poet / NOVELIST

screenwriter

comic

lecturer

PUBLISHER

WRITER/ WORKSHOP TEACHER

TEN poetry collections.

Four children's books.

Texas Book of the Year.

Poet Laureate of Los Feliz, California.

Your river is waiting writing workshops.

COMIC / STORYTELLER

Winner of Paste Magazine's Comedy Album of the Year.

Poetry and stand-up fused into something that makes you laugh until it breaks your tiny heart.

PGF Records, Distro by Sub Pop.

Sketchfest, High Plains Comedy fest, All Tomorrow's Parties, Eugene Mirman Comedy fest…

SPEAKER / LECTURER / WORKSHOP TEACHER

Creativity Keynote speaker for SPACE BEACH, SEEDS, INGRAM, AND MORE.

Your river is waiting writing workshops.

Available to MC or for keynote speaker events.

PUBLISHER

165 poetry collections launched. Write Bloody.

International distribution.

Andrea Gibson, Anis Mojgani, Clint Smith, Sarah Kay, Megan Falley, Franny Choi and more.

22 years of sending diverse poets and their books onto the road like a band.

with band.jpg

What ARE YOU

UP TO THERE, BUD?

HOST OF JOY FREQUENCIES POETRY SHOW, MAY 25 AND JUNE 29.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR SEEDS SURROGACY CONVENTION, MAY 13, 14TH ATLANTA

GROCERY ON HOME SHOW, ATLANTA POETRY SHOW (very intimate, amazing show in an old grocery store)

BEYOND BAROQUE POETRY SHOW, THURSDAY JUNE 4TH

LIT LIT BOOK FEST,

COMPLETED HORROR SCREENPLAY

YOUR RIVER WORKSHOP IS COMING, JULY, LIVE ON ZOOM

QUERYING FOR NEW AGENT

PICKATHON, END OF JULY, OREGON

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.
— Joel Lovell, Editor, New York Times Magazine
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.
— Janet Fitch, Author of White Oleander, Paint It Black
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
— David Cross
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.
— H. Jon Benjamin
I’ve done a few shows with Derrick and I love how his poems connect with an audience with these unique setups and surprise left hooks. He is a chef that serves my favorite recipe of sarcastic but never cynical. The pieces are funny as hell and some are fearlessly heavy, with a naked sadness, and some are very stupid. Is that courageous?
— Bobcat Goldthwait
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.
— Eugene Mirman
...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.
— Paste Magazine, Album of the year
Derrick C. brown is a heart whisperer & this collection is no exception. Equal parts devastating, hilarious, and swoon-worthy, Love Ends in a Tandem Kayak is a roadmap for every romantic looking to stay hopeful, a reminder that when love abandons us, it’s only making room for more of itself to squeeze in.
— Olivia Gatwood, Whoever You Are Honey

CHECK OUT MY FREE SUBSTACK

Tips galore and true stories 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, agents, managers, tours and record deals.

The good news? You don't have to repeat my failures unless you enjoy eating ramen forever.

YOUR RIVER IS WAITING POETRY WORKSHOP  

WHEN

This Winter. Live on zoom. 4 live workshops with Derrick C. Brown, president of writebloody.com


WHAT TO LEARN

The magic of crafting poems in your clearest voice.


I had many requests to do this poetry video workshop series so people could take it on their own time, rewatch and learn, but there’s nothing like being placed in a peer group, hearing the lecture live, having assignments due… to push yourself.

It’s coming this winter! Level 1 and level 2.

LEVEL 1: BREAKING WRITERS’ BLOCK, Writing YOUR BEST WORK, Writing Humorous Poems, Craft and Publishing.

LEVEL 2: Getting your full-length collection ready, contracts and promotion, along with classes on touring, submitting, and performance, are coming your way. Reservations open soon.

COST AND HOW TO APPLY

More info to come.


Shop THE NEW STUFF

A LITTLE GRIEF BREAK
$25.00

30 YEARS OF POETRY, FAVORITE 10 POEMS FROM 10 BOOKS, 20 NEW POEMS FROM NEW SECTION. ALL THE HITS IN ONE BOOK. JUST POETRY, NO FICTION OR MEMOIR HERE.

A CLOSE SHAVE WITH HEAVEN
Sale Price: $22.00 Original Price: $32.00

VINYL RECORD. RECORDED LIVE IN BOSTON. COMEDY AND POETRY. PGF RECORDS. DISTRO BY SUB POP.

HOT HANDS AND THE WEIRDO WINTER
Sale Price: $17.00 Original Price: $20.00

Get ready for a heartwarming and thrilling adventure that will ignite your child's imagination! In this exciting book, meet Ralph, the new kid at school, who finds himself in a world of magic and wonder when he encounters the mysterious and extraordinary Margo, also known as "Hot Hands."

Picture this: a strange girl with hands that blaze like fire! As Ralph and Margo team up, they embark on a journey of friendship and bravery, overcoming their fears together. Ralph, eager for a new friend, discovers the true meaning of companionship as he bonds with the unique and lovable Margo.

But Margo's hands are not just magical; they come with a fascinating challenge. Can Margo ever hug anyone without her fiery touch causing harm? Will she ever be able to experience the joy of building a snowman without melting it away? These questions will keep young readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover the answers.

ILLUSTRATED BY MATT CARVER

WRITTEN BY DERRICK C BROWN

LECTURES AND KEYNOTES

Explore our range of services designed to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you're headed next.

  • Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.

  • Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.

  • Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.

Listen Up

I wrote the lyrics for a beautiful and dark new music project with Larkk. For fans of PJ Harvey, Bat for Lashes, Angel Olsen and Phoebe Bridgers.