A Conversation with Sue Camaione, Author of The Practical Seductress: How I Learned to Take My Hat and Run

Sue Camaione is the author of a new sexually charged memoir, The Practical Seductress: How I Learned to Take My Hat and Run. Sue’s memoir exposes the dangerous path to sexual equality. Filled with humor and learned wisdom as a woman in midlife, Sue exposes the double standard of desire and turns it into a “practical” how-to approach while navigating treacherous and unpredictable paths. It’s an inspiring tale of resilience that defies social norms in a world where men seek adventure, and women find shame—all in the pursuit of pleasure. In this book, Sue sets off on a rebellious course to make her way as a young woman determined to live on her own terms despite societal mores. Both a coming-of-age memoir and a depiction of an era, The Practical Seductress exposes the dangerous and passionate path to sexual equality. Full of a precocious curiosity about sexuality, Sue questions her religious education, challenges her school dress code, sets herself on a quest to lose her virginity and, as she grows older, encounters challenges that at times leave her broke, sick, and homeless. She flees upstate New York, embarking on romantic adventures across the country. She discovers orgasmic joy in the Rocky Mountains, falls in love in Tucson, struggles with open marriage in San Diego, and explores forbidden intimacy in the arms of a Chilean graduate student in Boston. These experiences, men, places and friendships transform her. Both a coming-of-age story and a depiction of an era, The Practical Seductress exposes the gender double standard and the dangers and joys of sexual freedom that defined the 1970s and ’80s. Filled with humor and learned wisdom, this is a story of desire and survival, navigating treacherous and unpredictable paths, defying social norms, and finding redemption. Sue spent her professional life working as an education reporter, publications creative manager, and business development professional focused on health research. Two of the chapters from The Practical Seductress were originally presented to Washington DC–area audiences at the Story Fest Short Slam storytelling contests. Sue is a member of The Writers Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where she resides. In addition to performing in area storytelling competitions, she is penning the second book of her trilogy of memoirs and learning to play drums. She is also a literacy mentor to area students, hoping to foster a new generation of writers. Sue’s sharp-tongued suffragette grandmother was her inspiration for writing The Practical Seductress. Says Cyn Meyer, founder of Second Wind Movement: “A story fueled by intricate and entertaining storytelling; Sue bravely puts herself out there—sharing raw, honest tales of a girl’s quest to overcome the sexual double standard. While she unravels and re-ravels her coming of age in a captivating, quick read, her journey toward womanhood and becoming a resilient, empowered feminist will leave a lasting impression. Her witty writing confronts difficult topics head-on and evokes the whole spectrum—from shock and outrage to hilarity and tears of joy.” Follow Sue and learn more at the links below: www.suecamaione.com www.facebook.com/sue.camaione www.linkedin.com/in/scamaione X/twitter: @SuzyC19584106