Desmond Hall is a Jamaican-born author, well-known for his debut novel, "Your Corner Dark." This thrilling novel, published in 2021, has been likened to "Long Way Down" meets "American Street" by critics. It is a powerful exploration of the harsh realities of gang life in Jamaica, as seen through the experiences of a teenager willing to go to great lengths for his family. The book delves into contemporary issues such as political deception, police brutality, gang culture, and colorism.
Hall moved to the United States as a teenager and pursued a degree in journalism at Marquette University, where he was recognized in the "Who's Who of American College Students." After graduation, he began working in the movie industry, directing and writing "A Day in Black and White," an HBO feature film that earned him a nomination for the Gordon Parks Award. He also wrote and directed "Stockholm Brooklyn," a full-length stage play that won the Downtown Theater Festival Audience Award and was selected for the Public Theater's New Works Series.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Hall has had a successful career in advertising, writing TV campaigns, two Superbowl commercials, and winning multiple awards while serving as the creative director of Spike Lee's advertising agency. He has also served on the board of the Partnership for a Drug Free America and the Advertising Council, and has been recognized by Variety magazine as one of the Top 50 Creatives to Watch.
Hall has completed Grub Street's Novel Incubator class, a yearlong intensive program, where he worked on "Your Corner Dark," a novel inspired by the murder of his uncle in Jamaica. The novel has received critical acclaim, with authors such as Jason Reynolds and Courtney Summers praising its gripping narrative and unforgettable characters.