Michelle Madden is a screenwriter and journalist who has contributed to publications from The New York Times to NYLON. She was the researcher on films Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, and on many TV commercials. Prior to that, she was a chemist, which was unlikely yet formative training for her writing and work as an actor, radio personality, and bear-suit-wearing mascot. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and animals, but was born and raised in Milwaukee. The Cream City’s allure remains undeniable to her. She visits often, which affords a unique vantage point, one that combines the wonder of a tourist with the pride of a local.