Biography
Derek R. Trumbo Sr. (he/him) is an award-winning author, playwright, and essayist whose work has made a significant impact on prison literature and journalism. He is best known for his column in Prism, “Never Eat the Candy on Your Pillow: A Commonsense Guide to Prison.” Trumbo’s essays, plays, and reporting have been published in other outlets including The Appeal as well as in the anthology The Sentences That Create Us.
Trumbo’s writing has garnered multiple honors, including several PEN Prison Writing Awards and the Madeleine L’Engle/Rahman Mentorship Award, further solidifying his reputation as a distinguished author and essayist within the prison writing community.
Currently, Trumbo is refining his short story collection, Palpable Prisons, which explores themes related to incarceration, resilience, and the human spirit. Trumbo leads and facilitates writing circles in prison, guiding attendees in crafting stories. His leadership fosters an environment where individuals can express themselves and find meaning through creative writing.
