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WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 11, 2005 - It is common to find erotica with literary pretensions. It is less common to see literature with erotic pretensions. Stephanie Doesn't Answer the Phone Anymore, the new book by author R. M. Rhodes, could easily be described by either phrase. The story follows the title character's travels across Europe and experiences she never imagined she'd find herself having. The book is an exploration of Stephanie's self discovery and immersion in a previously unexamined sex-positive world. The author is hosting a book signing on April 15 at the Cosmo Lounge of Chief Ike's Mambo Room, with proceeds of the sale of the book during the event benefiting HIPS (Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive), an organization dedicated to assisting sex workers in the District. "HIPS is always happy to support sex-positive artists with something constructive to say," said Cyndee Clay, Executive Director of HIPS. "The money raised will help us move into a larger office space that will benefit our outreach programs, which have become very popular." "Given the parallels between the community explored in the book and the reality of sex workers in Washington, D.C., it makes sense that I'd want to support an organization that is dedicated to addressing issues on the front-lines of the sex industry," said Rhodes. "Whether in fact or fiction, this is an issue that deserves our attention and support." Stephanie Doesn't Answer the Phone Anymore More information about Stephanie Doesn't Answer the Phone Anymore (ISBN: 1-4137-5945-9) can be found at www.oletheros.com. It is currently available through Amazon.com and other fine retailers. R. M. Rhodes can be contacted at (703) 302-5153 or rhodes@oletheros.com for comment or interview. Review copies available on request. HIPS' mission is to assist female, male, and transgendered individuals engaging in sex work in Washington, D.C. in leading healthy lives. Using a harm reduction model, HIPS' programs strive to address the impact that HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, discrimination, poverty, violence and drug use have on the lives of individuals engaging in sex work. More information is available at hips.org. |