Darrin Dewitt Henson has shed the skin of Lem Van Adams, the hustler-husband on the hit series “Soul Food.”
Since then, he’s added a few coveted movie roles under his belt, and gave memorable performances in The Express, Stomp the Yard and The Salon, among others.
Art imitates life as Henson portrays a writer in the horror flick, The Inheritance, a film that has been the shining star on the film festival circuit.
Here, Henson talks about his new book of poetry and thoughts, Intimate Thoughts, a work that is sure to bring fans closer to Darrin DeWitt Henson than ever before.
How does it feel to put your barest emotions in a book for public consumption? Is it frightening to be so intimate with fans — and strangers?
It’s empowering. I have no fear … fear is false evidence that appears real. I’m happy to share, my intention is [to inspire] growth for all ages and people.
What is your process for writing poetry? How long did it take you to pen this book?
My process is truth. I simply write every thought no matter the beauty or harshness. I’ve been doing this for six years, so there is a lot more for the second volume.
What have you learned about yourself during this writing process?
We all grow and we have baggage. Writing is a great way to release some of it. We all need to grow or we feel helpless and useless. So ask yourself, if you don’t feel like you’re growing, how does it make you feel?
What is the biggest misconception about you?
The biggest misconception is that I am like Grant, the character in the film Stomp the Yard.
If you could write a collaborative book with anyone right now, who would it be?
I’d like to write with Denzel Washington; I feel connected because we have similar stories.
What is the message that you want readers to take away from Intimate Thoughts?
Growth is our individual job. We have to find the tools and then use them. This book, Intimate Thoughts, can be one of the many tools.
What is your best advice for future poets?
Listen, watch, feel, and then write.
What projects do you have coming up?
Several features, Ex-Free; Marriage Chronicles; Last Fall; Great Divide; After; and Four of Hearts.
To learn more about Darrin Henson, visit his official website, www.DarrinHenson.com.
