Sex Q&A: Zane, literary ‘Queen of Erotica’

Some people say author Zane took Erotica mainstream. Here’s what she did do:

• She made it cool to read the word dick on a train.

• She turned Internet short stories into New York Times best-selling books.

• She launched the careers of other erotic writers with her imprint Strebor Books through Simon and Schuester.

• And she has a hit series, Zane’s Sex Chronicles, on Cinemax.

Now, Zane talks to erotica, TV and sex with Creative Loafing.

Creative Loafing: What do you think of the response to your latest novel, Total Eclipse of The Heart?

Zane: The response to the novel has been overwhelming. As a writer, the greatest thing that can happen is for people to comprehend the messages that you are trying to relay. With Total Eclipse of the Heart, I have received numerous e-mails from people who are disabled or have loved ones who are disabled. They can appreciate how the main character, Damon, accepts his disability and is determined to move on with his life in a positive way. A lot of people have also expressed that they realize that toxic relationships are to their detriment and not worth hanging onto. Many women have decided to hold out for that one good man, instead of settling for a bunch of strife and drama. I am pleased that the book has touched so many in such a short period of time.

Have you had readers tell you that your books spice up their sex life?

Every single day. That is why I decided to actually publish my work in the first place, instead of simply doing it via the Internet. Women have told me that they have let go of all of their inhibitions and now understand that they have a right to equal satisfaction instead of being a vessel for a man’s pleasure. I have also had tons of men thank me for making their women open up to them.

Speaking of sex, your Cinemax series Zane’s Sex Chronicles starts its second season in March; tell our readers about the show and why they should watch it.

The second season begins on March 5th and the DVDs of the first season will be available on Feb. 2nd. Cinemax will have a sneak preview of Episode One, “Curveballs” on February 13th after the premiere of the film Miss March. The show is loosely based on my real life, meaning that the main actress portrays me. It is about me and several of my friends, living in the big city, and struggling with every day drama, love, and relationships while maintaining a strong friendship. Readers should watch it because it is cutting edge and portrays women — particularly African-American women — in a light never seen before on television. Unlike other erotic series that do not reflect women in positions of power, the women on Zane’s Sex Chronicles know what they want and expect out of life and accept nothing else. They are human, and thus have flaws, but each one of them has a totally different personality. I believe that everyone will see something of themselves in at least one of the female and/or male characters.

How involved are you in the writing on the show?

I write every single word of the show. I am also the creator, main subject, and executive producer. I am very hands-on with everything that I do because no one understands my market more clearly than me.

What do you want people to gain from your work?

I hope that people will be inspired to live their lives to the fullest without feeling that they have to put on pretenses, have to sacrifice their happiness for the sake of others, or have a fear of being judged.

This article appears in Jan 12-18, 2010.