Showing posts with label #CoverModel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #CoverModel. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Happy Fall, Divas! Out-Foxxe'd is Almost Here...

Whew! This year is flying by. I swear I blinked and it was spring. Now, we're almost to October. We know what that means. cooler weather, cozy socks, bonfires, pumpkins, mugs filled with our favorite beverages and books that heat things up when the nights are long and chilly.

In less than two weeks, I'll have one of those HOT books to warm you up and get that blood pumping...to your most important areas that may be in need of some attention. Check out this amazing cover created by Bookin' It Designs. It features the very handsome Julian Christian. And that fox--I'm so in love with this one.

Out-Foxxe'd is my fifth Rosie Peaks book. I've teamed up with Wendi Zwaduk/Megan Slayer to turn this into a Rosie Peaks Crossover series. If you're familiar with Rosie's first two books, she was a monster-craving-nympho who wasn't exactly the ideal heroine. In book 3, she met the ghost of Ichabod Crane and her entire world changed. Let's say she had a wake-up call. She's been gone for two years and has now found herself in a quaint, college town. Eriewood, Ohio is now where Megan's and my characters are living and loving. Here's the blurb for Out-Foxxe'd:
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Coming Soon ðŸŒŸðŸŒŸðŸŒŸðŸŒŸ
Markus Foxxe is in Eriewood for one reason. His boss wants Rosie Peaks. He doesn't know why and he shouldn't care, but after meeting her, there's no way Markus will hand her over to the highest bidder.
Rosie Peaks left DuFour, Indiana two years ago and found a safe haven away from all things paranormal. Working at Mulcahy's Pub has been fairly uneventful. Until Markus Foxxe rolled into town in his silk suits with a primal sex appeal that makes her want to spend every night with him banging like a screen door in a hurricane. The only problem is, Rosie isn't looking for a commitment and Markus seems as though he's a one-mate kind of guy.
Will Markus change her mind? Or will Rosie find herself on the run again?
Links are live ♡

Rosie is as sassy as ever, but I believe she's met her match this time. 
Here's are a few snippets so you can see what Rosie's up to now. Happy Reading and I'll see you again right before Halloween.  
XOXOX,
Madison

Excerpt 1:
“What’ll it be?” She asked.
With one look from him, her heart nearly stopped beating and for some illogical reason, she felt as if her ovaries were deciding on the one egg that would be the perfect match for Mr. Amber Eyes with Thick Dark Lashes.
“What do you recommend.”
I recommend you take me home and fuck me senseless, she thought. Holy hell! That voice. Deep, almost a purr and smoother than a highball glass of aged Kentucky bourbon. Did men purr? No, but his voice was close enough. How could she feel as if she were being nestled in the softest fur when he’d barely spoken a handful of words to her. The way his lips begged to be kissed—smooth, full without being puffy. Such a perfect accent upon his Greek God chiseled face.
What she wouldn’t give to get one long look at his naked body. The silk business suit he wore was fine and sexy for some women she supposed, but, a walking, talking Adonis should be naked and posed for her optimum viewing pleasure. She’d ask him to stand in the corner of her bedroom and admire every single inch of him.
“Anything you want, I can give you.” Shit. Get it together, nympho. “I mean, our bartender, Lando, can make a million drinks. So, your wish is my command.” Damn it. “I mean—”
Mr. Adonis chuckled and it made her feel like a blubbering idiot. “I know exactly what you mean.” With a smirk, he continued, “How about something…dirty? A martini, please.”
“Okay. But, I should warn you this is last call. Do you wanna make it a double?”
“Sure. Why not. Guess I arrived too late to appreciate your…hospitality this evening.” His gaze traveled the length of her body and Rosie felt a trail of heat in its wake.
“Yeah. Sorry about that. I’ll make your last few moments here as enjoyable as I can.”
“I certainly hope so.” With the jukebox shut down for the evening and no other customers in the place, she heard him whisper as she went to turn in his drink order.
Any man who ordered a double during last call meant one of two things: He wanted sex or he was trouble. She’d gladly grant him the former if he propositioned her and she wouldn’t give a flying unicorn about the latter. He was—That. Damn. Hot.
What the hell had gotten into her? And how many cold showers would she take after work to get the man she just met out of her fantasies?

