Cynthia Sax interviews John Quinlan, The Most Tattooed Male Romance Cover Model In The World
Today, I have the honor of interviewing John Quinlan, a former wrestler and bodybuilder. John has the distinction of being the most tattooed male romance cover model in the world. Yes, he’s hunky AND he supports romance. Woot! ( Shout out to Lori Green for fixing me up with this opportunity!)
(Note: If you’re reading this directly from my blog, click on the photos to enlarge them)
Cynthia Sax: John, tell me a little about your tattoos. How many tattoos do you have? Which tattoo means the most to you?
John Quinlan: Right now I have 27 individual tattoos. All of them have deep personal meaning and some of those meanings I keep to myself but I will tell you a few of my favorites. The oriental Kanji symbol for “family” inside my left wrist represents my 3 children as well as the 3 nautical stars I have inside both forearms. Each star is a little bigger than the next representing each child.
Cynthia Sax: That’s so wonderful. Family is incredibly important and your tattoos must serve as a great reminder of this.
How did you become a cover model?
John Quinlan: A long time ago people often told me I had the look for it and I just laughed and thought they were crazy. After quite some time I began to really consider it as the masses had to be right to some extent. I began talking with author Cassandra Carr and she was the one who really pushed me into doing it. I personally thank you Cassandra for believing in me and for all of your support. And here I am today sitting with you as the most tattooed male romance cover model in the world. I am sure another model will come along with more tattoos than me and take the title but I will always be remembered as the first guy in romance who broke the stereotype for guys with body art. I paved the way for them to be successful and be accepted.
Cynthia Sax: Yes, it is a really big something to be a trailblazer. I’m stoked for you!
You were depicted as an evil troll on your first cover. You’re a handsome man. That must have been shocking.
John Quinlan: Well thank you Cynthia for your kind words. I think you are an amazing author as well and I am truly honored to be sitting down with you today doing this interview. Yes, that was a great cover! I believe the book was titled, “The War of Trolls” (Scream Shop Series #8) by Tracey West and it was illustrated by artist Brian Dow. Brian actually recruited me out of one of the World Gym’s back in the day when he saw me and thought I had the perfect body for the ogre he needed to design this cover. I will never forget the photo shoot at the gym as his art model for this project. I had to wear a toga type outfit and pose in front of all the girls in their aerobics room because that was where the best lighting was for the camera. They were all laughing at me but it was all in good fun. One has to have a sense of humor in this business as I have done some crazy things and I don’t blame people for thinking some of the stuff is funny as I would be laughing too.
Cynthia Sax: Awww… (hugs John) You’re a sweetheart.
What has been the most interesting photo shoot you’ve ever done?
John Quinlan: The most interesting photo shoot was out in the desert in Las Vegas back in 2012. It was 105 degrees but zero humidity which was weird as I am from Boston, Massachusetts and we always have tons of humidity it seems like. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and because the temperature got so hot and there was no water out there no signs of life existed except for a few bugs on the ground. No birds, animals or anything. Just cactus and tumbleweeds but the backdrop with the mountains and scenery made for a great shoot as this was a once in a lifetime thing and I was determined to take advantage of it and looking back I am glad I did.
Cynthia Sax: That does sound like a once in a lifetime thing (but a little too extreme for this luxury loving gal – grins).
If I see you walking around a romance convention, do you want me to approach you?
John Quinlan: I always encourage my fans to approach me as I am a people person and very down to Earth. I think if you ask anybody who has met me, for example, at the 2 Romantic Times Convention’s I have attended as a cover model thy will all say similar answers. I have always said that if it wasn’t for all the great authors like you Cynthia around the globe who take the time out of their busy schedules to conduct interviews with the cover models we would never be able to showcase out talents to the world. It is a symbiotic relationship where we really help each other. I always go out of my way for the fans to show my appreciation as I am honored they care so much about John Quinlan.
Cynthia Sax: We, writers, do LOVE our cover models. You make our books look good.
Speaking of writing, is there a quote you live your life by?
John Quinlan: “Sometimes you have to go through Hell to get to Heaven.” This really describes my life. It has been a long road which included a lot of sacrifice but in the end John Quinlan will ultimately land at the top of the mountain.
Cynthia Sax: Fun question (and one I know my readers are dying to hear the answer to): Boxers Or Briefs?
John Quinlan: Great question Cynthia, ask and you shall receive. On a normal day boxer briefs are what I usually wear but there are some days when I wear briefs or nothing. Depends on my mood.
Cynthia Sax: Oh boy. (waves hand in front of my face)
How do publishers or self-published writers find images of you to use for covers?
John Quinlan: There are many ways I guess like Google image search me etc. but one of the easiest ways is to visit the John Quinlan Gallery on Flickr. Just go through the albums on there and find something you like and ask me about it. Some of the albums have 1 photo while others have as many as 40 plus.
