We are all voyeurs. Our insatiable appetite for looking into the intimate lives of others is the very reason for the success of so many people willing to make themselves vulnerable and speak candidly about the their most personal experiences. Whether we do it to learn, to escape, to be seduced, to be entertained, to be inspired, to have something to talk about, or to make ourselves feel better about our own lives; our need to know, hear and see things that exist outside ourselves is undeniably compelling and vehement.
This desire is the very reason that what started as a blog of a call girl from London, turned into a phenomenon that made “Belle De Jour” an author of several popular books and is the inspiration and beneficiary of the new Showtime series “The Secret Diary Of A Call Girl”.
This desire is the very reason that Raquel Pacheco, an ordinary brothel girl from Brazil, became a bestselling author and one of Brazils biggest celebrities after posting her real life intimate experiences online for the world to see.
This desire is the reason Ivy league lecturer Jeannette Angell is the successful author of six books, two of them being about her experiences as an escort.
It’s the reason for the notable success of author and former call girl Tracy Quann, whose books are published in 13 languages and who’s story “Diary Of A Manhattan Call Girl” has been optioned by Sony Pictures.
It’s the reason that a simple search on Amazon, or E-Bay, or a walk around Borders or Barnes and Noble will expose you to hundreds of books published by sex industry workers.
It’s the reason that when news breaks about prostitution rings being broken up, or about political leaders being caught in a sex scandal, offices and radio shows and dining room tables everywhere are abuzz with excited whispers from the eager lips of a titillated and story hungry public.
It’s why when Natalie McLennan or Jet Set Lara make articles or news appearances, we can’t help but listen.
It’s why the governor’s mistress gets the cover of a magazine and the presidents fellating intern gets her own handbag line. We are absolutely obsessed. It’s exciting for us.
We hunger for the knowledge of things we are told we’re not supposed to know. We all love secrets, and the best secrets come from all the things that society would like us to believe is bad. I have some pretty damn good secrets and I intend to make the most of that, whatever that may be.
I have learned through experience that honesty it is most liberating and through my online journal, I am able to speak the truth and therefore free myself.
I’m not seeking fame or attention; otherwise, I would use my real name. I don’t expect this to make me rich, either. However, every day I see the success and popularity of women like myself rise. I know there is an interest in our stories, and should my journaling open up a door of opportunity for me, I fully intend to walk through it.
Go ahead and look, voyeur. It is in your nature, so embrace it. I’m sharing myself with you because it is good for me. It helps me understand myself. It makes me stronger. And just maybe, it can lead to something else that may prove to be bigger and better. As far as what you get out of it, take what you will. Read, learn, point your finger at me if it makes you feel better about yourself. Get a laugh, get a thrill, get off. I don’t care. In the end, we will have gained something from each other.
I really enjoy what I do, and bringing my stories to you gives me great satisfaction. I hope that what I have to share is as pleasurable for you as it is for me.
Raquel~