Friday, January 10, 2014

Fun Friday - Fan Questions for Cover Model

We've had a super fun week with an extremely sexy cover model.
 
 Lucky for us, John Quinlan is a good sport and took time to have some FUN with us today.


Go ahead... ask me anything.

Fans put together some simple questions for their favorite cover model to answer.
Luck or Destiny? - Destiny

Mountains or Beach? - Mountains

Camping or Hotel? - Hotel
Hair-Long or Short? – Short (I am bald, LOL! Just like Dwayne Johnson)

Gazing at the stars or watching the sun rise? - Stars

Hot or Cold? - Hot

Satin or Lace? - Lace

Bikini or One piece? - Bikini

East coast or West coast? – East, duh….that’s where I am from


Sweet or salty? Sweet

Favorite thing to drink? – Long Island Iced T’s
J

Favorite meal? – Greek Pizza

Favorite cheat (comfort) food?- More Greek pizza

Favorite pastime? – Anything sports

And finally, you probably get asked this all the time, but......
 readers simply gotta know…boxers or briefs?
Sometimes boxers, sometimes briefs and sometimes I wear nothing at all which is what I have going on right now sitting here with you Mary J


 On that note, I think we’ll leave that image with our fans.
A huge thanks to John Quinlan for taking time out of his very busy schedule to talk with me.
He’s the best!
He is truly as nice as he is handsome. 

 
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Thursday, January 9, 2014

Living the Fantasy with John Quinlan



John Quinlan enhances readers' fantasies as he graces delicious book covers. 
The tattooed body creates an image of a bad boy or dangerous cop;
a confident protector of those he loves. 
The chiseled face is that of a powerful warrior.
The sculpted planes of his chest and abs make one's fingers itch to caress.
 
Cover model John Quinlan
John Quinlan as "Vampire"
by Claudia McKinney
Phatpuppy Creations
Be sure to enter the drawing at the end of this post
for a chance to win an autographed photo of John!

Let's continue our interview....

Mary: I’m sure you’ve traveled plenty. What’s your favorite place to visit? How about the most romantic place you’ve ever been?

John: Las Vegas is my favorite as the atmosphere is second to none. There are so many romantic places and I couldn’t name just one but anything in the Caribbean is right up there. A warm night on a Caribbean balcony is a perfect setting.  

 
Mary: I enjoyed Vegas and used it as the setting in my book, Handcuffs & Silk. But I have to agree there is something special about the Caribbean. If you were stuck on a deserted island, what would be the three things you’d want to have with you? 

John: My beautiful lady
A spear so I could catch fish and never run out of food.
Clean underwear, ha ha ha!

Mary: Oh, honey… I don’t think you’d need underwear.  Just make do with some leaves or a loincloth like Tarzan... sorry, my mind drifted. What is your idea of the perfect romantic evening?
John: I think atmosphere is key. I know it sounds cliché but anything great can happen in a nice setting with some candles in the evening. You can figure out the rest.

 

Mary: I emphasize the use of candles quite often. They are a key (cheap and simple) component to romance.


You already have accomplished so much in life. What is next?

John: I live for the day Mary.
My acting debut as hit man Beckett Taylor in Debra Anastasia’s Return to Poughkeepsie came out on 12.30.13.
Mary: Very exciting and you get to be the bad guy with the heart of gold! 
What a credit to your reputation to be a part of something so grand.
 
John: Thank you God for blessing me with this honor!
In the next few months I will have a few model shoots and physique competitions.
Followed up by the 2014 RT Booklovers Convention in New Orleans where I will be appearing as an official featured Cover Model Man of Romance May 13-18th. 

 I was selected as a lead actor in Jillian Bullock’s film ‘A Sense of Purpose – Fighting for Our Lives’ which is set to start filming in June.
Mary: Wowza! You are one busy fella! We will have fun following your career. Thanks again for sitting through my questions. You are truly a genuine guy!
John: Much love and respect for you always Mary. Thank you for interviewing me as it was my pleasure.
 
 
We'll leave the fans with this teaser from Return to Poughkeepsie

Special thanks to Claudia McKinney from Phatpuppy Creations
for providing permission to use her images in this interview.
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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Happy Humpday with John Quinlan


We are back with cover model, John Quinlan.

He is our featured HumpDay Hottie today
so take a moment to drool.

