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Daryl

Laugh As Much As You Can!

About Me

In the time it took me to think about what to write in the "ABOUT ME" section I realized that if anyone ever wrote my life story, that person definitely would not be me. I've never liked being the center of attention. I guess not even in this "Mini-Bio." So I'll give you the 'book jacket-about the author' version of me:"Daryl McGrew, a native of Albany, NY now resides in Syracuse, NY aka The 'Cuse. A graduate of Syracuse University, Daryl is currently at work on his second pop culture novel. His hobbies include theater, live music, singing, and anything to do with nature or the Adirondacks. Most days you can catch Daryl hanging out with his friends (aka peeps), or lounging in the comfort of his new house... And, as always... trying to find a laugh!"

My Interests

I'd like to meet:

Me (Twenty years from now). I'd take myself to McDonald's because I'd hope that the little boy in me still loves a Big Mac on special occasions, and over a Shamrock Shake I'd ask myself if it was "all" worth it. Hopefully, my 20 yrs from now self would answer: "Duh! Of course it was." And, I would bridge that 20 year gap between us with more of this wonderful life I've been living. (If that can't happen I'd like to meet Patti LaBelle-I love that woman, or Eric Jerome Dickey, to discover first hand the secret of his success. Or Jesse O'Toole--but that's just a fantasy ;)

Music:

Anything with soul. Anything where the person can "sang!" (Not to be confused with 'sing') If you know me, you know what that means. If you don't know, my suggestion: listen to any Patti LaBelle album. If you don't want to go to that much trouble, just TiVo anything that Melinda Doolittle "sang" this season on American Idol. Or, better yet, Jennifer Hudson in "Dreamgirls." That will give you an idea. I'm a motown boy as heart. I love R & B, Smooth Jazz, Blues, New Orleans (it should be classified as its own genre), Classical, some Hip-Hop, and surprisingly, most recently, Country.

Television:

I used to diss the hell out of reality television. Then the women at work started talking about the show American Idol. I hesitated at first, but i tuned in just in time to see Jennifer Hudson "sang" and then get cut. I had to keep watching after that, and now I'm a full blown addict. Yes, I'm one of those people you hear 'passionately' discussing it amongst friends. ("I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY CUT MELINDA!!!") But, that show has change my life. When they raised the age limit, my friend MaryJo and I went to audition in D.C. It was one of the most grueling axperiences I have/will ever go through. However, even though we didn't make it, we came so close, that I realized that I 'could' make it, with just a bit of fine tuning. With one year to ready myself between auditions, I quit my ten year-pack a day habit of smoking to better my vocals. I lost those nasty extra pounds around my waist. And when I stepped in front the producers, I felt like a star. And, they saw it too. Before I knew it camera's were rolling, I was advancing through the preliminary rounds, and I even got my moment (however brief) on television. Taylor Hicks won that season (I was cast off for not being a unique personality type) This coming from a woman that talked to me for all of thirty seconds. I didn't make it on American Idol, but it showed me that "making it" was possible. It changed me, and I will forever be a fan. Oh! And, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, The Sheild, Ugly Betty, Heroes, Prison Break. DAMN, I MISS SEX AND THE CITY!

Books:

As many times as I've read and re-read my first manuscript, you would think that "my" book is "my" favorite book. Well, actually, it is! So, nevermind. LOVE DON'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE. A Comic Drama tale (I hate the word 'dramedy') about four neighbors living in the heart of a small city. Their stories of love, life and the blues carry you through the laughter and tears one life-changing year. In the tradition of my favorite authors Terry McMillan, April Sinclair, E. Lynn Harris, and of course THE Eric Jerome Dickey I hope that you love it as much as I do. Hitting bookshelves spring 2008.