Meeting Derrick Barnes by Tara Michener

 

I had the amazing opportunity to be a featured author at the same event series as Award-Winning Author, Derrick Barnes. Derrick was the keynote speaker for the opening Gala and when he met the podium he met the audience where they were at and then helped them to meet him where he had been.

Derrick gave the room so many important life lessons from his own experience as a father, author and spouse. He talked about his journey and how his own son inspired him to write what he knows and how this was the turning point for him. I watched my own son who was in attendance enamored by his reading of I Am Every Good Thing. His face expressive and empowered as he looked to the man who is now one of his favorite authors.

Derrick Barnes and Tara Michener

Once the room was able to disperse and meet and greet, Derrick had a line of people eager to find out more and to have their books signed, not only because a signed book is awesome, but also as a way to preserve the message that he shared that night. I smiled because my son does not run up to every author...he does not share personal stories with every speaker and at nine years old he has now decided to take his time warming up a bit more than he used to. This was different. He had met someone who he felt understood him. It was obvious that Derrick had this effect on many people in the room that night. His energy was magnetic and people of all ages flocked to him with the same excitement that my child did.

I always talk about Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's framework of mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors and this was a moment where I got to witness this concept leap off of the pages of the books, onto the stage and back to his table where he kindly joked and talked to me and so many other authors and guests.

That night my son read all of the books that he received from the Gala. The next morning was filled with his thoughts about what he read the night before when he should have been sleeping. 

The author event continued the next day at a Book Festival. Guests purchased written stories of the authors present at the festival as they connected over verbal stories they heard while getting their books signed. I was able to add one more book from Derrick to my collection to gift to a young neighbor. I also got to gain more insight about Derrick’s journey as an author. He was gracious enough to allow me to feature him for this segment and also interview him.

Readers, the conversation was filled with so many nuggets that can help people in many stages of life. I am including some that stood out but I promise you there are many more insights to gain from this talented and inspiring author. Derrick shared that once Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut was published that his career changed in an incredible way. He wrote for many years but this particular book that showcased his authenticity, his activism and his love for his target audience resonated in a way that opened up the door to a larger stage and more award recognition, opportunities and honors. I enjoyed listening to Derrick talking about the importance of speaking his truth as an author and being free to write what is real, what resonates for his intended audience and what brings about perspective sharing in a way that both educates and acknowledges topics that need to be highlighted. He talked about the need to reach Black people and how his books bring people together.

I asked Derrick:  

What advice would you give to writers who feel underappreciated?

He said that pinpointing your target audience and focusing on them is the way to go. He mentioned that these are the people who will lift you up no matter what. He went on to say that the writing should speak directly to them because they are the ones purchasing your books. He discussed the need for writers to figure out if they want to write books or have a career as a writer and how those things are not exactly the same. He spoke about the need for writers to work on their craft.

I was especially impressed when I asked Derrick about his remedies for writer’s block and he shared that he never has writer’s block. He went on to say that it all comes back to focus. He said he never goes a day without writing and if he has time to write-he writes.

When we talked about legacy he mentioned that he may want to teach as an English Professor. His focus is getting people to think outside of the box and leave behind books that move the needle. He wants people to recognize that he is not like anybody else as they consider his legacy. He wants to continue to put more books into the world that covers social issues and give the readers an opportunity to enjoy more realistic fiction from him. He understands that he will be judged on his catalog and he wants to be remembered as one of the best children’s book authors of his time.

He wants to inspire others to do the same.

This led me to asking him who he is inspired by.

He shared that some of the writers and poets that inspire him include Renee Watson, Erin Entrada Kelly, Jerry Craft, Clint Smith, and Jessica Care Moore.  Please visit Derrick Barnes website at https://derrickdbarnes.com/books/ to learn more about his awards, his books and his upcoming events and titles. I promise that you will be inspired.

 

Tara Michener is the author of six children's books that focus on self-esteem, diversity and anti-bullying. She is a TEDx speaker, therapist and owns her own private practice in Novi, MI. Tara has been recognized in publications such as Prevention Magazine, Essence Magazine, FREEP and more! She is the Committee Chair of E&I at SCBWI-MI. Her favorite days usually include spending time with her hubistrator, Jason, her son Cannon and her favorite snack Twizzlers and Diet Coke. You can follow her on Twitter @Taramichener.