Hello, ladies!
Have I got a treat for you today … not only do I have a sexy Hot Dish for you, but this time I actually interviewed the Hot Dish.
Please give a warm welcome to model Jason Baca. Jason has been modeling for several years. He has appeared in countless magazines and has shot over 85 book covers.
Jason, please tell us how your modeling career was born?
Well it began a long time ago. I was a double in a movie called "I Know What You Did Last Summer.” The photographer of the ad/cover of the movie pulled me aside and asked if he could take some photos of me. I accepted. I'd later realize this was a huge leap in the business because of how skilled a photographer I got to work with right off the bat.
Before modeling I was running in circles. All my time I spent searching, nowhere to run to, and it got me thinking... Wondering what I could make of my life...
Wow, you were definitely in the right place at the right time. So how did you get started modeling for romance covers?
Well I came to a point in my "modeling" career where I'd gotten older for the fashion stuff. I started asking all kinds of questions to myself but never finding the answer. Then one day I walked into a bookstore to find books about how to be positive. As I walked in something caught the corner of my eye. There it was before me, a romance novel with a guy my age on the cover, standing confident.
I put down that positive thinking book and grasped the romance novel tightly by my fingertips. It was as that very moment that it was in my eye, in my heart and in my mind and it became part of my entire body that from that moment on I wanted nothing more than to be a romance novel model.
I think it is great that you saw what you wanted and you achieved it.
All of us are book lovers. Do you like to read? And what types of books do you enjoy most?
I used to read books about sports and fitness only. But now I've started reading some cool ones in suspense and romance. I just love the creativity that goes into writing these novels.
Do you have a favorite author? Have you ever read a romance novel?
There are so many authors that I can say I enjoy reading the books of. The one recently that I like is a Gena Showalter. I love her covers too by the way. I look forward being on one of hers someday soon.
Gena Showalter does write some wonderful books. And yes, her covers are fabulous! Hopefully you will be on one of hers soon.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you during a photo shoot?
There was one time where they had me out on a field with yellow mustard flowers. There had been an old beat up tractor out in the middle of this field. The photographer said "Hey Jason, why don't you go get up on that and do a few shots sitting on it." so I did... But then I started hearing buzzing going on from inside the hood. Then all of a sudden a HUGE swarm of bees comes flying out all over! I jumped off and took off. I could have beaten any guy in a race in the Olympics at that very moment.
Oh my goodness! Sorry, but that is too funny!!
In addition to modeling, you have written a couple of books. Do you have plans to write any more books? If so, what are they about?
Well those books that I wrote are nothing compared to the books that I've been on the cover of. My books were basically written to help models be successful in the business. I provide ideas that they can live by to reach their goals in the field.
Yes, when this is all over and the last book cover of me has been displayed, I will pull out my pen and paper and write a story about how all of this went with my romance novel covers. I will explain it from beginning to end and I will take pride in it.
I think a lot of romance readers would be interested in a biography or memoir of a cover model. I know I would read it!
Now for the speed round ...
1. Last movie you saw? Friday The 13th Part II (with strange disco soundtrack)
2. Favorite tv show? Survivor on CBS
3. Favorite snack food? Chocolate Fudge Brownie Balance Bars when I'm dieting, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups when I'm not...
4. Best place to vacation? I love Hawaii! But I believe the Bahamas were nice too. I also enjoy going on cruises to the tropics.
5. What's your mantra for life? My mantra is to focus my attention on one subject at a time in life and go 1000% after it. Give it your devotion and thought. The more you put into it, the more feedback you will get.
Jason, thank you so much for being with us. It has been nice getting to know a little bit about you. We wish you much success in your endeavors.
Now ladies, Jason has been kind enough to offer a signed zed card to one random commenter (US residents only). So, dream a little dream here … you are a romance cover model for a day and anything goes. Describe for me the scene of the cover you are shooting.
Here’s mine … My long dark tresses are blowing softly in the wind. My eyes are twinkling with mischief and my lips are shimmering. Clutched in the strong, rippled arms of a Highlander, whose kilt is slowly coming undone by my very own hands ….
~ Buffie
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Check out Jason’s stock photo’s here
Check out Jason’s management link here
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So, anyone else out there ready to save a horse?
I know I am!!!!
~ Buffie
Tis the season for thinking of others and giving to those you care about.
And since I care for all of you, I have decided to give you the gift of .... HOLIDAY HUNKS!!
The first signs of autumn are in the air here in the United States -- crisp morning air, leaves changing colors, and football season has begun. And since Andrea, Gannon and PJ are such huge lovers of football, I have decided to dedicate this month's HOT DISH to them.
While I am one who does not like to bestow the title of HOT DISH to a man more than once as there are so many sexy men in the world, this month I had to push that aside. See, as I was researching this month's HOT DISH (have I told you lately how much I enjoy my research?), I discovered that no picture seems to come close to this one of Jed Hill.
This month's Hot Dish is actor Joe Manganiello. Joe is best known for his role as werewolf Alcide on the HBO series TRUE BLOOD. In 2010, Joe was named as one of People Magazine's sexiest men alive. And by this picture, I would have to totally agree!!
In addition to his sexiness, Joe also has a connection to the book world. He has narrated two fantasy novels (Dragon Bones and Dragon Blood) by New York Times best selling author Patricia Briggs. Pretty cool, huh?
Mr. Manganiello, do you need some help getting out of those wet, clingy clothes?? I think we have a few volunteers ... starting with me, of course.
~ Buffie
As summer arrives in the United States, many people flock to the coastlines or lakes to enjoy the sun and the water. I know that my family is looking forward to a little beach fun this summer. And while I love splashing in the waves and soaking up some rays, I also enjoy watching the lifeguards *wink wink*.
So here is my official welcome to summer ...
Oh yeah, I can't wait for the beach!!
Last week was the 2011 RT Book Lovers Convention in Los Angeles, California. In addition to meeting authors, publishers and bloggers, one of the big highlights is the crowning of a new Mr. Romance. There were nine would-be romance cover model hopefuls competing this year and the competition was fierce. 
I don't know about you, but this picture makes me want to drop everything and head to the jungle to get a little wild with Enrique.
So ladies ... are you hearing the call of the wild??
~ Buffie
Lately, I have been hearing a lot of buzz about a new show from the creators of Grey's Anatomy. This new show (called Off The Map) is also a medical drama, only it is set in a tiny village in a South American country. While the premise of the show (young doctors trying to save the world) does peak my interest, it really is the beautiful scenery in the previews that attracts and holds my attention. And honey, I don't mean the mountains or the beaches!!
Let me introduce you to one of the main characters of this new show -- Ben Keeton. This man pretty much has it all -- sexy eyes, hair that is begging for my hands to run through it and an accent that sends shivers down my spine. Oh yeah, he's a doctor too!
As I began researching Martin Henderson, the actor how plays Ben Keeton, I learned a couple interesting facts. He was born in Auckland, New Zealand -- thus the spine-shivery accent. He is a man who takes his craft seriously -- when he moved to the US to try acting, he enrolled in a 2-year program to hone his skills (this was after he was acknowledged as an accomplished actor in New Zealand). But as I gazed into those beautiful green eyes, I realized I have been lost in them before. Not in person, of course, though I wish that were true! Martin Henderson played a pivotal role in one of my favorite movies -- the Bollywood hit, Bride and Prejudice. Martin played the character Darcy.
*sigh* Don't those eyes just say "I'm waiting just for you" ?
~ Buffie
