Dirty Money: Memoirs of a stripper
Author
Erin Louis
Author Bio
I am for all intents and purposes a stay at home mom. I take care of 9 year old and a 40 year old (I’m married to the latter). I am also a classically trained pastry chef, first time author, and part time stripper.
I enjoy cooking, writing, and occasionally showing my genitalia to the adult public.
Description
Having spent 17 years in the exotic dancing industry, I have grown tired of the typical ill adjusted, drug addicted stripper story. Contrary to the reigning stereotype, I offer a candid look at my own adventures in the industry and how it has affected my life. I present my memoirs as a rebuttal to the talk show depiction of exotic dancers as chemically challenged, poorly disguised prostitutes with severe daddy and body image issues.
Starting with my childhood, I recount the experiences I had and what led to my choice to become a stripper. I recall the funny, sad, and sometimes gross moments in my career. I try to answer all the questions most people ask me once they’ve had a few too many drinks and finally give in to their curiosity about my naughty job.
Book excerpt
I hear people talk about strippers not having any self-respect. I happen to disagree with that blanket statement. I did respect myself. I realized that it took an incredible amount of courage to get up on stage completely exposed. It took a huge effort on my part. No one made me do it. I didn’t do it to prove anything to anyone, but myself. I was really proud of myself.
Also, didn’t feel disrespected by anyone else. I had made the choice to be there. I put myself in a position to be judged aesthetically and I understood what that might entail. I was there to be objectified, and I was damned happy that I was attractive enough to be in that position. I didn’t feel demeaned or put down. Quite the opposite, I felt liberated. I finally felt good enough, and I had the freedom to walk away should anyone try to piss on my parade.
I was smart enough to know that I was a little minnow swimming in a pool of sharks. I knew that there were predators that preyed on the weak. That was one of the reasons I didn’t drink or smoke pot before I worked. I knew it was important for me to be in control at all times. I also believed that if I needed to be drunk or high to get naked on stage, then I shouldn’t be doing it at all. I knew that I had to be able to do this sober if I wanted to be successful.