Stacey Jackson, a powerhouse in both the music and literary worlds, has captivated audiences once again. From her electrifying performances on stage to her compelling debut novel, Jackson’s multifaceted talent continues to shine. With her recent UK tour, “The Flipside Tour,” named after her hit track, and her book, “How a Gangsta Rapper Made Me a Better Mom,” dominating the Bestseller list, Jackson is proving that her creative prowess knows no bounds.
In a recent interview, Stacey delved into her creative journey, reflecting on her transition from songwriting to novel writing and the challenges of balancing her dynamic career.
Speaking about her shift from crafting chart-topping hits to writing a novel, Stacey acknowledged the leap into unfamiliar territory. “Writing a novel and writing songs are two different kettles of fish,” she admitted. “But having my first hit record at 40 and collaborating with Snoop Dogg is an inspiring tale.”
Stacey’s foray into novel writing was driven by a desire to share her story in a more intimate format. “There were many people in the television industry asking me to be in various reality shows,” she explained. “But having cameras in my house following me around 24/7 wasn’t my family’s cup of tea.”
With the encouragement of a friend, Stacey embarked on writing her debut novel, opting for a collaborative approach. “A friend in the TV industry suggested I write a book,” she shared. “Just before Covid, I spoke to a friend, a former journalist at The Times and recently an editor at the Daily Mail, to help me write the book. I wanted it to be a collaborative effort.”
Writing a novel presented new challenges for Stacey compared to composing music. “There is a lot more continuity in writing a book that you have to always be on top of,” she noted. “Music, for me, is a lot freer flowing artistically.”
Drawing inspiration from her own experiences in the music industry, Stacey infused her characters with depth and authenticity. “The bulk of the book is loosely based on my own journey,” she revealed. “Some characters are inspired by real-life people, while others are a mishmash of various individuals I’ve encountered.”
Themes of resilience, chasing dreams, and defying expectations are central to Stacey’s novel. “The main themes of the book would probably be that it’s never too late to live your dreams and never give up on your passions or on yourself,” she explained.
Stacey hopes her storytelling will inspire readers to pursue their aspirations despite obstacles. Looking ahead, she plans to continue writing, with two more books in the pipeline. “The second one features the principal character developing a range of fitness clothes while juggling her music career and family,” she revealed. “The third book involves her being cast in a movie that goes pear-shaped.”
Each of Stacey’s books is accompanied by a musical soundtrack, creating a multimedia experience for her audience. For artists considering venturing into novel writing, Stacey offers valuable advice. “Surround yourself with people who will support you,” she advises. “Take a few writing classes or workshops, or find a professional collaborator.”
Balancing her time between music and writing, Stacey admits to a somewhat unconventional approach. “I juggle everything in very random order,” she confessed. “Creativity just happens when it happens!”
Despite her spontaneous workflow, Stacey’s commitment to her craft shines through in both her music and writing. As she embarks on her tour and continues to captivate audiences with her storytelling, Stacey Jackson’s journey serves as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions with unwavering determination. With her infectious energy and boundless creativity, Stacey Jackson remains an inspiration for aspiring artists everywhere.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
The New Forest Pride, Lymington – 27th July
App-fest, Gloucestershire, Tewkesbury – 3rd August