Loading ...Bring Your Cover Model To Work Day! Interview, Chat & Contest - Ms. Carey Hope
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A big welcome to our readers today! Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN the fabulous prize being offered up today.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a fixed time event, the post just goes live at 12:00 am Central. You can stop by any time during the day or evening and leave your questions and chat. Also, Carey has a photo shoot this afternoon so may not be here to answer questions until about 4:00 pm Eastern. So, go ahead and leave your questions and she will catch up with you all later. 
Interview:
Hi Carey!
Welcome to Bitten by Books, we are excited to have you here today!
I would like to thank you taking the time to join us for the question and answer session with our readers. It has been FUN to get to know more about you and what makes you tick as a model!
BBB: “I have visions of someone stopping you on a busy street and asking if you’ve ever modeled? How did you get started in this wacky business? Was it happenstance? Serendipity?”
CH: My story is actually quite unusual as to how I got started in modeling. I used to suffer from severe depression. It got to the point where I was too depressed to leave my house. I stayed home every night binge eating and binge drinking. A concerned friend came by one day and practically had to break down my doors. Instead of taking me to a hospital or rehab, he took me to the gym of all places. He literally forced me through my very first workout. I hated every minute of it. I was in horrible shape, overweight and fatigued. Despite my resistance, every night, he came to my house and dragged me to the gym and trained me. (good friend!!) Very slowly, my depression(without any medication or rehab) a began to fade away. As a side effect, I ended up getting in shape!! I decided to really push myself to train and compete in Bikini Universe. From there, I hooked up with Silvermodels which is a fitness modeling modeling agency, hence the beginning of my career. And to this day, I still train, by choice now. It’s a lifestyle for me, and more importantly, it’s my natural and drug free antidepressant.
BBB: “What’s your day job and does it help/hinder your modeling?”
CH: I am a hairstylist and also a photographer. My boss is very supportive of my modeling career, so my other jobs have never hindered my endeavors. I am a very passionate person and love to do different things, so all these different jobs keeps me well rounded and humble! Jack of many trades, master of none, lol!
BBB: “Why do you pose for romance covers? Are you building a modeling career? Acting career?”
CH: I pose for romance novel covers because I am a dreamer. I love fantasy and love stories. Authors like yourself have such incredible and sexy imaginations, and in a certain way, I get to be a manifestation of that imagination, through the book cover!
BBB: “Do people recognize you from your romance covers?”
CH: No, I have not been recognized as a cover model. Funny story, I had an ad running on the Long Island Rail Road. Not that long ago I was riding into Manhattan for an audition and I found myself in an empty seat directly beneath a giant poster of myself. It was so weird! But no one on the train even noticed that the actually girl was sitting under her own photo! Oh well!!
And finally, the most important question…
BBB: “Does your significant other get jealous when readers lust over you?”
CH: My significant other, my husband, Ron, is the most supportive person in my life. He trusts me and is always happy for my success!
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CONTEST: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CONTEST EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO BELOW. There are also revisions to the rules for this contest, please read them all carefully. Also, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each thing you do will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. REMEMBER you have Until at 11:59 pm Central tonight 11/12/09 to do the different things that YOU choose to do. Contest is open to readers worldwide except where noted.
DCL Publications is giving away an amazing bag of goodies to one lucky commenter.
1. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is ask Carey a question or leave a comment. It can be ANY question you like. No questions/comments = no entries! You can come by through 11/12/09 at 11:59 pm Central and ask Carey your questions. Good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions that count towards entries)
2. Spread the word! Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12889 on twitter, at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 100 entries per place you post the event link.
3. Enter the Win a Kindle 2 Contest here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12677 and leave a comment. Good for 50 entries.
4. VOTE in this week’s poll here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12778 and leave a comment. Good for 50 entries.
5. Make a purchase in our Bloody Cafe store here: http://www.cafepress.com/bittenbybooks. We are all volunteers so your continuing support is deeply appreciated. Email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies. Good for 100 entries.
NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day.
RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
The contest ends on 11/12/09 at 11:59 pm Central and the winners will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize bag directly from the publisher. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning.
1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
2. You have THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to USA readers except where noted. The prizes are shipped directly from the publisher.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
(4 votes, average: 4.75 out of 5)
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Carey, which of the covers that you’ve appeared on would you say is your favorite?
Have you read any of the books you’ve appeared on?
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Hi Carey!
I must say, I’m totally jealous! Seems to me you have one of the funnest jobs in the world, getting to pose with such gorgeous guys.
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Opps! Forgot to say I RSVPed!
I RSVPed!
Lol
Hi Carey,
How many covers have you done? and whats it like working with the male models? I know you said yur husband is very supportive so I don’t mean anything like that. But do they act friendly or gods gift? My husband has no problem with me working with other men either so I understand that kind of support. there are still good guys out there.
Thank you for being here with us. I do enjoy your covers they are very nice.
2.spread the word. http:heidi330.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/heidi330
http://www.facebook.com/heidi330
http://www.twitter.com/heidi330
http://www.goodreads.com/heidi330
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thanks HeidiS
Thanks for spending time with us. I read your profile on the website. It seems like you are very active and not afraid to try new things.
With all the things that you have done, what has been the best advice you have received?
I have spread the word here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=100000347970981&ref=nf
and here: http://twitter.com/FallonHadley
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Thanks,
Fallon H.
DCL is very lucky to have Carey as one of our Dark Castle Ladies on our covers. She is classy, beautiful, and all of our Dark Lords enjoy working with her. Thanks Carey for sharing your personal story. It gives all us normal romance reading women hope.
xo
I also RSVPD
heidiS I always forget that one…..
Since Carey graces the cover of my book, Real Men Have Fangs, I guess I have a vested interest. But all prejudice aside, I think what makes Carey so lovely is that her vulnerability and wholesomeness shine through. I couldn’t be happier with the cover of Real Men Have Fangs. And doesn’t she look just too cute with Julian? (Course, you know, they’re both vampires in the book.)
Hi Carey! Thanks for joining us today!
Are you a big reader?
If so, what genres do you enjoy reading?
I RSVP’d
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Thanks again!
Amanda L
Very inspiring story! Thanks so much for sharing Carey. Lifted my spirits.
As a depressed recoverant myself, I understand where you’ve come from. Nothing raises the mood more than healthy eating and a bit of exercise. The body feels less sluggish, and the mind more alert. I’m glad you had a great friend who was able to support you like that. And congrats on pulling through it.
IMHO diet and exercise are the best treatments available for depression, along with a healthy dose of support and the love of those willing to listen to you (getting it off the chest, great remedy) :o) For some cases, though, that isn’t enough. And I feel medical help should still be sought, just to play it safe, and to discuss ALL the options available.
Hey Carey —
The covers you and Bill Freda did for two of my books (to date — one is in editing right now) have outsold any other covers!
Which would surprise no one who saw them. I’d love to show them here, but I am a total klutz on the PC. I can only visit this interviews with the help of Susan Blexrud, that Vampire author par excellence.
Best wishes, KATE HOFMAN
Hi Carey
I RSVP’d, do you pose for all your book covers? Or do you have other models pose as well? Do you get to pick who poses for your covers or is that up to your publisher or agent?
3. entered Kindle 2 contest
4. voted in the poll and commented.
Forgot to mention, I RSVP’d.
Thanks,
Fallon H.
Hi Carey,
Great interview, I really love that you were open and honest about your past. That takes great courage. The covers that I have seen you on look great. My question is.. If you had one day to do anything. be anyone or go anywhere what would you do? I’m wishing you best of luck on everything you do.
I RSVP’d
I spread the word on my FB profile http://www.facebook.com/tawania
Voted in the poll
Entered the Kindle Contest
Hey Carey,
Who is your favorite author? Your story is inspirational. thanks for sharing.