Excerpt 2:

“Why? Those spells suck and I’ve spent most of my life trying to stop them from happening. Do you have any idea what it’s like to live with something you need to learn to control? Because controlling them is the only way I’ve managed to live a semi-normal life without feeling like I was either going mad or being ripped apart.”
“I hate to be the messenger here, but, you have to allow them to happen. Haven’t you ever wondered why you were attracted to the monsters, the outcasts of society?”
“Um—it’s pretty simple. They’re nicer than most humans and more honest. Or so I thought until I was possessed by a ghost and betrayed by this asshole.” She hitched her thumb at Markus. “Let me guess. There’s some mystical explanation.” She waggled her fingers in the air. “Oh, better yet. Next, you’re gonna tell me I’m a motherfucking unicorn.” Rosie laughed it off. 
“Well, you are one of a kind. So, if you want to make jokes, technically, you’re our unicorn. You’re the voice of the living and dead. You can hear everything—if you open yourself up to it. And you’re the only person in the world with that ability, Rosie. You are The One. So, yeah, you’re a motherfucking unicorn in your own way. Does that satisfy your sarcasm quota for the evening? Can we move on now?” 


Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Wild Wicked Weekend

I don't go to many conferences. I have social anxiety issues and being in crowds of people I don't know kind of freaks me out. But there is one conference that I go to and I have a great time at. It's Wild Wicked Weekend.

Held during the end of February in San Antonio, this conference is laid back but boy is it decadent. It's readers, writers, and cover models getting together for a couple days of fun. There are cover pictures (where you get to pretend you're on a romance cover) taken by the very talented Taria R. Reed. That's mine right over there. There are costume contests. There's a trip to a BDSM dungeon. This year there was also body painting and Sex Position Gumby. Yeah, that last one you have to see to actually understand :)

The beauty of the conference, for me at least, is I can do the things I want to do but there's no pressure for me to do things I'm not interested in.

But my favorite part of the conference is I get to see my author friends. Writing can be an isolating profession. And this year has been kind of rough. It's nice to get away from the business of writing and just hang out with your friends. And, by the end of the weekend, everybody there was a friend.

So if you're free in February of 2017 you should check it out.

http://wildwickedweekend.com/

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Anna Dishes on the Emerald City Writers Conference

October is the month when I feel like a rock star with back to back conferences. On Tuesday I shared my time at Romanticon and today it's the Emerald City Writers' Conference!

Me and Diva Sabrina
ECWC is geared more toward writers, and offers workshops on all aspects of the romance publishing industry. We have our fun too, but believe me when I say this conference is when I get some serious work done. I had the pleasure of presenting a workshop on writing sexy scenes with Gail Bridges and fellow Decadent Diva Sabrina York, and I had the privilege of handing out the awards for the Emerald City Opener winners.

Thor had my post-conference whiskey waiting. Good boy.
Kim Killion presented some workshops on book covers, and even brought along cover model Harvey Stables for some photo fun. This was a conference first and a big hit. Of course it might have helped that I was front and center with a camera egging people on and showing them how it's done. Spending some time with the EC Cavemen has given me some experience. Thor, Bradley Cooper, Capt Jack, Ryan Gosling and Starlord also made an appearance.



Here are some pics of the fantastic weekend, and of course a little video. If you have the chance to attend next year, I'd love to see you!


Until next time!
Anna- The Super Diva
Website- http://annaalexander.net/
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Available now on Amazon


Sunday, October 19, 2014

Highlights of Romanticon 2014



Last week me, Diva Jennifer Kacey, Diva Cait Miller and Diva Anna Alexander attended Romanticon 2014.  It was a smaller conference than years past but that didn't take away from the fun us ladies had.  We met readers, did several workshops, danced are asses off, drank, and were entertained by the handsome Ellora's Cave men. If you've never gone to Romanticon, I encourage you to go.  I've done several conference over the last few years and this one by far is the most fun.  Here are some pictures from this years conference. Enjoy lovelies....


Show Us Your "O" Face...Jenn and I had so much fun with the fans. There were lots of giggles and some of the women did rather well. We were impressed. LOL


A group of us out to dinner on the first night before the author meet and greet.


I was grinning wide cozying up between these handsome guys.

 Diva Anna Alexander, Jenn Kacey, Erin Simone and Cait Miller taking pictures with the men of Ellora's Cave.  Yeah, it's a tough job being an author but we don't mind. Hee, hee, hee, hee....


One of the Naughty Panels I participated in....


 And I danced, and danced, and danced my ass off....


There were also awards given to a few of my pals that were well-deserved. Congrats Diva Anna Alexander, Jennifer Kacey, Cait Miller, and also my dear friend Laurann Dohner....

