Author Archives: Derek

About Derek

Derek Dykes was born on his Grandmothers' birthday in January 1973. The son of a local businessman and an artist, Derek and his brother Charles both grew up in an environment where creativity was encouraged. While earning healthy grades and participating in activities was important to Derek, they always took second place to what really mattered to him - his friends and family. Derek found himself thrust into adulthood when his father died. Taking care of his responsibilities meant that his college education was put on hold. While he was unable to afford classes, he privately continued his studies in art, literature, archeology, Celtic history, and a cornucopia of other subjects that interested him. Derek moved home to Mobile, Alabama in early 2008 after living away for almost a decade. His journey home was a catalyst for the foundation of his first novel, MADNESS. In addition to writing, Derek enjoys photography, parenting and using any medium available to bring the creations of his mind to life. More of Derek's work can be found by visiting www.derekdykes.com

Daddy’s World Famous Spaghetti

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Derek

Technically, this wasn’t the first dish that I made – that would be the white chocolate macadamia nut cookies – the kind you can get a recipe for on the back of almost any bag of Tollhouse ingredients. While they … Continue reading →

Posted in All Post | Leave a comment

Give a man a fish

Posted on March 31, 2015 by Derek

Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach him to fish, and he’ll still need to pay the Government for a license to allow him to do so. This is the problem with deamonizing food stamps … Continue reading →

Posted in All Post | Leave a comment

COASTCON 38 is UPON US!

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Derek

CoastCon 38 starts TOMORROW, March 20th, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum . Right now, my schedule looks something like this: FRIDAY: PANEL ROOM 3 , 6pm-7pm Making Character Count (Character and Dialogue development) FRIDAY: PANEL ROOM 1 , 7pm-9pm CoastCon … Continue reading →

Posted in All Post | Leave a comment

Mark your Calendars!

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Derek

Ladies and Gentlemen: I’ve been invited to appear as a regional guest at this year’s CoastCon, March 20-22, in Biloxi, MS. As soon as I have an idea of the events I’m scheduled to participate in, I’ll post details here. … Continue reading →

Posted in All Post | Leave a comment

Coming Soon – a new Convention Appearance??

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Derek

With grapevines and all being what they are, I’ve heard tell via the ‘little birdie’ network that an invite for another convention may very well be in the works. Stay tuned for this, and more info!

Posted in All Post | Leave a comment

A Merry and Joyous Season

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Derek

From my family to yours, I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season. Whether you wish a Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Solstice, or simply indulge in the Secular Madness of the Commercial Holiday season – whatever your wish of … Continue reading →

Posted in All Post | Leave a comment

On this Veteran’s Day…

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Derek

Yes, I have many friends who have served; they are the expression of the better part of my beliefs; fulfilling a trust that my health denied. So on this Day of Remembrance, I honor not only those who fell ensuring … Continue reading →

Posted in All Post | Leave a comment

Tis the Season

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Derek

And now, with the start of Fall, and Halloween right around the corner, I post for your reading pleasure one of my old favorites: a little piece entitled My First Halloween by Derek E Dykes “Yet another disdainfully sunny day” … Continue reading →

Posted in All Post | Leave a comment

September 11th – Thirteen years later

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Derek

Thirteen years; seems closer somehow. We had just moved up to Vermont at the tail end of August 2001, and I had started at the Valley News. I was still in the whirlwind of emotions that come with a cross … Continue reading →

Posted in All Post | Leave a comment

Fantastic!

Posted on May 27, 2014 by Derek

Had a fantastic time as a Guest at Mobicon XVII, at the Riverview Plaza Hotel in Downtown Mobile, AL. Met a lot of wonderful people, had some interesting discussions, and as always, saw some amazing costumes! Pics and free downloadables … Continue reading →

Posted in All Post | Leave a comment