Total Eclipse of the Heart is another groundbreaking yet intoxicating read from Zane. It offers a different view from the author on relationships, self esteem, and acceptance of one’s deficiencies. Zane was forthcoming and provided some concrete knowledge for women dealing with the challenges of dating and relationships in today’s world.

MaBu:  In your latest book, Total Eclipse of the Heart, what was the inspiration?

Zane: I wanted to write a love story that was not overshadowed by sex and delve deep into relationships, and how some people are shallow and become involved in toxic relationships. How they are just really wasting their time. People often focus on traits they want in a mate but not necessarily what they need.

MaBu:  In the book, Carleigh’s best girl Jordan is often found throwing herself at her best friend’s husband and has numerous failed relationships.  Her character’s sense of style and demeanor is described as sort of a hoochie. From your perspective how do women often become the typical “Jordan”?  Should her character be something for us to learn from?

Zane:  There are a bunch of women out here who are that way. They want something they cannot have. You have to watch your friends. I decided to flip the script. Usually it is the man who wants the trophy wife. This time Damon was the trophy husband whom all Carleigh’s friends desired. Carleigh was a very selfish person. I made Damon and Brooke’s lives parallel to the other. Damon struggled with his disability while Brooke struggled with her self-esteem.

MaBu:  The lack of honesty between men and women in relationships are addressed throughout the book. Why?

Zane:  People put on too many pretenses and try to keep it up, eventually that falters.  Often in relationships a person will accept somebody thinking they can change that person. A lot of people are married to complete strangers.  When people are incompatible, by the time they figure it out, they are already emotionally involved.

MaBu:  Children often learn about relationships from observing their parents. Patrick’s parents were experiencing some issues regarding infidelity. His behavior became more understandable after the situation between his parents in the limo with Brooke was exposed.  What did you want your readers to take away from Patrick’s character?

Zane:  Patrick’s behavior was normal to him because his father did it. He saw this in his parent’s marriage.

MaBu:  What is the first thing we can do as women of color to bridge the gap between men and ourselves when it comes to dating and relationships?

Zane:  Be honest about what you want, and accept nothing less. For example if you want a man that is a homebody, and you hook up with a drum player who plays in a band, you’re setting yourself up for failure. He’s going to be spending 3 to 4 times a week working until 3 am because he’ll have to play at different events. If you became involved with someone who instead worked a normal 9 to 5 and spent one night a week occasionally working late, you can compromise with him. But if the compromise is too high, and you have to change yourself, then they’re not for you. People have to be careful with who they get involved with. I don’t think people ask enough questions.

MaBu:  There were several references to ‘down low’ relationships between men in the novel. In particular the character Tony discusses ‘bug parties’ with Brooke. What exactly are bug parties and why did you include this in the novel?

Zane:  Bug parties are parties that men attend to intentionally try to catch HIV. There was a documentary done in the UK about this several years ago. I included this in the book because I wanted more people to know about it. Men and women need to get tested before they sleep with somebody. We don’t ask enough questions.

MaBu:  Zane, how do you feel about the media and the role they play in the African American community regarding dating and relationships?

Zane:  Media portrays it for a free for all. Commitment really doesn’t mean much. Not just black celebrities, but celebrities period. They have a lackadaisical attitude about relationships. Women have to go through a behavior modification. When animals are put into a certain environment they adapt. We are put into an environment our ancestors were not put in. We need a behavior modification.  We have to rethink the things done in the past if we want to be happy. Alter your thinking but do not compromise everything”.

Make sure you pick up Zane’s latest novel, Total Eclipse of the Heart available now. For more on Zane visit her website at www.eroticanoir.com.

Charice McCray is a personal finance writer and small business owner in Pennsylvania. Her articles regularly appear on several online media publications. She has worked at several reputable financial organizations. A former registered investment representative, she loves educating people on personal finance and how to save money for children. Visit her blog at http://www.longgreenforkids.blogspot.com to get tips on budgeting and saving for children.