The call girl who wanted the job

By Peter Graff

LONDON (Reuters) - When most schoolgirls were playing with their Barbie dolls, Amanda Brooks was dreaming of growing up to be a prostitute.

"When I was in fourth grade, it sounded like a good idea for me. To me it sounded like a really interesting way to make a living and not having to follow other peoples' rules," she told Reuters by telephone from Texas where she lives.

Retired at 29 with a steady boyfriend after two-and-a-half years working as an escort, she has published a handbook for aspiring call girls everywhere.

"The Internet Escort's Handbook" contains tips on how to set up a website, advertise, screen clients to stay safe and keep out of trouble with the law.

"When I began working I had a lot of questions and there wasn't really any way to find out answers. I did what they always tell authors to do: I wrote the book that I wished I had been able to read," she said.

She is unapologetic about a lifestyle that she says suited her perfectly. On her website she describes her frustration at being told she should get a "real job".

"I've read many job books which list the symptoms to look for when a job is going bad: depression, stress, anxiety, insomnia, weight gain or weight loss, anger, ulcers, hair loss, hatred, suicidal thoughts, and feeling trapped."

"How did I feel working as an escort? Happy, satisfied, in control of my life; wealthy, healthy, at peace with myself, free, successful and I slept like a baby every night."