To read part 1, click here. To read part 2, click here.

Cendrine Marrouat: How have people reacted to the book so far? Have you noticed differences between American and Canadian readers?  

Gaelyn Whitley Keith: The book has been widely received and I feel many readers are amazed by the many ways the Whitley Family has influenced Hollywood and continues to influence today. Canadians seem to particularly enjoy the fact that H J Whitley was born in Toronto, Canada. Now they can take credit for naming Hollywood.

To read part 1, click here.

Cendrine Marrouat: Would you share a short extract from "The Father of Hollywood"?

Gaelyn Whitley Keith: This is always one of my favourite stories in the book. 

Hailing from El Dorado Hills, California, Gaelyn Whitley Keith is the great-granddaughter of Hobart J. Whitley, also known as the "Father of Hollywood." In this interview, you will learn more about the incredible journey of this Toronto-born real estate developer. 

Cendrine Marrouat: Hello Gaelyn, thank you for answering my questions. First, tell us a little about you.

Gaelyn Whitley Keith: I am the great-granddaughter of HJ Whitley, the “Father of Hollywood.”  I was raised in Manhattan Beach, California, a stone's throw from Hollywood. In the early 1970’s I attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and spent the years after college traveling around the country and the world, writing short stories and working for South Bay Magazine.