John is a former American bodybuilder and professional wrestler who is now a fitness model, fashion model, art model, and romance cover model.
 
Now onto our interview....


Mary: It is my understanding that modeling isn’t the only thing you are good at. Can you tell us about something else you enjoy being involved with?
John: love charities and helping others. Donating signed pieces to organizations like the I Heart Books Foundation and the Holiday Hope program to help the children of Saint Croix with Vicki Stewart are just a couple examples of giving back. In cooperation with Anita Jeter-Peterkin I have helped spread the word about Breast Cancer Awareness through her Wrapped-N-Pink publication. Such an incredible lady. 

Mary: If you could wish for anything in the world, what would it be? OR if money wasn’t an issue, what would you do?
John: I would wipe out illness and cancer. Bring all the good people back where they belong.

Mary: You've done so many different things in your life. Is there one accomplishment that stands out as having given you the greatest sense of satisfaction? What would you say is your ultimate passion? What gives you the most joy?
John: My greatest accomplishment isn’t a title or award Mary. It is all the great people I have been blessed to become friends with during this journey. I include you in this list as I think you are a great author, mother and friend. My ultimate passion and joy are synonymous, being a good father to my 3 beautiful children. 


 Mary: Did you just here that cumulative sigh from our fans. Wow! 

I think it's awesome how you've managed to successfully balance fatherhood and a career. I grew up as a “Daddy’s Girl”. My father was a WWII vet often said, “It takes courage to tell the truth and admit when you are wrong.”  I’ve shared that same principle as well as “Believe and all things are possible,” with my sons. What lessons or principles do you hope to instill in your children?
John: Treat others the way you want to be treated. Hold your head high and believe in yourself that you can achieve anything if you work hard enough. Daddy will always love you no matter what! 


Mary: Do you have any pets?
John: A fish, LOL! He is a Japanese Beta and my oldest son named him Spike Fighter.
Mary: My son had one, named Beta.  He wasn't creative with pet names. LOL. However, the fish lived a very long time. 
 
Anyways...
Give fans a little glimpse into your life.
What is a typical day?
 
 John: Up at 3am to do the dishes while I wake up and cook some healthy meals for the day. Get to the gym when it opens around 5am and get back to see my little children before school. Then whatever I choose after that. Today I am doing an interview with the great Mary Quast which I am really enjoying so thanks Mary!   


Mary: 3AM? That's the time I go to bed after being on a writing binge. The fact you cook AND do the dishes will have women swooning all around the world. LOL
Zombie Killer
by Claudia McKinney
Phatpuppy Creations
Have you ever been teased or razzed by your male buddies for being a romance novel cover model (even though I bet they're all envious!)?

John: Of course, it is all in good fun but just like my good friend Richie Lamontagne who is a model and former cruiserweight boxing champion of the world they know when to stop because I can still knock them out if they keep pushing J 

Mary: I know you have to maintain a good body all the time, do you ever cheat? Be honest now… do you sneak something decadent in the middle of the night? I heard through the grape vine you like ice cream.
John: Well... I am human. But I love Greek pizza! I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That is my favorite “cheat” as you call it.
Starman by Claudia McKinney
Phatpuppy Creations.

Mary: What advice would you give to our readers who have made New Year’s Resolutions to get fit?
John: Make it realistic, make it fun and make it part of your new life change.  


Thanks, John. The Greek Pizza is done.
Let's take a break and chow down.

There will be more interview with the hot John Quinlan tomorrow!
DON'T MISS IT!



Speical THANKS to Claudia McKinney
for providing permission to use her beautiful images from Phatpuppy Creations for this interview.
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Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Welcome Cover Model John Quinlan


Most of the time, I’m curled up in my favorite chair reading when I should be writing. Like any fan, I enjoy interviewing the authors who write the words that create the stories inside the pages of romance novels, but what about the outside and those scintillating book covers?

We all know that beautiful packaging can really help to sell what's inside, and I think that most romance readers (even if they won't admit it) have been guilty of drooling over those decadent covers every once in a while.
That's why I'm very excited to have as my special guest today, romance cover model John Quinlan!

John Quinlan
2013 – The World’s Most Tattooed Cover Model
Mary: I'm the type of girl who likes to know something about the man behind the handsome face and buff body, so let's start with giving me five to ten words that best describe your personality.
John: Humble, emotional, driven, respectful, fighter


John was named a featured model
for Duemila Magazine in Italy.
Mary: I see that you have modeled for a variety of formats and venues. How did you get into modeling for romance covers?
John: Many people kept telling me over and over again I had the look for it. After quite some time I gave in and went for it and here I am talking with you as the most tattooed male romance cover model in the world.

