Jessica Lynne Schachter
Jessica Lynne Schachter is a writer, author, and community builder based in Montclair, known for her books A Life Sentence and This Is My Book of Happy. A retired attorney turned creator, she’s passionate about storytelling that connects and uplifts — from her community platform We Are Montclair to new projects preserving the voices of her temple’s elders.
Balancing motherhood, creativity, and purpose, Jessica continues to inspire through her words, her warmth, and her unwavering belief in the power of authentic storytelling.
Read on to learn more about Jessica.
Full Name:
Jessica Lynne Schachter
Nickname:
Don’t have one. I like Jessica as is.
What do you do professionally?
I am a full-time mom of two amazing children. In my spare time, I’m an author, retired attorney, community organizer and creator.
What do you want to do (professionally and/or personally)?
Thankfully, I’m doing it.
Do you have any passion projects or ideas you want to explore?
Yes — I’m working on a project collecting stories from my temple’s elders, preserving voices that deserve to be remembered. I’m also exploring multimedia ways to expand my books (A Life Sentence and This Is My Book of Happy) into workshops and digital storytelling. And, continuing to write my latest book that I love so much that I hope to see on the big screen some day!
Who inspires you? Why?
My children. Because they see the best of me in their eyes, which inspires me to be the best I can.
Hobbies / Interests / Things that bring you joy:
My family, Writing, live music, road trips, my dog, and regular discoveries of the humor hiding inside all of life’s chaos. And of course, my community page on instagram : We Are Montclair. I love seeing people throughout my community create and build and I’m always so happy to be a part of celebrating it all.
Greatest accomplishments:
Publishing two books that turned my private thoughts, fears, joys and battles into public conversations. Learning how to thrive in spite of multiple sclerosis — not because of it. And mostly, raising kind, thoughtful children who make this world such a better place.
Future accomplishments:
Writing and publishing more books for sure! I also would love to figure out a way to create a foundation that helps people within my community. I have lots of ideas and I hope to someday find a way to make them a reality.
What excites you about being a Creative + Member?
I love the regular opportunities to connect with other creatives. Writers, actors…I think many people are creatives, even if they wouldn’t define themselves that way.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given:
If you’re going through hell, keep going.
Who is someone you want to collaborate with? Why?
Shonda Rhimes — because she creates so many worlds filled with diversity, where women are brilliant, and complicated, and clever … unapologetically real.
Favorite quote:
"If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl, but by all means, keep moving forward."
Dr King
What does your best life look like?
Waking up with a variety of purpose, knowing that my life is filled with people I love, who love me, and knowing that my words have helped someone feel seen. If that all could be done from a beachfront house, while my millions waited for me cozily in the bank, all the better.
Last words for the Creative + Community and beyond:
Keep creating —even when no one’s watching. Do what feels right and genuine to you.
Connect with Jessica:
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