Famous author Eric Jerome Dickey, loved for modern black bestselling stories such as “Sister, Sister”, “Friends and Lovers” and “Between Lovers”, died on Sunday at the age of 59.
“With great sadness we confirm this lover New York Times best-selling author Eric Jerome Dickey passed away on Sunday, Jan. 3, in Los Angeles after battling a long illness, “a spokesman for Dutton, a Penguin Random House imprint, told The Post, adding that Dickey leaves four daughters behind.
A member of his family also confirmed the news on Facebook.
“I have a broken heart. My cousin Eric Jerome Dickey died yesterday, “La Verne Madison Fuller wrote Monday. “Guys, when God tells you to do something, do it. Just a few weeks ago, God woke me up to text him and say I love him. He told me he loves us too. “
The New York Times best-selling novelist earned a degree in engineering from the University of Memphis, earning a job in the aerospace industry as a software developer in Los Angeles. He soon discovered his passion for writing through comedy. After writing several screenplays for a comedy act, he began writing poetry and short stories.
“Film work gave me a perspective on character development, acting classes helped me understand my motivation. . . Everything goes hand in hand, “he wrote on his website.
After publishing his first short story in 1994, he released in 1996 his girlfriend “Sister, Sister” about three women seeking love in LA. Other books, including the novels “Chasing Destiny,” “Liar’s Game,” and “Pleasure,” were on the New York Times bestseller list.
In all, more than seven million of his books have been published worldwide, according to his publicist.
His next novel, “Son of Mr. Suleman,” will be released on April 20 this year.
Tributes began to flow on social media from celebrities and fans alike who were touched by the legendary Memphis-born novelist.
“I remember sneaking in with my copy of ‘Friends and Lovers’ in high school, as if it were smuggling.” journalist Wesley Lowery posted on Twitter. “Secretly reading a novel by Eric Jerome Dickey was a right of adolescence [sic] of passage for a generation of black Americans. “
“I’m really sad to hear about the death of Eric Jerome Dickey,” wrote author Roxane Gay wrote on Twitter. “His were some of the first novels I ever read about people of color, which were not about slavery or civil rights. He was a great storyteller. “
“Rest in peace for the black novelist Eric Jerome Dickey. Undoubtedly, it helped revolutionize an era of black storytelling. He will miss her very much. ” added the Promised Land Magazine.
“RIP to the literary icon Eric Jerome Dickey. Thank you for shaping my childhood with your work ” wrote a fan. “Chasing Destiny” and “Genevieve” are two books that I remember really igniting my desire to be a writer in the first place. ” added another.