Interview With Author Derrick Credito
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve recently self-published my first book, a literary fiction novel set in three different parts of the world. It took over four years to finish. Spending that long on one project was a big commitment of time and energy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Year of the Tsunami” is my latest book. It used to be titled “The Wandering Scribe,” and before that “Big Smoke” and “Red Light Go.” Initially the novel was inspired by Amsterdam, a city I visit regularly. The idea of “Big Smoke” came about when I decided to go multi-national and include New Zealand in the plot. My own personal connections to Jewish communities in both my native Baltimore and Amsterdam shine through in the plot.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I was working on the manuscript, I’d take medical marijuana edibles and wear headphones to listen to hypnotic, instrumental trance music. In my deep, relaxed state, I’d sometimes have unique ideas that may have never come to me otherwise. I don’t do that sort of thing anymore—I mean, I still take the edibles but am now taking a long break from writing. Since finishing “Tsunami,” I took off the headphones, strapped on my bass and now play in an EDM band called Let Go Echo.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Richard Lange, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Philip Roth are my three biggest influences. From a early age, I came to admire Stephen King. While writing “Tsunami,” I devoured all of the Jewish literature I could find. But beyond fiction, I enjoy reading music memoirs, politics, and current events.
What are you working on now?
My main focus at the moment is making my novel accessible to readers. Let Go Echo is recording a new album this winter, aptly titled “Hibernate.” I’m studying Dutch again because next year I’ll be going back to the Netherlands for the first time since pre-Covid. It will be a great honor to share my novel in the country where most of the chapters are set.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is a writer’s best friend. I have a blog on WordPress, “The Bohemian Years,” where I write longer magazine-style pieces about music’s role in my life, as well as the artists that inspire me. But after a while, I feel the need to go out and talk to people about my book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in yourself. Write everyday, and always try to do it from a place of joy. That energy transfers to the reader. Through your writing, you have the power to create the kind of world you wish to see. Use that power wisely.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Now the real work begins.”
This always hits me right between the eyes because it’s always so accurate. Whether you’re writing, revising, publishing or promoting, the challenges never stop mounting. As writers, we must adapt and grow.
What are you reading now?
Lilly Singh “How To Be A Bawse” is a map for living one’s best life. Vice President Kamala Harris’s memoir “We Hold These Truths” is a heartfelt story of perseverance and compassion.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m planning to spend most of 2023 promoting and speaking about my new novel. Hopefully I’ll get inspiration to begin working on the sequel, but there’s a chance that I’ll finish my own music memoir before then.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Lilly Singh’s “Be A Triangle” would keep me filled with gratitude. Throw in a couple vegan cookbooks, and I should be good to go!
Author Websites and Profiles
Derrick Credito Amazon Profile
Derrick Credito’s Social Media Links