Is there a crisis in black relationships? Despite millions of examples of loving couples, black women and men still have negative perceptions of each other. As a successful black woman in her 30s, marriage is on my mind. So I set out to find out where these perceptions came from—and if they are true.

Donna L. Franklin's 2001 book, What's Love Got to Do with It?, shows that 7 out of 10 black mothers give negative messages to their daughters … Read More

What negative perceptions have you heard about black men and women? "I've heard countless 'men ain't no good stories.' One reason I feel black men are scared of commitment is because they never learned how to love a woman. A lot of men and women are raised in broken homes, and these become our examples of what a relationship is."

--MICHAEL, 44, Black, single

"I've heard black women are bitter and disappointed because they've met a brother who's not stepping up. Meanwhile Black men whine about the struggle of the black man and bring the fight back home, … Read More

Writing about sex has always been an honorable tradition. Just like good sex, good sex writing is in the details, the images, the scenario, the melding of reality and fantasy. We read erotica for inspiration, sometimes to lose ourselves, though we often find parts of ourselves within the story. Good sex writing paints a picture; it shows as well as tells, and it connects your mind to your body.

I wake the next morning, sore and satisfied, my muscles aching from all night of lovemaking. I lay naked and sprawled out, the sheets a mess. A smile bright as … Read More

How did you get into the field? I've been in the writing business for over 12 years: As a book editor at Random House, then as an editorial consultant and a writer. My first book was Brown Sugar: A Collection of Erotic Black Fiction published by Viking/Penguin. It became a best seller that spawned a 4-book series. I then published Wanderlust a travel themed erotic collection. The success of my books have made me a "sexpert," the go-to person for all things erotic. I'm presently working on an erotic novel. Have you always thought of yourself … Read More