FRESNO, Calif. – from www.sanluisobispo.com – Sunset Thomas has appeared in more than 300 adult films, worked at the Bunny Ranch brothel in Nevada and been photographed for stacks of magazines. She’s used those experiences to write fiction novel “Anatomy of an Adult Film” ($20, World Audience Inc.), which tells the story of a veteran star and an energetic novice.
Thomas, 37, is taking steps to move into a more mainstream career. The book, available at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com, is a major part of that transition.
She also writes about boxing for doghouseboxing.com; provides sex advice in Esquire Magazine; is launching the online reality show “Sin City Mom” in July (www.sincitymom.com); and is a regular talk show guest from “The O’Reilly Factor” to “Chelsea Lately.”
She talked about the novel and her career on a book tour stop:
QUESTION: Why did you decide to write a book?
SUNSET THOMAS: The one thing I do like about the book is that I get to explain the business in a series of sexy stories. What made me decide to write a book like this is when I travel, everyone is always asking me what it’s like to be a porn star. I made it fiction so I didn’t have to worry about going into certain details about certain people. It is different than the autobiographies out there by other porn stars. I wanted to write something different that would be entertaining.
Q: Do you have a routine to writing?
ST: I try to write early in the morning or late afternoon once I get everything settled down in the house.
Q: The book is a big step to ending your adult film career after 18 years. Is that a long time to be in the business?
ST: Yes. Most porn stars only last three or four years. I have been making movies for so many years, I now want to focus on my book, I want to start directing movies and doing the reality show.
Q: Has the recession hurt the adult industry?
ST: I think the Internet has hurt it more. The sales aren’t as good in stores because there is so much material online.
Q: What kind of health concerns did you have working in the adult industry?
ST: We all have to get tested every month. And we were tested weekly at the brothel.
Q: How did appearing on HBO’s “Cathouse” affect your career?
ST: I have people in their 70s come up to me, and they have never seen a porno movie, and will say, “You’re that girl from HBO.” They think of me as a TV star.
Q: Why do the reality show?
ST: It is a way to show people we live normal lives, too. I deal with everything from school to soccer games with my three children. And then you also get to see the glamour side. I think it will open people’s eyes to what we do.
Q: You have worked in businesses that offend some people. How do you respond to those critics?
ST: I have never had a lot of people come up to me to complain. Most people have treated me with respect. I love what I do. I am not ashamed of it. I tell anyone who wants to get in this business to get into it because you love it. It is not just about the money. It is about enjoying what you do.