FROM HOMELESS TO LITERARY LEGEND: LARRY WILSON, AKA DAPHAROAH69, EARNS THE TITLE OF "EROTICA AUTHOR OF THE YEAR" - VORAKA

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN VORAKA

Article Published on 2 May 2025 by Suzume Naoko | www.vorakamag.com

Larry Wilson, known by his pen name Dapharoah69, is a multi-award-winning, best-selling author whose journey from homelessness to literary stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Salinas, California, and raised in Goulds, Florida, he published his first book 24 years ago while homeless igniting a career that would go on to influence a generation of readers and writers alike. With his signature blend of passion and depth, Dhapharoah69 earns the title of Erotica Author of the Year 2025 from Voraka.

Shot by Sergey Yusin | Location: Miami

For over two decades, Dapharoah69 has entertained millions with his bold, unapologetic prose. He is a true Renaissance artist, spoken word performer, HIV activist, poet, actor, model, and dancer. His King of Erotica series made literary history in 2009 with three titles simultaneously landing on the Barnes & Noble Top 100 Bestsellers List. His debut novel, Call Her Queen Hatshepsut, earned praise from the late New York Times bestselling author E. Lynn Harris and was named both Book of the Month and Book of the Year by the African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC). At just 21, he wrote his dark fantasy vampire series, The Law of Beasts, in two months showcasing his imaginative and prolific writing style. Since then, he’s penned thirteen books, including three memoirs, and contributed to four compilation novels, many achieving Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestseller status. His striking presence earned him a modeling contract with The Miami Fashion Board in 2016, placing him in Florida’s top ten percent. That same year, he received a Certificate of Recognition from the New York State Senate, was honored with the Men of Integrity Award, and was featured in Stephen A. Maglott’s Ubuntu Biography Project for three consecutive years. A gifted performer, Larry danced in the 2019 Orange Bowl Halftime Show with Gavin DeGraw on ESPN and appeared in films and shows like Bandits, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip, Tyler Perry’s If Loving You Is Wrong, and Identity Theft. His dynamic stage presence and versatility in the arts reflect the depth of his creativity and fearlessness in expression.

Equally passionate about uplifting others, he’s mentored aspiring authors and contributed to the launch of debut books by formatting, editing, and writing forewords. His guidance has empowered new voices across the globe, encouraging authenticity, healing, and the power of self-expression.  In 2023, his legacy was cemented with his induction into Meak Productions Talent Agency’s Hall of Fame. Larry Wilson, a.k.a. Dapharoah69, continues to blaze trails, break boundaries, and inspire the world through the power of his story, leaving a legacy that transcends pages and echoes through generations.

ABOUT HIS BOOK

THE LAW OF BEASTS KHOVAHSH, BOOK 1 - ACT 1 by DAPHAROAH69

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Khovahsh is a dark supernatural epic woven with betrayal, power, and ancient secrets. At its center is Khovahsh Burgoos, a mysterious, nine-thousand-year-old elitist demi-shifter and reincarnate, sent to spy on Alicia Chay, the sadistic and cunning queen of torture. Alicia, now a vampire, has defied the ancient order by creating The House of the Hounds and forging a forbidden treaty to protect animal life without the consent of the Dragonhead Ancients or the formidable Queen Mother, Armona.

As Alicia’s actions ripple through the supernatural world, Khovahsh is tasked with deceiving her but his true intentions remain hidden. Their fateful meeting ignites a dangerous chain of events, unraveling truths neither is prepared to face. With Alicia’s life now hanging in the balance, an old enemy Muzzle resurfaces, threatening her for abandoning the very house she created.

Blending rich mythology with sharp psychological intrigue, Khovahsh is a haunting tale of forbidden alliances, ancient vengeance, and the thin line between manipulation and desire.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LARRY WILSON

Voraka: How did the challenging period of being homeless shape your writing and creative process? Larry: Homelessness stripped everything away except my words. Writing became both survival and purpose. I wrote "The King of Erotica" in five days on a borrowed laptop while living in a sleeping bag. When everything physical was gone, I discovered my most authentic voice. Creation became a necessity rather than a luxury, a lesson in resilience I carry forward.

Voraka: What inspired you to write Call Her Queen Hatshepsut, and how did E. Lynn Harris's recognition influence you?

Larry: Call Her Queen Hatshepsut emerged from friendships with transgender individuals whose stories deserved telling. It was my debut outside erotica proving I didn't need to write about sex to be relevant. This challenge earned AAMBC's Book of the Year and Male Author of the Year. E. Lynn Harris chose me for his Literacy Cafe and mentored me.

Voraka: Why do you think The King of Erotica series resonated so strongly with readers?

Larry: My approach was to "stimYOUlate then edYOUcate" using intimacy as a gateway to deeper themes. I created characters facing real-world challenges. I tell it like it is and didn't sugarcoat. This emotional honesty connected with readers who saw their unspoken experiences reflected on the page, hungry for stories honoring both body and mind. Voraka: How have your experiences in modeling, acting, and dance influenced your writing style?

