“William J. Jackson enjoys a peaceful moment outdoors, seated comfortably in his Connecticut River Valley home, a place of creativity and reflection surrounded by nature’s serenity.”
Exploring Archetypes, Generosity, and Spiritual Insight
William J. Jackson masterfully intertwines fiction and scholarship, delving into Indian Bhakti traditions, archetypes, and generosity, while crafting narratives enriched by humor, humanity, and spiritual depth across diverse cultures and genres.
William J. Jackson, whose unique blend of scholarship, fiction, and spirituality has captivated readers for decades, continues to illuminate the richness of human experience by transcending boundaries—whether cultural, historical, or artistic. In an exclusive interview with Novelist Post, Jackson reflected on his journey as a writer and the remarkable interplay between his academic pursuits and creative endeavors.
A seasoned writer, Jackson has explored myriad themes over the years, ranging from the devotional songs of South Indian saints to the layered narratives of his fiction. His works include scholarly texts such as Tyagaraja and the Renewal of Tradition and imaginative pieces like Gypsy Escapades, which seamlessly weave humor, suspense, and history. In every project, Jackson balances intellectual rigor with imaginative storytelling, drawing inspiration from a life steeped in cultural exploration, theological study, and artistic passion.
From Small-Town Roots to Global Perspectives
Jackson’s journey as a writer began with his richly varied life experiences. Growing up in the American Midwest informed his worldview with stories of community, tradition, and human resilience. His early forays into theater, a stint in New York City’s Bohemian circles, and later, his research and teaching career—all contributed to the creative reservoir that defines his work.
“Only the impossible is worth pursuing.” – William J. Jackson
As Jackson explained, “In my twenties, I had nothing to say. But over the decades, I became multifaceted, more able to wield different kinds of experience.” One of the transformative chapters in his life was his time in India, where he immersed himself in Bhakti traditions. Studying Tamil and Telugu literature and participating in rural village life gave him a new lens through which to view human devotion and spirituality. These experiences became the foundation of works such as Tyagaraja and the Renewal of Tradition.
William J. Jackson is a rare talent who unites intellect, heart, and vision to illuminate humanity’s shared cultural threads.
Crafting Fiction Inspired by Scholarship
Jackson’s fiction often draws deeply from his academic studies and international experiences, presenting readers with narratives that are both educational and enthralling. His novel Gypsy Escapades exemplifies this, as it merges humor, suspense, and cultural insight. He admitted that one of the most challenging aspects of crafting such narratives is maintaining authenticity while depicting real cultural elements alongside fictional intrigue. “Exploring India means leaving behind, for a moment, your modern presuppositions,” he said. His ability to balance modern sensibilities with an appreciation for ancient traditions highlights his skill as both a scholar and storyteller.
While Jackson is deeply inspired by India’s rich spiritual heritage, his writing transcends its geographical roots. He often reflects on archetypes and universal human traits—such as the eternal struggle between humility and arrogance or the timeless power of generosity, as seen in his work The Wisdom of Generosity. This anthology, which he compiled and edited, explores selflessness and service, themes that resonate personally with Jackson, who has spent years volunteering in service-oriented roles.
“Eternity expresses itself through contradictions.” – William J. Jackson
Translating Poetry and Devotion for Modern Readers
One of Jackson’s most celebrated achievements is his work in translating and interpreting Tyagaraja’s spiritual songs for modern audiences. Drawing inspiration from scholars like A.K. Ramanujan, Jackson weaves vernacular English into translations while retaining the poetry’s cultural authenticity. His vivid descriptions of gopis teasing Krishna on the Yamuna River during a festive boat ride demonstrate his ability to bring ancient stories to life in an accessible way.
“Poetic thinking cultivates intuition and observation,” Jackson remarked, reflecting on how the intuitive depth of ancient poetic traditions informs his creative and scholarly processes.
“Exploring India means leaving behind your modern presuppositions and walking in the sandals of another worldview.” – William J. Jackson
The Imagination at Work
A key driver of Jackson’s storytelling process is his fascination with archetypal imagery. Influenced by depth psychologists like Carl Jung, he incorporates these universal symbols—be it the Trickster, the Hero, or the Old Man—into his works. “Archetypes are rich codes of information,” he observed, adding that exploring these timeless patterns helps him depict character temperaments and life cycles in compelling ways.
Jackson also credits his range as a writer to the versatility of his inspirations, drawing from literary exemplars such as Rabindranath Tagore, James Baldwin, and Doris Lessing. “Love is blind, and Thought is lame, but together they can climb the hill,” he quoted, summing up his philosophy on balancing emotion and intellect in writing.
Looking Ahead
As for his future projects, Jackson continues to expand his horizons. He’s currently working on another installment of the Escapades series, which brings timely, global issues to the forefront. He’s also exploring a novel about a pioneering woman in Gold Rush-era Colorado, inspired by his own family history.
For aspiring writers seeking to bridge creative storytelling with academic research, Jackson offers invaluable advice: “A Jesuit I met in graduate school said, ‘Only the impossible is worth pursuing.’ We need to keep learning about the cosmos and consciousness. Live and learn!”
Through his life and work, William J. Jackson demonstrates how a curious mind and a generous spirit can craft stories that resonate across cultures and generations—inviting all of us to embrace both the scholarly and the imaginative in our understanding of the world.
Source: Novelist Post