 
Mary: With authors creating tattooed heroes I bet you are in demand. How many book covers have you graced?
John: A bunch and there are dozens of cover images that have been purchased by authors globally that have yet to be released so all is good and I am so very grateful for all the love & support.




Mary: Of all the covers you’ve adorned, do you have a favorite?
John: To be honest no book cover is better than the other as they are all unique. What I can say is that I am honored when any author believes in me to grace his/her cover.


Mary: Have you ever read any of the books you've appeared on?
 John: No Mary, I don’t read any of the books I have appeared on as I personally feel it is bad luck if I do….just my personal thought.


Mary: Oh, trust me… I know all about superstitions! I’m a football mom after all but we’ll save that topic for another day.
Is there one photo shoot that stands out as having been particularly fun or memorable, and is it also the one with which you were most pleased with the end result?
Chain Break by Claudia McKinney
Phatpuppy Creations
John: Yes, the cover art piece done of me by Claudia McKinney of Phatpuppy Art. This piece was called ‘Chain Break’ and it is one of the greatest pieces ever done of me. I am coming out of the water with all the lightning. Just amazing! It is currently also still available for purchase.


Mary: I love the more artistic images such as that one. I think The Wanderer is my fav. I love Claudia's work. Stories start to pop into my head.
The Wanderer
 by Claudia McKinney
Phatpuppy Creations.
 
 
 

 

 

I've seen a number of romance novels that have the irresistible combination of hot guys and adorable kids or cute animals on the cover. I know you are dad to three super cute children, so have you ever worked with kids or animals in your photo shoots?
 


John: Thanks Mary, you are an amazing mother yourself by the way.
Honestly, I try and keep my children away from the modeling and covers ideally.
I like them to just be kids and not be broadcast all over the globe in that sense.
Just my personal opinion. 
 

Mary: I understand. Part of me would like to see you in a cowboy hat holding a lab puppy with a big red bow.  Hmmm….

What is the best way for authors, publishers and cover designers to see your work and contact you about purchasing stock photos? How can fans find out when you will be appearing on a new cover?
John: I think between these links anybody can keep up with everything John Quinlan:
http://www.thejohnquinlanzone.com/


 

Mary: If you could be magically transported inside the pages of a romance novel for a day, what type of romance hero would you like to be?
John: The bad guy looking with the heart of gold which is the real me.


Mary: For many romance readers, you have become the embodiment of the perfect romantic hero. If you were to write the perfect romantic heroine, what would she be like?
John: She would be my perfect other half. She would complete me in every way and even though it would take some time, even many years, in the end she would be mine.


*Fans self*

Thanks, John.

I think we'll stop here to take a little break. Readers will have to join us tomorrow for some more of the interview.

 I have a craving for some cheesecake and strawberries.


Special thanks to Claudia McKinney from Phatpuppy Creations
for providing permission to use her images in this interview.
 

 
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Monday, January 6, 2014

Monday Mojo - Drool worthy cover art



More and more romance writers are creating tattooed heroes
thus putting a demand on cover designers to create the visual.
Cover featuring popular model, John Quinlan
 
To illustrate John Quinlan would be to paint a picture involving some athletics, professional wrestling, fitness and modeling. He’s been an image model for dozens of apparel brands around the world over the years, along with appearing in television documentaries, commercials, art gallery print work and many book covers. AND NOW carries the title of The World’s Most Tattooed Cover Model.


Regarding the tattoos, John says:  
I just don’t get a tattoo because I want to get it on the spur of the moment. I have put lots of time and thought into each and every piece. I do have one that is very low on my left abdomen which is very close to the “goods” which is the Oriental Kanji symbol for ‘Courage’. Courage, front and center, is very important and this is why it is placed front and center on my body.
 

“John, is an example that tattooed bald guys can be sexy.”   – Margie Church, Best Selling Author
 

 
Need some more inspiration?
 
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 200lbs
Neck: 17"
Chest: 46"
Eye color: Green 
 
Join me tomorrow for my interview with John.
Let's discover the real man behind the handsome face.
 

