Picture a storyteller who conjured a spine-chilling ghost tale that doubles as a bold exploration of identity—meet Ryan Douglass! Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, this queer Black horror author is shaking up young adult literature with his unique blend of eerie narratives and unflinching social commentary. His debut novel, The Taking of Jake Livingston, has cemented his place as a rising star, weaving horror with themes of race, queerness, and resilience that resonate deeply with readers.
The Making of Ryan Douglass
Born and raised in Atlanta, Ryan Douglass grew up in a world where stories were his refuge. As a queer Black youth, he often felt like an outsider, a perspective that later fueled his writing. His love for horror was sparked by gothic masters like Edgar Allan Poe and modern giants like Stephen King, while contemporary YA novels like The Hate U Give inspired him to center his own identities in his work. After earning a BA in theater studies from Hofstra University, Douglass dove into freelance writing, penning pieces on race, sexuality, and media representation for outlets like HuffPost and LGBTQ Nation.
Ryan Douglass’s Unforgettable Stories
Douglass’s debut, The Taking of Jake Livingston, is a New York Times bestseller that blends YA horror with Dark Academia vibes. The story follows Jake, a Black queer teen medium haunted by ghosts and the microaggressions of his predominantly white prep school. Douglass’s prose is vivid and unsettling, using ghosts as metaphors for systemic racism and homophobia. His poetry collection, Boy in Jeopardy, offers a raw, emotional journey through queer Black millennial life, exploring love, self-destruction, and acceptance. Douglass has also contributed short stories to horror anthologies like Night of the Living Queers and All These Sunken Souls, showcasing his versatility. His upcoming queer romance novel promises a lighter, heartwarming shift while staying true to his commitment to diverse representation.
What sets Douglass apart is his ability to make horror a lens for truth. His stories don’t shy away from heavy topics—anti-Blackness, queerphobia, mental health—but they’re infused with hope and authenticity. By centering Black queer boys, a group often sidelined in literature, Douglass crafts narratives that feel both thrilling and profoundly necessary.
Why Ryan Douglass Matters
Ryan Douglass is more than a horror writer; he’s a trailblazer for queer Black visibility in YA literature. His work challenges publishing’s status quo, demanding space for stories that reflect the full spectrum of human experience. By tackling themes of isolation and identity through a horror lens, he connects with readers who see themselves in his characters—especially queer Black teens hungry for representation. His advocacy, from sensitivity reading to mentoring aspiring writers, amplifies marginalized voices, making the literary world more inclusive. Douglass’s impact is a reminder that stories can be both entertaining and revolutionary.
- Born: Atlanta, Georgia
- Key Works: The Taking of Jake Livingston, Boy in Jeopardy, contributions to Night of the Living Queers
- Notable Achievements: New York Times bestseller, ALA Rainbow Book List Pick
Ready for a thrilling read that packs an emotional punch? Snag The Taking of Jake Livingston and dive into Ryan Douglass’s haunting, heartfelt world of YA horror!