Let’s get this out of the way: My name was Chad Dereick Miller aka C. Derick Miller to the book peeps. In 2013, I was a paranormal investigator with a potentially amazing literary future…
Then, I had a stroke. I didn’t know I had a stroke for twelve years.
Back in 2013 (when convinced it was just Bell’s Palsy), I began traveling for the fine art industry and signed with a literary agent in the UK. I also kicked my military-perfected alcoholism into high gear.
Somewhere along the way, my brain took a left turn, and I never looked back. I turned on everyone and everything I’d ever known, and never knew why until 2025 when my doctor brought all of this to my attention.
Near that revelation, one of my younger brothers had a stroke, so I didn’t treat it like a “Eureka!” moment. I didn’t want to steal his thunder.
I’m not apologizing for anything I did in that twelve year period, but I believe there are some in this world who are at least due an explanation. Trust me, I’m just as lost as you are, which makes it much worse on my end. Imagine not knowing who you are? Imagine only being able to view that life in snippets through uncontrolled flashbacks? Yes, I was in control through all of it, and just wearing a suit resembling who you knew. It was trippy; definitely had its moments.
Now, imagine being reborn at age 39 without the luxury of lifelong friends or whole memories available at will. I remember names, faces, and titles, but I have zero emotional attachment to any of them other than my children and a handful of close family. The ones I interacted with the most during my recovery (?).
They were the only ones who appeared to be on my side as I continued to “come of age” in a somewhat strange world.
There’s permanent brain damage and no chance at recovery, just more and more reveals itself over time. I remember something new almost daily. Some of those realizations are hilarious, but most are disheartening bordering on sickening.
My old life (friends, marriages, jobs, joy, sadness), all of that happened to somebody else. Sound strange? Imagine what my life’s been like coming to grips with this?
This is what I’ve been dwelling on through a decade of roller coaster depression, and, well…coming back to life, in a sense.
So, if you’re under the false impression you know me; you don’t. You knew him, or at least what he allowed you to know. This doesn’t mean you can’t get to know me now.
Disclaimer: there are some of you who shouldn’t try; you know who you are. I had a stroke. I wasn’t mind-wiped like a f**king droid lol.
This is who I am. It’s been a struggle, but I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I’m truly living the new version of my best life, although toned down to near zero in comparison. It’s been a decade of shadows.
So, there you have it: why I (mostly) did what I did 2013 – Present.
Some of it was on purpose. VERY on purpose. The rest was my soul blowing in the wind. No, not like a plastic bag.
If it seems like I talk about the same things often, it’s because I’ve had a new realization regarding those moments. Swipe right, homie; get over yourself. Lots of cool things on the internet. Go look at those instead.
Let’s see where this road leads…
Rev. Dare Cloud
Reverend · adjective. worthy of adoration or reverence. synonyms: sublime · sacred.
is a Dallas author, musician, and gonzo journalist. Some of his works include the controversial splatter-western Starving Zoe (written as C. Derick Miller), the Taste of Home trilogy, and the ongoing Jim Walker series. He is also the co-host of the American Justice Podcast and Senior Writer/Junior Producer for AtuA Productions LLC. His literary crushes are (of course) Hunter S. Thompson, J.D. Salinger, and Kevin Smith. Preach truths, toke jokes, and shoplift Amazon.
According to our AI overlords: Rev. Dare Cloud is a multifaceted artist and ordained minister from Texas, known for his work as an author, podcaster, and musician. Often referring to himself as a “gonzo artist,” he is recognized for his eccentric style and wide range of projects.
My current headstone: here lies Reverend Chad Dereick “Dare” Cloud-Miller, husband, father, grandfather, veteran, paranormal investigator, award-winning author, journalist, musician, songwriter, screenwriter, actor, and braggart.
“You’ve got to press it on you
You’ve just been thinking
That’s what you do, baby
Hold it down, Dare!” – Gorillaz
“Everything is gonna be all right;
Rockabye.” Shawn Mullins
The Gonzo Wolf 