Today we welcome Milo Denison to Meeting the Authors as we travel to Dublin, Ireland by way of Seattle, Washington. We’ll learn how career changes, an old typewriter, Ernest Hemingway, and a wolf play a role in Milo’s background and writer’s life. Grab your travel gear and let’s go …
Tell us a bit about yourself.
To keep it short, I’ve worked in technology, photography, customer service, coffee, and numerous other jobs. I tend to say, I’m good at everything but not great at anything. however, the career changes have given me something to use in my writing.
I am originally from Seattle, WA but currently live in Dublin, Ireland.
In which genre do you write?
Mostly non-fiction.
How many published books do you have?
Two
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer and what ignited your author’s flame?
As a child. I used to sit down at my grandmother’s old typewriter and write out stories. I would also write plays and have the neighbor kids act in them.
What is an interesting writing quirk you have, that we wouldn’t know by reading your biography?
I don’t think I have one. I have my writing system but it is not quirky in any way.
What would you choose as your mascot, spirit animal, or avatar and why?
A wolf. Even though they are pack animals, I feel drawn to the lone wolf lifestyle. And they are cute and fluffy, and it makes me want to hug them. Except for the whole part where, if I did, one would bite my face off.
What does your ideal writing space look like?
Depends on my writing mood. I have an office I usually write in. It is very clean and organized. No pictures and stuff. I can’t work in a disorganized or not clean workspace.
Sometimes, however, I will write from a coffee shop. I find that tuning out the people around me with a cup of tea or latte, a good way to write as well.
What are you currently reading?
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull
Fascinating book. Coming from many years in the business industry it makes me envious of the people who work or worked for Pixar.
What do you do when not writing or marketing your books?
I’m a photographer. I shoot families, headshots, stuff like that. I also act a little so you might find me in a short film showing up at an occasional film festival.
If you could have a fantasy tea or coffee date with an author or famous person from the past or present, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Jack Kerouac. I wouldn’t ask him anything, and we wouldn’t be drinking tea or coffee. I would just love to hang out in a quiet pub or bar, have a drink, and converse with him on all things.
What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?
That I have terrible grammar. Personally when I’m writing everything looks great, then when letting people read what I just wrote, or stepping away and going back to it, I see all the errors I make.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve done or experienced to help create a scene or plot or to help you remember something if writing a memoir?
I’ll use music a lot. If I’m writing about something that happened I’ll play music relevant to the era or the situation. If not, I’ll play something that gets me into the right mindset. For example, today I was writing a story about a situation that happened to me 15 years ago, and I was playing the music that I would have been listening to at the time.
Do you journal write or keep a personal diary? Has this helped with your published writings? If so, how?
I journal but I’m very inconstant about it. I generally only journal when I’m feeling down about something. Or when I can’t think of anything to write about, I’ll journal to keep the brain juices flowing.
What is the most amusing, crazy or inspiring thing that has ever happened to you?
I don’t know if I have one specific. I have quite a few things that have happened that I’ve really enjoyed. Usually, these are around travel and the places I’ve been and people I’ve met. Zimbabwe and the animals for example. Or, the time I went to a Thai masseuse and thought I was supposed to strip naked but found out I was supposed to leave my shorts on when the girl came in and looked shocked.
You are about to speak publicly to a group and read from your latest book. What song do you listen to before speaking? Or, what do you do to prepare yourself?
The tradition I picked up when doing theatre that I still do is I like to get to a venue well in advance before anyone arrives. Then just spend a few minutes on stage and just silently absorb the space.
What do you miss about being a kid?
Fun.
If you were trapped in a cartoon world from your childhood, which one would you choose and why?
GI Joe probably. It was super fun, action, and adventure. Although, Allura from Voltron was a hottie. So maybe Voltron.
If you write non-fiction or memories, what character would you invite into your story and why?
This might be a cliché answer, but probably Earnest Hemingway. He lived such as fascinating life that to bring him into one of my stories would be fun.
What’s the last movie you watched and why did you choose to watch it?
Avengers Endgame. Because everyone else is watching it and felt I needed to be in the loop.
A penguin knocks on your door and is wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there?
He is probably there to offer some type of hallucinogenic that we would take before going on some adventure together.
Do you believe things happen for a reason? Do you have an example from your own life to share why you believe this?
No. If they did I would be super pissed right now.
Which of your personality traits has been most useful and why?
My desire to see the world. I’ve met some amazing people as I have moved around, seen some amazing places, and had experiences I never would have had if I didn’t have a desire for travel.
What’s your favorite place to visit in your country and why?
Since I’m originally from the US, I’m going to say, New Orleans. Great history, fantastic music, and wonderful food.
Describe the perfect solo date you’d take yourself on … where, time of day, weather, place, etc.
Probably for a hike in the Cascades.
Tell us about your most recent book.
“How to Manage Your Manager: All the Credit, Half the Work”
A satirical look at being successful in a corporate environment told from the point of view of one who has done it.
Thanks Milo for stopping by Meeting the Authors. It was great having you here! –Camilla
Where to Buy:
Milo Dennison’s Website: https://www.milodenison.com/
UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/2J3ghCh
US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FIhWLj
Connect with Milo:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milodenison/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milodenison/
If it feels right and you have the time (and you enjoy the interview) please like or comment or share it. The nature of the online world … the more eyes that see it the more it will spread and benefit the author and the website! Thank you!
And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …
