Tuesday, August 14, 2012

COVER MODELS: OUT OF MY REACH?



by Karyn Gerrard

I am very excited to be here to celebrate my first (and not last) release with Decadent Publishing! MY VAMPIRECOVER MODEL~ available August 10th

I had to do a little research before I tackled the subject. I was inspired by cover model of the moment Paul Marron, who went on a rock-star type tour with Paranormal Romance best-seller Kresley Cole. My fevered brain began to spin: What if the model posing as a vampire really was —a vampire? A couple of weeks later, I had the short novella completed.
For research, I read many blogs from people who showed up at the events and I also read a lot of interviews with romance cover models to get a 'feel' for their motivation.
After reading these interviews, I came to one conclusion:

  I will never attract a romance cover model. 

Just about every one of them loves the outdoors. Hiking! Camping! Rock Climbing!
Forget it. I hate the outdoors. HATE. It started at age twelve when I went to Girl Guide (Girl Scout in U.S.) summer camp. Of all the tents, only ours leaked. We had to sleep for two nights in a spider infested woodshed. You haven't lived until you've found a dead spider in your ass-crack. Needless to say, when my parents showed up at the end of two weeks to get me, I fell to my knees in front of them, sobbed my eyes out,  and pleaded for them to take me home.

LONE EXCEPTION: I love the beach. If said cover model wants to take me to the beach where a cool ocean breeze keeps the gross bugs away, I can sit there for hours.

Next thing these guys like: Exercise and Sports.
Forget it. Back when I was young, slim and svelte I tried a myriad of sports. Judo, Tennis, Field Hockey. HATED it.  So I won't be joining said cover model in kick-boxing and cardio workouts and sharing an alpha-sprout shake. Spending six hours in the gym just doesn't appeal to me. Though I love watching baseball in my leather recliner, Go Red Sox! 
Which leads me to the next point. All these guys want a woman who is fit, disciplined and beautiful, inside and out. Yikes, I strike out again. I'm middle-aged, overweight, and not really disciplined. Unless said cover model wants a chubby cougar-type who can whip up gooey Mac and Cheese in a heartbeat, I'm ready! If not, I'm toast. (Hey, I can make that, too!)
Beautiful? I've been called cute, even pretty once or twice, but that's as high as it goes. I'm no raving beauty. Also, I can be snarky and sarcastic and a tad vindictive when pushed. I'm a cancer, so I love to cuddle and watch old movies. I think one model liked that, so Jimmy Thomas, I'm your 'cuddle and watch movies girl'!

So in conclusion, I really don't have the prerequisites to attract a cover model. Neither does the heroine in MY VAMPIRE COVER MODEL. Deanna is cute, not a raving beauty, nor is she tall and slim. She works in a department store. Dean charms ‘Burn the Cover Model’ nonetheless.
Kudos to these hunky cover models for their intelligence, discipline, and good humor! (Great abs also a bonus!)

So share! Do you have what it takes to attract a cover model? Just go with me here ;)
A random commenter will win a copy of 

69 comments:

Barbara Elsborg said...

I love the outdoors, I love sports, I'm tall, blonde and beautiful, I'm young enough (cough) so I'm obviously completely suitable for any cover model. There's just one tiny tiny problem. I lie. A lot.

JoAnne Kenrick said...

FANTASTIC POST!! And you know..vampires and me, we get along great! In the pages of a book that is. Love me some vamp romance ;)
As for cover models...do I have what it takes to attract a cover model? Hmmm I don't know. You best set up some dates with some cover models for me, and we'll find out. Oh no. wait. I'm married.
And my better half is as gorg as a cover model!

GRATS ON THE NEW RELEASE!!! Wishing you great sales and awesome reader comments/reviews!

Jessica E. Subject said...

I do enjoy the outdoors, when it's not too hot or too cold, and when the bugs are at a minimum. I really hate bugs, and spiders in your ass crack? *shudders*

As for being fit, well, I try to find the time, but lately, not so much.

Oh well, I share my bed with a very sexy man who thinks I'm beautiful, and that's all that matters.:)

Congrats on your new release!

Unknown said...

If said cover model wants great sex, I hope he can put up with my flaws. lol! Hmm, I'm not tall but I have some nice curves. No rock climbing or hiking for me but I can manage the sports and limited time in a gym. Anything for my cover model ;)

Best of luck, congratulations on your first release with Decadent, and here's to many sales, great feedback, and more down the road!

Marie Lisk said...

