Billy Freda Interview
Our very own Billy Freda is on the cover. Read his interview with the link below.
Our very own Billy Freda is on the cover. Read his interview with the link below.
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It was suggested to me by DCL staff that a piece about being a romance cover model or a Mr. Romance contestant would be great as the convention is going on.
I can say being involved in 3 past contests was a great experience on the whole, and of course it can be quite an ego boost. I can say I’ve made some friends that I still keep in touch with today. One day, perhaps even next year, I may visit the convention again. I had some questions put to me in regards to being a past model; such as am I ok that some women may only like me for my looks and muscles? Another statement given, what I thought about the fact that most women look at cover models as ‘unattainable’, and another was what I thought about the statement that “cover models are not intelligent.”
So first off, what do I think of only being seen as muscles or looks. Honestly, I would be surprised. I understand that some could see me that way I suppose, but I’ve always been slow to accept compliments that way. Moreover, if I were only seen that way, it’s not much of a compliment to me or the observer themselves. I suppose if women were only to see the models that way, that may explain why some of the visitors at conventions feel they can be so touchy feely with men they don’t even know. After all, if they are just muscles, it de-humanizes them almost to be being an object. I’d like to think I am worth a deeper look by anyone.
Now whether models are unattainable is another question, and I think it’s very specific per definition of unattainable. The idea I was given was whether the “average” woman could be with a cover model. The answer is of course she could. The problem lies in that whether you’re a cover model or not, every single person is drawn to certain physical types or personalities, hair colour or whatever. So I think it would be unfair to suggest a particular model is “unattainable” simply because he prefers someone over someone else. We all have a criteria, some of these “average” women could seem “unattainable” to certain “average” men who have asked them out and been rejected because they were too bald, too poor, too heavy… who knows. Are these women “unattainable”?…well to those gentlemen, I guess yes, they are. One thing that has puzzled me over the years is how a woman could look at the guys for his looks, his muscles, his smile, know almost nothing else about him, and then call him “unattainable” or superficial because she feels his rejection is based on her being heavy set and not taking time to get to know her on the inside. Yet she’s asking him out or even just to sleep with her based only on his outward appearance, not his heart or mind beyond some public persona. Maybe the guy is just not into one night stands. Maybe he is looking for someone equally dedicated to being in shape. Maybe he’s looking for someone that respects him enough to engage in real conversation before suggesting anything. Maybe he’s into brunettes and not blondes…and maybe even if the conversation is great, he is simply not physically attracted to you. He is not “unattainable”, he is simply selective.
Are cover models intelligent? Well, I think on the whole it would be no different than the percentage on the street. I imagine intelligence varies from person to person, model or not. The convention and the sight of some models can make some of the ladies act crazy, yet they are normally reserved, intelligent and in control, so time and place may change one’s judgment of the model too. Some models may play dumb because it’s easier or that’s what they think women want to hear, who knows. One can only get to know people, reserve as much judgment as possible, and allow experience to decide, if one must judge at all. And for what it’s worth, “cover models” also have women that are “unattainable” to them, we don’t always get the girl either…
1. What does your writing process look like?
UGH, I don’t have a process! LOL! At least not one that is remotely organized or makes sense. My characters have to talk to me first before I can start to write them…AND the first scene has to come to me. I know how it starts, I know that big issue in the middle and I have the ending sorted. I then write scenes and quilt them together to form the whole. 🙂
2. Do you have any strange writing habits (like standing on your head or writing in the shower)?
Yes, but not like that! LOL. I have to have either Supernatural, or Bones playing in the background and I have to have bubblegum on hand for chewing. Keeps me busy and focused. And I write like a crazy person normally able to produce 5k a day at least.
3. What book do you wish you could have written?
Oh, good question! I wish I could be super creative and twisty to write like the writers on Criminal Minds. As for authors, I envy Kresely Cole and Sherrilyn Kenyon…both super creative ladies with an amazing world to play and create in!
4. Just as your books inspire authors, what authors have inspired you to write?
Hands down, Heather Graham! She was the first historic romance author I read and she amazed me. She was really the one author that made me think I wanted to do this.
5. If you could cast your characters in the Hollywood adaptation of your book, who would play your characters?
Hmmm, well for my book Gabrielle, I’d love Colin Farrell as Devlin and Keira Knightly to play the role of Gabrielle.
6. How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning? Do you have any name choosing resources you recommend?
Names are very important to me. I try to pick the name based on the time period (I write multi-genre/era books) and location. So if I set a book in Scotland, I try to pull good Scottish names.
7. What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?
Aside from the writing which is always a huge accomplishment. I’d have to say my best accomplishment was raising two very amazing little boys to equally amazing young men who are serving in the in the military. One in the Marines, one in the Navy. Couldn’t be prouder…