Bingo Night with the Cavemen. If you win they give you a lap dance. I won twice. Ha!!! No video. What happens at Romanticon stays at Romanticon. LOL


 
The Book Fair Romanticon was a very happy day for me. I really enjoyed meeting with the fans and it's such a rush to hold something you've created in your hands. Yup, I'm a proud mama.  


And the performances by the guys were amazing.  But like all good things, it went by quickly. We left with a lot of good memories and I'm excited for what my publisher has planned for next year.

Hope you enjoyed.


Muah!!  Warmly Diva Simone



Tuesday, May 27, 2014

The cover story, featuring John Quinlan

The weekend is coming up and you're dying for something new to read so you head to the bookstore or supermarket,  wander through the bookshelves looking, seeking something... 

What encourages you to move forward? To pick up that one book? What is it about it that has so drawn your attention? Why did it snag your attention over all the others? It couldn't possibly be the blurb, as you haven't even picked up the book yet, let alone turned it over and read it. So, what is it?

Clearly, the most important factor in your reading decision is usually the Author's writing and how much you enjoy their work, but what of the Author who is as of yet unknown to you? The Author who's work you haven't yet read, or even heard of?

This is where appeal comes into play - and the tremendous work that goes on behind the scenes to attract you, the reader. Publishers and Authors work hard to influence and earn your decision, your business. PICK ME! PICK ME!

As an Author, it is our job to draw you in and keep you reading by the quality and distinction of our story and writing. However, Publishers have the obligation of attracting your attention, encouraging you to pick up their Author's book and feel it within your hand, where hopefully you will read the blurb and decide the story sounds compelling, purchasing it. This is their entire focus when it comes to the cover. After all, as you are browsing, all you see are covers, your eyes absorbing the images and your brain drawing a conclusion - appealing or not - if it's is, you might just pick it up and read further. If it's not, you move on. 

There is an entire industry formed around this one factor - offering appealing designs and attractive images to ensnare your eye so you will pick up the book. 

I believe that it is important to feature this particular aspect of our profession, since their input so impacts our success. In future blog postings, as well as the Guest Diva Author's I will continue to feature, you will also see some of the people that work hard behind the scenes - publishers, editors, cover models, cover designers and artists, etc. These people work very hard with one goal in mind - to draw the reader - supporting the Author along their road to success.

Today, my first feature will highlight the romance cover model.

I am thrilled to introduce a popular romance cover model that many of you may already know, you may have seen his work, or recently met him at Romance Times (RT) Convention in New Orleans, (where RT's founder, Kathryn Falk invited him to appear as an official RT Convention Cover Model), or he may be new to your eyes. Either way, you're in for a treat...I know I was.

John Quinlan

I recently spoke with John from his home in Boston, Massachusetts after thinking long and hard on questions that you, the reader, may want to know. Yes, I thought long and hard. =)

He is a surprisingly multi-faceted man, his career spanning and growing throughout the years,  encompassing a career in wrestling to modeling. John's History Through it all, his focus has been, not surprisingly, on fitness and honing his body to perfection.

As you read on and learn more about John, you will see how it was an almost foregone conclusion that his career brought him here today, to us.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a romance cover model?
A: The amazing people I have been privileged to meet all over the globe. I never imagined, at the time when I began as a romance cover model, I would receive so many mails of support world wide. I am truly humbled by the entire experience.

Q: How did you first become a romance cover model?
A: People often told me I had the look for it and I never took them seriously, until one day I gave in and did a shoot with a romance theme to it. Being bald and tattooed, I bring a unique look to the table of romance, which is a refreshing new look that I think embodies men of the new millennium. I am happy to say it has been success, which has landed me here, talking with you today Shelbie.

Q: Do you have a favorite character to model as? (supernatural, businessman, warrior, etc.)
A: I do respect Fredrik Ljungberg very much, not only as an athlete, but as a model as well. Many have said I remind them of him (as we are both bald). LOL! But to be honest, I just try and be John Quinlan and be true to myself and respectful of others. Good things happen to good people, so why not be a nice guy I say.

Q: Have you ever been shocked by a cover shot request? If so, what? 
A: Not really. It's romance and we all know how the business is. I have been requested to be on covers completely naked and they told my that my privates would be tastefully covered. I was like, "OK?" Yeah, those never materialized to say the least, but you, as the reader, get my point I think. Anything goes in romance. (That it does John!)

