templates and guides to use for every poet at every stage. 30 day money back guarantee. The videos are pretty fun and highly produced! Writing, Craft and Publishing are launched with classes on Touring, writing humorous poems, Submitting and Performance are in the works. This is a pay per class system, Currently each class is on sale for 29.00.
Hang time with Derrick
Book Derrick for a one on one zoom call. Feel free to discuss up to three poems for critique (sent before zoom), poetry advice, performance and delivery tips.
Featured collection
-
A Little Grief Break by Derrick C. Brown
Regular price $25.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per -
A CLOSE SHAVE WITH HEAVEN, VINYL RECORD
Regular price $28.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per -
Hot Hands and The Weirdo Winter
Regular price $17.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per$15.00 USDSale price $17.00 USD -
Valentine the Porcupine
Regular price $9.60 USDRegular priceUnit price per$12.00 USDSale price $9.60 USDSale
Derrick C. Brown
Derrick C. Brown is an award-winning poet, storyteller, comic and president of Write Bloody Publishing. His innovative fusion of poetry and comedy earned Paste Magazine's Comedy Album of the Year (2023). The New York Times praises his work as "a rekindling of faith in the weird, hilarious, shocking,
beautiful power of words." A former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, Brown has authored ten poetry collections and four children's books, winning the Texas Book of the Year award for Poetry. He serves as the 2025/26 Poet Laureate of Los Feliz, California, and often tours via motorcycle, bringing his explosive performances to venues worldwide.
New vinyl available from Sub Pop / PGF Records
A Close Shave With Heaven
Winner of Paste Magazine's Album of the Year, 2023
"...Brown is also obviously not afraid to get vulnerable with his audience. The trope of the depressed, tortured stand-up is oft-repeated for a reason, and Brown delves into his own grief in a way that’s somehow sad and funny and ultimately insightful, all so he can show us “how the sausage is made.”
More than anything, though, A Close Shave with Heaven leaves the listener with a newfound exuberance for the world around them. Brown is a poet, a comedian, and, for those moments we listen to him, the wry voice of hope."
Testimonials
-
David Cross
Comedian and actor
"I wish I had written "Patience." I mean written it down on paper. I've thought it to myself several times in different countries, but now Derrick has re-earned my trust after initially losing it by naming his book, Scandalabra, with a pun." -
Eugene Mirman
Comedian and voice actor
"Derrick Brown makes the often unbearable art form of poetry a true, unexpected joy. I think
there's a reasonable chance he is America's greatest living poet and you will enjoy his work." -
H. Jon Benjamin
Comedian and voice actor
"Derrick’s poems, for me, are so generous. Generous in their wit and honesty, mesmerizing fragments of vivid memories. Like sitting next to the most fascinating drunk stranger and hearing his tales. All of them are happily part of my life now." -
Janet Fitch
Author of White Oleander
"Derrick Brown doesn't just report from the human condition, he sings it— capturing how it feels to be absolutely alive in poems that are simultaneously romantic, wacky, soulful, wounded and full of wonder." -
Someone's Dad
Retired
"Why don't his poems rhyme?" -
Joel Lovell
Deputy Editor of NYT Magazine
"There’s something that happens when you read Derrick Brown, a rekindling of faith in the weird, hilarious, shocking, beautiful power of words... When you read any of his work...or when you have the fantastic fortune to watch him perform it in person, you yourself are a bit more alive."