I rsvp’d
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No fair I couldn’t come up with any questions that haven’t already been asked. I do look forward to your answers.
Awesome interview, Carey! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us…gives us big girls an example that it is possible with dedication. Do you have a favorite routine to do or type of exercise?
what a fun thing to do! Do you ever get nervous when you model for a cover?
RSVPd
I rsvp’d! Hi Carey - I found your interview interesting - that is a great friend you have there!
We all need friends like that in this life, in my opinion. 
my question - where is your favorite travel destination or place to hangout?
If you had to pick 3 songs as a soundtrack for your life right now - what would you pick?
Great cover, Carey. Was it awesome snuggling up to Jimmy! He’s such a hotty. I am looking for Native American (aboriginal) photos since even my publisher has a hard time finding them. Have you run across any in your travels?
I too suffer from depression but since I became a writer, all that is fading away. I think we all need focus. The hardest thing for me to do is begin working out or even walking. BUT I WILL! Thanks for the boost!
Hugs
Franny Armstrong-ParaNovelGirl
http://www.paranovelgirls.com
Small Packages-A Christmas Story releases Dec 10 in ebook format
[...] Bring Your Cover Model To Work Day! Interview, Chat Bring Your Cover Model To Work Day! Interview, Chat & Contest – Ms. Carey Hope [...]
Hi can you name all the covers you’ve ever done and their authors?
1. RSVPd
2. facebook.com/cassandra.warner
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I linked to the direct link on Twitter under ParaNovelGirl.
Awesome interview. I’m green with envy I haven’t met Jimmy, Carey. I’d probably melt on the spot, so it’s just as well.
Hugs.
Franny Armstrong-ParaNovelGirl
http://www.paranovelgirls.com
Small Packages-A Christmas Story releases Dec 10 in ebook format
Carey,
Do you ever read any of the books that you model for?
RSVP’d
Voted
Entered the Kindle2 contest
Hey guys!!!!! It’s your girl Carey!! Sorry took so long for me to get here!! Had a photoshoot today and just got back home!!
so many comments so I am just gonna jump around with a few answers…first I would like to address Frannny and Jo on your comments on depression. Thanks so much for your support. I think that life can be really hard and sometimes we feel helpless and lost in a big world. That’s why as, women especially, we need to support each other. So many woman tend to judge other women so quickly when what we really need is to embrace each other. We are all sisters, and just knowing that eases the emptiness that depression can haunt us with.
And Jo, I completely agree that medical help is sometimes very helpful as well. In collaboration with a healthy lifestyle that promotes wellness!
Hey Libby, I have to say, that one of my fave places is VEGAS!!! Vegas is great because there is something for everyone, whether its shows, events, nightlife, they have it!! I also love to get “glammed up” and u can get away with edgy styles in Vegas and no one looks twice at you!
Paris, France comes in a close second. What a romantic city!
Hi Carey!!! Do you have a favorite author who’s books you’d like to pose for, but haven’t yet?
Belinda,
I don’t hire the models on the book covers. I am a model, not a publisher!! However, I am thinking about writing my own book one of these days! But it would be more like a memoir, not a romance novel!
Heidi,
Yes, my husband totally trusts me. I have been pretty lucky so far in shooting with men that are respectful. I believe that you earn that respect. It doesn’t matter what you do for a living, people will treat you the way you treat yourself! So when we walk through life with love in our hearts and a lot of self respect, that’s what we get in return. When men act like they are G-d’s gift, it’s because they are probably needy for attention and covering up much bigger flaws!! Luckily, none of those incredible guys I have shot with have been one of those!
Jean, so glad to have inspired you!! I do weight training at the gym 5 days a week, separated into 2 body parts a day. Weight training is great because it keeps are parts from jiggling too much, lol! It also helps for strength in everyday things, like carrying the groceries from car.
For example
Monday: triceps and back
Tuesday: shoulders and biceps
Wednesday: legs and abs
Thursday: break
Friday: repeat
Also do 20 minute jog every morning that it doesn’t rain!! Helps clear my head and get the blood flowin’
I RSVPed for this event.
