Conversations with Jaclyn Parker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaclyn Parker

Hi Jaclyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My love for writing started at a very early age. I was an avid reader and a zealous performer. I was a competitive figure skater and then I realized I wanted to tell stories both visually and on the page. I was elected editor of my high school newspaper. Years later I wrote and published a novel. I realized that my best skill was storytelling. After writing this novel I decided that I wanted to expand my repertoire and focus my attention on writing television scripts. I love being a writer because every day is different. Every day my voice is evolving into something new and I’m challenging myself to see the world in new ways.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I don’t think any person in the creative field would say their path to success was smooth, but I think that the way you frame these bumps in the road is so important. These challenges have made me a better writer. While attending UCLA’s graduate screenwriting program, we had a guest lecturer, a lit manager, who said something that had a huge impact on me. He said that the people who make it in this industry are just the ones who don’t stop going for it. That is now my advice to everyone coming up in this field. Never stop pushing. There will be a lot of rejection, but all you need is one YES.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a writer/producer and a published author. I have written countless number of scripts and have had the pleasure of being a part of the most talented production teams on the global stage. My work has been recognized in writing competitions across the country. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to work with the most talented writers, directors, producers, and actors.

As writers, one of the most powerful things we have is our voice. I gravitate towards writing dramedies because I like combining drama with humor. I am a hard worker, I am passionate, and I am driven. I get up some days as early as four in the morning to work on my craft because I love it and I’m dedicated to it.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I was recently gifted a book by coworkers called, “500 Beautiful Words You Should Know” by Caroline Taggart. I highly recommend it for anyone, especially writers, because it introduces you to a lot of really beautiful words. It is so important to always challenge yourself to learn new things. When I was going through a low point a while back, I read the book “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins and it was such an inspiration. It reminded me that anyone can achieve their goals if they just KEEP GOING. One of my favorite novels of all time is Edith Wharton’s “The House of Mirth.” I fell in love with the beautifully complicated Lily Bart. I saw a piece of me in her and it made me want to write stories that would stick with others the way that one stuck with me.