Dirty Words: Interview with Shy Love, Author of “How to Make Money in Adult Entertainment”

Shy Love has been in pornography for over a decade, so she’s learned a thing or two about pleasing a thing or two million, and now she’s ready to share that knowledge with us in her new book How to Make Money in Adult Entertainment. The strikingly beautiful actress, director and writer of Sicilian and Puerto Rican descent was born in Germany, but moved stateside to Connecticut when she was only five years old. She has since earned a bachelor’s degree, two masters and is a certified public accountant. That means, if you can stop looking at her amazing rack for a moment you may learn something. 

You’ve previously written How to Catch a Kitten and How to Land a Rich Man, and now you’ve announced the publication of How to Make Money in Adult Entertainment. Besides the template of the titles, do these were these books supposed to be a trilogy in that they’re formally related?

I did not put them out as a trilogy. I created a site called moneylovesuccess.com so that individuals can go to the site and find ways to create better lifestyles whether it be in business or in personal relationships. 

Can you sustain a livable wage in pornography, be in it for the long haul, or is it more akin to sports, where the players make a substantial amount of money but only over a short period of time?

Like any business there are some people who make little money and big players that make a lot of money. In this business there are ample opportunities to make a lot of money if you diligent and smart about every move you make. 

You, obviously, worked in front of the cameras for a number of years and then moved on to produce and direct and write, but what about the person who just loves to fuck, are they out of luck?

If you are only relying on having sex you have a shelf life that will expire. You need more than to just be in front of the camera to survive this business. 

Despite the vocal proponents who say porn is empowering, the majority of the people in it are not seeking a spiritual but financial reward, which takes the romance and edge out of the industry, so is porn just a business like banking but with bigger boobs?

I am a completely different person today then I was when I started porn. Porn did not empower me but it made me understand sexuality and how to use it for my gain. Prior to porn I thought there was no need to be sexual as long as you have brains. I was mistaken with the mix of both sexuality and brains money is just the beginning of what you can get in this business. So to the answer to your question is it just a business, I just say it’s a risky business with great opportunities if you do it wisely. 

What are some of the hurdles you had to clear in order to make porn a career and not a youthful diversion?

If you want porn to be a career treat it like one. Know what moves you want to do to get to the end game you have chosen. Don’t just focus on doing great scenes. Focus on making your name a household brand and do events, radio interviews, feature dancing, book store signing, etc. 

Why do you think, as you write in your newest book, that there’s no better time to seek a career in the adult industry?

With today’s economy at its low and jobs are scarce, the adult industry still provides a lucrative income source for many. 

Is there anything you wouldn’t have done on camera, and what advice to you offer actors who are put in a position of being asked to do something beyond what they feel comfortable with?

There was a lot I did not do on camera. My advice to girls coming in is never do something you would not do at home in your personal life. Under no condition even if the money is great do something that you said you would never do. That’s how you lose your soul. 

On a personal level the fantasy of pornography, regardless of how outlandish, is understandable and can even be healthy, but when made into a commodity and practiced collectively do you feel that the positive and natural elements of sex are sucked dry?

I do not believe that the positive nature and elements of sex are sucked dry by pornography. I find it is invigorating and has helped me to be a better sexual person. 

You offer practical advice on getting into and succeeding in adult, which acknowledges the job is an industry like any other, but there must be differences that they don’t teach you in business school?

As a woman there is one thing that is different, this is a man-controlled business! Learn the games and politics quick and figure out how to be part of the boy’s team otherwise you have a fight against you. A woman with power in this business has the power to do or change anything. 

Buy "How to Make Money in Adult Entertainment" Here!