By: Dani Morton
In the Limelight to Literary Insight: Stacey Jackson’s Riveting Debut Novel
The Stacey Jackson you know isn’t merely an award-winning singer, songwriter, TV presenter, and entrepreneur—she’s a maven of reinvention and relentless pursuit of her passions. Her narrative echoes the symphony of resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination that define her diverse career spanning music, television, and now, literature. Launching her music career at the age of 40, Stacey shattered the conventions of an ageist industry, swiftly becoming an inspiration for stay-at-home moms worldwide. With chart-topping singles and collaborations with legends like Snoop Dogg, her musical prowess knows no bounds. But her journey extends far beyond beats and melodies.
Photo Credit: Jane Owen
Amidst her whirlwind career, Stacey has dared to embark on a new chapter—novel writing. Inspired by her own life’s journey, she has penned “How A Gangsta Rapper Made Me A Better Mom,” weaving a tale of resilience, pursuit of dreams, and the delicate balancing act of family and fame. Transitioning from songwriting to novel writing isn’t just a leap; it’s an entirely new artistic landscape. For Stacey Jackson, the shift from creating melodies to crafting narratives was an invigorating challenge. “Transitioning to writing a novel was terrifying!” she confesses, acknowledging the structured demands of novel storytelling compared to the fluidity of music creation.
Photo Credit: Jane Owen
Her debut novel, set to be released in 2024, emerged from a wealth of experiences, capturing the essence of a life put on pause to nurture a family and later reignited to pursue a vibrant music career. “There were many people in the television industry asking me to be in various reality shows,” Stacey recalls. “But having cameras in my house following me around 24/7 wasn’t my family’s cup of tea! So, a friend suggested, ‘Why don’t you just write a book?’” This suggestion, just before the onset of COVID, ignited the spark for her literary journey. Collaborating with a former journalist and editor, she embarked on a fictionalized account of her life. The central themes of the book echo Stacey’s own life philosophy: it’s never too late to pursue dreams and never give up on passions or oneself. Drawing inspiration from her journey in the music industry, the characters mirror real-life encounters and the grueling nature of the entertainment world.
Navigating the challenges of ensuring a work of fiction while drawing from real experiences was a delicate balance. “Making sure that it is a work of fiction! My kids were adamant about that,” she chuckles. But amid these challenges, the most rewarding aspect for Stacey was the creative freedom of fictionalizing characters and their personalities. “I love that the characters will also have music associated with them,” she shares. “In fact, each character has their own genre of music in which they sing.” Describing her book as a stylistic blend of “Hannah Montana meets Mrs. Maisel meets Modern Family with a bit of Sex in the City. The character is kind of like a grown-up Hannah Montana struggling to balance two very different sides to her life,” Stacey also relished exploring different writing styles.
And this venture isn’t a one-time affair. Stacey envisions a trilogy—each book delving deeper into the life of the protagonist, Stephanie Bloom, reflecting her own journey in various facets. As the book revolves around the entertainment industry and juggling fame and family, specifically within the music industry, it only seems fit that a soundtrack supports the story. The debut novel has been optioned for a TV series in the UK and will feature an original soundtrack accompanying the audiobook release slated for 2024. Additionally, because each of her characters focuses on different genres of music, the soundtrack will include many different styles!
The response from her fans, predominantly acquainted with her music, is something Stacey eagerly anticipates. “I hope my fans will love the story! It’s meant to be light-hearted, comedic, fun, and hopefully inspiring.” This journey into novel writing isn’t just about artistic exploration; it’s about personal growth and embracing new skills. Stacey’s advice to other artists contemplating a similar leap: seek support, collaborate, and be open to learning. “Two heads are better than one sometimes,” she wisely advises.
In a world where artists often find themselves pigeonholed into a single genre or medium, Stacey Jackson’s venture into the literary world is not just a bold move, but a refreshing reminder that art, in any form, is a continuum of self-expression and exploration. Her debut novel, “How A Gangsta Rapper Made Me A Better Mom,” promises to be as captivating and multifaceted as her illustrious career, and is eagerly awaited by fans and new readers alike.
