A Departure From the Norm...

For some unknown and probably unknowable reason, I was inspired today to find examples of some of the worst romance novel covers I've come across in my three years of bookstore service. So, working our way up the ladder...

I wasn't going to include any of the Harlequin series romance covers (they're all pretty bad, but usually it's the titles that are the worst part of a Harlequin cover), but this one pushed it just enough over the top that I had to add it. This is the 5th Runner Up...

 We're getting chiropractic adjustments from our lusty highland lovers now? Meet the 4th Runner Up...

Really, honey? The ship is sinking! Untie the man and let him batten down the mainstay. 3rd Runner Up...

 No self-respecting Viking would end up in this position. This one made the list on principle. 2nd Runner Up...

In the spirit of the season, he stole Santa's boots before heading home. 1st Runner Up...

 Now, sadly, in the midst of all this giggle-inducing badness, I could not find an example of what I consider to be the very worst romance novel cover of all time. So, until I find it, you are stuck with the runners up. Take heart though; I'm still searching, and I won't give up until I can present the Grand Prize Winner here in my humble blog.

Modeling for the Photography Clinic

I have twice now worked for a photographer who occassionally hosts clinics to teach outdoor photographers how to use studio lights. This last time was particularly interesting; it was the first time I've actually worked with another model. Because they managed to book a male model to work with me, Jim (the teacher) decided that he wanted some "beach" photos. So I, in my purple swim suit, pretended that I didn't care that I was in a swim suit. Apparently I'm a very good actress, because the male model (Han) had no idea that I had never worked with other models before. Matter of fact, if I'm any judge, he was much more uncomfortable than I was, especially when Jim asked if Han would pick me up (of course, that discomfort could have been because Han only weighs about 20lbs more than me, and I'm a lot more solid than I look).

The best part of the shoot was when I changed into my black dress with the big skirt. It's my own fault for suggesting it, but I thought it would be cool to get a picture of me spinning with the skirt flaring out. Now, it was very cool... until I realized that it wouldn't be just the one picture. There were five photographers who all wanted that shot. I spun for several seconds until I couldn't stand anymore, then I spun the other way for a bit. I fell more than once and hit the wall full force. But I wound up with some lovely shots from that series, so it was worth a little dizziness.

I enjoyed working with the ladies very much, and as always, Jim was wonderful to work with. He's going out of his way to accomodate a shoot I've been wanting to do, a series of shots with me and my gun. He even contacted a range to see if we can do the shoot there and provide them with copies of the shots, which they can in turn use for advertising if they like.

Another friend of mine got me in contact with a photographer who does ads and spreads for gun magazines and manufacturers. I may be doing another gun shoot before too long.

I will be filming my part in a short film this coming weekend, and I have an audition coming up for a local collaborative production. I've been asked to help an acquaintance with some youtube videos, and I'll be submitting myself for a speaking role (or an extra role if I don't get a speaking role) for Ironman 3, which is filming in North Carolina next year.

Basically, the moral of this blog post is...When opportunity knocks, open the bloody door!