In his debut young-adult horror story, D.C. native Kosoko Jackson leads readers through Douglas Jones’ harrowing quest to clear his name in a murder—even if doing so means revealing centuries-old secrets.
In The Forest Demands Its Due, set for release on Oct. 3 (Harper Collins), Jackson tackles dark issues of violence against marginalized teens and racism in education—a break from the gay adult romances he’s better known for writing. A winner in the 2023 Lambda Literary Awards, which champion queer literary excellence, Jackson will discuss his new novel at One More Page Books in Arlington at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4.
We spoke with the author to learn more about his inspiration for this book. This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.
This is your first foray into young-adult horror writing. Why’d you make the switch?
Horror is always a fun genre. It allows you to explore how big, messy real-world issues play out in fantastical, cool journeys to help the character overcome things.
What inspired you to write this story?
Georgetown University recently said it was giving preferential admission to individuals who could prove that they were the descendants of the slaves that helped build Georgetown. That inspired me to explore how individuals are punished, or given preference, based on their history and how we rewrite history in guilt. I remember a quote: “History is written by the victors.” That was the inspiration for this novel. What if there was a curse on the town that caused everyone who died there to be forgotten…but the descendants of those who initiated the curse were burdened to remember those who died and couldn’t leave? How would they use that circumstance to manipulate power inside of this town?
Talk about your main character, Douglas.
When I started writing, it was very important for me to write African American teens who were different from other teens we see in literature. There is, throughout history, a common thread—especially before the boom of diversity—for Black main characters: They came from poverty, they came from the projects, they were drug dealers. Those stories are important and they reflect certain realities, but I’ve always written characters that are the reverse. My African American teens come from very affluent families. They are incredibly smart. They’re going to college on scholarships, not for being poor but because of their academic or intellectual ability. In Douglas, I wanted to represent every single kid who is not given a second chance or not given the benefit of doubt.
You layered many messages into this book. What do you hope readers take away?
There are always systems that want to put you down. You’re going to encounter someone who wants to use what makes you special, or unique, to their benefit—not actually to help you. It is important to understand that and to know how to navigate it and use it to your advantage. It’s trying to figure out how to navigate to best survive and come out as solid and as good as you can.
When did you start writing?
I wrote my first short story when I was about 6 years old. It was about some 6-year-old kids who got eaten by a bear. I think I always continued writing after that. My mom started her own nonprofit, Acesworld, when I was about 12 years old. While she was working there, during the summer, I used her PalmPilot to write my first novel—what I thought was a novel. It was only 40 pages. I decided to officially write books in 2012. That’s probably when I said, “I can do this.”
What training have you had?
I have a master of fine arts degree in creative writing, but I got my MFA to teach. When I earned that degree from in 2022, I had already published a book and had three or four more book deals under my belt. I’m a firm believer that you don’t need to have an MFA to write or publish a book. It’s nice if you want it, but it’s not needed.
Hear more from Jackson on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at One More Page Books (2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington).