JS JACKLIN – Who we are & why do we write?
JS JACKLIN is the British husband and wife team of Jan and Steven Jacklin who have been collaborating on writing stories since they first met over 40 years ago. Writers of books, poems, stage and radio scripts, the couple ascribe inspiration from living on their 10 acre homestead in Muskoka, and always, by their three children and growing tribe of grandkiddies.
Steven was inspired to write The Adventures of the Dwarfgiants: Serpent of the Sulphur Sea from making up bedtime stories with their children when they were young. Often the story- telling exceeded their bed time and would drift into adventures contributed by the children; of castles, dark woods and serpents. The 2nd book in the series is under way.
For adults, Steven wrote a book of short stories entitled A Slight Kink which embellishes a few family misadventures along with a well-fueled imagination. A collection of poetry is also in the works for publication in early 2024.
Steven wrote his stage musical for children Under The Halloween Moon in collaboration with the talented Rex Lancaster who transcribed the music for orchestra. Rex also recorded backtracks to enable elementary school children and community theatre companies to perform on stage. Steven is currently working on a vampire musical entitled Blud, The Elixir of Uth.
From Jan’s years as co-founder, producer and artistic director of The Huntsville Theatre Company and currently Dot The T Productions, with over 40 productions/events under her belt, she was inspired to write stage plays specifically for actors of advancing years: For The Love of a Good Man, Merry Birthday & Finding Your Self in Muskoka. When their first grandchild was expected in the summer of 2019, she felt inspired to re-live the anxieties, intrusions and expectations remembered as a parent-to-be, in a full-out comedic look at pregnancy and the first few months of parenthood in her play Me, A Mamma.
Her most recent project was in response to the dismal conditions exposed during the pandemic lock-downs in retirement and nursing homes. Life Line is a one-act drama, ideal for radio or play-reading events. She is currently working on a full-length drama entitled Blooming Violet – inspired by the life and times of her mother who would be turning 100 in November, 2023.
Enjoying their roles as Granddad & Nana-Ba-Nana to four gorgeous grandkiddies, the desire to create stories for children continues to be a passion. From hearing their granddaughter learn the ABC’s came the idea for LMNOP – The Middle Matters.
JS Jacklin’s current works in progress are: The Human Being To-Do List, Lucky Peanut, and a series entitled Grauntie Pattie. Stay tuned.
_______________________
Members of Lake of Bays ARTS (LOBarts) Artsloop and The Playwright’s Guild of Canada.