Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Michelle Keener!
Michelle: Hi Linda! Thank you so much for having me! Made in Hollywood is the second book in my Red Carpet Romance Series, so the inspiration was to revisit the Shaw Family and continue their story. As for the details of the plot, I was inspired by the years I spent in Hollywood and the sad stories I heard and witnessed of young women who were drawn to Hollywood by the idea of fame and fortune, but ended up in truly terrible situations. I wanted to highlight the other side of Hollywood, the shadows behind the bright lights, and share the good news that God’s love and grace can reach even the darkest areas.
LM: Made in Hollywood is the second book in your A Red Carpet Romance series. Did you start out to write a series, or did that just happen? Can we expect more stories in this series?
Michelle: It was completely unplanned! I was about halfway through writing Mission Hollywood, the first book in the series, when I realized that Noah, the big brother of my main character, needed his own story and his chance for love. It was actually a huge shock to me since I hadn’t planned on writing a series, but Noah ended up being one of my favorite characters and I couldn’t abandon him. So, Made in Hollywood is his story. Even more shocking, I now have two more books planned in this unplanned series! Book 3 is currently with my publisher and is expected to be released in late 2021, and book 4 is in the second draft stage.
LM: Research is an important part of writing. What sort of research did you do for Made in Hollywood?
Michelle: I drew a lot on my personal experience in Hollywood. I am a Los Angeles native, though as 
a Marine Corps wife I have moved many times since then, so I utilized much of what I saw and lived in Hollywood for all of the books in this series.
LM: You’ve written fiction and nonfiction. How do you approach the two genres differently? The same?
Michelle: I have very different approaches to my fiction and nonfiction works. For my novels, I start with a general outline and then dive in, letting the character stake the lead in the first draft. I am often as surprised as my future readers by the twists and turns the books take. In my nonfiction books though, I do a lot more research, planning, and structuring to make sure the teaching flows well and that I am sharing God’s Word with integrity and care.
LM: In addition to being an author, you serve in ministries and lead writing workshops. How do you balance your activities with your family life?
Michelle: I’m still working in that! Between writing, homeschooling, and ministry, I often find myself busier than I would like. I am learning the fine art of prioritizing. I am truly blessed to have an incredibly supportive husband who steps in when I need time to write or participate in ministry work. We make a great team!
LM: If money were no object, where is your idea of the ultimate vacation?
Michelle: Hmmm…I love to travel and see new places so if money were no object, I would take a cruise around the world, with my husband of course. I can only imagine how amazing it would be to see so much of this incredible world we live in. Plus, if I only had to unpack once, that would be a huge bonus!
LM: Quickies:
Michelle:
Favorite childhood book: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O’Brien
Coffee, tea, or soda? Coffee in the morning, Coke in the afternoon, peppermint tea at night.
Walk, bike, or drive? Walk.
LM: What is your next project?
Michelle: I have three projects in various stages. Book 3 in the Red Carpet Romance Series is in editing with the publisher, book 4 is in my laptop awaiting revisions, and I am currently researching my third devotional which I hope to have ready in the summer of 2021.
Michelle: I love to connect with readers and writers! My website is http://www.MichelleKeener.com and if you subscribe to my newsletter you will receive a free ebook of my first devotional You Are. I am also active on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can find me on all three sites @MKeenerWrites
About Made in Hollywood
Noah Shaw is almost thirty and he still doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up. Torn between running his business as a limo driver for Hollywood’s elite, and feeling called to ministry, he prays for direction. But he never expects that direction to include finding a woman near death on the front steps of his father’s church.
Hannah left her family and her faith when she moved to Hollywood looking for adventure. Instead of finding fame in the movies, she was lured into the life of an exotic dancer. Hopeless and ashamed, suicide seems like her only escape. Until the night Noah saves her life. The Shaw family welcomes her into their home and gives her a chance to start over. When the shadows of her former life threaten to expose her past, she must choose between running away or fighting for the new life she’s built and the man she’s grown to love.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3p5skRD
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