An Interview with Milton L. Brown

Milton L. Brown’s songs have found success in radio, film, television, and social media. His songs have been recorded by artists like Blake Shelton, Jimmy Buffett, Clint Eastwood, Merle Haggard, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Ernest Tubb, Loretta Lynn, Glen Campbell, and so many more. Among his many awards, one of his favorites is the Music Creators Award from the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

Lyrics From Home happened when I realized that my goal of reaching the next generation of songwriters, who, like me, couldn’t leave home to go where the music industry was located would understand.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

It felt great! As I had been thinking about a cover, I had the thought “Damn, I’m so old, the young readers are gonna think I had to send my lyrics to market by carrier pigeon!” And that’s the cover. Me, standing in front of my home, releasing a pigeon carrying “the next big hit.”

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

There were so many stories about my long and improbable journey that I wanted to share with the current generation of young lyricists, to encourage them to battle their odds and to have fun doing it.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

After a tour of duty in Germany, I returned and went to work for my father in the family business of industrial fabrics. Once the writing bug bit, I left to open a Real Estate business to help pay the bills while I sought success as a lyricist.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

Up until now, it was when I realized it was time to let it go. It was ready! But I feel that the most meaningful and rewarding parts of the process remain ahead.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

“Every Which Way But Loose” from the Clint Eastwood film of the same name; “I Don’t Think I’m Ready For You” by Anne Murray; “I’ll Wake You Up When I Get Home” by Charlie Rich; “Hoppy, Gene and Me” by Roy Rogers. The list goes on.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

First on the list would be the hope that any reader will find their read an enjoyable journey. My greatest hope is that young lyricists come away feeling “if Milton could overcome the odds, then I can too.”

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I’m trying to finish a documentary I started decades ago. Most of my content is set, with numbered outtakes remaining. At the same time, there’s a novel based on a screenplay I wrote years ago which never saw the light of day, and a second one all about contemporary morals.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

I loved working with the people of Atmosphere Press, and I most definitely would recommend Atmosphere to other undecided writers. In fact, I already have!

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.