Michael Brown and his wife helped Harper Lee in focusing on her writing career

Lee made a living in New York by working at the reservation desks of British Overseas Airways Corporation and then Eastern Air Lines. Truman Capote, a budding literary figure who had been her friend, was reunited with her. Capote introduced Lee to Michael Brown and his wife Joy, a lyricist and composer of music.

With the statement, "You have one year off from your job to write whatever you wish," the Browns gave Lee the gift of financial support for a year in 1956. Happy Holidays. Lee now had some free time to finish her book. She also started supporting herself as a writer after that. The Browns also assisted her in locating Maurice Crain as an agent.