You are a legend in the romance industry as a cover model and probably have been asked every interview question but, here it goes…
1) How do you communicate with people? Are you patient? Are you friendly? How open are you to clients’ requirements?
I am pretty good with dealing with people. I managed a grocery store for 15 years so I’ve dealt with the public for quite a while. That also helped me develop a thick skin. You really can’t let what people say bother you. A lot of the cover models can take a good picture but can’t deal with people. That’s why you’ll see some guys at a convention once and never again. They can’t handle it. I remember years ago when I was working a trade show with Heather Graham and a woman commented to her that she’s never heard of the author. Heather just smiled and said to her “Well….a lot of people have!” I had to go off on this ignorant woman in Heather’s defense. Heather said “Don’t worry about it….No big deal…” I’ve never forgotten that. People can be so rude. I’ve had “fans” ask me if I’m wearing a wig or say “I thought you’d be taller…” I just smile and kill them with kindness…
2) What is your nutrition? How often do you go to the gym? Do you practice constantly?
I go to the gym 6 days a week. I try to break up my workouts into different body parts on different days. My diet is generally pretty healthy. I think everyone knows what to eat and what not to. They just don’t want to deprive themselves. I know if I eat more of something I shouldn’t that just means more cardio. There is literally NO FREE LUNCH. I follow a more strict diet if I have a shoot coming up. I have never been one of those guys who carries food around with them so they can eat 6 to 8 times a day. I just find that odd.
3) What is your availability? Traveling? Full-time, part time? hours?
It all depends on the situation. I can be pretty flexible if the price is right!
4) Where can we learn what you have in this industry?
For starters you can buy my new book, “Confessions Of A Romance Cover Model.” It just came out in paperback. It took me 20 years in the business to write it. Any more questions? Buy me a drink and we’ll talk!
5) Where can your fans best reach you and keep up to date on your projects?
They can go to my website: www.cjcovermodel.com or follow me on Facebook: CJ Hollenbach. I’m not on Twitter…yet!
Lord CJ is the most loved cover model in the business for a reason. He is easy and fun to work with & ALWAYS looks good! We have him on many DCL covers. I know one of his biggest fans is my Mom who always enjoys going out to lunch with him because he tells the best stories. Make sure to buy his new novel.
CJ, *gets dreamy eyes* is the best ever. I was very nervous meeting him for the first time. CJ immediately put me at ease with a big hug and a tremendous smile. He has such an easy going style and is so polite despite some of my wild remarks. *eg* Don’t tell CJ, but I have a secret crush on him. I love listening to his stories. I can’t wait to see him again.
Who doesn’t have a crush on Lord CJ? lol
Hope I get to see you and Pam in May! I’ll grab a copy of your book just in case!
I’m certainly a fan. C.J. is a lovely man, and it doesn’t hurt that Mary Everett is in his corner. She’s a peach! I think C.J.’s longevity in this crazy business is due to his loyalty, his communication skills, and his kindness. And his great looks, of course.
CJ is the real thing. Just as much a hero in everyday life as the ones he represents on the book covers. He is patient and forgiving to a fault. ( look at how long he has put up with me.)
I know Julianne and I ganged up on him at the last convention and he didn’t mind . The fact that he is incredibly handsome makes his kindness to everyone extra special. His book Confessions of a Romance cover model is a treat that shouldn’t be missed.
Mary, Lord CJ LOVES you! You make him the best costumes and us ladies get to enjoy looking at him in them!
I read the book and loved that he gave us a behind the scenes look of all that is involved in the business. I couldn’t imagine a convention without CJ.
“No free lunch!” I love it. But whether it’s in your health or your career, I do believe you’re right.
#3 Cracked me up.
That is my favorite cover of CJ for one of my GOLDEN books.
CJ is so generous with his time, offering his help when I was writing about a hero who owned a spa and gym. (sound fmiliar?) and CJ stepped right in with information I couldnt possibly get elsewhere.
He even suggested a few expressions a gym rat would use.
I was grateful and used all his help!
CJ is always very kind to me, and when I am writing one of my GOLDEN books, he not only explains things I couldnt possibly know, he also tells me what a gym rat would say or do.
Needless to say I gratefully accept all his info.
“I just smile and kill them with kindness…” That’s a really good piece of advice and a good policy to have to deal with the haters. I can’t wait to read your book, it sounds like a really interesting read.