This Fresh Air interview features author Brittany Newell, who also works as a professional dominatrix, discussing her new novel *Soft Core*. The conversation explores the blurred lines between fiction and reality in her writing, focusing on her protagonist Ruth, a stripper and dominatrix who encounters clients grappling with loneliness and grief. Newell explains how her experiences inform her writing, highlighting the importance of empathy and observation in both professions. She also discusses the role of scent and the unexpected realities of working in BDSM spaces, contrasting the popular image of "dungeons" with the actual settings. The interview concludes with reflections on the emotional toll of sex work and potential career transitions for those in the field.
