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QUEER AUTHOR MILES WHITNEY LAUNCHES DEBUT NOVEL "MIDLIFE MUSICAL" CELEBRATING SECOND CHANCES AND AUTHENTICITY THIS PRIDE MONTH

  • Jun 15
  • 2 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



South Lake Tahoe, CA - Bootstrap Publications, in our ongoing mission to publish impactful and meaningful works, is proud to announce the release of Midlife Musical by Miles Whitney. This contemporary literary novel brings an insightful perspective as a queer debut novelist and contemporary storyteller to the forefront, offering readers a powerful exploration of forgotten dreams, personal awakening, second chances, and the profound journey of finding one's authentic voice.


Midlife Musical provides an inspiring, emotionally resonant look at the power of creative reclamation, showing that it is never too late to find the voice we thought we left behind. Drawing on Miles Whitney’s unique insights and lived experiences as a queer creator, Miles presents a triumphant narrative that offers hope and validation to anyone navigating the quiet crises of lost passions and buried family truths.


Key Highlights of Midlife Musical:

  • A poignant exploration of the psychological struggle between comfortable suburban routine and the fierce, undeniable call of creative self-expression.

  • A rich, melody-driven exploration of the raw vulnerability of songwriting, the rediscovery of childhood passion, and the hard-won courage it takes to share your art with the world.

  • A raw, honest look at how bringing long-buried secrets into the open can mend fracturing marital and parental connections.


Midlife Musical introduces readers to Karla, a suburban real estate agent living a quiet double life as a late-night songwriter, providing a compelling narrative that empowers readers to step out of their comfortable routines, face their fears, and reclaim their own forgotten passions.


Beyond his debut novel, Miles Whitney has built a prolific literary presence with an extensive catalog of published essays and creative works. Most notably, he was named the first-place winner of the prestigious 2025 New Feathers Award for his profound nonfiction piece, "Artifact of Death, Artifact of Life," published on July 21, 2025, in the New Feathers Anthology.


About Miles Whitney: Miles Whitney is a queer, trans, Jewish attorney based in Sacramento, California. As a research attorney for the trial court, Miles channels his passion for justice into both his legal work and his creative writing. After the unexpected loss of his daughter, Isabel, in 2022, Miles began writing nonfiction essays and fiction that explore themes of grief, identity, and resilience.


​Miles’ work has been featured in a variety of publications, including Freedom Fiction Journal, Homo Works, and Discretionary Love. Outside of writing and law, Miles enjoys reading Torah and training dogs, weaving together his love for storytelling, faith, and community.


Connect with Miles Whitney:

For more information on Midlife Musical or to schedule an interview with Miles Whitney, please contact: info@chibur.info


Industry(s): Book Publishing, Creative Writing, LGBTQ+ Media, Arts & Entertainment


Celebrating the Launch of The People’s Detective at Red Bay Coffee Headquarters & Café

  • Nov 5, 2024
  • 2 min read
The book The People’s Detective in the Red Bay Coffee

On Saturday, September 21, Red Bay Coffee Headquarters & Café in Oakland became the vibrant hub for the long-awaited launch of The People’s Detective by Dr. Nicholas Baham III. This unforgettable event, welcomed an enthusiastic crowd to celebrate a novel that dives deep into Oakland’s heart, blending rich storytelling with pressing social issues.


A Perfect Venue for a Thought-Provoking Novel


Set in the charming Red Bay Coffee HQ, the event began with an hour of mingling from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, where guests enjoyed fresh brews while connecting with other book lovers. DJ AstatuZ curated an upbeat soundtrack that filled the space with energy and set the stage for the exciting afternoon ahead.


Reading, Q&A, and Insight from Dr. Nicholas Baham

Carol Denise Mitchell asking questions to Dr. Baham

At 3:00 PM, the spotlight turned to Dr. Baham, a Professor of Ethnic Studies at California State University, East Bay, and an internationally respected scholar in Black Studies. Dr. Baham introduced The People’s Detective, his debut in a series that examines the hidden struggles and triumphs within Oakland’s Black community. From unreported stories of young women impacted by sex trafficking to gentrification and corporate corruption, Dr. Baham’s narrative sheds light on essential yet often overlooked issues.

Reading from his novel, Dr. Baham transported the audience into the gritty yet resilient world of his detective protagonist. As each line unfolded, the audience could feel the passion and authenticity in Dr. Baham’s words, capturing both the beauty and the struggles of Oakland.


Following the reading, the Q&A session offered fans a rare opportunity to delve into Dr. Baham’s inspirations and experiences that shaped The People’s Detective. He discussed how his work as a professor, writer, and media figure informs his fiction and how he hopes to amplify Oakland’s untold stories, fostering a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history and current challenges.


Special Guests: Carol Denise Mitchell and Damien Hunter


Award-winning authors Carol Denise Mitchell and Damien Hunter joined the celebration as special guests, sharing their perspectives on the importance of representation in literature. They inspired everyone with their journeys and reiterated the impact of using one’s voice to foster awareness and social change — a mission shared by Dr. Baham and Bootstrap Publications.


Dr. Baham’s Vision for the People’s Detective Series

Dr. Baham’s telling his audience about his visions of The People's Detective

Dr. Baham’s vision extends beyond The People’s Detective as he plans to explore new themes in forthcoming books, addressing pressing issues such as homelessness and crime in the post-COVID era. His work is a powerful fusion of fact and fiction, a tribute to Oakland’s resilience, and a call for awareness and action.




Couldn’t Make It? Join the Story!

For those who couldn’t attend, you can still join Dr. Baham on this journey through the city he holds dear. The People’s Detective is available now, offering readers a compelling exploration of Oakland’s unfiltered stories and the nuanced dynamics within the Black community.


📖 Order Your Copy Here: The People’s Detective

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