About Steve Milliken:
I’m Steve Milliken, the author of LATE BLOOMER BABY BOOMER: A Collection of Humorous Essays About Being Gay Back in the Day and Finally Finding My Way. A Southern California native and lifelong class clown, I grew up in an era when being gay wasn’t widely accepted. Humor became my shield and my way of connecting with others as I navigated life’s twists and turns.
In my book, I share the adventures (and plenty of misadventures) of life as a gay baby boomer—ranging from juvenile pranks and first-date fiascos to teaching mishaps and personal victories. These stories show that even the cringiest moments can inspire belly laughs—and maybe even a little wisdom.
My hope is that readers find connection, laughter, and perhaps a fresh perspective on their own unique and wonderfully complicated lives.
What inspires you to write?
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?
I’m inspired by the idea that humor connects us, and making people laugh is my passion. I also write because laughter is contagious, and I want to start an epidemic! And while sharing the gift of humor with my book allows me to fulfill my passion for making people laugh; unfortunately, I’m usually not there to see them spit out their coffee.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
My reading tastes are all over the map. David Sedaris is my modern-day muse—I like to think I have my own collection of embarrassing stories to rival his, and I try to keep up! As a teen, I clung to Catcher in the Rye like it was a life manual; and later, A Confederacy of Dunces taught me to embrace the oddities of life. As an English teacher, I spent years dissecting The Crucible and “The Raven”—I probably know more about Puritan angst and ravens than anyone should. And then there’s Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes—classics from my childhood that taught me everyone’s a suspect…. Most recently, I read Less by Andrew Sean Greer—a Pulitzer Prize winner that’s both funny and heartfelt. It’s proof that humor can pack a punch, much like my own essays about navigating life’s absurd moments.
Tell us about your writing process.
I started writing in 2002, jotting down life’s absurdities as they happened. Sporadic essays became my creative outlet while teaching, but it wasn’t until retirement that I tackled them with purpose. Let me tell you: revisiting old drafts is humbling. It’s like time-traveling back to an enthusiastic amateur who clearly needs an editor. But that’s where the craft lives: in the rewriting. My advice? Write regularly, even if it’s messy. The real magic happens when you revisit, rethink, and rewrite until your work sparkles.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
While my book is non-fiction, there’s an element of “character” in writing about my own life. When crafting essays, I often imagine how my younger self would narrate an event compared to my perspective today. It’s almost like having a dialogue across time—young Steve might be more bewildered or defensive, while current-day Steve injects humor and acceptance into those moments.
What advice would you give other writers?
Write what scares you a little. The vulnerability you feel often leads to the most compelling and relatable stories. And don’t be afraid to revise—great writing often comes from rewriting. Finally, find your voice and trust it. There’s an audience out there who needs to hear what only you can say.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
• I spent months chasing agents and publishers, only to realize I had better odds of winning the lottery while riding a unicorn. After months of trying to land an agent or publisher, I discovered the unglamorous truth: unless you’re already famous, unknown authors must self-publish. I binge watched YouTube tutorials to teach myself the self-publishing process. Editing is another must—I worked with a former colleague who helped turn my draft into a gem. I used Atticus to format my manuscript (their support team is very helpful). Finally, I uploaded it to Amazon. They dominate 80% of book sales, so it’s the smartest place to start. For new authors, my advice is this: Learn the formatting ropes and invest in a good editor. Here’s another tip for new authors: include a page in your book asking readers for Amazon reviews. They’re critical for boosting your book’s ranking and visibility. My final advice to new authors? Be patient, do your research, and embrace self-publishing. Book promotion is also a steep learning curve, but first things first….
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
The future of publishing? It’s a mixed bag. The publishing industry is evolving faster than ever. Self-publishing is becoming the go-to path for most unknown authors, offering opportunities that didn’t exist before, though connecting with readers remains challenging. Publishing’s heart will always be great storytelling, but the future favors those who adapt. My book, Late Bloomer Baby Boomer, represents what readers crave: humor, connection, and authenticity—all delivered thanks to the freedom self-publishing provides.
What genres do you write?: Non-fiction: Humor, LGBTQ+, Memoir/Biography
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Steve Milliken Home Page Link
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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
