Picture a Southern storyteller who weaves tales of family, secrets, and redemption with a gothic twist—meet Joshilyn Jackson! Born in Florida in 1968, this New York Times and USA Today bestselling author has captivated readers with her blend of Southern Gothic and contemporary fiction. Her ten novels, translated into over a dozen languages, pulse with vibrant characters and dark humor, while her work as an audiobook narrator and prison educator reveals a heart for storytelling and social justice.
The Making of Joshilyn Jackson
Growing up in a military family, Joshilyn Jackson moved across seven states before age nine, finding solace in libraries where heroines like Nancy Drew awaited. Born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola in 1986. Her love for stories led her to a BA in English literature from Georgia State University and an MA in creative writing from the University of Illinois Chicago in 1997. A former actor, Jackson’s theatrical flair infuses her dynamic readings and sharp dialogue, setting the stage for her writing career.
Joshilyn Jackson’s Unforgettable Stories
Jackson’s novels are a cocktail of Southern Gothic, mystery, and family drama, spiked with wit and heart. Her debut, Gods in Alabama (2005), won the SIBA Novel of the Year Award, introducing readers to Arlene Fleet, a woman grappling with a dark past. The Almost Sisters (2017) follows graphic novelist Leia Birch Briggs navigating family secrets and race in a small Southern town. Never Have I Ever (2019), a psychological thriller, pits housewife Amy Whey against a mysterious stranger unearthing her secrets. Mother May I (2021) delivers a gripping tale of a mother’s desperate fight to save her kidnapped child. Jackson calls her style 'Weirdo Fiction with a Shot of Southern Gothic,' blending quirky characters with chilling stakes.
Her narratives often explore women’s issues—motherhood, justice, class—and the messy path to redemption. Critics praise her for twisty plots and authentic Southern voices, while fans love her ability to balance humor with haunting themes. Translated into over a dozen languages, her books have earned accolades like the Georgia Author of the Year and nominations for the Audie Award for her narration.
Why Joshilyn Jackson Matters
Joshilyn Jackson’s impact stretches beyond her page-turning stories. Her work captures the South’s complexities—its warmth, prejudices, and resilience—while tackling universal themes of family and forgiveness. As a board member of Reforming Arts, she teaches creative writing in Georgia’s Lee Arrendale State Prison, empowering incarcerated women through education. Her award-winning audiobook narration, including three Earphones Awards, brings her characters to life with a performer’s finesse, enriching the listening experience for fans worldwide.
Jackson’s ability to blend suspense with social commentary has made her a standout in Southern fiction, inspiring readers to confront tough questions with empathy. Her stories remind us that even in darkness, there’s room for humor and hope.
- Born: February 27, 1968, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
- Key Works: Gods in Alabama, The Almost Sisters, Never Have I Ever, Mother May I
- Awards: SIBA Novel of the Year, Georgia Author of the Year, three Earphones Awards
- Fun Fact: Jackson learned scuba diving to write Never Have I Ever authentically!
Snag Never Have I Ever and dive into Joshilyn Jackson’s thrilling world of Southern Gothic suspense!