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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


The Stress Writers Feel When Writing

  • Dec 15, 2024
  • 3 min read
Writer who is stress

Writing is a journey, where you get to be creative, express your thoughts and discover a lot about yourself. But let's be real, it's not all rainbows and butterflies. Whether you've been writing forever or just started, the stress of getting your thoughts out, and then sharing them with others is something we all feel. In this blog, we're going to talk about the stuff that stresses writers out and share some tips to make the creative process a bit smoother.


Unpacking Stress for Writers

The word STRESS in red font color

Alright, let's dive a bit deeper into the world of writers and the hurdles they face. We're about to unpack the stress that sneaks its way into the writing process. From staring down a blank page to dealing with that persistent inner critic, writers go through it all. Join us as we break down these common sources of stress and, more importantly, discover practical tips to ease the load and keep the creative juices flowing. It's time to demystify the challenges of being a wordsmith and make writing a tad less stressful, one word at a time.


The Blank Page Freak-Out

So, you sit down to write, and there it is—the blank page staring back at you. It's like it's daring you to make something awesome out of nothing. Stress city, right?


What to Do:

Don't let the blank page scare you. Start with a rough plan or jot down whatever comes to mind. Once you get going, you'll find the words flowing. If you're truly struggling check out these writing prompts.





Perfectionism Struggles

Trying to make every sentence perfect can be exhausting. And that inner critic? It's like having a nagging friend in your head, always pointing out what could be better.


What to Do:

Perfection is overrated. Accept that it's okay to make mistakes. Learn from them and move on. Shut down that inner critic by realizing that making progress is more important than being flawless.


Deadline Drama

Whether it's a deadline you set for yourself or one coming from elsewhere, the pressure is real. Time management becomes a puzzle, and it feels like the clock is ticking too fast.


What to Do:

Break down your writing tasks into smaller pieces. Set realistic deadlines to avoid the last-minute rush. It's about progress, not racing against time.


The Blockage of Writer's Block

You're on a roll, and suddenly, bam! Writer's block hits and your creativity takes a vacation.


What to Do:

Take a breather. Go for a walk, listen to music, or read something unrelated. Sometimes, a change of scenery or mindset is all you need to get back in the groove.


Feeling Alone in Your Writing Journey

Writing is often a solo gig, and that solitude can get lonely. Without a supportive community, frustration can creep in.


What to Do:

Connect with other writers. Join writing groups or forums. Share your work with friends or writing buddies. Having a community can make a huge difference.


Ignoring Self-Care

In the hustle to meet writing goals, taking care of yourself can take a backseat, leading to burnout.


What to Do:

Remember to take breaks. Find a balance between work and life. Do things that bring you joy. A well-rested mind is a creative mind.


So, there you have it—writing stress and some simple tricks to make it a bit more manageable. Keep at it, and happy writing!


Reminders to Our Dear Writers Amid the Stress Period


The word REST for each piece of domino

In the midst of the stressful periods of your writing journey, it's essential to remember a few key things. Take time to rest and unwind. You are not alone—many writers share the challenges and triumphs you experience. Embrace imperfections, as they add character to your work. Your unique voice is invaluable, so express yourself authentically. Take a moment to celebrate small victories, recognizing that each step forward is an achievement. Be kind to yourself during this dynamic and evolving process. Your creative voice matters, so keep writing with passion and trust in the significance of your journey.




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