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L. Divine is probably the first author I obsessed over as a YA blogger and posts about her books are among the few that get responses from teen readers on my blog. Her Drama High series began in 2006 and provided teens with a fresh literary perspective by presenting a primarily Black cast of characters in a contemporary setting faced with everyday concerns like friend issues, love concerns, parent’s expectations and school with just a few big life, gritty issues. Oh, the drama!

My students liked the books as much as I did and couldn’t wait for the next one to appear. I was so excited to actually be able to meet Ms. Divine earlier this year!! I was so impressed by her energy, her genuine concern for young people and her accessibility. While I’d like readers to know that side of her, my interview today looks more at what’s happening with the Drama High series and how she maintains her authentic voice.

 Hello! And welcome to CrazyQuiltEdi! Let’s start with a chance to get to know you!

As a child, what did you do for fun?

I loved to play with my cousins and neighbors, read, listen to music, jump double-dutch, roller skate and hoola-hoop. I also loved being in the kitchen with my grandmother, mom and stepmother, which are also some of my favorite childhood memories, not to mention playing with dolls, doing hair and other “normal” kid stuff.

What’s your favorite place?

By far I love being at home. My children and I can hibernate all weekend long. It’s also one of my favorite places to work once I reach the edit phase of a manuscript.

What book(s) are you currently reading?

I am re-reading my favorite writer, Octavia Butler’s Lilith’s Brood series, as well as Iyanla Vanzant’s Peace from Broken Pieces. I am also a big fan of anything written by RM Johnson, Joseph Campbell, Hill Harper, Nathan McCall, Tananarive Due, Alice Walker and many other gifted writers listed at the back of my latest novel, Drama High, volume 15, Street Soldiers.

Series have become so popular in today’s book market! What are the challenges in keeping them going?

The most challenging obstacle I’m currently encountering is keeping the books published. Just because I (and my readers) have faith in the series doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to publish and market. I started out as a self-published author and now, eight years later, I am again self-publishing. I love Drama High and am happy to be here because of it, but it’s an uphill battle, especially being a black author writing about black teens in mainstream cultural situations.

I noticed that one of the topics you speak about is overcoming obstacles in multicultural thinking. What are some of the obstacles you see in this regard as an African-American writer, and how do you overcome them?

As I stated before, it is an obstacle. I think all stories from all cultures are valid and have something to sh