Meet Erin Parkinson | Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Parkinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
It’s so hard to choose one, I love quotes. So I’ll leave you with my top two favorites.
My first one:
“I’m never the first one to pull away from a hug because I don’t know how much that person needs it” -Taylor Swift.
This quote means so much to me because for one, I’m a huge Swiftie. Anyone who knows me, knows I love Taylor. Secondly, I’m a hugger. I love receiving and giving hugs so you’ll never see me pull away first.
Secondly:
“The sun always comes up tomorrow.”
My mom says that my late grandfather said this all the time. It just means no matter how bad things get, you’ll be okay and there’s always tomorrow if today wasn’t your day. I carry that with me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As I think back to my earliest memories, I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Although I’m early in my career, my goal is to be a voice to people who feel that they don’t have one. I write social commentary. So I write about situations I’ve been in personally. And if I haven’t been in the situation myself, I know someone who has. Research is a huge part of my process, I do it either way, whether I know someone or not. I want to help people in any way that I can. If my writing can do that for someone, I’m satisfied.

One thing that makes me unique is that I was a micro preemie born at 24 weeks. At the time, my survival rate was 50/50. Doctors didn’t think I’d talk or walk among the laundry list that NICU parents get. During that time, I lost my twin brother. But against all odds, I have none of the common preemie complications. I want the world to know that though this is a not so happy part of my story, it is one that defines my writing and my ambition. It has taught me to always be determined and never give up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was coming for the best time here’s some places I’d go:

Zinque in West Hollywood for lunch; best salads and sandwiches.
Go see the Hollywood sign and hike to the observatory; it’s a must do and rite of passage.
Divino in Brentwood; marvelous Italian food.
Warner Brother Studio Tour: Friends and The Big Bang Theory, need I say more?
Alcove in Los Feliz: the vibes there are amazing for a lunch.
Balboa Island: for shopping and treats.
Sunsets on any beach.
Mozambique in Laguna Beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to shoutout my support system. My family and friends. They’re the most powerful influences that I have. They’re behind me all day, everyday and motivate me when I need a nudge. They are my biggest cheerleaders. I don’t know what I would do without them.

Website: https://emptink27.wixsite.com/erin-parkinson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.mparkinson/

Other: Additionally I have a writing Instagram dedicated to my work: https://www.instagram.com/erin.mparkinson_writes/

Tiktok: erin.mparkinson