Visit OutFront Kalamazoo during Art Hop on Friday, July 10 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. as we welcome local author Derek Wilks! Derek will read an excerpt and share character artwork from his newest publication, On Deck, followed by an open discussion about their inspiration, writing process, and experiences as a trans author and artist.
About the Book
On Deck is a queer contemporary adult romance novel about Cole Wheaton, who is a ranch hand by day and one of the top local barrel racers under the Friday night lights. Armed with nothing but his little red mare, a rusty pickup truck, and one hell of an attitude, he will stop at nothing on his way to the top, and prove to his family once and for all what he is worth. After years of blood, sweat, and tears, he is finally set to qualify for the World Finals. That is, if a new challenger in his district does not eliminate him from the running first. Anne-Marie Fulton has made an enemy of Cole, and he will do anything he can to keep her from taking his place. Anything. Little does he know, his enemies are closer than they appear.
About the Artist
Derek Wilks (he/him) is a trans author and artist hailing from Southwest/Central Michigan. He draws most of his inspiration from experiences he's lived as a queer, rural kid, often finding comfort in these themes. He spends most of his time hanging out with his partner and his cat when he is not developing his upcoming projects, and drawing the silly little guys that are in them.
He holds an associates degree in graphic design from Kellogg Community College, a forklift certification, and is anxiously awaiting to see where On Deck takes him in the future.
Interested in being our next Artist of the Month? Apply now at https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/artistofthemonth