Larry: Dance taught me rhythm and pacing from winning the Pirouette Award (highest honor) in high school despite being a beginner. Modeling developed my eye for visual detail. I appear on all my book covers, physically standing behind my art. Acting refined my character development and sensory details. These disciplines created immediacy in my writing that readers connect with deeply.

Voraka: What inspired The Law of Beasts, and what was it like to complete it so quickly?

Larry: In 1998, I began writing on my sister Christina's birthday, inspired by "Vampire in Brooklyn." I was mourning my best-friend Chadrick Render while honoring my grandmother Alice, whose gift I inherited. With nothing but time, peace, and protection, I wrote six manuscripts in three months with three inch pre-sharpened pencils and sat on the books, until now.

Voraka: How has your work as an HIV activist shaped your writing and public platform?

Larry: After sharing my status in 2009, helping 14,000+ people get tested transformed my private struggle into a public purpose. I've been undetectable since 2010. My doctor says that I'm healthier than most twenty-year-olds. I infuse this education into my characters, raising awareness. My activism taught me storytelling isn't just entertainment but potentially life-saving.

Voraka: What advice would you give to aspiring authors trying to break into the industry?

Larry: Your unique voice is your greatest asset don't dilute it for trends. Develop disciplined writing habits. Be your own champion; I succeeded when I was my only fan. Maintain creative integrity; I declined seven-figure deals to preserve authenticity. DON'T GIVE UP! DON'T GIVE UP! YOU CAN DO IT! Remember true success comes from impact, not just sales. Voraka: How did winning Male Author of the Year and receiving Senate recognition impact you?

Larry: Growing up silenced by abuse and being told I was "too young" to matter, these honors validated that my voice has significance. They fulfilled my grandfather's vision while opening doors to mentor others. Beyond personal vindication, they strengthened my resolve to maintain independence and create pathways for overlooked voices in literature.

Voraka: How have you stayed relevant in the literary world for over two decades?

Larry: I break literary rules—whose rules anyway? writing to express, not impress. I tackle subjects others fear, thinking outside conventional boxes. Many first-time authors cite me as an inspiration. My loyal fanbase has supported me since MySpace and 200+ writing community awards on Wattpad. My work is also on Eratu, FictionMe, Moboreader, and GWriter, which keeps me connected.

Voraka: How do you define your legacy, and what do you hope readers take from your work?

Larry: My legacy lives in helping others achieve publishing dreams while realizing my own. It's fearless storytelling despite homelessness and obstacles. Creating authentic stories that evoke genuine emotions. Inspiring my nieces and nephews. Being self-sufficient in having my voice heard. Writing my stories my way, on my terms, no matter who doesn't like it.

Voraka: What new projects or books are you currently working on?

Larry: The Law of Beasts Book 1 Pt 2: Amenifarius, The Dragonhead Ancients Act 2 (Parts 1 and 2). Beyond fantasy, I'm releasing "Porcelain Porcupines (my 19-year relationship with John turned into poetry and a full-length fiction novel, a Special Edition of The King of Erotica 1, Some Men Wear Panties II, and Loyal to the Soil. And mentoring new authors.

Voraka: How did it feel to have three titles on the Barnes and Noble.com Top 100 Bestsellers List at the same time?

Larry: I'm still stunned. It was February 2009. I was homeless, having written from my sleeping bag, suddenly sharing list space with Obama, Steve Harvey, and Stephanie Meyer. I didn't even know until friends called. This vindicated my grandfather's belief in me and proved authentic voices can find audiences without traditional gatekeepers.

Voraka: What was it like to dance with a troupe for Gavin Degraw at the Orange Bowl Halftime Show? Larry: It connected me to my earliest artistic expression, having taught myself to dance to Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" before becoming a writer, and the album inspired socially conscious themes in my work. Performing before millions reminded me that storytelling takes many forms. This multidisciplinary approach, maintaining various creative channels, ultimately strengthens my writing. Voraka: How has helping other authors with their books and publishing journeys impacted you personally and creatively? Larry: Formatting and editing, then helping Daj2020, Lashonta McCray, Artavius Veasey, and Allyson M. Deese become published authors fulfills my purpose: "What good is my gift if I can't help someone achieve their dreams?" Each collaboration heals my childhood feeling that my voice didn't matter. Their success reconnects me to that five-year-old asking, "Pop, if I write a book, would you read it?" Voraka: What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in graphology or historical writing? Larry: For those interested in a career in graphology, I recommend obtaining solid theoretical and practical training. Studying graphology through recognized courses and gaining certifications can provide a strong foundation. It is also useful to practice handwriting analysis in real cases to hone your skills. Regarding historical writing, it is important to develop excellent research and writing abilities. A thorough study of history and familiarity with archival research techniques are essential. Additionally, extensive reading and regular writing will help improve your skills and find your unique voice in the field.