Interview With Author Steve Milliken
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Steve Milliken, and my first and only book, LATE BLOOMER BABY BOOMER, was 20 years in the making. I’m a former comedian turned high school English teacher who finally channeled my love of storytelling—and a lifetime of procrastination—into a published book. Think of me as the guy who always made the class laugh (and the principal sigh) but also the guy who handed in his homework a couple of decades late.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
LATE BLOOMER BABY BOOMER is an entertaining memoir inspired by a lifetime of storytelling. Its humor is enriched by heartfelt moments and the occasional burst of wisdom. Inspiration also came from realizing my life was essentially a book waiting to happen, and that I wasn’t getting any younger….
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to rewrite obsessively. Drafts, to me, are like bad first dates: awkward, messy, and brimming with potential. I keep at them until they’re compelling enough to introduce to the world. I also have a strange habit of arguing with my past self while revising—turns out, he has some strong opinions. It’s an odd process, but oddly productive.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My influences are as varied as my reading tastes. Dr. Seuss was my earliest favorite, sparking a lifelong love of rhythm and playful language—his books were the first to show me the magic of words. Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes became classics of my childhood, fueling my love of clever twists and intricate mysteries. They taught me to savor the art of piecing clues together—and, of course, that everyone’s a suspect…. While my own writing leans more toward humor than whodunits, their ability to keep readers hooked left an undeniable mark on my appreciation for great storytelling.
As a teen, I clung to The Catcher in the Rye like it was a life manual, with Holden Caulfield’s raw, honest voice shaping how I thought about my own teenage angst. After college, A Confederacy of Dunces taught me to embrace the absurdity of life and find humor in the unexpected. And finally, David Sedaris became my modern-day muse. His knack for finding humor in vulnerability and awkwardness inspired my own approach to writing.
What are you working on now?
I’m creating a series of short, scripted comedy videos where I perform excerpts from my book and sometimes mix in new material, along with some of my alter egos, each bringing their own unique perspective to the comedy—often in full makeup and costume, because I spare no expense (LOL). It’s a mix of memoir and comedy, with plenty of laughs along the way. Keep an eye out for these videos across social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. When they air, you’ll be able to follow for more laughs!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is my secret weapon. While platforms like Instagram and YouTube let me share short, funny videos that give readers a taste of my comedy, I also reach out to online magazines for reviews and connect with influencers to help spread the word. It’s like I’ve hired a virtual publicity agent—except it’s me doing all the work, and I don’t have to pay myself $5000 a month. (Game-changer savings, usually accomplished while rocking my most fashion forward baggy T-shirt and sweatpants ensemble) I take every opportunity to get the word out—and if I can make someone laugh while doing it, even better. Because if they’re laughing, they’re likely sharing, and if they’re sharing, I’m winning.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait for inspiration—it’s notoriously lazy. Write every day, even if it’s just a few sentences, because consistency is key. And remember, the first draft is just you shoveling sand into a sandbox—the real magic happens when you build the castle. Don’t fear rejection; every “no” gets you closer to the right “yes.” Believe in your voice and use feedback as a tool, not as a reason to retreat into a blanket fort… unless that fort has Wi-Fi, delicious carbonated beverages, and salty snacks.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is about showing up, even when your muse is on vacation. Write for yourself first, then for the audience. If it doesn’t resonate with you, it won’t resonate with anyone else. Always aim for advancement, momentum, and headway in your work. The road to a great draft isn’t about perfection; it’s about making progress—just try not to run over any metaphorical pedestrians along the way. Take no prisoners… unless they’re a willing audience.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading memoirs by other LGBTQ+ authors. It’s fascinating to see the many ways they weave humor and heart into their stories, as I do in my own unique way. It’s humbling—and a little surreal—to think Late Bloomer Baby Boomer is sharing the shelf with such talented writers.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on turning my essays into an audiobook version because humor just hits differently when you hear it; and, it can be the ultimate road trip companion. Picture it: you and me on the open road—what could go wrong? Well, maybe ending up in the wrong state because you’re too busy laughing to check the GPS….
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A Confederacy of Dunces would provide a daily dose of absurdity, so I wouldn’t feel so bad about talking to inanimate objects. The Catcher in the Rye, the ultimate guide for existential angst, would be my go-to for sulking about being stranded on such a “phony” island. The Raven would remind me to never ask a bird for advice because all they ever say is “nevermore,” and, of course, LATE BLOOMER BABY BOOMER because what better way to pass the time than re-reading the hilarious moments of my life?
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