Cynthia Sax: There is so much eye candy in those albums! Thank you, John, for hanging out with me today!
John Quinlan: It was my pleasure conducting this interview with you Cynthia. Keep up the good work and continue being one of the greatest authors in the world today.
Cynthia Sax: If you want more John (and who doesn’t?), here are some must-click links!
http://www.johnjosephquinlan.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Quinlan_(wrestler)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/75617256@N05/sets
https://twitter.com/JohnJQuinlan
Subscribe To Cynthia Sax’s Release Day Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/
Four years ago, Bee Carter left her tiny hometown, escaping her tormenters. She concealed her tarnished reputation under a good-girl persona, hiding her history from Nicolas, her strong and silent billionaire; Hawke, her tattooed bad-boy biker; and Cyndi, her man-crazy best friend.
Today, she’s returning home … and she’s not alone. Some of her deepest, darkest secrets will be revealed. Trust will be tested. Clothing and inhibitions will be discarded. Bee and her hometown will never be the same.
When her past and her present collide, will any of Bee’s relationships survive?
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-Billionaires-Bikers-Novella-ebook/dp/B00I7V89N4
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards4-1645053-149.html
Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-4-cynthia-sax/1119919839
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_4?id=PvxzAwAAQBAJ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-4/id814148698
Topics: Author Interviews | 5 Comments »
Talking Billionaires With Cassandra Carr
I’m at Cassandra Carr’s online home today
talking about yummy billionaire heroes.
Blaine is a billionaire. (grins)
*****************************************************************************
He Watches Me From Cynthia Sax
She desires to be seen. He wants to watch.
Anna Sampson has a naughty secret. Every night, she slips into her neighbor’s yard and swims naked in his pool. She fantasizes that the dynamic young billionaire watches her nightly nude aquatics, his brilliant green eyes gleaming with lust.
She discovers this isn’t pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her via his security cameras, and now that he has returned to L.A., he doesn’t plan to stop. That’s all he wants—to watch. Anna knows she shouldn’t allow him and she certainly shouldn’t want more, but she craves Blaine’s attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
Part One of The Seen Trilogy
Pre-order here: http://www.amazon.com/He-Watches-Me-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00CD36FS8
*****************************************************************************
He Touches Me From Cynthia Sax
His touch enflames her desires.
Anna Sampson has allowed billionaire businessman Gabriel Blaine to watch her, all of her. And looking is all he’s done—until now. After giving him permission to touch her, Anna realizes she won’t be satisfied until she has all of this handsome and secretive man.
Soon she tempts him, shreds his control, and pushes him too far. Blaine’s reluctance to take her virginity frustrates Anna. He fulfills her fantasy, but what is their reality together?
Part Two of The Seen Trilogy
Pre-order here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD36FVA
*****************************************************************************
He Claims Me From Cynthia Sax
A billionaire’s desires and a virgin’s wish to be claimed come together.
Two men want Anna Sampson. Gabriel Blaine is powerful, intelligent, the CEO of a successful company, and a billionaire. He’s watched her, touched her, encouraged her to become a strong, independent woman, a woman unafraid of her desires.
Now secrets from the past are exposed, threatening Anna’s freedom and safety. Will the man she loves stand by her side, or will he desert her, leaving Anna once again to face the future alone?
The searing climax of The Seen Trilogy.
Pre-order here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD36FTW
Topics: Guest Post | 1 Comment »
Interview With A.M. Griffin, Lea Barrymire, Cara Carnes, and Cassandra Carr
I sat down (virtually) for a short interview with A.M. Griffin, Lea Barrymire, Cara Carnes, and Cassandra Carr. These four talented writers have contributed sexy humorous stories to Fondled and Gobbled: Back For More, an anthology from Ellora’s Cave.
Cynthia Sax: Where did you get the idea for your story?
Lea Barrymire: I love sci-fi and futuristic stories, but as with any sub-genre there seems to be over-exaggerations galore. I took on the idea of a cyborg/android becoming an emotional creature. I took it to the extreme but it was well worth it.
Cynthia Sax: What do you love about writing in your romance sub-genre?
Lea Barrymire: I’m a paranormal/sci-fi writer (mostly). I find writing shifters, aliens and other supernatural beings allows me to stretch my mind in any direction I want to go. A demon with a chocolate fetish? Sure, why not. Being able to expand beyond the everyday is so much fun!
Cynthia Sax: What excites you about your story?
Cara Carnes: One theme I’ve always chuckled over I see rather prevalently in erotic romance (particularly paranormals) are heroes with overly large appendages. It always makes me wonder what would happen if the opposite were true, so this story gave me the creative license to explore that. 🙂
Cynthia Sax: Why does your story start where it does?
