Q - You’re portrayed as a romantic hero on your covers. Would you say that reflects who you are in reality?

I like to think I'm romantic. I'm told I am. I do believe in romance. I don't have a problem differentiating between the real me from the fantasy cover model. Others may have that problem, but I know who I am.

Q - You’ve been on several Romance Novel Covers, but have you ever been interested in reading any of them? As an additional thought along those lines... What Authors do you like, and what types of books do you enjoy the most (i.e.espionage,sci-fi)?

I've read a few romance novels. Mostly, the ones I've appeared on. Obviously, they are written from the woman's perspective which gives me more of an insight into what women want. I think more men should read them. Presently, I am just starting "Gabriel's Woman" by Robin Schone. She sent me an autographed copy after meeting me and said I reminded her of "Gabriel". I ended up on her web-site. I hear the book is pretty spicy! Can't wait for that! I like Heather Graham, Leslie Burbank, Bobbie Smith, Treva Harte, Susan King and a recent new favorite, Christine Feehan. I have to start reading some of these vampire novels on which I will soon be appearing to see why they are so popular.

Q - I read your article on your site “Confessions of a Male Beauty Contestant”, and I think your take on it was hilarious, and well written. Have you ever given any thought to writing on a full time basis? You’ve also sold the option to a film company, who would you like to see star in the film?

Glad you liked the story! I really enjoyed writing it. Heck, I LIVED it! It was cut down from a much longer draft. Everything in it really happened. I've gotten alot of very positive response from it. Hopefully, it will be made into a movie or TV movie. The obvious choice for the lead character would be Brad Pitt, but I would prefer an unknown. But, if he begs me, MAYBE I'll let him do it. Jennifer Aniston could co-star. There is a need for a female love interest. A good vehicle for them both.

Christine Feehan encouraged me to start writing more and I really would love to. I've got a few ideas in the works. I really should write the screenplay for "Confessions of a Male Beauty Contestant" first. I guarantee a funny script!

Q - I understand that you’ve been in the romance cover business for twenty years! Any ideas on why your popularity has remained so high?

I've been modeling for 20 years! (Shouldn't I be dead by now?) The last 10 have been in the romance business. It took me quite a while before I landed my first cover, 7 years. I, originally intended on doing just one. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. After that, I kept getting phone calls and thought "It's not over until I say it's over!" Lately, my career is on an upswing. More cover and I recently completed 2 romance videos. I feel very lucky and blessed to be doing what I'm doing. I will say I have stuck with it longer than most guys would have though. This business can eat you up. I have attended several of the last RT conventions and that helps keep my name out there. I love them. The people you meet are the greatest. The fan base keeps growing, but I'm also a fan of theirs!

Q - I love the picture of your spaniel Shadow (I have a pug, and a rottweiler!) and I was happy to see she’s feeling better; do you have any other animals?

Sorry, no other pets. Miss Shadow, the cocky cocker spaniel thanks you for the interest. She is doing well. Her story during her recent illness on my web-site generated more hits than any other. I have had so many inquiries about her health. She is thriving....

Q - What do you enjoy most about the romance publishing industry? What do you like the least?

There are several things I like about the romance business. It's great being one of an elite group of guys. Romance covers have their own niche in the modeling business. Not every guy can do them. Pecs are required LOL Long hair never hurts either. Wigs always look cheesey, I'm sorry. The conventions and meeting the fans are a big plus. You can't beat it. The down side is, if pecs are required, YOU BETTER HAVE THEM! That means working-out, diet, cardio. Some of the fans also think you are the fantasy man they see on the book cover and are devastated when the guy they meet ISN'T that guy. I honestly think that's why some guys don't come to conventions or do interviews. They are very afraid of looking stupid or saying the wrong thing in print. They want to keep the fantasy alive and for them that's fine. I love meeting the fans

Q - What’s an average day like for you?

When I'm not doing covers or writing and or working on my web-site, I'm hitting the gym. As I said, a necessary evil. I do enjoy it. A couple of hours a day. Always seem to be in training for a cover. The next one I will be wearing a fur loin cloth and some chains, that's all! So, I better be in shape. It may be the biggest one I've done to date. There will be ALOT of press coverage on this one. Stay tuned!

Q - Would you recommend this business to young men and women just starting out? What would your advice be if you were to recommend this line of work?

I would tell anyone trying to get into the business is to develop a thick skin...and make sure it's moisturized! It's a tough business with a lot of rejection and you can't take it personally. Most people can't handle that. I just let it roll. I'm in it for the long haul....I may end up being the world's oldest cover model. Heck, I might already be that!

Q - Did you enjoy working with RT, and doing interviews?

