It is amazing the turns our lives take. I got bored during the pandemic and I did something no one could have ever told me I would do. I started writing erotic poetry. I would write, read…..and chuckle. I never had any intention of publishing any of it. Later, I was talking with a friend who shared with me a project she did with a couple of other ladies that was a compilation of erotic stories. When she shared it, I told her that I had written some erotic poetry and she wanted to read what I had written. Once she did, she encouraged me to publish it. I hesitated, but I decided I would publish under a pseudonym.
In September 2023, I saw an interview with the author, Zane, on YouTube. For those who do not know her work, Zane is world-renowned author known mostly for her erotic novels. One of her novels was made into a Cinemax movie entitled Addicted with the actor, Boris Kodjoe. When I was close to the printing phase, I thought it would be cool to have Zane write a foreword. I reached out to the person who was interviewing her to see if she could connect me. To my surprise, she responded to me the next day. After vetting me, she put me in touch with Zane’s daughter who is her manager. She informed me that there was a cost associated with Zane reading my book and writing the foreword. This was understandable given Zane’s status as an author, but I just didn’t have it. Dead end!
I published my book in June 2024. It turned out great, both the content and the design. I had a book signing and began selling out of my trunk. I didn’t place it on Amazon because I didn’t want to give them 40%. In August, the wildest thing happened. I was on Instagram and a post popped up from Zane. She was starting a writing group and said only serious writers needed to respond. There are so many scams on social media, but I decided that I was going to check it out. I sent a DM, and Zane responded within 24 hours with all of the information for the writing group. I took a deep breath then decided I would take a chance. Zane’s real name is Kristina Roberts, and I also happen to know what she looks like. I thought, “When I get onto this Zoom, if it’s not her I am going to report this person.” It was her!!
I have now been in Zane’s writing group since September 2024. It is much more than I bargained for. She has a wealth of knowledge about writing, publishing, script writing, and her network is HUGE! Myself and the other ladies will be writing an anthology with her, and she will be promoting each of us as the novels she challenged us to write are published. I thought that there was no hope for me to meet Zane, but fate connected us.
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