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Special thanks to Claudia McKinney 
of Phatpuppy Creations for giving permission to use her images in this interview.  
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http://assets.modelmayhem.com/images/spacer.gif?2013121000
 


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Friday, January 3, 2014

Baby, It’s Cold Outside Blog Hop - Jan. 3-5



Here’s a little tease from a work in progress, Eagle Dance. This book is part of a collection of Native American shifter stories that take place in a sweet little log cabin on Cherry Lane, at the Mountain Castillo Resort. The scene opens with our couple arriving at the cabin with some takeout pizza and other “necessities” for some hot romance on a cold winter night. I’ve taken the liberty of breaking the excerpt into smaller tid-bits to wet your appetite.

*This is from a WIP/not professionally edited*

She hated storms of any kind. He held her hand while effortlessly plowing through the storm. The simple gesture spoke fathoms. He pointed out the splendor of nature cloaked in a blanket of snow. Within moments, his deep voice lulled her nerves.

After traveling down a winding lane deeper into the woods, they found the cabin. Trudging through a foot of snow from the truck they found seasoned wood stacked neatly on the quaint porch. She carried their dinner while he brought in their overnight bags. Burgundy drapes covered the windows lining log walls. Hardwood floors covered with Turkish rugs and woodland décor gave the place a cozy atmosphere. River rock formed the new fireplace and chimney. A bar made from logs and rock graced one end of the room with a small refrigerator located underneath.

She slid the pizza box on the coffee table, set the bag of syrups on the counter then placed the ice cream in the tiny freezer. Hanging her coat on a hook behind the door, she slipped off her boots onto a matt. A fruit and cheese basket including two bottles of wine rested on the bar. Picking up a note, she quickly scanned it.

“The basket is from Madame Eve.” She noticed Dyami paused from building a fire to listen as she read. “Take a step into the past before you dance into the future. There is not greater feeling in the world than moving together to a piece of music and letting the world around you disappear; except for looking into the soul of your partner and seeing yourself.”

“For some reason she reminds me of a shaman.” He shook his head.

“Yeah, this makes her sound like a real mystical lady.” She put the odd message down and picked up the bottles. “Do you prefer red or white?”

“Let’s start with the red.” He shucked off his coat and wet boots, then proceeded to light the fire. “The white might be sweeter and perfect for later.”

Her body trembled with anticipation of what later would entail. “Would that be before or after dessert?”

He kept his back to her and answered with a deep chuckle. Squatting over the hearth, his baggy pants pulled tight over his thighs and revealed a squeezable butt. Biting her lip in frustration, she turned her attention to their dinner. The man oozed sexual aura. On the other hand, something about him seemed familiar. 

A click of the stereo launched music creating a melody with crackling flames, she swayed her hips in rhythm. She opened the wine. Dyami stood behind her and set two glasses on the table next to the open pizza box.

Without a word, he slid his hands around her waist and moved with her. Leaning into him, he drew her into his arms. He nuzzled her neck sending shivers of excitement along her spine.

“Do you like to dance?”

“I love to.” She turned to face him and rested her hands on his chest. “When I was a little girl, I’d dance with my dad by standing on his feet. Now I can’t find a dance partner tall enough.”

“I think we are a perfect fit.” He pulled her tight to emphasize the truth to his words.

His voice dropped and the richness struck a chord of arousal. A faint aroma of musk tempted her to kiss him. His soft lips responded to hers with the casualness if they’ve kissed hundreds of times.

Under her palms, his heartbeat echoed hers. He picked up the beat of the music. She followed his lead and slid her arms around his neck. Catching one hand in his, he led her into a dance. She floated on air until the song finished. He stopped and his hands gripped her waist. His pale eyes sparkled in the firelight.

“I would like nothing more than to continue dancing with you, but I’m starving.” His voice deep with regret reminded her of the pizza cooling on the table.



Moral to the story: when it’s cold outside warm up with pizza, wine and dancing with your honey.



Dyami Schafer is a Chippewa Eagle shifter.
Stay tuned for a release date on Dyami and Amanda’s story, Eagle Dance.
 
Here's a little eye candy...

 

Feel free to enjoy Seth and Lucy’s story in Crow Magic, the same little cabin but in warmer weather.

Now available. Click here to buy or read an excerpt.

Join the fun of Baby, It's Cold Outside Blog Tour
for a chance to win a FREE Download of Crow Magic.


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