I don't know about the outside looks to attract a cover model, but I have what it takes on the inside. Congrats on the release. Marie Lisk melisk1966@yahoo.com

author nikki noffsinger said...

Karyn, I know we've never met but after reading this I'm wondering...were we separated at birth? I swear we should be related. I've always loved books where the female leads are more "real". I'm not saying that women who are "fit" are not real but most women aren't as firm,ripped, or have those Cleopatra genetics we'd all love to have instead of the collection of face creams and cover up sticks. Well maybe that is just me, who knows. Who says a woman with a little more cushion is a bad thing? I mean men have so little worries. They don't have to worry about stretch marks, bearing children, uncooperative boobs, or hormone fluctuations. When I think back to Adam and Eve-Eve definitely got the short end of the stick and for what...getting bored from watching her mate go party rockin' with half the jungle? Yeah...I would have taken up with a snake too. At least the snake had a sense of humor. So can't wait to read My Vampire Cover Model.

Fictional Candy said...

Karyn, I am with you. But however, if you want to attract me, just keep talking about that gooey macaroni and cheese! :)

Fabulous post, reminds me why I think you are so awesome!

Liz
liz at fictional candy dot com

Karyn Gerrard said...

Barbara, LMAO! Loved your comment!Your sense of humor should attract one no problem!

Karyn Gerrard said...

JoAnne, I'll set up a double date for us both. I'm married too *snort* And, I'm partial to my guy too, shoulders like a line-backer *sigh*

Thanks so much for the congrats, and back at you for yours!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Jess, I can't stand bugs. I will onlt go on the deck if there is a breeze to keep them away.

I'm with you on the guy who thinks you're sexy, after all this time, it still endures *sighs*

Thanks for the congrats!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Gayl, don't start about flaws, lol!

Thanks so much for the congrats! :D

PS: Can I say I loathe word verification? I never type it right!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Hi Nicole!

Most of my heroines are more real, the heroes however, are fantasy all the way! LOL! I love all the flaws you list, so true.

The hubs and his friends assure me they like a woman with meat on her bones, they love curves, so why society insists on these size 0 models, I don't know.

Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think and thank you for the wonderful comment!!

Karyn Gerrard said...

LOL Liz about the gooey mac and cheese!

Awwww *blush* cheers for your constant support, you are awesome too! And thanks about the post!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Marie, yay!! Inside counts big time, and it does here with my hero and heroine! Thanks for commenting!

hotcha12 said...

PUUUUUUURRR KAREN, I'LL SHOW HIM HANDS ON!! LOL

linda_bass@sbcglobal.net

Vanessa N. said...

Great post. this one sounds good. thanks for the giveaway.

mythic021@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I like to hike, but mostly because I secretly hope I'll sight something really cool like a Sasquatch. I'm active and like certain sports / working out, but I'm kind of a dork. One of the last times I was around some cover models, I'm pretty sure I mentioned aliens. None of them proposed to me or anything like that, but that's okay, because I'll take a man in uniform over a model any day. ;)

LOL I loved the post, especially because I've had some of the worst camping experiences ever. Hate camping. Hate, hate, hate!

DeeLuLu said...

Love to read!!! Just about anything is my speed but, can't get enough of steamy stories!

Deanna

V.S. Morgan said...

Great post!

I like hiking on well groomed paths but not really outdoors-y or a thrill seeker.

I'm definitely a cuddler though. :)

Elyzabeth M. VaLey said...

My love of outdoors stops after walking my dog...and maybe sitting outside and watching the stars for like 5 minutes. I also like watching thunderstorms...inside the house xD
I'm afraid I rather cuddle and read than go seeking for adventure at a mountain top. So, I guess I'm not material for a cover model. *Sigh* Well, his loss :P

desitheblonde said...

hey you need to go to blue grass fest
you can see some great people like Rhonda Vincent and then you listen to music and then in joy the act but the guy on te cove is great and then i would love to have hime here in mo and then who would not wnat some one like that
and then the book and info is great you will win award later this year for best ocer

Unknown said...

Pretty much, NO! I do like camping, but in a camper without spiders in the ass-crack. OMG!! That was funny.
Hiking is ok as long as it's flat trails. I'm not athletic at all, and I don't exercise. I'm not pretty, or thin. So I'm attracting any cover models either unless I have a bag over my head.
I love your idea for this book, it sounds fun.
luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Love this cover. I'm so busy outdoors I can't possibly find the time to model... lol

Karyn Gerrard said...

