Spotlight On Writers
Derrick R. Lafayette
- Where do you originate from?
I’m from Newark, NJ. Born and raised. I would say that the constant hustle of city life definitely inspired me. The plethora of personalities, experiences, and misadventures that always occurred when the sun went down. Though none of my stories are typically set in Newark, or any city, too often. I typically lead with more obscure settings, like fantasy, sci-fi, or western, and drag the eccentric nature of Newark into the new landscape.
- What do you cherish most about the place you call home?
I live with my wife, daughter, and our dog. Not to mention two close friends, one on the top floor in their apartment unit and another on the first, if I ever want to hang out. But what I cherish most is when everyone is satisfied and sleeping, and that small sliver of time where I can meditate and dig into my ideas. There’s something of a gold mine knowing that your responsibilities are done and you’re allowed to be free, and I love that moment, because so many great stories have come from it.
- What ignites your creativity?
Honestly, my mind races all the time. Anything from a drunk conversation, a movie I watched, or an existential question will spark an idea. But the best stories come when I face the blank page and allow my subconscious to write for me. It’s a dangerous place to drive blind, and it seems to be the core ignition to my creativity. I’m downloading it from some place that I can’t figure out, and I’m fascinated when it comes out.
- Do you have a favorite word, and could you incorporate it into a poetic phrase?
When I first started working with editors, I discovered that I use the word traverse way too often. That has to be my favorite word, because not only did I type it a million times, but I also always seemed to use it in the wrong context. To incorporate it into a poetic phrase, I would say:
As I ford my stream of consciousness, I’m unaware that I’ve traversed from future to present, and from present to the page.
- What is your pet peeve?
There aren’t many in writing. Aside from massive plot holes, or more style than substance. Plot holes are normal, depending on the genre. But sometimes they can get so egregious that the entire pull is essentially a series of questions with no answers in sight. I don’t mind that for indie movies. However, in literature, it drives me crazy, because I have to contemplate what I even read.
- How would you describe the essence of Derrick R. Lafayette?
I am an obsessed, prolific, genre-bending writer who really just needs to get the ideas out of my head to make room for more. The phrase no stone unturned can be said for me when it comes to story ideas. Honestly, because I’ve been transitioning to a new job, I’ve taken the longest break from writing, but in my heyday, I wrote entirely too much. Short stories, novellas, and novels, of all types, just flow into Microsoft Word. Some see the world, some stay in the folder. You’ll never be able to guess my signature, and that’s my essence. It’ll shock you every time.
- Spotlight On Writers – Derrick R. Lafayette - April 25, 2026
- This is What Happens When You Write Too Often - February 8, 2026
- LaMancha - September 14, 2025
