Meet Michele Nock

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

Hi Michele, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Back in 2019, I was a tour guide on a studio lot. Our manager knew most, if not all, of us didn’t want to make that our career and to write an affirmation to keep us going whenever we felt like giving up. Something that would keep going beyond this job and keep it in our wallet. I wrote, “I am a screenwriter who will inspire women and Latin youth and give them hope in pursuing their dreams. Always be helpful, humble, and kind.” Since my quote is personalized, I hold it incredibly near and dear to my heart. I want my dreams and goals to not be just about me. I didn’t want to lose sight of my goals or the people who have gotten me to where I am. My field can be hard, but I think kindness and staying grounded go a long way. Remembering your roots and who you’re working for reminds you of the greater picture in life and not lose your sense of self.

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 grew up as an only child and found ways to entertain myself, through stories. I would have elaborate backstories for my dolls or create characters that could be in my favorite TV show. I’d draw them, design their clothes, and give them lines. Then, one day, it hit me. I realized my goal in life, “I want to create my own TV show.” That’s when I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter.
I wanted to look at the screen and see people my friends and family would relate to. I wanted to make people laugh and feel seen. My stories and characters are often based on people I know or little quirks we have. The leads of my stories are always Latino/a and awkward, someone who tends to fumble with their words but means well and is a great friend. They’re often into music or anime or some form of sub-culture. My stories are always centered on friendship or family. I want my characters to feel familiar to the viewer. I write comedies. A great way to process hard times, memories, and experiences is with laughter. It doesn’t take away the struggle or pain experience, but comedy can make it more palatable.
I would say I’m still on my journey to my goals and have more to learn. That said, I’m grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had and the small moments where I could look back and think I did that. If you don’t take the small wins, you’re at the risk of taking things for granted, giving up, or being hard on yourself. From everyone I’ve talked to and observed, I’ve learned there’s not one real way to become a writer. Some have writing teams, others get discovered from showcases, stand-up, the assistant route, or just sheer luck and opportunities and do not compare my journey. It’s hard not to get caught up in the comparison game, especially in a career where it’s hard to maintain a job or career. Getting to know people and your coworkers on a genuine level while on sets makes a difference instead of talking to people solely to make a connection. I think if you work hard, are nice to be around, and are honest about what you want to do or show genuine care it really does go a long way.
In all honesty, I rarely put myself out there, and that’s always been my weakness. I tend to be shy. I was even nervous about doing things because I wasn’t sure if I had a defined enough career or a “wow” factor. But what I would like people to know about my writing is that I put passion and hard work into it, and genuine joy, and hope that I can touch those who see my work in small ways. I want my stories to feel like a journey with a friend.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I usually try to tailor my time with friends based on their personalities, and what they like, but here’s a sample of what they all tend to enjoy.

Monday: Let’s start off chill and go to a new cafe that opened up this year in Silverlake called GongGan. They have blue and white decor and relaxing, but cute vibe with Korean R&B playing. It’s a nice place to read or catch up with friends. The drinks are great! They’re visually appeaing with rice cakes, macarons, and flavored foam. The flavors range from standard espressos, black sesame, or fruit. They serve food too. I haven’t had it, but it looked delicous. After coffee, you can walk across the street to Bodea Park and get a sandwhich or salad.

Tuesday: This could go one of two way, super chill night where you see a movie at AMC 16 and at night, head over to the barcade Player One and do some trivia and hangout afterwards with friends and pick up some food nearby. Or drive to Orange County for a beach day. I would highly recommend going to the Wedge in Newport. It’s great for a short and chill beach day, it’s rarely crowded and nice if you want to jump in the water, take in the sun, or sit on the rocks and think about life. There’s a lot of food options too on the way out that range from cheap casual to fancy.

Wednesday: On the note of fancy, if want to have a really fancy treat yourself dinner Bacari is a fun tapas style restaurant across LA. It can defintely add up fast so it’s best to have a game plan, but the food is good and drinks are better. The Glendale location is at the Americana so you can walk around the mall after and get ice cream or some type of dessert after.

Thursday: I’d check online to see if there are any comedy shows or plays going on and base lunch or dinner on the location, I’d probably get tacos and keep it low-key.

Friday: I love the beach, and will go as many days as I can. So Friday, I’d say start off in Malibu get an acai bowl from Sunlife and walk across the street to the beach and enjoy the morning. After, head to the Getty Villa, or the Getty. it’s great way to see a lot of art in one place and spend a lot of time, and it’s close enough to the beach. If the art isn’t someone’s stlye there are other musems worth checking out and driving to with plenty of cafes and restaurants around most if not al museums in LA.

Saturday: Get dinner in Koreatown. I would choose the place based on what sounds good at the time. Then go dancing after. For bars within walking distance, there’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang or Breakroom 86 Avalon and they’re unique and not a standard bar. But if you’re into EDM or dance kind of music, see what’s happening at Academy or the Avalon. The odds are high you get tickets to an event for free or fairly cheap.

Sunday: Get some pancakes at Bebes and then head to the Huntington Library. I go often. Different flowers and plants bloom at different seasons so it’s worth going at any time. There are museums and cafes at the gardens so you can easily spend the whole day here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother has always been a role model to me. She’s a very kind and hardworking person who deserves a lot of credit in the lives of those around her. She’s always been there for me, supporting and encouraging me to pursue my dreams.

Instagram: michelelnock