Welcome, Romance Lovers! Legendary Cover Model C. J. Hollenbach is with me today!

     Cover Model C. J. Hollenbach

Welcome, Romance Lovers!

Cover model C. J. Hollenbach's name is legend in the Romance industry.  Welcome, C.J.!  I'm thrilled to have you with me this morning!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:

CJ:  I started modeling after college. It "seemed" like a good idea at the time. Who knew where it would take me after so many years? Once I let my hair grow out, I was no longer marketable in mainstream modeling.

A family friend sent me an application for the first "Mr. Romance Novel Cover Model Pageant" (that was the full title back then!) because everyone was saying I looked like FABIO.

I entered and the rest is romance novel history....

How did you get to be a cover model?

CJ:  After being in the contest in San Diego and not winning, BTW I was sort of "bitten" by the romance industry bug and I've been sick with it ever since! But, seriously it took me almost 8 years to land my first cover. In retrospect I can't believe I pursued it as long as I did. Eventually, I met a female romance cover model in Chicago when we were working together at a cable TV convention. She made some phone calls on my behalf and I was working the next week in NYC. It's all in "who you know!" I haven't looked back. Thank you, Rachel Veltri.

Do you/did you have a job outside of modeling?

CJ:  It's very hard living in Ohio to support yourself as a model. I was the manager of a grocery store back in the day. ( I know ! Can you believe it?!) Although, I was named "Sexiest Grocer In America" by a magazine after my appearance in PLAYGIRL. I also worked as an agent in a modeling agency. I have also been doing freelance writing for many years. Currently, I am starting an internet business called "CJH DESIGNS". We do websites and all sorts of promotion on the web.

How many covers do you have to your credit?

CJ:  I think I have done more covers that nobody has ever seen than anyone I know! I am sort of the "KING Of Unseen Covers". There is some really magnificent artwork out there that I'm on that the public has never seen. I've lost count of the actual covers. There are some out there that are using my photo that I didn't know about and was never paid for. Let's just say " a lot".

What do you love most about your job as a model?

CJ:   I like seeing the end result because I know how hard I've worked to get to do it for starters. Also, I consider ALL the covers to be "works of art" be it painted illustrations or photographs. I was an art major in college, so maybe that's why....

Can you walk down the street without being mobbed?

CJ:  Can't say I've ever been "mobbed". I do attract my fair share of attention, especially with my hair down. Some of my friends refuse to go out with me if it's down and loose. They don't like the attention. I do have people recognize me from covers and will come up to me and say "You know who you look like?" or "You look like one of those guys on a romance novel cover!" Recently, I did a romance convention in Florida. I was on my way to a photo shoot and wasn't wearing a shirt. My hair down and blowing in the breeze. The reaction I got from the women at the pool was priceless and did this old man's heart good! I've never heard "WOW!" or "Oh, my God!" so many times.....Priceless!

Do you want to hear it again?  Walk past me without a shirt and you'll hear it!  Um...better change the subject.  Do you help authors promote their books?

CJ: I think I do more promotion for the covers that I'm on than any other model I know. It just makes good business sense to me. If the book sells well that means MY image is out there more in the public eye. I use my website www.cjcovermodel.com and have a lot of friends in the media that help me out. I do regular TV and radio spots when I need to plug something.

Hear that authors and publishers out there?!

Being a model isn't easy. What is a typical day like?

CJ: The word "typical" really isn't in my vocabulary. Going to the gym 6 days a week is a necessary evil for all of us....

Do photographers ever let you see and approve photos? Or do you simply "take your chances?"

CJ: I really don't know anyone who gets "photo approval". With digital photography these days you immediately know if the photographer "got the shot". They generally always show you so you can see if it's working. As far as "taking your chances" goes, any good model should know what their doing in front of a camera. The majority of your photos should be good.That's my job and why they hired me. The photographer and/or art director will direct you to what they want.

Do you ever feel like you're only wanted for your body?

CJ: Of course, but I am REALISTIC about it. They hire me because of the way I look, not because of my sparkling personality! Although, a good personality never hurts. I'm in a visual business. I hope they want me for my body! Lately, they seem to be cutting my head off in a lot of covers. Not sure what that means!

Well, C.J., I think I would have problems concentrating on the doggoned book if your ice-blue eyes were staring straight at me.  *whew* A lot of writers request "hot male torso from mouth to hips".  And I would say that you have got what it takes in that department, too, so... ; )

Being a cover model is equivalent to being a movie star. Women can fall head over heels with your image. Is it hard to date when they see you as a larger-than-life character? Do you avoid dating those who see you as an icon rather than as a man?

CJ: I can usually tell who is more interested in ME for my resume and looks/body as opposed the "real" me. I've been at this for quite a while. They may say "it's your HEART that I'm interested in" and all the while their drool is making puddles. Not really that hard to weed them out. I usually don't tell prospective dates what I do.

Oops...I think I'd better wipe up my drool before we go any further...be right back...

The name CJ Hollenbach is legendary in the world of Romance. How do you protect your privacy? Do you even try?

CJ: First of all, thanks so much for calling me a "legend". (I hope that doesn't mean OLD!) I've been referred to that a lot recently. I've worked very hard in this industry to make good name and reputation for myself. Hopefully, I've succeeded. All of us have "private lives". The name pretty much says it all. When I see people get asked about their "private life" I wonder why more of them don't say "Ahhhhhh that's PRIVATE!" Mostly people respect my privacy. It's not really a problem at this point.

In my vocabulary, 'Legendary' means highly-respected and sought-after.  And you've lived up to the title!  :) Anything else you want us to know?

CJ: Just swing by my website www.cjcovermodel.com for updates. "CJH DESIGNS" should be up and running soon. Thanks so much for your interest.....