Derek's work arises from witnessing transcendence and transgression. He is winner of 2021 The Iowa Review Poetry Award and was short-listed for 2020 Bridport Prize in Poetry. His non-fiction work includes the co-authored, Community Lawyering: Theory & Practice (2000) and Farming the City (transcity 2013). In 2021, he co-wrote a musical, Corona Crazy, and launched Inspiration Practice, a podcast of artist interviews. He co-wrote the screenplay, Tropical Gothic, awarded Berlinale 2021. His residencies include Fundación Valparaiso and Mt. Tremper Arts. He recently moved from New York to California and teaches Creative Writing at Los Angeles Film School.