Interview of John Quinlan: "The Most Tatttooed Cover Model"!

Hello ladies! John Quinlan is here and sat down with me for an interview. Now, I did my best to get all the juicy details, but I also had to make sure I didn’t get…too…personal. *wink wink*

Hello John! Thank you so much for being here on Romance Books '4' Us! I’ve seen you around on not only covers, but in social media. You are so nice and it’s great to have you!

NOTE: For more photos and information about John, go to the Romance Books '4' Us website and look under the Red Heart, VIP section: http://www.romancebooks4us.com!

Q: First off, tell us more about yourself. What is it you do?

A: I have to say the feeling is mutual Carrie Anne, you are an amazing writer and I am also very happy to be here today on Romance Books '4' Us. I am a humble guy and over the years I have tried to do the best I can each and every day with all the projects I have been blessed to be involved with. I have always been focused on health and wellness ever since I was a boy. Early on in my teens and early 20’s I was involved with junior bodybuilding and from there I had my stint in the professional wrestling world. I was privileged to meet and become friends with legends in that business so it was quite an experience to say the least. I have been fortunate enough to have modeled brands of apparel from all over the world. I have been named an Official International brand ambassador and spokes model for companies as far away as Switzerland and Japan. I am also a physique model competitor; supplement company image model as well as being referred to as the most tattooed male romance cover model in the world.  

Q: How did you get started in modeling?

A: I was always involved with fitness back then when I was starting out so I had the right mind set. I was lucky enough to be selected by random photographers and artists who liked my look to participate in their projects at that time. Photos for fitness brochures and local advertisements were nice because I was already training anyway so things like that were just an added bonus. It is a nice feeling when people request you, they liked what I brought to the table so it gave me the drive to train harder and become more focused. From this foundation I just became more flexible when other genres of modeling crossed my path. I think, being a male model, I am always learning new things in this business. I am always asking questions because doing this can only help me become a better model.  

Q: Do you have a favorite modeling shoot or spread you’ve done outside of romance covers?

A: All the shoots and spreads I have done have been very special as each one leaves me with lasting memories I will always cherish. I really liked the model shoot I just did this past March with Sandra Kimball. One of the themes during the shoot included military apparel with dog tags which I was honored to do. I have a great respect for all of our service men and women of our military who fight to protect this great country every day so it was definitely a special theme.  

Q: You’ve done body building, right? How did you get started in that?

A: As a boy all of my friends were training and I just followed along with what they were doing. Initially I began training to get stronger for sports and as time went on I began hanging with guys and girls who were more serious about their training. I began to fine tune everything with my diet and schedule and I have kept progressing to this day. I was involved with bodybuilding in my teens and early 20’s many moons ago and it was a great experience. I met so many great people that I am still friends with which is my proudest accomplishment.

Q: Are there any misconceptions about body building you’d like to clear up here? I will confess, I only know what TV tells me about it, so I’d love to know more!

A: I think the biggest thing that many people don’t realize is all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Many people think that these guys just workout and look the way they look. It takes discipline and focus to stay on the righteous path with consistent training and proper nutrition. The sacrifices are huge; things like missing out on social events, keeping a strict diet and getting up early while the rest of the world is sleeping. These athletes work very hard and they will always have my 100% respect for their dedication to the sport. 

Q: Now onto romance, because really, us ladies love romance! How did you end up on romance covers?

A: Many writers and authors encouraged me to go in that direction. I was told I had a great look for it and after quite some time I decided to take the leap of faith and check it out.

Q: Do you have a favorite cover you’ve been on? And don’t worry, we won’t play favorites. J

A: I do have a favorite image and it is going to be used as a book cover by writer Kharisma Rhayne for her Dark Retribution: Warriors of Malice Series. It is my “Angel of Satan” cover art image. People have told me this image represents exactly what Satan would look like in the human form which is the look I was going for. My friend showed his 7 year old son the image and he freaked out and ran away! 

Q: Can you tell us how a photo shoot works?

A: The first thing as a model during a photo shoot one has to remember is to be confident in front of the camera. The best photos come when I am as natural as possible. It all depends on the time of year, theme and purpose of that particular shoot as to what goes on. Whether the shoot is outside or indoors the routine is basically the same. The day of the shoot is the fun part, getting prepared a few weeks out is the challenging part. Keeping my diet clean so my physique is respectable for the camera is a must and with all the great food in the world it takes some strong will power on the way to getting there but after the shoot is over its party time!

Q: Do you have any embarrassing stories from a photo shoot? I’ve been to a couple shoots and, boy, let me tell you, sometimes they get a bit out there! LOL

A: I could be here forever on this question and I really couldn’t name just one because there are so many and they are all equally worthy of the title most embarrassing. One moment that stands out was many years ago I had to pose for artist Brian Dow as he was doing a project which involved me dressing up in a toga waiving a club looking mean. The catch was I had to do it in the gym aerobics room and I was still doing it when all the girls were coming in for their kick boxing class. They all thought it was hilarious. I knew most of them and they were all cool and it was all in good fun but still I have to say we have all felt that feeling of, “oh no!” Initially when I saw them staring to come in I wanted to hide in the corner but quickly realized there was no escape and just went with it. After it was over they told me I played a good ogre and I just laughed with a bit of sarcasm but they were sincere and it was all good. It was nice because when all was said and done the image of me as the evil troll was used on the cover of the book, “The War of Trolls” by Tracey West. All in a day’s work.

Q: Now, I’d be self-conscious being a model—hence why I’m the writer—but do you have a routine get your body ready? (Now I’m blushing because that came out differently than I wanted LOL)

A: It all depends on the shoot. Usually they involve having to bare some skin in one way or another so as I get a bit closer to my date I will tighten up on my diet as necessary. I may also increase my exercise regimen and cardio depending on where I am physically during that time.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: I have to be honest when I say live for the moment and try not to plan the future too much. Great things happen when one least expects them to and more often than none whenever I have planned things for the future in the past they have never worked out the way I thought. There are always bumps in the road along the way so being flexible and being able to adapt is key. I take things day by day and do the best can all the time. Whatever plans God has for John Quinlan will play out as we go.   

How can we get in touch with you?

http://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Quinlan/109918015779005

https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Quinlan/111697608848774

https://www.facebook.com/John.Quinlans.Fan.Page

https://www.facebook.com/therealjohnquinlan

http://twitter.com/#!/JohnJQuinlan

http://www.johnquinlan.org/

http://www.modelmayhem.com/1627814

http://www.johnjosephquinlan.com/

http://www.thejohnquinlanzone.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-quinlan/2b/475/18a

http://voices.yahoo.com/international-fitness-model-john-quinlan-signs-with-11826414.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Quinlan_(wrestler)

Thank you so much John for coming here! We’re so happy you’re a part of the romance community and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us!

Interview conducted by Carrie Ann Ryan.