Lol Linda, thanks for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

thanks about the post Vanessa!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Ranae,

thanks for commenting! LOL about Big Foot! I think everyone has had horrible camping experiences. Mine scarred me for life. ;)

Thanks for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

I agree Deanna, thanks for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

VS, I'm a cuddler, not a hiker, lol! thanks for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Hi Elyzabeth!

I like watching thunderstorm too, from inside! LOL, his loss indeed, thanks for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Hi Desi, thanks so much for the lovely words and for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

thanks anon! and LOL~

Karyn Gerrard said...

Julianne, I can't even stand a camper, lol! thanks about the book and thanks for commenting!

Linda said...

Oh gosh, you sound like my twin *gigglesnort* i rather sit at home in my sofa, eating something yummy and drink a glas of red wine. I could go outdoors, though, as long as i can bring my Kindle. If i can read, i´m OK with almost anything. (as long as i can sit down, that is =))
Best wishes, Linda xo

Mr.Romance Charles Paz said...

You had me at 'chubby cougar' and Gooey Mac and cheese.

p.s. I like the Beach way better too ;-)

Mindy said...

I'm kinda an outdoors person (NO hiking/sports though) Metal detecting, gardening and the beach, but I can whip up a really gooood gooey/crunchy mac & cheese ;)
I love to see the rubenesque heroines as I'm a chubby too & middle age even if I don't feel like it.

Mindy :)
Birdssooong@aol.com

Karyn Gerrard said...

Linda, I love the scenario you describe. I think I would get Olympic gold for 'sitting' and I love to read as well. Thanks so much for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Charles, you are so sweet! Thank you~good lord, I think I found my cover model~. *starts shredding cheese* ;)

Karyn Gerrard said...

Mindy, metal detecting? That is fascinating! Who doesn't like the beach? We can all meet there and you can bring the Mac and cheese, I'll bring Charles! ;) thanks for commenting!

Forget the Housework, I'm Reading... said...

I don't know but I'd have loved to tried when I was still single! LOL

Thanks for the giveaway! <3
tobihelton at gmail dot com

Pommawolf Emeraldwolfeyes said...

Congrats on your new release!
I'm short, curvy and on the other side of 40. I'm blonde, blue eyed, and care less about my appreance, and rarely ever look into a mirror throughout the day. I love the outdoors, and am a wildlife fanatic. I don't know if I could...but I sure as hell would have tried if I was single...why not...LOL

Darcy
pommawolf @hotmail.com

Muzz05 said...

I love to camp, hiking not so much, unless I was searching for mythical creatures,then hiking sounds interesting. LOL

Eva's Flowers said...

Yeah, not so much, I feel like you described me Karyn! I would be a cougar anytime to the likes of Jimmy Thomas :) I've never been camping, do you think they make the outdoors with trees that have power outlets for my iPod and cell or toilets and showers just around the corner, cause I don't think I want to spend the night somewhere without a toilet! Not much for sports either, I sucked at PE in grade school, thought one time I did score a goal in kickball and I was over the clouds.

Eva
evitap67(at)gmail(dot)com

Karyn Gerrard said...

Tobi, so true, I hear you there!

Thanks so much for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Pomma, thanks for the congrats! Good for you for loving the outdoors, of course, you have great surroundings where you are (Alaska, right?)

thanks for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Muzzo5, good luck looking for those mythical creatures! ;) And thanks for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Hi Eva!

I hear you about Jimmy, I'm about 9 years older, is that enough to be a cougar I wonder? ;)

The only way I'd ever go camping again if it was just as you describe, throw in room service, as well!

thanks for commenting!

Caffey said...

I so love this title and cover! Its perfect! Will there be more related books to this one? I Hope so! For me, its the chest, LOL. I do seem to love to see those, even just a glimpse! Which this cover gives alot of! :D It shows their love of sports and the like!

I'm not good with camping and bugs, LOL. So for me, it would be indoors in a cabin! Love those settings!

cathiecaffey @ gmail.com

ELF said...

I like to look at the outdoors...on a perfectly balmy bug free day...fortunately my hubby thinks I'm fine just the way I am (if a little absent-minded since I usually have a book in my hand). Loved your post, good luck on the new release!
elewkf1 at yahoo dot com

Tamsyn said...

I'm a watcher not a doer so while I love sports, I don't do them. Don't mind camping though. Sounds romantic, sleeping under the stars.
Congratulations on the new release!
tamsyn5(at)yahoo(dot)com

Karyn Gerrard said...

