L. Divine
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...Uniquely prolific author of the groundbreaking DRAMA HIGH series of books; former high school English teacher, tutor and mentor; educational consultant and research fellow |
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Background on DRAMA HIGH
L. Divine is the author of the hugely popular teen series, DRAMA HIGH. The series is aimed at the female and male African-American teen and young adult markets and will eventually include 44 books, as well as morphing into small screen and big screen adaptations.
Ms. Divine, while a teacher and parent in Los Angeles, envisioned creating a series of books that she could recommend to her students, their parents and her own children. From that void she created DRAMA HIGH. According to L., “DRAMA HIGH is about coming into one’s power through yourself and through your identity.”
The main character in the novels is Jayd Jackson, a high school student who deals with the issues of teen violence, hardship and interracial dating in her everyday world.
Titles Published in the Drama High Book Series
DRAMA HIGH: HOLIDAZE (Dafina/Kensington, 2009)
DRAMA HIGH: KEEP IT MOVIN’ (Dafina/Kensington, 2009)
DRAMA HIGH: HUSTLIN’ (Dafina/Kensington, 2009)
DRAMA HIGH: COURTIN’ JAYD (Dafina/Kensington, 2008)
DRAMA HIGH: LADY J (Dafina/Kensington, 2008)
DRAMA HIGH: FRENEMIES (Dafina/Kensington, 2007)
DRAMA HIGH: JAYD’S LEGACY (Dafina/Kensington, 2007)
DRAMA HIGH: SECOND CHANCE (Dafina/Kensington, 2006)
DRAMA HIGH: THE FIGHT (Dafina/Kensington, 2006)
DRAMA HIGH: THE FIGHT (L. Divine, Inc., 2002)
Biography of L. Divine
L. Divine grew up in Compton California with her grandparents, eventually moving to Inglewood, California during her high school years to live with her mother. She attended UCLA, earning a B.A. in African American Studies (1999) and an M.A. in African American Studies (2000, specializing in Educational Psychology).
While at UCLA, L. Wrote for a campus newspaper and started to hone her talent. She began working on her first book, DRAMA HIGH: THE FIGHT. As a new high school teacher, she was also becoming frustrated with the declining literacy rate among students of color in the Los Angeles school system and openly voiced her discontent, all the while continuing to write. Things were difficult–her personal life was increasingly complicated and her long-term relationship with her boyfriend began to unravel, forcing her to move out. Then, L.’s grandfather died of cancer soon after (she had already lost her grandmother to Lupus). Ms. Divine needed to escape and Jamaica seemed like paradise While on vacation, she was introduced to a man almost twice her age and soon became his third wife.
Still teaching English Literature in Los Angeles, L. began the progressive move to Jamaica, flying back and forth constantly over the next six months until the move became official in the summer. In less than eight weeks, she found herself pregnant and complications developed that led her to plan her escape from the same paradise she hoped would be her saving grace. The natives were reluctant to help her because her husband was a long-time resident. The jealous second wife tried to kill her with a brick. Her husband was controlling and did not allow outside visitors. After he took L.’s phone, she was finally able to return to Los Angeles with her computer and manuscript.
Once back in LA, things were increasingly onerous. Pregnant, out of money and a job, L. Divine had many challenges to face. She became a substitute teacher but that was not economically feasible for the long-term. After delivering her first child, Divine could not financially manage childcare, LA rent and other necessities alone and eventually had to give up her apartment, making a go of it due to the kindness of family and friends for several months.
However, L. was finally able to self-publish her first book in 2002 and began selling and/or giving it away to anyone who was interested. She was constantly refining the manuscript, still hoping to sign with a publisher having a large commercial distribution network.
During this time, Ms. Divine unwisely took the advice of her husband’s first wife, who had come to Los Angeles to visit after the baby was born, and she returned for a brief visit to Jamaica to let her husband see the baby. The day after arriving there, her on again/off again boyfriend killed himself, thinking that she had moved to the island for good. She returned for his memorial service and then again went back to Jamaica, thinking that she would find peace there as long as she kept her distance from her ex-husband. Unfortunately, she was wrong. While staying with her in-laws, her husband’s madness returned and she finally fled the island for good.
However, she and her daughter still had no place to live so she decided to accept a friend’s offer to stay in his vacant apartment in Atlanta. L. secured a teacher’s job in Atlanta and also found an agent and publisher for the first book. Ms. Divine formed L. Divine, Inc., had her second child (a son) and continued writing.
Briefly returning to LA, L. served as a Research Scholar at UCLA’s Center for the Study of Women where she wrote articles on women’s issues and continued her work in the academic realm as well as creative writing.
To this day, she remains in Atlanta with her two children.
L. Divine is available exclusively through the MasterMedia Speakers Bureau for speeches, workshops and extended residencies.
Suggested Speech Topics
In her speeches, L. Divine shares her fascinating life story; explains how she got her books published; describes her personal goals for the DRAMA HIGH series; and, inspires her audiences to achieve their goals while overcoming any roadblocks standing in the way. Her story and uplifting message are not to be missed.
A Primer On DRAMA HIGH: What You Need To Know
The Reality Of Fiction: How To Turn Your Life Story Into A Novel
Talking To Teens About Sex, Education, Career Choices, Colleges And Spirituality
A Mainstream Novel Series With Black Protagonists: Overcoming Obstacles In Multi-Cultural Thinking
The Key To Success: Organization and Prioritizing
To hear L. Divine on The Big Corey Fresh Show, click here
Praise for Drama High
“The teen drama is center-court Compton, with enough plots and sub-plots to fill a few episodes of any reality show.”
Ebony Magazine on DRAMA HIGH: COURTIN’ JAYD
“You’ll definitely feel for Jayd Jackson, the bold sixteen-year-old Compton, California, junior at the center of keep-it-real Drama High stories.”
Essence Magazine on DRAMA HIGH: JAYD'S LEGACY
"This book will have you intrigued, and will keep you turning the pages. L. Divine does it again and keeps you wanting to read more and more."
Written Magazine on DRAMA HIGH: COURTIN' JAYD
“Edged with comedy…a provoking street-savvy plot line, Compton native and Drama High author L. Divine writes a fascinating story capturing the voice of young black America.”
The Cincinnati Herald on the DRAMA HIGH series
“Filled with all the elements that make for a good book—young love, non-stop drama and a taste of the supernatural, it is sure to please.”
THE RAWSISTAZ REVIEWERS on DRAMA HIGH: THE FIGHT
"...A series you'll want to share with all your friends."
Philadelphia Tribune on DRAMA HIGH: FRENEMIES
“…A captivating look at teen life.”
Harriet Klausner on DRAMA HIGH: THE FIGHT
“Through a healthy mix of book smarts, life experiences, and down-to-earth flavor, L. Divine has crafted a well-nuanced coming of age tale for African-American youth.”
The Atlanta Voice on DRAMA HIGH: THE FIGHT
“If you grew up on a steady diet of saccharine-Sweet Valley novels and think there aren’t enough books specifically for African American teens, you’re in luck.”
Prince George’s Sentinel on DRAMA HIGH: THE FIGHT
"DRAMA HIGH has it all…fun, fast, addictive.”
Cara Lockwood, bestselling author of Moby Clique
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