...I pride myself on being more than a prison writer...

SHANEKA JONES COOK: What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself through your work?

 

Darrell "DB" Bracey, Jr.: One of the most surprising things I learned about myself through my work, is my potential to write compelling storylines, because of that my work is recognized by other noted authors. I am also inspiring up-n-coming writers to pursue their dream.

 

SJC: As an incarcerated writer what do you want the Literary Community to understand about you?

 

DB: As an incarcerated author, I would be grateful if the Literary Community recognized me as a true writer and understood that my name and my brand mean everything to me.

 

SJC: Is there anything you want the world to know about the experience of being a writer in prison?

 

 DB: I would like the world to know at times it can be draining, due to all the distractions that come with being in prison, but at the same time it is a good feeling to know that you are being productive while doing your time.

 

SJC: How do you feel about the term “prison writer”?

 

DB: I feel the term “prison writers” places incarcerated creators like myself in a stereotypical box, at the same time, it also allows us to prove people wrong by penning unforgettable stories.

 

SJC: What advice do you have for young men of color who are writers?

 

DB: My advice would be for them to read and understand contracts if they plan to sign with a big publishing company. Read to make sure they are not signing their hard work away, in terms of their rights.

 

SJC: How important is it for you to show Black and brown boys that they matter in the literary world?

 

DB: It is very important to me because writing is a platform allowing them to express themselves creatively and because of this they can touch millions of lives.

 

SJC: What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

 

DB: The very first time I opened the bible and read the words of God.

 

SJC: Do you view writing as a spiritual practice?

 

DB: Yes, I view it as a form of spiritual practice.

 

SJC: What is the most difficult part of your artistic process while being an inmate?

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DB: The most difficult part is learning how to block out the distractions that come with being in prison.

 

SJC: As a writer, we pride ourselves on our work, which book do you consider to be your favorite? and why?

 

DB: My second novel, A Gain for A Loss is my best work thus far. My writing skills were much better with this novel.

 

SJC: How did you write the books physically? I mean did you use a computer or was it handwritten? I know inmates are allowed to use the computer for certain things, was writing these books one of them?

 

DB: Both books were handwritten, knuckles acing, fingers cramping and all. Afterward, I manually typed every page, prior to sending the manuscripts off to the publisher.

 

SJC: What is your advice to young men filled with potential who are on the verge of entering the system?

 

DB: I would advise the young men to give themselves a chance by following their dreams. Always keep in mind that, 97% of the people who gave up are employed by the 3% that never quit. Be that 3% by being a leader, not a follower.

 

SJC: What inspired you to write these books?

 

DB: I was already associated with other people that had written books, so I figured why not try it. Also, I have a business partner that is like a brother to me, Bryon Dorsey, who is the CEO of Bloc Extension Publishing, gave me the extra motivation I needed to follow through with my vision.

 

SJC: Was the character(s) inspired by a real person? If so, who?

 

DB: Not one real person inspired one character. Each character is a figment of my creative imagination.

 

SJC: As a prison writer what do you feel is your responsibility to yourself and your craft?

 

DB: As a prison writer, it is my responsibility to myself and my craft to be the best, PERIOD!