Hi Cathie~

I am hoping to turn this into a series, who knows? My Cowboy Cover Model, My Amish Cover Model...this could go on! I also love shirtless shots. Thanks so much for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

elewkf1,

I like looking at the outdoors too, from a moving car! I am thankful my hubs like me tha way I am too, he also loves my gooey mac and cheese!

Thanks for the luck and for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Tamsyn, I prefer to watch too, its baseball for me. Sleeping under the stars does sound romantic, but every time I tried to camp, I got rained out!

Thanks for the congrats and for commenting!

Sue Sattler said...

Everytime my kids ask me if I want to go camping with them I tell them my idea of roughing it is having to leave my motel room to go get food because there's no room service. And the only way I'll hike is if I have to park my car far away from the mall door! But you will find me outdoors on the patio for a good thunderstorm. :D

proudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com

Tameka said...

Congrats on your book. Now most likely I don't have what it takes to attratch a cover model. I mean I love good food the kind that sticks to your ribs. I wouldn't mind working out at the gym. But I don't know about you lady's I would prefer my workout in the bed. He could do whatever he likes. Lol
rasco630@yahoo.com

wyndwhisper said...

great post and thank you for the chance at such a great giveaway.

i don't stand a chance in hell of attracting a cover model. LOL! to start with i am 5'0"built like the pinup girls from the old days. And according to the,your so fat scale,(I hate that thing!) at my Doctor's office i am about 20 lbs. over what i should be (all on my butt of course)! i have been divorced and tend to be a bit bitter aboutthe cheating,drink with the boys all night, no job while i work, etc. etc./

A n y hoo- i'm also 44 and i can't have children. which i have been told to my face makes me good enough to sleep with but not to marry. then 6 years ago i got hurt at work and broke the facet joints in my lower back so i also have to walk with a cane.I also have ADHD/PTSD and severe anxiety.

let's just say that most people like to try and find me invisible the same as they do any other handicap person that they are uncomfortable around.
i doubt someone whose very living depends on looks would find me interesting at all,(until he sat down and talked to me).
i have a vast thirst for knowledge and am always learning something so i usually can find something in common with the people around me.

But then how do i know what their life has been like? maybe they have someone in their life that they grew up with like me, a sister or brother and they would be fine with it. you just never know what God will do,and if he wants to give me a super model i won't say no, and if he wants to give some super model me i won't say no to that either! LOL!

tammy ramey
trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com

hotcha12 said...

PUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRR KARRYN, HE'S HOT!!

linda_bass@sbcglobal.net

books4me said...

I attracted my personal "cover model"...well, he is to me, anyway!!!

books4me67 at ymail dot com

Karyn Gerrard said...

Sue, love it. exactly how I feel. I need a TV, comfortable bed and hot shower, that is roughing it to me!

Oh, another who likes thunderstorms! Thanks for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Tameka,

I agree, stick to your ribs foods. No raw oatmeal for me! High five on the workout in bed! Hey, it does burn calories! ;) thanks so much for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Tammy, Hey, pin-up girls rule, most guys prefer a woman with curves!

My guy in My Vampire Cover Model is drawn to the heroine, not only because of the mate of the soul bond, but because she touches his soul. What is inside counts big time!

Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Hotcha12

He is, isn't he? I second that purr! Thanks for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Books, I concur, I'm happy with mine too. But a girl can fantasize...;) Thanks for commenting!

Unknown said...

In my younger days I did some modeling then I traded that to join the circus as magicians assistant so I'd say back then hmm maybe now at 36 with 3 kids probably not lol.

terri_dion@hotmail.com

lovsun said...

I LOVE the beach...sand and surf...ahhhh and I love to work out, and do the best that I can....But I am a middle aged divorced woman who just love to dream and I know I could have a super dream about a Vampire cover model :)

Debby said...

I would love to have the cover model. I am thinking I cannot though.
debby236 at gmail dot com

Karyn Gerrard said...

terri, How cool about the modeling and the circus!

Thanks for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

lovsun, we can all dream! And yay for the beach! I love it, too!

Thanks for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Debby, anything is possible! (at least in the world of romance ;)

Thanks for commenting!

Karyn Gerrard said...

That's it! This giveaway is now closed, I will be choosing the winner later tonight and they will be contacted by Decadent Publishing for your choice of ebook format.

Thanks so much to everyone for stopping by and kicking off my book release in a big way!

~Karyn