Interview with Kay Stephens, Author of The Porn Star’s Daughter

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Porn Star’s Daughter?

The Porn Star’s Daughter is the first book in a series of books that embraces the sex-work industry. But let me back up a bit, because the story behind this porn story begins in the stuffy world of US tax. When I started writing this book, I was working in corporate tax law, dominating a traditionally male-dominated industry, and laughing off my requisite daily dose of sexual harassment. But as I moved up the corporate ladder, I started to see my younger colleagues were being subject to the same workplace harassment I had so casually laughed off for the benefit of career progression. And I was, in large part, to blame for it.

John F. Kennedy once said “A rising tide lifts all boats” and I believe the opposite is also true—a falling tide sinks all ships. Through my workplace struggles, I realized that if I silently consented to my own harassers, I wasn’t just consenting on my own behalf. I was, rather, normalizing their behavior and thereby consenting on behalf of every woman. I was a ship sinker. And I had some repairs to make. So I created a universe that revolves around powerful female sex workers. The book is still fun, wild, and silly, but it also attempts to raise a sense of sexual empowerment for all women, one tide at a time.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Porn Star’s Daughter, what would they be?

Tali, my main character who is setting out in a brave new world – “Get Free” by Lana Del Rey.

James, my messy, combat-veteran love interest – “Hero of the Day” by Metallica.

Coventry, Tali’s roommate who controls their little dorm-room world with an iron will but no pants – “My Own Dance” by Kesha.

Seth, James’s roommate who excels only at making major life mistakes – “I Hate College” by Sam Adams.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I have two favorite genres that I flip between. First romance, obviously, because it is objectively the best genre with the best readers and the best community. I love the optimism inherent in romance novels and I love being part of a group that searches out others’ Happily Ever Afters. It’s why I chose to write in this genre!

But I have a hard rule that for every romance novel I read, I must next read one nonfiction book that discuses the science behind self-improvement. And some of these books have pivoted my life in new, positive directions. Examples include Hidden Potential by Adam Grant, Feeling Great by Dr. David D. Burns, and Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR list is long enough to break the internet but it is also, by some grace of the universe, very organized. So I will limit myself to my next four reads in the order I will read them: The Last Train Home by Elle Cook, High Performance Habits by Brandon Burchard, Before You Say I Do by Clare Lydon, and Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write was the first scene where all of the main characters came together for the first time. I could so clearly remember falling into freshman year of college and the desperate feeling of trying to make friends out of a group of strangers. It’s terrifying but there’s something magical about it—like a sudden realization you’ve jumped out of the nest with no safety net.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have one quirky writing habit that I always hoped no one would ask about. Even during the hottest days of the summer, I must wear my favorite writing sweatshirt. It’s hot pink, three sizes too big, and rocks the Circus Circus logo across the chest. Yes, the Vegas casino that looks like the set of a 1980s gameshow. But I’m always cold, I refuse to be uncomfortable, and if I’m being completely honest with myself…I love Circus Circus. So it’s a win for everyone except my husband who would probably burn it if he didn’t think it would lead to certain divorce.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“It actually doesn’t take much to be considered a difficult woman. That’s why there are so many of us.” – Jane Goodall

I have been considered a difficult woman since birth. But now that I’m writing romance novels about the sex-work industry from my cozy little nook in the US Bible Belt, my difficulty scores are measuring off the charts. It’s nice to remember I’m in good and plentiful company.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

There are eight billion people on this Earth with eight billion voices and opinions. And one of them is always going to be judging you. You’re too proper, you’re too trashy, you’re too loud, you’re too quiet. You take up too much space….

You get to choose every day whether to waste your time attempting to appease eight billion people. Or, alternatively, you can live according to your own standards, find your people, and laugh back at society’s ever-conflicting expectations of you. Like the characters in my book, I’ve tried it both ways, and I highly recommend the latter.

Kay Stephens is the author of the new book The Porn Star’s Daughter

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