S.J. Parker began writing in the second grade, when her much-nurtured love of reading led her to want to write a story of her own. She began writing poetry while attending Tuskegee University and published her first poem Death of a Black Queen in the campus newspaper. She credits authors such as Nikki Giovanni and Gwendolyn Brooks as some of her inspirations. In addition to writing, Parker is a well-received artisan who creates custom jewelry and etched art pieces. She currently resides in Arkansas with her two children.