If you’ve ever read a book by Zane, you know how hot things can get. The novelist has created a name for herself in the sultry world of black erotica. Her first novel, The Sex Chronicles, has been adapted for a cable series by Cinemax. Rolling out had the pleasure of chatting with cast member Laila Odom, otherwise known as the flirty Ana Marie Hawkings.
Many people are familiar with Zane and her books, especially The Sex Chronicles. Were you also familiar with her prior to working on the show?
Definitely! What I used to do on my flights is read. I became familiar with who [Zane] was and what she did. … I just tried to familiarize myself as much as I could with her characters.
Tell us a little bit about your character, Ana Marie — what’s she like?
My character is the youngest of the friends. She has her own relationship with Patience [Zane’s character] and the other characters came about later in life. The three main characters are Ana Marie, Patience and Lyric. Ana Marie is the comedian, she has sort of a sexual addiction and a very shady past. She’s got a boyfriend and is cheating on him — yet [viewers] don’t understand why. I don’t want to say too much, you’ll have to watch it. I will say that she’s definitely someone we all know.
