Joey Mills Takes Manhattan

Not since Joey Stefano has a Joey caused such a stir in gay adult film. Like his predecessor, Joey Mills has an electricity that excites fans. New Yorkers will have the chance to feel the spark up close and in-person when Joey appears at Strand Bookstore tonight.

He'll be there to promote Electric Soul, the novel that is based on his pre-film life.

Written by Taylor Saracen and being released through 13 Red Media, Electric Soul is coming-of-age novel that chronicles a teenage Mills: reckless, brazen and unapologetically outspoken, who — for reasons he can’t explain — chooses to hide a key part of his true self from the world. It is a journey in self-discovery, as well as an unconventionally heartwarming story of the relationship between a troubled teen and his mother as they confront life’s challenges.

“Electric Soul is a view at teenage life,” explains the author, a former middle and high school teacher. Saracen holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Developmental Psychology and is particularly interested in the plight of youth whose path to adulthood may appear unorthodox to most.

Mills played a key role in the development of the novel. “As I wrote it, I sent each chapter to Joey and we texted or Facetimed to make sure everything felt right,” Saracen continues.

Mills also gave her access to his mother and sister. “His family plays an important role in his life story and it was incredibly helpful to get their input on events.”

Electric Soul is the third novel in the series, Rise Up. It follows His Own Way Out, inspired by the early life of Helix model Blake Mitchell and Twink, a book about Helix model Kyle Ross. While the characters change and the stories vary in each Rise Up novel, common themes—including the struggle for independence, identifying one’s passions, searching for acceptance and for love—are interwoven through the pages in all.

Saracen’s hope is that the series illuminates how difficult the teenage years can be for young people, and how the complexities can be compounded by confusion or shame about sexuality.

“I seek to de-stigmatize those who work in the adult film industry by showing how closely their struggles mirror our own,” she says. “They are a community that has been marginalized and maligned. They deserve better representation.”

Meet Joey Mills and author Taylor Saracen tonight at Strand Bookstore (828 Broadway, NYC) from 7pm - 9pm. Electric Soul is available now on Amazon.