Zane Gives Candid Advice During Author Talk, Signs Books for Devoted Fans

Kristina LaFerne “Zane” Roberts, a New York Times Bestselling author of more than three dozen titles, was hosted by Main Street Library in Newport News, Virginia on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Zane’s other accolades include serving as the publisher of Strebor Books. Over 900 titles penned by 120 other authors were published by the Simon and Schuster imprint. Zane’s film based on her book “Addicted,” was theatrically released by Lionsgate in 2014.

She relocated to Atlanta 10 years ago from the Washington, D.C. area to take advantage of “The Hollywood of the South.” Zane’s fans welcomed her enthusiastically in Newport News, many of whom toted previously released titles that they were eager to get signed by “the Queen of Erotica.”

“People often ask me, ‘When did you become a writer?’ And my answer is always this. The moment I started paying attention, because that’s what writing really is —seeing, not skimming, not scrolling—but truly seeing the world around you. Listening closely, noticing the quiet things like how a child clings to a parent’s coat, or how a goodbye lingers in the air. Writers are observers, reflectors, translators of the world’s small and sacred moments. You don’t need a fancy desk or a degree. You need curiosity,” Zane said.

During her author talk, Zane provided valuable morsels of wisdom and advice for writers and aspiring authors.

Zane stated that writers need a deep commitment to showing up, even on the days when the words will not come.

“Before diving into a draft, try mapping out the bones of your story. Knowing your beginning, middle and end gives you direction. And remember a well-practiced story persuades, informs and entertains,” Zane said. “Let your readers escape their world while opening their hearts to yours.”

She stated that if readers do not care about a writer’s characters, they will not care what happens to them.

“Characters are everything. They should leap off the page and live in the minds of your readers long after the book is closed,” Zane shared.

Zane candidly discussed additional snippets of her experience as a philanthropist, literary agent, executive producer, director, scriptwriter, instructor, and seasoned erotic fiction novelist. She recalled that the late Eric Jerome Dickey was a friend who taught her about keeping character files to track details and their backstory to remain consistent. For example, characters should not go from being 5’10 in one chapter to being 6’3 in another.

Zane asserted that too many writers skip the revision stage of writing.  

“Great books aren’t written; they’re rewritten. The truth is, almost every story has already been told. What makes yours stand out is your twist, that unexpected spark, that fresh angle, that voice only you have. Then, you have to grab your reader quickly. We live in a world of endless distractions. If the first chapter doesn’t hit, the reader may not stick around. That’s why many publishers won’t even look at a manuscript unless it includes the first three chapters in order. Never try to trick an editor with your best chapters from the middle. They’ll see right through it,” Zane divulged.

“Writing is hard. It’s not all lightning bolts and late-night inspiration. Most books are written one sentence at a time, during early mornings, lunch breaks, quiet nights or even moments in the car. It’s not glamorous, but it’s sacred. Talent helps but persistence matters more,” the literary icon explained.

She suggested that authors should make their greatest weaknesses their greatest strengths.

 “Read as much as possible, because it sounds silly when a writer proclaims that they rarely read or don’t have any time to read,” Zane added.

Writing for the screen is collaborative, according to Zane.

“You’ll work with directors, actors, producers, and you’ll write visually. That means showing, not telling through dialogue, pacing and action,” she said.

Zane told attendees that with the rise of streaming platforms, the demand for fresh, diverse stories is booming.

“If screenwriting intrigues you start by reading scripts, write a sketch script, apply to fellowships, take a course, adapt your novel, or create something brand new.”

Zane said that her upcoming novel, “Nasty Work,” is about the compromises we make in the name of love, and the grace we must give ourselves when we realize we’ve made the wrong ones.

“Whether your story lives on the page, on the screen, your voice can make a difference. So, write with passion, revise your purpose, and publish with confidence,” Zane affirmed.

Follow Zane on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/planetzane or Facebook.