Interview with porn star and writer Aurora Snow

The latest in my series of interviews with people in the sex industry gave me the chance to ask a few questions to the American porn actress and writer Aurora Snow. Aurora is unique in that beyond her adult video work she has also branched out into other things with some success. She writes regularly for The Daily Beast and even had a biographical comic book published by Carnal Comics.

Although she is obviously a busy person, Aurora was easy to contact and converse with. She graciously agreed to do this interview and provided complete answers to every question I had. Doing this question and answer session was a delight and the results are very interesting. Here’s what she had to say.

I know you’ve been asked this many times, but it will help readers who are unaware: how and when did you get into porn?

I entered the adult business in May of 2000. I answered a newspaper ad for nude modeling and to my surprise things took off from there.

What’s your best sexual memory? What’s your worst?

Hmmm… I don’t know that I have sexual memories. I recall my interactions with partners more than the sex itself, unless the sex just happened yesterday, it’s the feeling of it all that I recall the most — personally speaking. Are you asking about my best and worst moment on set at work?

In general. If you could start over again would you still have made porn?

Probably. Being in adult has led me on an interesting journey. I am happy with where I have ended up. I entered the business a shy book smart kid in her first year of college. I am now a more social well rounded person with street smarts to accompany all of those books I read.

If you had all the money you could ever want or need, would you have done porn?

Honestly? No. I entered porn for the money. It was the only reason I got in. So obviously if I’d had all the money in the world, or even if I had parents that paid for my education I probably would not have entered porn. However that being as it is, I am not unhappy with myself and have very few regrets in life. No more regrets than your average person.

What are the best and worst things that have come out of your porn experience?

The worst things that have come from my porn career are the lousy ways it’s changed any relationship I have or may one day want. It’s social baggage that no one can fathom when they first enter. The world doesn’t think being a porn star is “cool” the way the entertainment industry does. It’s eliminated some of my future career options and it’s also lessened my credibility in some ways. No one believes girls who do porn are smart, or at least very few do.

However on the flip side of that I have been given more opportunities because of the business than I would have been given without it. I have worked with some of the top photographers, been in mainstream movies and magazines, and best of all granted an amazing opportunity to write for The Daily Beast. I’d always wanted to write ultimately and so in a way I am doing exactly what I’ve always wanted to do. And that is rare.

How long have you been writing? How did you start?

I have been an amateur writer most of my life. However I penned my first magazine column for an adult magazine five years ago and began writing for The Daily Beast in 2010.

Do you prefer writing or fucking on film?

I always make it a point to enjoy what I do whatever it is that I am doing.

Do you find that some outlets don’t take your writing seriously because of your adult work?

That will always be a possibility. The real question is will anyone take me seriously if and when I want to write about a subject outside of sex or porn.?

Have you had any issues with family or friends finding out about your adult work? Has it caused any problems in your personal life?

Of course. It affects every relationship I’ve ever had. It’s hard for people to understand.

What would your advice be to a person wanting to follow in your footsteps and start making porn? How about if it was a sister of yours? Would that change things?

Maybe this makes me a hypocrite but if I had a sister I wouldn’t want her to do porn. It’s a tough business and very few girls are smart enough to save the money they make and go on to do something else. Most girls get wrapped up in the “lifestyle” don’t bother to pay taxes, spend just as much as they make, and then when the work isn’t as frequent they start working for less and less money just to keep working. After a certain amount of time the law of diminishing returns goes into effect. Some girls leave the business with less than they began because they leave in debt. There are a few that don’t, but only a very few.

How do you think porn can continue to be profitable with all of the free content now available online? Has the advent of file sharing, tube sites and the like put a big dent in your earnings?

It cannot be. That’s the hard truth everyone is afraid of. There are less companies that shoot less and don’t pay as much. Ten years ago porn was profitable, but now companies are struggling with how to profit and go forward long term.

12. Would you say the average porn star makes more or less money over their career than they would have if they done a “vanilla” job?

In the beginning of any girls career for the first three to maybe five years she’ll make more than most but as the years go by the yearly income dwindles. Again, law of diminishing returns.

Who is your favorite porn star of all time?

Lauren Phoenix was always one of my favorites. Gauge and Sunny Lane.

What do you think of prostitution?

I see nothing wrong with it. It’s the oldest profession in the world. It shouldn’t be illegal. It’s a perfectly acceptable profession. It’s between consenting adults. One wants to buy something another is offering. Nothing wrong with that. I believe in free will.  I don’t believe in the pimp and control aspect that sometimes pops up, but perhaps if it were all legalized and not punishable by law then the pimp aspect would die out.

What do you think of bukkake? Japanese porn?

To each his or her own. I am not a fan but I know many that love bukkake. I’ve never done one because I just couldn’t get into it. As for Japanese porn, I cannot say I have watched much of it.

Andrea Dworkin?

I think she only saw pornography one way. There are of course some violent aspects and that’s what she focused on. She failed to focus on the positive aspects. Most people are either pro-porn or anti-porn. Very few are willing to say it can be both good and bad depending on what you are watching and how you deal with it personally. It’s just like anything. Food can even be both good and bad for you.

What is your favorite book? What book would you recommend to a porn fan who rarely reads?

Tough. I’m really loving Going Clear by Lawrence Wright. However I also just read The Racketeer by John Grisham. I read that book in about a day it was a quick read. I’ve read all of Stephen King and Michael Crichton’s books. Kurt Vonnegut is also one of my favorite all time authors.

Have you ever done live stripping or adult webcamming? If so how was it?

Of course. Most girls in porn have. I am not much of a stripper, I just have fun on stage and give a show.

I kind enjoyed web camming a lot. If I’d known how much fun it could be I’d probably have begun doing it sooner. I have fun creating personalized shows for my web cam viewers.

How long do you plan on gracing the world with your great videos and pictures?

I have no idea. For as long as it makes sense I suppose.

Any final words?

Yes, for the best Aurora Snow archive in the world, which includes free blogs, home videos, new releases and classic footage visit my website www.AuroraSnow.com or keep up with me on twitter my handle is @MissAuroraSnow