Picture a New York storyteller who traded stage lights for the thrill of young adult novels—meet Derek Milman! Born in 1979, this actor-turned-author weaves humor, heart, and suspense into stories that captivate teens and adults alike. From his quirky horror homage in Scream All Night to the pulse-pounding Swipe Right for Murder, Milman’s journey is a testament to chasing creative passions across multiple worlds.
The Making of Derek Milman
Derek Milman grew up in Westchester County, New York, where his storytelling spark ignited early. At just 14, he created an underground humor magazine, Wasting Time, sold in local stores and profiled by The New York Times. After studying English, Creative Writing, and Theater at Northwestern University, Milman honed his craft with an MFA in acting from Yale School of Drama. His early career as a playwright saw his first play, A Visionary Drowns, hit Off-Broadway at 22, setting the stage for a dynamic creative path.
Milman’s acting career flourished with roles in films like The Wolf of Wall Street and TV shows like Law & Order, plus stage performances at prestigious venues like Yale Repertory Theater. These experiences sharpened his knack for dialogue and character, which later defined his novels. His love for classic horror, especially Hammer Horror films, planted the seeds for his literary leap into young adult fiction.
Derek Milman’s Unforgettable Stories
Milman’s debut novel, Scream All Night (2018), published by HarperCollins, is a darkly funny coming-of-age tale set in a crumbling B-horror movie studio. Legally emancipated protagonist Dario Heyward grapples with family legacy and literal monsters, earning a starred review from Publishers Weekly for its witty nod to horror cinema. The book’s Hollywood bidding war underscored its cinematic appeal, blending Milman’s acting roots with his storytelling flair.
In 2019, Swipe Right for Murder, released under James Patterson’s imprint at Little, Brown, delivered a thrilling, queer take on mistaken identity. When 17-year-old Aidan’s dating app hookup spirals into an FBI sting against a terror cell, Milman crafts a fast-paced, socially sharp narrative that earned a starred Booklist review. His third novel, A Darker Mischief (2024, Scholastic), dives into dark academia, following queer teen Cal Ware at an elite boarding school entangled with a secret society. Readers praised its atmospheric twists, despite occasional dialogue critiques.
Milman’s style shines through vivid characters, snappy dialogue honed by his acting background, and themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. His stories balance humor and heart with edge-of-your-seat stakes, appealing to fans of thrilling YA with a queer lens. Each work reflects his eclectic influences, from horror films to New York’s vibrant theater scene.
Why Derek Milman Matters
Derek Milman’s impact lies in his ability to craft relatable, diverse characters who navigate complex worlds with wit and courage. His queer protagonists, like Aidan and Cal, resonate with young readers seeking authentic representation in thrilling narratives. By blending genres—horror, thriller, dark academia—he carves a unique niche in YA literature, inspiring readers to embrace their identities and face their fears. Milman’s shift from actor to novelist also showcases the power of reinvention, encouraging aspiring creatives to follow their passions.
His work has sparked critical acclaim and fan devotion, with A Darker Mischief hailed as a “mental escape room” for its inventive storytelling. Milman’s influence extends beyond books, as his novels’ cinematic roots hint at future adaptations, continuing his legacy of storytelling across mediums.
- Born: March 21, 1979, New York City
- Key Works: Scream All Night, Swipe Right for Murder, A Darker Mischief
- Notable: Starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist
Snag Scream All Night or A Darker Mischief and dive into Derek Milman’s thrilling, heartfelt YA world!