Behind the Book Cover Dennis Hensley on Going from Landing a Book Deal to Working at Crate & Barrel (And Everything in Between)
Dec 2, 2025
Dennis Hensley, a versatile writer and performer known for his novel Misadventures in the (213) and diverse creative work, shares his journey of resilience and career pivots. He talks about his breakthrough in the 90s LA writing scene, the unglamorous hustle behind his debut novel, and the impact of the Fashion Police strike on his life. From balancing freelance income to realizing that dance gigs paid more than writing, Dennis emphasizes the importance of creativity and persistence amidst challenges. He inspires listeners to embrace the art of trying, regardless of the outcome.
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From Madonna Audition To Magazine Break
- Dennis parlayed a rejected Madonna audition into a published article that launched his magazine career.
- He wrote for Detour for years (often unpaid) and built his first book Misadventures in the (213) from those columns.
Three Years Writing For Free
- Dennis wrote for Detour Magazine for about three years, often without pay, to build his portfolio.
- Those long feature stories led to other paying gigs and eventually to his fiction column and book.
Crate & Barrel As Emotional First Aid
- After a career trauma, Dennis took a part‑time job at Crate & Barrel to stabilize his nervous system.
- He found relief in simple, fair work while recovering from industry upheaval.
