Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network is beefing up its scripted drama offerings by introducing a new series directed by Ava DuVernay called "Queen Sugar," based on a novel by Natalie Baszile.

Here’s more from Shadow and Act:

Ava DuVernay will  write, direct and executive produce a new original drama series for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, inspired by the acclaimed novel "Queen Sugar," by Natalie Baszile, which, per the press release, chronicles "a spirited woman who leaves her upscale Los Angeles lifestyle behind to claim an inheritance from her recently departed father – an 800-acre sugar cane farm in the heart of Louisiana. Her world and identity are turned upside down as she and her teenage daughter attempt to navigate a new and very different environment while rebuilding their farm from scratch. She is met with curiosity and community, with resistance and romance. It isn’t long before a transformation begins and she realizes that she’s been living a lot farther from her Southern roots than mere miles."

Production is slated to begin later this year.