Rising Stars: Meet Neal Parks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Neal Parks.  

Hi Neal, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was born with an artistic mind and a creative eye. I’ve been an artist since I was old enough to use a writing utensil properly. I’ve dabbled in various forms of artistic media and was a member of Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition and the National Art Honor Society while in high school. I graduated in 1994 and attended Ohio University where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Communications. I graduated from OU in 2002. I’ve always written short stories and scary stories, but I just tucked all of it away to focus on what I needed to do professionally and where my degree could take me. 

My journey into my fascination with the paranormal started with fascinating stories that my grandmother would tell me about local and regional ghost legends, UFO sightings, Bigfoot, and various otherworldly encounters. Personal experience also played a major role in my wide-eyed wonder and reflection. 

In September of 2007, my research was featured in the book Ghosts from Coast to Coast – America’s Best Ghost Investigators. In September of 2008, I released my first book titled Paranormal Chronicles Tales of Humor, Horror, and the Absolutely Strange. 

My first book, Paranormal Chronicles – Tales of Humor, Horror and the Absolutely Strange, was self-published by Lulu Press. An inspirational and Paranormal work and is a compilation of short stories, it was characterized by Andy Dominianni, a former news anchorman from FOX28 News, as a “Fun and Scary good time,” while Yolanda Harris from FOX28 called it, “A frightening and inspirational book full of heart, scares and some laughs.” A moderate commercial success, by December 2011, it has continued to sell well nationally and had made its way through the international markets. 

My second book, Haunted Chillicothe – True Ghost Stories, Tales, Legends and Folklore, was another self-published effort by Lulu Publishing, released in 2010. It, too is a collection of ghostly tales. However, it is completely a local effort sold directly in my hometown to help promote tourism in the area. I have also appeared as a guest speaker and presenter at the 2007 – 2016 Chilliicothe Ghost Walk, the Mid Ohio Paranormal Convention in 2010, the 2008 and 2013 – 2015 Mothman Festival, the 2016 C.R.E.E.P. Fest, the 2017 – 2019 Chillicothe Halloween Festival as well as speaking at schools, libraries and churches during the Halloween season. I’ve been featured in several articles, newsletters / newspapers, radio, television, and documentary films. I have also been featured in two other books and a documentary due to my research and experience in the field of paranormal investigation. My third book, Haunted Holiday’s – Tales of Inspiration, Terror, and Reflection was picked up by SynergEbook in 2012 and went global. It won a literary award in 2014 and earned critical praise. 

Since 2018 I released my forth and fifth books; first was Alternate Universes: Time Travel and the Unexplained, then Haunted Enough: Terrifying Tales to tell your Friends. In 2019 my first independent horror film that I co-wrote was released, it’s titled: Blood Alley – Chillicothe Makes A Movie. A year later, a companion novella was released, containing three new zombie-centric horror stories from me and a collection of other horror stories from co-authors. 

In 2020 we were working on a sequel to our first film, which amazingly received a few indie-film accolades. The year 2020 changed everything and put our follow-up film on the back burner, along with another paranormal documentary that I was working on with the Discovery Channel. 

I was approached a few months later by a close friend and fellow author about a children’s book idea. She wanted me to illustrate her book series, and we didn’t waste any time. By the time 2021 rolled around I completed illustrations for three books in her series. I released my first audiobook in October of 2021, titled Neal Parks Presents: Terrifying Tales to tell your Friends. 

Along with my artistic accomplishments, literary achievements, and documentary/film work. I’ve also been operating a weekly podcast since 2019 and a YouTube channel. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been the easiest of journeys. There have been a few bumps in the road, but for the most part, I’ve had an easier time than many others who’ve put themselves out in the world artistically. The rewards of my work have been worth the cold calls, the mass emails, book proposal letters, and meet and greets. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Award Winning Author, Artist, Paranormal Researcher, Investigator, Radio/TV Personality, World Traveler. I was born in 1975 in Chillicothe, Ohio. I. have been an advocate for discovering and uncovering the truth since the age of 11. I’m most proud of the fact that I’m the first in my family to graduate from college. Something that sets me apart from other artists and authors is my ability to write and illustrate my own work, design my own book covers, and act as my own literary agent. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve learned that you should never take yourself too seriously. Ego is a killer and can wreck relationships both personal and professional. Sometimes you need to step away from yourself to find direction and prioritize. Without family and strong friendships, a large following and fan base doesn’t amount to much. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nealparks.onuniverse.com/
• Instagram: @thenealparks
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/thenealparks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealparks
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ParksParanormal
• Other: https://anchor.fm/neal-parks