Cara Carnes: Persiphone has been devoting a great deal of her precious time to learning her man’s wants, desires and needs. The scene begins on the most important day of his life–the Meaty Man contest. The first scene sets to tone to show exactly how devoted she is to her man.
Cynthia Sax: What is your favorite line from your story and why?
Cassandra Carr: This one needs a little bit of set-up. My favorite line is the second line. I think you’ll figure out why:
Then Cole stiffened and suddenly that same white, creamy stuff shot out of his cock, hitting Declan in the face.
“Aggh! My eye! My eye!” Declan screamed. “It burns!”
Cynthia Sax: Where is your story set?
Cassandra Carr: My story is set in a faraway land, with warriors who have taken human forms in order to invade Earth. The two main characters (both men) are in a ship, in invisible mode, waiting for the order to attack. I’m not sure I’d call the setting exciting or sexy, but it was certainly necessary to the story.
Cynthia Sax: How does your story start?
A.M. Griffin: My story starts with the heroine, Destiny, walking into “The Shrine”. I think it was important to start the story there because she is able to explain her journey as to why she’s in New Orleans and why she is going to “The Shrine” and why it is so important to her.
A bit from the first scene:
I hesitate briefly outside the building I’ve visited almost every night for the past year. I don’t know why I hesitate. This is something I want and have wanted for so long now.
With a firm hand I push open the doors leading into the bar and walk beneath the sign that reads, “Welcome to The Shrine” and my breath hitches.
My jaw tightens and hands clench as the house heavy metal band starts up another round of ear screeching music. My first impulse is to storm across the room and yank all the plugs from the speakers, but instead I ignore them and make my way to one of the empty seats at the bar.
Settling in, I order my usual and use my enhanced vision to scan the bar.
Shifter bar, I correct myself.
The leopard shifter bar, owned by the Leporidae family or Leporidae pack, as I’ve begun to call them.
They really aren’t trying to hide their shifter species with a last name like Leporidae.
I can’t help but giggle, all but forgetting the noise coming from the stage.
Cynthia Sax: Where is your story set?
A.M. Griffin: My story is set in New Orleans. If you’re going to do any reputable shifter story it must be set in New Orleans. Just kidding. It’s set in a bar “The Shrine” which is home for a family of shifters. My spoof was a take on one of my favorite series and follows the setting somewhat.
Thank you ladies for joining us today!
*****************************************************************************
A bakery owner gets much more than she expected from her discount android’s determination to serve her. A lovelorn stalker does whatever it takes to have the muscle man of her dreams. Two alien warriors experience the inconveniences and pleasures of being forced into human bodies. A woman has always known she was destined to join the paranormal world of shifters, and tonight all of her dreams—or nightmares—come true.
If you’re looking for the perfect romance with the perfect hero and heroine, this isn’t it! This is a series of spoofs, parodies, just-for-fun lighthearted take-offs. It’s for all us longtime, hard-core romance readers who can laugh at the clichés, purple prose and “suspend your disbelief” plot devices that haunt our beloved favorite genre.
An Exotika® erotica anthology from Ellora’s Cave
Buy From Ellora’s Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/fondled-and-gobbled-back-for-more.html
Topics: Author Interviews | 1 Comment »
Visiting Cassandra Carr
A.M. Griffin and I are visiting the always wonderful Cassandra Carr today. We’ll be talking about our latest SciFi erotic romance releases!
http://booksbycassandracarr.com/wordpress/?p=2607
By Cynthia Sax
Now Available From Ellora’s Cave
The bigger the bounty, the more dangerous the fugitive.
Khan, a Chamele warlord, has a huge bounty on his head. His enemy is willing to pay an outrageous amount to secure him. Khan wants to be apprehended, especially if the bounty hunter capturing him is a brown-eyed female with razor-sharp daggers and an even sharper tongue. He’ll allow her to subdue him sexually, his passion and prowess not inhibited by restraints, and when she collects her bounty, he’ll collect his revenge, killing his enemy and claiming his little bounty hunter forever.
Zeta doesn’t do forever. She captures the worst scum in the galaxy and trades them for credits. Khan is fierce and sexy and the most dominant male she has ever encountered, but he is also a fugitive, and once she sates herself with his body, she’ll betray him. It is her job.
Buy It Now At: http://www.ellorascave.com/warlord-s-bounty.html
(to prevent aliens abducting your books, please sign into the Ellora’s Cave site before buying)
Buy It Now on ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-warlord039sbounty-1025975-144.html
Buy It Now on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AO5CWVG
Buy It Now on B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warlords-bounty-cynthia-sax/1113984150
Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Visiting Cassandra Carr
