Can you tell everyone who is Khalia S. Parker Preyer?
I am a playwright, educator, wife, mommy, a beautiful disaster, and a work in progress fighting to inspire 5000+ writers to join the movement and share their stories in a stage play. I am ever-changing and don’t like to be put in a box. I prefer to describe myself by stating what I’m not. That’s always easier.
When did you know that drama and creative writing were more than just a hobby but a possible career path for you, and how long have you been doing them?
I got this unexplainable feeling during the first “curtain call” at my childhood church. I felt for the first time in a long time that I had done something right. I knew it was beyond anything that I could do alone. I knew that my steps were ordered and honored by the highest. Lives were changed through a play I’d written and had the opportunity to produce at church. I knew that I wanted that feeling over and over again. Then, one day I got paid for my work. Until then, I figured doing what you truly loved and getting paid was unobtainable. I knew it happened for some, but I never believed it could happen to me. I wanted to help others do the same.
You hold many powerful titles, such as author, drama teacher, and playwright coaching.
Can you tell us about this journey to embark on these careers and when you knew it was time to step into each?
I was forced most gently. Each of those titles came with such a heavy burden that I had to make moves to lift it. The drama teacher came first. I was working this job as a security agent, which was so dull. I sat on my post every day with a pen and notebook and wrote about all kinds of people and situations. I felt like I was settling. I came to work daily interacting with people just to be doing it. There were people I enjoyed talking to and people I had no business giving the time of day. My husband challenged me to do what I got my degree in. I reached my breaking point and resigned just as soon as I was vested in its retirement system.
I wrote books while in the classroom. Anytime I got a little time to myself, I pulled out a pen and got to it. As I watched plays, I wrote plays. I believed my students needed more plays they could relate to that were appropriate for their level. I realized the struggle to find plays that met that standard and returned to what I knew. I realized that I could write the play myself. As I grew in my career, I began to want more. I knew my calling was more extensive than what I did and what I’d done in the past. I needed to teach others how to do what I’d learned.
Can you talk to us about the motivation behind your book, “Love Beyond the Bars?”
My father has been incarcerated since I was four years old. I am biased when I say it’s tough for a child, but it’s more challenging for a young girl. Yet, I am surviving and thriving just fine. In 2017, I had twin boys, Jayce and Chance. I didn’t know how to explain the situation at hand. So, I wrote about it in my book. I also wanted to teach everyone that you can love beyond barriers. The bars are a metaphor. We all have barriers. Parental incarceration just happened to be mine. Your barrier doesn’t have to stop you. You can make lemonade out of the lemons life brings.
How would you like to see your work impact and inspire the world, especially young girls and women?
Authentically and with a pure heart. I want to inspire someone else just as I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. I want to initiate social change.
As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., do you feel being part of this organization helped you to get to where you are today?
Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. inspired me as a 7-year-old girl. I didn’t know much about the letters they wore, but I knew the love they gave me. I was especially fond of their patience while tutoring and correcting me. Did I mention the class and the beauty they displayed to me during every encounter? I was told that I would grow up and become a member. I’m proud to be selected.
What does being part of a sisterhood like Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc mean to you?
It means life-long membership and service to all mankind. We don’t just say that; we mean it and live it.
How do you balance being a successful mompreneur, and wife, while still finding time for yourself?
Entrepreneurship is…well, you know, vigorous. I honestly don’t know how to balance. I get up every day and try again. I secretly check my ring finger and say, “he’s still here; I must be doing something right.” That mommy stuff is a battle of the bands in itself.
What advice can you provide to those that would like to become an author, drama teacher, and playwright coach?
I wouldn’t do it. I’m kidding…get you a good coach.
What would you like our viewers to gain from this interview?
I want them to gain a sense of direction. I want them to find clarity in knowing that everything will come if they walk in their purpose. Sometimes careers, titles, and love will go rapidly. Sometimes love comes in multiple forms. When success comes, you’ll know it, and it’s different for everyone.
How can people connect with you to learn more?
People can connect with me on social media @KP2 Writes or at www.bookedplaywright.com.
Photo Credits: Livi Blue Photography
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