Meet Harker Jones | Screenwriter and Author

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

Hi Harker, what are you inspired by?
Living life inspires me. I don’t mean that in a corny way, I just mean there’s inspiration everywhere at every turn. I’m not the type to sit at the computer bemoaning the fact that creativity isn’t striking (it’s different if you have a deadline, of course!). When the muses are not singing to me, I go out and live, whether that’s hang-out time with friends, traveling, a nightclub, the theater, a road trip or the gym. And I take notes when it comes (not in a dark theater, of course!) so that I remember the lightning bolt that struck me!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I wrote my first novel at 17, my second at 27. Then I took a break for a few years because I wasn’t compelled to work on anything, so I went out and lived life. Then, one day, working as managing editor of “Out” magazine, I was at the gym, stewing in my dissatisfaction with contemporary society and I decided, “By God. I’m going to write a screenplay about it!” Nine feature scripts (and many shorts) later, I’ve got some solid projects, and some less so. I’ve won a contest, gotten two successful short films, and am working on pitching my features to managers and agents. It can be demoralizing trying to break in, but when you have a goal, you can’t lose sight of it. Which isn’t to say don’t take some time to lick your wounds once in a while, but you gotta get back in the game sooner than later.

In terms of projects, I love all my children, all the scripts and shorts and poems, but I’m proudest of “Until September,” my love story. I wrote it in the throes of unrequited love and have sold 1,700 copies, which is a lot because I’m the only one promoting it. I just got profiled in “The Advocate” this summer and continue to get fan letters and fantastic reviews. I’ve written a limited series based on it and am polishing that before I start pitching it. I’m also proud of my feature satire “Green Means Go!” about a woman who sues a pop star for lip syncing; my mind-bending thriller “The Alexandrite Ring”; and my teen slasher-whodunit “Never Have I Ever.” They all came out (after much rewriting and editing, don’t get me wrong) really solid. I’m excited for their prospects.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If someone’s visiting, they’re likely going to want to do some of the touristy things, like the Walk of Fame, the beach, Rodeo and the Hollywood sign. So with those things out of the way, I’d take them to El Compadre in Hollywood for some Mexican food and then hit a show at the Pantages after a cocktail at the Frolic Room. Another night, I’d take them out in WeHo to the Abbey and Mother Lode. Another night, I’d take them on a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, then hit the Dresden for a couple of cocktails before hitting Palermo for some Italian and then taking in a movie at the Vista. Then I’d be sure to take them to see a show at the Ahmanson and then one at the Bowl (not the same night, of course). Then we’d get out of town and spend a few days in Palm Springs. There’s nothing like time in that baking heat in that sleepy desert town to invigorate you and get you out of your head.

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?
Katie Thomas has been with me from the very beginning. She was there when I wrote the first draft of “Until September” and has championed it throughout the edits, the publication and the success of it. She was even the one I was talking to when I realized what the title was. She asked what it was about and I was like, “It’s about this boy who falls in love with another boy one summer and they realize they have only until Septem— Hey! That’s the title!” We’ve been through a lot together, Katie and I, and we’re still in contact pretty much every day. That can’t be said about most friends. We’re still figuring things out as we go, but at least we’re doing it together!

Instagram: @Harker_J

Twitter: @HarkerJones

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/harkerjuice

Image Credits
Christopher Campbell (for the Alexandrite Ring poster)