let's read ~ narrating scenes from my book

So many of you have been asking, 'what is Behind Closed Doors about?' and I'm thrilled to finally share a little more about this journey I've poured my heart into. This isn't just a book; it's my raw, adult, nonfiction memoir detailing a period of my life as an American call girl in the early 2000s. It’s a story I felt compelled to tell, not for sensationalism, but to shed light on a 'little known life' that often remains unseen, misunderstood, or judged. When I started writing, I wrestled with how much to reveal, how to capture the 'dark, gritty, and funny as hell' parts without losing the truth of my experience. College was rough, like, really rough, and for a long time, I carried this romanticized idea in my head. I used to spend hours imagining a rich, misunderstood man falling in love with me, rescuing me from poverty. I dreamt of being woven into the luxurious intricacies of his world, whisked away from my reality. I pictured candlelit tubs, strawberry champagne, and rose petals on satin sheets, just like in the movies. Every movie I had seen as a child told me there was a chance for that fairy tale ending. But reality, as it often does, had a different script. My arrival at this supposed destination wasn't met by a knight in shining armor, but by a stern security guard patrolling a gated entrance. That stark contrast between my daydreams and the harsh reality became a central theme in 'Behind Closed Doors.' It explores the disillusionment, the unexpected moments of connection, and the sheer resilience it took to navigate that world. Writing a memoir, especially one so personal, felt a bit like creating a 'voice memoir app' for my own past – a way to capture my thoughts, feelings, and the exact tone of those years. It allowed me to process and understand the choices I made, the people I met, and how those experiences shaped the person I am today. It's about finding my own voice, even when the world tried to silence it. I hope this memoir offers readers a glimpse into a life often caricatured but rarely understood. It's about more than just the profession; it's about survival, identity, and finding strength in unexpected places. It’s for anyone who's ever felt like they were living 'behind closed doors' in their own way, struggling to reconcile their dreams with their reality. I truly believe that by sharing these stories, we can foster more understanding and empathy. It’s available for pre-order now, and I can't wait for you to read it and perhaps join the #lemon8bookclub discussion when it’s out!