Where Awesome Book Readers Meet Awesome Writers
Steve Milliken
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?
Interview with Author – Steve Milliken
By Book Goodies
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
Social Impact Authors: How & Why Author Steve Milliken Is Helping to Change Our World
Published in Authority Magazine
Appreciate your health and wellbeing — While I’m proud of being sober for 38 years, it would have been great not to have become an alcoholic in the first place!"
As part of my series about “authors who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Steve Milliken.
Steve Milliken’s literary escapade takes you on a hilarious and heartfelt journey as he pursues the perfect coming out story. Spoiler alert: it’s a comedy of errors….Steve Milliken’s wide-ranging essay topics include concealing your inner sissy in the 60s, a guide for piloting the proper parameters of profanity in the workplace and tapping into your potential for prank calls. Some of Steve Milliken’s experiential essay titles include “My Rocky Horror Virginity Show,” “Sober Porn,” “My Colonoscopy Eve,” and “Bitch Ass Snitch,” and fair warning, a few “R” rated essays as well!
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
I grew up in a time when being gay was often cast in a negative light, so I kept it a closely guarded secret. As a survival strategy, I became the class clown — I figured if I made people laugh first, they wouldn’t make fun of me. Humor became my armor and, over time, my passion. Late Bloomer Baby Boomer tells this journey: how I transformed humor from a shield into a bridge for connection. I believe even our hardest moments have the potential to become shared laughter.
When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story about that?
Holden Caulfield’s sarcasm in The Catcher in the Rye spoke to me like nothing else at fifteen. I remember reading it on my walk to school, drawn to his humor and defiance — it showed me that humor could be a form of survival. As a teacher, I used this book to help students discover that literature can offer characters who truly “get you.” These insights also shaped my writing, as I use humor to connect with readers as well.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
It’s true that we learn more from our mistakes than what we do successfully, so I have learned a lot! Instead of a youthful mistake, I’ll share an adult one because I think it’s more important to show that I’m still making the same goofy errors I made in my youth! I went to a “gay” speed dating event, with men and women in attendance. Two hours in, I found out that it wasn’t a gay event after all! I think it’s a perfect example of humor in my life. Sometimes we don’t outgrow our most awkward inclinations, and they become perfect fuel for comedy.
Can you describe how you aim to make a significant social impact with your book?
I wrote this book to make people laugh, but I’m thrilled that it also gives younger readers a window into our past. It’s about bridging generational gaps, showing that while challenges evolve, humor and resilience are constants. Connecting with our past can foster community and bring comfort, helping us understand that we’re all navigating a lifelong journey toward self-acceptance. The past allows us to learn without burden.
Can you share with us the most interesting story that you shared in your book?
Picking a single story is like choosing a favorite child! Some highlights include “My Rocky Horror Virginity Show,” “Sober Porn,” “Teaching Plot in the Hood,” and “Bitch Ass Snitch.” I’ll leave the details to your imagination…. But each story dives into humor and the weird moments that shape who we are.”
What was the “aha moment” or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?
After a high school reunion, I reconnected with an old friend and started exchanging funny emails that quickly became must-reads for a group of Cc’d classmates we referred to as our “email eavesdroppers”! One friend eventually suggested that I turn our exchanges into a book, even comparing my writing to David Sedaris. I didn’t know him at the time, but reading his work showed me that my voice might resonate with others. That small encouragement planted the seed that, over two decades, grew into this book. Better late than nevah!”
Without sharing specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
I’m humbled by readers who’ve shared that my book helped them feel seen. One described it as a “raw, unfiltered look at self-acceptance,” and others related to the struggles of growing up, finding humor and courage along the way. A reader also wrote that the book offers “honest perspectives that help any LGBTQ+ person not only cope but find humor in it all.” It’s incredibly moving to hear how my story resonates with people.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Though I don’t see myself as solving a problem per se, I believe laughter is therapeutic, and my book invites readers to find levity in life’s universal struggles, such as finding acceptance, whether you’re LGBTQ or not. Humor is a wonderful way to connect us all, and my book invites readers to do just that. In theory, if more people understood that humor lightens our burdens, communities would benefit. I wish schools and workplaces would make mental health resources more accessible and less stigmatized, as well as prioritizing inclusive education and fostering a better understanding from a younger age. I also wish politicians and society would create more spaces where stories, especially those about identity, could be shared openly without judgment. Maybe one day greater support for LGBTQ+ representation in media and literature will be commonplace. If laughter is the best medicine, I’m happy to be part of the prescription!
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
As a high school English teacher, I enhanced my leadership role by adding humor to my lessons, making curriculum more engaging and students more eager to learn. On my last day as a teacher, only six weeks into the new semester, I asked my students to write a journal entry about our six weeks together, not knowing what to expect. Their responses overwhelmingly showed how much they admired me, as well as how much they enjoyed being in my class. They felt seen and inspired. I realized then that my unique approach to teaching had left a deeper impact than I’d imagined, and it was heartwarming to know that I’d made a difference.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1. Fear of rejection: I rejected myself before others could. Fear held me back. Don’t let it stop you.
2. Let go of shame and internalized homophobia: Growing up gay was tough, and shame wasted a lot of time, but self-acceptance is liberating.
3. Be open about being gay: It took time to accept myself, but being gay is just a fact, not something to hide. The journey of coming out continues even today.
4. Develop your self-worth: I was too critical of myself, which held me back. Developing inner confidence is priceless.
5. Appreciate your health and wellbeing — While I’m proud of being sober for 38 years, it would have been great not to have become an alcoholic in the first place!
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” Humor has always been my way of connecting, from being the class clown to doing stand-up and improvisational comedy. This quote reminds me that evolving and following your passion is possible at any age. I’m thrilled that I have been able to take my unique voice for storytelling and write a book that connects with a whole new audience, even if it only took 20 years to write! I now also make short comedy videos from excerpts of my book, and the feedback makes me grateful for my journey.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
I’d love to meet David Sedaris — he’s my original role model for writing humorous essays. Meeting him would be like connecting with the OG of the genre!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, my YouTube channel, Late Bloomer Baby Boomer, or visit my website, stevemilliken.com.
While navigating social media as a baby boomer remains a steep learning curve, it’s fun to connect and share my latest content.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Published in Authority Magazine
by Yitzi Weiner
