Michelle Hotaling grew up just outside of Woodstock, New York. At the age of 17 she moved to Manhattan to attend college and follow in the footsteps of her idols, Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand. While in college she traveled the country with her best friend, Stephanie Webster, as a Bette Midler groupie. What started out as a documentary paying homage to Midler changed forms into a book entitled "Bette or Bust" (published 2001 by Random House/Xlibris). Taking a double course-load in school, Michelle modeled on the side for cosmetics companies such as Aveda and Loreal, while also working for Barbra Streisand's film company, Barwood Films.At the age of 19, she completed her Bachelor's degree in Communications and drove cross country to Los Angeles, where she began work as an actress. Not happy with the social climate, she returned to New York and continued work as an actress and writer. A feminist and activist, her works have spread across a variety of media in her goal of becoming a role model for young America and an inspiring force. Show less «