Disappearing Acts, Terry McMillan's second novel, represents a pivotal moment in her literary career. Following the critical acclaim of her debut novel, Mama (1987), McMillan ventured further into new narrative territories with Disappearing Acts, setting the stage for her subsequent national bestseller, Waiting to Exhale. Through these works, McMillan has carved a unique space in African American literature, diverging from the traditional focus on race and racism that characterized the writings of the Harlem Renaissance and later decades. Instead, she and her contemporaries wrote from a place where racism, while still a pervasive reality, is one of many facets of life.

The "New Black Aesthetic," which McMillan discusses in the introduction to Breaking Ice: An Anthology of Contemporary African-American Fiction (1990), forms the foundation of Disappearing Acts. The novel's narrative revolves around the relationship between Franklin and Zora rather than emphasizing racial struggles. Although Franklin encounters discrimination in employment, the core of the story focuses on personal relationships. This perspective shift reflects McMillan's departure from traditional narratives and highlights her desire to explore broader themes.

When McMillan initially submitted Disappearing Acts to her publisher, she faced a request to compose the entire novel from Franklin's point of view, given the potential marketability of a black woman's portrayal of a black man. McMillan, however, declined, choosing to remain true to her artistic vision rather than conforming to commercial pressures.

Upon its release, the novel faced a public controversy when McMillan's former lover filed a defamation lawsuit, claiming to be the unflattering inspiration for Franklin. The lawsuit, dismissed in April 1990, brought additional attention to the book. Despite these challenges, Disappearing Acts established McMillan's reputation as an author with mass appeal, although it did not receive the same level of scholarly attention as the works of Alice Walker or Toni Morrison.

The evolution of McMillan's literary career illustrates her bold narrative choices and her willingness to challenge existing norms. In Disappearing Acts, she portrays Zora, a heroine at ease with her sexuality and aligned with white artistic norms, a portrayal that diverges from many contemporary African American narratives lacking strong foremother figures. This departure sparked criticism but also underscored McMillan's contribution to the literary landscape.

The elements introduced in Disappearing Acts laid the groundwork for Waiting to Exhale, where McMillan further explores themes of African American women's professional and personal lives. While her storytelling might draw comparisons to popular romance authors like Danielle Steele, McMillan's work stands out for its focus on the complexities and solidarities within African American women's experiences. Her ability to blend popular appeal with themes of cultural significance continues to resonate, marking her as a significant voice in contemporary literature.