Meet Milton Davis | Author and publisher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Milton Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Milton, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m originally from Columbus, GA. I grew up surrounded by family, 24 aunts and uncles and a bunch of cousins. We were close knit and supportive, and many of my relatives were entrepreneurs. I learned from them the value of hard work, but most of all I learned from them that I could do anything I wanted if I put my all into it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a chemist currently working as a technical director for a small chemical company in Atlanta. I earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Fort Valley State University. Although I make a living as a chemist, writing is my passion. I was introduced to science fiction and fantasy by an English instructor at Fort Valley who recognized my writing skills and urged me to pursue them. Twenty years after graduating from college, I finally did.

Once I decided to get serious about writing, the stories came easy. The struggle with writing comes with publishing. I chose self-publishing because I didn’t want to deal with the drama of the publishing process and because I wanted my stories to reach readers exactly the way in envisioned them. Most of all, I wanted to create stories with Black main characters front and center, stories based on our cultures and traditions.

It’s been a tough but rewarding experience. I had to deal with the stigma of not only being a Black speculative fiction author, but also being a self-published author. But I kept my focus on my dream and the people who enjoyed my writing. I learned that readers are less discriminating than agents and editors; all they want is a good story. They could care less where it comes from. By staying true to my voice and my audience, I’ve been able to build a recognized brand and create some great novels and anthologies.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Although I live in Fayetteville, GA, I work and play in Atlanta. Anyone visiting Atlanta must hit the main tourist spots, The King Center, Centennial Park and Stone Mountain. I’d also take them to the High Museum and spend some time at Piedmont Park and do some walking on the Beltline. As far as eats, Atlanta has so many places for good food. Some of my favorites are Two Urban Licks, Junior’s Pizza, Cafe Intermezzo on Peachtree, Little Tart Bakery, Pit Boss BBQ in Hapeville and Jamaican Country Kitchen II in Fayetteville. The Winery is my favorite place for small concerts, and a trip to Ponce City Market is worth it, too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout Marcus Williams of Nubian Bookstore and Nia Damali of Medu Bookstore. Both were very supportive when I began my creative journey and continue to support me now.

Website: www.mvmediaatl.com, www.miltonjdavis.com

Instagram: @obadoro

Linkedin: Milton Davis

Twitter: @thegriot

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milton.davis.52/