As a New Yorker, I'm pretty much obligated to be a Seinfeld fan.  So maybe it's no surprise that an author who describes herself as the "Seinfeld of YA-lit" is going to get my attention.  Paula Chase Hyman's new book "So Not the Drama" is about high school freshman Mina Mooney and how a school sociology project to rid prejudice changes Mina's world forever.

Below is our chat with the talented Ms. Hyman:

1) How did you get the inspiration for the book?

Like many writers, I came into fiction writing trying to fill a void.  When
I realized how little fiction for young readers of color had changed from
when I was a wee reader, rather than complain about it, I wrote a book.  But
first and foremost my thought was to write a book that was more inclusive
versus only focused on African American readers. 

That's why the clique in my book is black, white, and latino.  The book
doesn't emphasize their races, but I felt it was important that they not all
be of one race.

2) Are you working on something else right now?

I'm writing the third book in my series, That's What's Up! and it's kicking
my butt!!!  I have the honor (burden) of holding a full-time job in addition
to writing.  I also manage to slip in a little bit of life outside of both
jobs.  For the last two months I've been getting up early, while the house
is still quiet, to write.  And man, I am TIRED. 

3) What is something about you that would surprise your readers?

How insecure I am about my writing.  I've worked in Public Relations for
fifteen years and consider my skin pretty thick.  Yet, I cringe anytime
someone doesn't totally love my work.  I understand completely everyone
won't.  Still when someone points out something they dislike, I panic a
little inside.  And when I sit to write, despite having penned nearly 4
novels in the last four years, I still fear that maybe it's not always my
best work.  However, I'll admit, I think it takes a certain odd mix of
confidence and fear to be a good writer.  If we were certain of our ability,
our writing would likely grow stale.  So I don't mind the uncertainty.  Just
trying to rid myself of a little more of it.

 

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