Q: Speaking of that, do you prefer modeling sans clothing, or dressed better?
A: Both, as being a successful model requires being flexible, being able to do shoots in multiple genres. Each genre is unique and brings its own individual challenges with it, which is exciting.  Switching things up all the time keeps everything new and refreshing.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your time off? Any favorite hobbies?
A: I have three beautiful children, which I enjoy spending time with. I love doing things that are stress-free and simple, as I cherish these moments because time moves so fast. My youngest is my little girl Mia, who is two, and it can be something as simple as just sitting with her while she watches a show on TV. It is those quality moments I will remember forever when they are all grown up.

Q: What do you think is the most widely held misconception about you?
A: That I am a bad guy, a punk with an attitude. I think society as a whole is getting better, but there are still those out there that "judge a book by its cover," so to speak. They see me as a bald guy with tattoos (I currently have twenty-sever of them and am the most tattooed male romance cover model in the world) and assume I am a trouble maker. So many people have told me that before they met me they were a bit unsure about what I was going to be like. Those same people all agree I was one of the nicest people, after they had the chance to actually sit down and talk with me. (I hear you John! I hear you.)


Q: If someone wanted to be a romance cover model, what would you advise of them?
A: Go for it! Reach out to those in the industry and follow your dream. It worked for me.

Q: Do you have a favorite cover shoot? If so, why?
A: There are so many, but I did a shoot last year with Teresa Yeh, who is the exclusive photographer for Claudia McKinney of Phatpuppy Art in California. I am an official model with Phatpuppy Art and she puts out some of the very best cover pieces available for purchase in the world. My favorite was a piece called "Chain Break." I am coming out of the water during a lighting storm, breaking the chains that are tied to me. It is a very dramatic piece and one of the best anyone has ever done of me to date. (I have to agree!) -Look below for more photos!

Q: Can you share with us what you find most attractive in a woman? What turns you ON? What turns you OFF?
A: (laughs) I love self-confidence. A woman that is confident and carries herself well is a huge turn-on for me. I love body jewelry, not gonna lie. I love anklets, bracelets and chains! The biggest turn-off is a woman who is all about herself. One who only talks about herself because she is insecure and wants to keep hearing from others around her how great she is. One of those who is always like, "look at me, look at me." I'm all set, next!

Q:What do you think of the fact that mostly women readers are looking at your cover picture imagining you as the character they are reading in the novel?
A: I am truly honored and humbled when readers do this. I always aim to please the readers and I go above and beyond to get them what they want, as it is really a symbiotic relationship between the readers, authors and the cover models in this business. (Agreed!) We need all of you just as much as you need us. I always do my best for the readers and authors alike, because I understand that if it weren't for the both of you, models like me would be nothing and have no place to showcase our talents to the world. (Well said John!)

Q: Does anything embarrass you? 
A: I have done Playgirl related shoots numerous times and once a model has bared all, nothing else really embarrasses you anymore. I was nominated as Playgirl's Hunk of the Month for June 2013, which was quite an honor for me as a model. The photos were always classy and tasteful, all good.

Q: What is the most unusual request you received from a fan?
A: Videos of myself doing not so nice things. (laughs) I was like, "Sorry, but no."

Q: What do you want people to most know about John Quinlan?
A: I have a heart of gold and that I am so very appreciative to any Author who believes in me enough to put my image on his or her book cover.

A big thank you to John Quinlan for taking the time to visit with me and The Decadent Divas! If cover models around the world are anything like John Quinlan, we are all in for a treat. Their impact is huge and cannot be minimized. So, in the future, look for additional popular cover models to grace our blog pages, bringing their unrivaled beauty with them.

John's image may be a visual treat, your eyes clinging to each dip, curve and valley of carved muscle, but as I have learned in the last few hours, he is so much more than that - Beneath the muscle and tattoos, the heart of a lion beats - strong, sure and kind. Much love John! =)

I hope you've enjoyed today's post and meeting another person that makes the big circle complete in the world of romance. Below, for your convenience, I have placed all of John Quinlan's contact information.

In ending, remember to keep an eye out, right here on The Decadent Divas Blog! We have much more to come in the future, including two Guest Diva Authors I have scheduled to make an appearance in June -


W00T! =)
John & TJ MacKay at The Saints & Sinners Ball
(John won for Best Dark Fantasy - Vampire)

Best wishes to each of you - have a wonderful week!

*big hugs*

Amazon(dot)Blonde Diva
Shelbie Knight =)