Dear Reader,
I’ve had such a wonderful time writing the three books in the Backstage Pass series. I’ve always wanted to write a story set in Hollywood. Perhaps this desire came from my earlier years when I actually lived in Bel Air West and belonged to the Screenwriters Guild. Oh, what wonderful, sunny memories I have of those carefree California days!
When I think about the many believers who live and work in Hollywood, I’m floored! Several years ago I took a team of Christian drama students to L.A. to meet with the folks from Act One, a training and mentorship organization that focuses on the next generation of Christian artists and professionals. Oh, how our eyes were opened to all that God is doing in Hollywood! Soon after that, I joined the Hollywood prayer network so that I could be apprised of prayer needs among industry pros.
Speaking of industry pros, it’s hard to say goodbye to Kat, Lenora, Athena, and Tia. In my mind, they—and the show—live on. I see Kat and Scott happily married with at least two more children. Kat is offered a major movie deal, which she refuses. She’d rather spend her days on the Stars Collide set with the people she loves.
Lenora’s struggle with Alzheimer’s continues, sadly, but she still shows up on the set each day dressed as a movie star from the golden years of Hollywood. Though her memory is fading, she has Rex with her through it all.
I see Athena and Stephen raising a whole houseful of Greek babies, hanging out in her parents’ gyro shop, and bringing all of the kids—and the dog—to the studio with them when they work. They continue to produce funny scripts for Stars Collide and even go on to win major awards. In between visits to Greece, of course.
And what about Tia? Well, she lives happily ever after. She learns the ultimate lesson that the true happily ever after isn’t really about earthly relationships anyway. It’s about giving her life, her problems—and yes, even the reins—to the one who created her. (Not an easy lesson for a control freak.) I see her running rehearsals with a baby on one knee and a script on the other. And I see Jason, once focused only on the action through the camera, now wholly given over to his family. Oh, and they’re both nominated for Emmys for the “Angie Gives Birth in an Elevator” scene. Tia’s acceptance speech is shaky but heartfelt.
And Brock and Erin? Brock wins Dancing with the Stars, and he and Erin become Hollywood’s power couple. They’re offered major motion-picture deals, which they accept but carefully balance against their time on Stars Collide. In the end, they start their own production company so they can raise money for Brock’s after-school facility. They also take a trip to Texas to visit with Bella and D.J. from the Weddings by Bella series. Speaking of which, if you’re a fan of Weddings by Bella, stay tuned for more news about the characters you’ve grown to love in an upcoming series from Revell.
So there you have it! I hope you’ve enjoyed your trip backstage with the Stars Collide cast and crew. They’ve been happy to have you. And remember, if you’re ever in L.A., stop off at the studio and take a tour. Maybe—just maybe—you’ll get to see one of our stars pass by. For now, I wish you a blessed and happy journey as you continue to act out the role you’ve been given. May your life’s script be filled with blessings every step of the way.
Janice Thompson