Sex Work, Feminism & the Making of "Girl Gone Wild" with "Spent" Author Antonia Crane

In this intimate and revelatory episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kosak sits down with returning guest Antonia Crane, author of the acclaimed memoir Spent, to discuss the long, winding journey of bringing Kosak's own memoir, Girl Gone Wild, to life. The conversation spans the emotional and structural evolution of the book, from its earliest roots in a 2011 essay to its final form after years of revision, mentorship from writers like Chloe Caldwell and Cheryl Strayed, and participation in multiple writing incubators. They explore themes of trauma, feminism, sex work, identity, and the transformative power of memoir, with particular focus on the book’s unflinching portrayal of sexual assault, the male gaze, and the complex interplay between agency, bravado, and vulnerability. Antonia praises the book’s propulsive, episodic structure and its refusal to succumb to despair, calling it a vital feminist text for the millennial generation. The episode also delves into the practical realities of publishing, including contest submissions, contract negotiation, and self-marketing strategies, with Kosak sharing her innovative approach to building pre-orders through student incentives, a confessional class, and daily video content. The discussion culminates in a heartfelt reflection on the book’s release and the bittersweet moment when a work of personal truth becomes public property.