Dana Davidson
Dana Davidson is the author of two novels for young adults, Jason and Kyra (Hyperion/Jump at the Sun 2004) and Played (Hyperion/Jump at the Sun 2005). Booklist calls Jason and Kyra a book that “teens won’t be able to stop reading….” About Played, School Library Journal says, “Davidson’s understanding of teen motivations and language is apparent….” For the third day of 28 Days Later, the Brown Bookshelf is pleased to present Dana Davidson!
Dana Davidson, the Reluctant Writer
Many African-American Children’s Lit authors see Dana Davidson as a trailblazer. Her first novel, Jason and Kyra, was one of the first romance novels to feature middle-class African-American characters. However, Dana never aspired to be an author, at least not at first.
Dana grew up a fan of romance novels, but as a kid, there weren’t many romance novels that portrayed African-Americans as the “hero.” Her desire to see successful, African-American characters in novels manifested itself in her first novel, Jason and Kyra.
Wearing Two Hats (or How the Teacher Influences the Author)
In addition to being an author, Dana is also a teacher, and was awarded the Newsweek/WDIV-TV Outstanding Teacher Award in 2001. However, when beginning a novel, she refuses to let her “teacher” side interfere with her writing process. It it’s until later, as she revises and reflects on a novel, that she allows herself to see her work through her teacher lens.
Dana’s second novel, Played, takes a unique look at the influence of underground high school fraternities. While the idea of foolish and immature fraternity initiations played a part in crafting the novel, what Dana really wanted to show was the inherent beauty of her characters—and in a way, the inherent beauty of her students. She wanted to write a novel where the characters were forced to “see” each other.
Picking Favorites
When asked to pick her favorite novel, Dana was hesitant to name one specific novel. “I like both of them equally,” she said. “I love the romanticism of Jason and Kyra. In Played, I like that Kyle and Ian become better young people.”
The Path to Publication
After writing a portion of Jason and Kyra, Dana went to a writing conference and met the editor of African American Famliy, a Michigan-based publication. The editor suggested that Dana look into representation from the Marie Brown Literary Agency. After speaking with the agency, Dana was quickly signed by Janell Walden Agyeman. Agyeman shopped the manuscript around to two houses. One passed because the novel wasn’t “edgy” enough—which is exactly why Hyperion/Jump at the Sun picked up the novel. Their vision was similar to Dana’s—to publish novels that portray a broader view of African-American culture.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
Dana Davidson encourages anyone trying to write to first read a lot of books, then write a lot. She also encourages would-be authors not to be afraid to rewrite, and to constantly work toward completion of a writing goal.
What’s Next?
Dana’s next novel will feature characters that fans are already familiar with—Greg Hoover (from Jason and Kyra) and Diana Love (from Played). Look for it sometime in 2009 or 2010.
February 3, 2008 at 9:21 am
Count me in as someone who views Dana as a trailblazer. Until Jason and Kyra in ‘04 there were relatively no books where the focus of the story was the story and not the characters race. Without Jason and Kyra, I doubt books like mine would ever have gotten their day in the sun. Thank you, Dana!!
February 6, 2008 at 7:40 am
I look forward to reading Dana’s next novel. Really cool that it will feature characters from her first two.
March 4, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Hi Mrs. Davidson! I really love your books. I really would like to be in your movie if you make one for Jason and Kyra. I have been looking for your e-mail address everywhere. Will you please make a movie for your books, because I want to be in them so badly. PLEASE MAKE THE MOVIES FOR YOUR BOOKS!!!!!! Will you think about this for me and your fans, please? Thanks a whole lot for taking this time out to read this.
March 14, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I have read both of Dana Davidson books numerous of times, and she hit the target for high school students (seeing that i am in high school). And i also like the way Dana D. gave us credit in the both of her books like seeing the mistake and being able to mature. i also like how in PLAYED, she had a teacher that Ian could talk to like Mr. Hill, its hard to find adults in the schools like that now. Dana Davidson, i really look forward to reading your next novel, and you’re a very complex, articulate, author, who understands the problems us teens face now. i really love your style. and im sure that your students are proud and kucky to have you as a teacher. You’re a wonderful author and i can’t wait until your next book. (my friends can’t wait either…Columbia High School..Dekalb county).
March 23, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Hello Mrs. Dana,
I really enjoyed both your novels especially Jason & Kyra. Could you please
follow up with a part 2 to Jason & Kyra, maybe their college years and if they really
went all the way. I’m looking forward to your next book.
March 27, 2008 at 10:08 am
When will the next sequence to Jason and Kyra be coming??
April 15, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Me and my friends have read your books and we have fell in love with each book.You leaves us wanting more and our little posse goes around telling other girls to read it. most of us don’t like to read, but you have captivated us entirely and now we have your books on our bookshelves. We wish you would write a sequel to Jason n Kyra. I mean they got back together and now we are wondering what happens the year following. We know the book was probably one of hose endings where we do it ourselves, but we want it done the right way by Dana Davidson,you.
April 23, 2008 at 8:59 am
Hi, Dana. You may not remember me, but we met through Yolanda shortly after the release of Jason and Kyra. I’m so thrilled to see you’re still writing and have published yet another book, “Played.” A member of my church, who is also a teacher (preschool), is seeking to publish. She’s been offered a contract, and she’s seeking legal advice. Though I’m an attorney, this is not my area. I’m wondering if you’d be willing to recommend an attorney or another knowledgeable professional who may be able to review her contract for her. By the way, you may remember our discussion over our Thai food lunch about my then high school senior, Gary. Well, he remained at Liggett (against my better judgment) and graduated. The summer after his senior year, he fell in love. Then, a week before he was to leave for Morehouse, he eloped! Go figure! Now, almost two years later, he and his wife have an infant son; he’s four months old … and beautiful. Gary’s currently working and attending Wayne State full-time. His wife’s a homemaker. Hey, maybe this should be material for your next book!
Take care and continued success! Hope to hear from you, soon.
May 5, 2008 at 10:18 am
Dear Mrs. Davidson my name is Jessica and I’m a junior. I really love your books and you became my favorite author. I couldn’t stop reading your books because it deals with alot teenagers and their love life. Your books are so romantic, not to many authors don’t write about black teen romance books. And you use alot slang that teens can related to. My friend her name is Javon, she show me the first book called Jason & Kyra I read it and enjoyed every page of it. Then I heard about your lastest book called Played I love the dating part. If I have to choose which book is the best. I would have to pick both of them because they are so good. I can’t wait for the next books to hit the shelves. I know it will be the best books because you are the best author.
Thank You,
From Jessica