There was a time when I was doing a lot of cover model interviews for RT. The readers seemed to enjoy reading a guy interviewing a guy who had been there. I got alot of great positive feedback. I will say some of the guys had no clue what a DEADLINE meant. I also came to realize that interviews and interviewing was no big deal for me but it freaked them out. They didn't want to appear stupid or boring. I did help them out wherever I could in that department.

Q - Your artistic side speaks to me (LOL), I paint too. Do you get the chance to paint much anymore, and if not do you miss it?

I haven't painted in quite a while. I DO miss it. It's on my list of things to do...like putting all my RT convention photos in an album! I appreciate the artwork that goes into the cover illustrations. So many are magnificent.

Q - Who are your favorite romantic heroes to portray (i.e. Vikings, pirates)?

I do enjoy wearing the different costumes on covers. So different from my everyday life. Although, lately I'm usually wearing not much at all! Pirate shirts, swords, loin cloths, it's all good...all in a days work (?) I do like the medieval style of dress though...

Q - After having read your articles on your website, it seems that sense of humor is needed in what seems to be a highly competitive industry (both pageants and romance novel cover models) - how many guys, say out of 100, can see the lighter side of what you/they do?

Yes, you do need a sense of humor in this business. I think you that in life, period! I've seen so many guys take things way too seriously during the contests. They were complete jerks. Very cut throat. I never saw any of them succeed.

Q - How many other male “beauty” pageants are there besides the Romantic Times one? And do you have to display any talents like in Miss America - playing the piano, twirling the baton, etc? (LOL) Do you get asked, "What's your goal in life?" sort of questions?

I was a judge at this year's "Mr. Romance" competition. I've never seen any other contests like this one. I had to cringe several times during last year's "talent" portion. I haven't seen that much pain inflicted on innocent people since the Spanish Inquisition. Luckily, when I competed they didn't have that part, but we did have a "swimsuit competition", which was very popular. If they asked me what my goal is in life I'd say "WORLD PEACE"... what else? Oh, yea, I want to be a brain surgeon too! LOL

Q - What do you think the allure is of posing for romance novel covers?

I think being on the cover of a romance cover is the ultimate fantasy. You are supposed to embody all the qualities of male perfection. Looks, character, strength, charisma. A hard act to live up too, though.

Q - How does your significant other feel about you gracing the cover of all those novels?

Currently, I am single, but as always, accepting applications. Whoever I am with has to be secure enough to deal with my career. I have been traveling alot lately and that's been hard. I am very loyal. If I'm with you, I'm with YOU and you don't have to worry. Some women have a problem with trust. That usually comes from previous bad relationship experiences

Q - Has your appearance on romance novel covers helped you to acquire other modeling offers?

I have been really busy the last few months since the convention. Networking and putting yourself out there helps enormously. I don't have an agent so it's all in meeting the right people. Word of mouth is everything in this business. I know some guys whose reputation of being difficult is starting to catch up with them...

Q - Do you attend many Romance conventions, and do you plan to attend the Book Lovers Conference in Germany?

I was invited to the convention in Germany, but haven't heard anything on that front. I told them I would attend if I could. The RT conventions get better every year.

Q - What are some of your favorite foods? Can you enjoy those foods without paying a serious work out price?

Everybody thinks I can eat anything I want. I usually tell them "I can....provided I throw it all up later!" Seriously, I watch everything I eat. Lots of oatmeal, chicken breasts, tuna. I have a friend who works at a local bakery and brings me a pie every week. That means extra time on the cardio machine at the gym. A French Silk chocolate pie is better than some sex I've had...but you didn't hear that from me!

Q - How do you feel about the new wave of e-books, and posing for their covers versus a paperback?

E-Books are easier to do because I don't have to travel. I use a local photographer. No airports and hotels to deal with. I have more control over the pix I send to the publisher too. The profits can be better too if the book sells well on-line. The regular paprback novels are a one time payment. You don't get to see yourself on bookstore shelves though. That's always fun.

Q - Have you ever been dissatisfied with a cover?

Most of the covers I've done I've been pretty happy with. I have one due out soon where I'm on the front and back. I have short dark hair in one of the illustrations. The woman who hired me said "It's looks good. It doesn't look anything like you!" Huh? I've heard that complaint from other guys. We want it to look like us. A lot of people don't even think the guys on the covers are real. I get that all the time. "You don't do that! Those are paintings!"

Q - Define the word “romance” CJ style.

I don't have a sure fire formula for romance. Since everybody is different, I cater to my love on an individual basis. What works for one person won't necessarily work for another. I treat them like they are the only person in the world. Here's my secret.....Make ME feel "special" and you're half way there.

Q - Are you embarrassed by all the attention female fans lavish on you?

The attention I get from the fans is great. I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it. At the conventions we are treated like Gods. Autographs, asking to take a picture with them, it's like being a movie star .A lot of them are like members of my family. I just wish some of the other guys would get a clue on how to deal with the fans. They walk around with their noses so high in the air they can't see where they are going.