1. Carey, your story is inspiring. I am overweight and I’m going through a difficult time right now so I have been a bit depressed. I need to take a cue from you and get my butt exercising. Sounds like it worked like a charm for you! Just wish I had a friend like you had. You were lucky!
2. Facebook share: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/posted.php?id=1354072304&share_id=212456319545&comments=1#s212456319545
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/truebookaddict/status/5661496528
4. voted in the poll.
Heather, yes actually!! I am a big Dean Koontz fan which is not so much romance as it is sci-fi thriller. But for a change, to do something really scary would be fun, maybe posing with a dark shadow behind me or something spooky…ugh, my head is still on Halloween, lol (my fave holiday)!
Tawania, great question!! To be honest, I had a rough life as a child into my young adulthood. It was a long, strenuous trek to get to this place in my life, so at this point, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere but where I am right now!
I hope u don’t take that as me being arrogant. My life isn’t that of a rock star. It’s just the simplicity of things, here I am, safe, at home, my husband beside me…to me that’s the perfect place! So it’s more of a state of mind than a vacation, or wanting to be someone else.
Kate Hofman…YOU ARE AMAZING!!! I hope to get to meet in person one day soon! xoxoxoxoxoxo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your story of how you got into modeling is amazing. I’m so glad you had a good friend who didn’t give up on you.
I commented on Enter the Win a Kindle 2 Contest
I voted on the poll
Kayla J.,
Actually, it’s very hard work having to pose all with these beautiful guys…uh, totally KIDDING!! It’s pretty awesome actually!! But it’s not as sexy as it looks…we are on a set, with photographers, lighting, crew, and so on!! Kinda kills any romantic potential in real life, lol!!
Carey - you are the amazing one!!!!
Go take a look at the “Books” section at http://www.katehofman.com - and you will see the glorious cover for Summer Solstice. What you and Bill Freda do for a black fur rug…
On Nov. 28 you and he are on Love For Christmas, and you both look totally stunnng.
In January, my editor hopes to have Dark Lover ready (400 pages, a doorstop!), and an amazing cover, again you and Bill Freda - you are wearing a gold lamé dress - too yummy for words — I meant you, although the dress is gorgeous too.
xoxo KATE
Thank you Carmen!
Fallon H,
The best advice I ever got was when told that failure is just another lesson learned on our journey towards success!
Kate, thank you so much for having Billy and I on your book covers! Sweet and talented!!!
Pam,
thanks for having me on board! I’m so proud to be part of your DCL team!! Cheers, to many more covers and all our dreams coming true! xoxo
That’s what you are, honey - sweet and talented.
xoxo KATE
Hi again, another question for you…how did you actually get to like working out? I’m trying to get into the habit of going to the gym, but I just don’t enjoy it. Any advice?
Hi Carey
Your story is very moving thanks for shareing it with us. Good friends are hard to come by. sounds like you have one of the best!
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1. I haven’t read this one yet but thats a very HOT cover
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4. VOTED
I RSVPed
Thanks Caitlin!
Hey Michelle, I’m so sorry that you are going through some hards times. Although, i don’t know what you are going through, keep your head up sweatheart. Depression has a why of clouding all the great things that we are made of, but all the wonderful things that make u so special will still be there waiting for you to recognize them again when the clouds begin to clear. And this I can promise you, it WILL get better! And as far as weight issues, girl, embrace what u got!! Once you appreciate your beautiful body no matter what the size, then the weight loss will follow. Just work on those good feelings from the inside out!! Wish u lot’s of happiness in the near future!
Heather, another good question. The answer, although the truth, might not be what u want to hear!! I HATE working out, lol!!! BUT….I love how I feel AFTER!! And consistancy is key to seeing the change. It’s so important for us woman to be STRONG. Not strong like men, but strong like woman. Our bodies are the greatest gift of all, so we want to keep it in the best condition we can!! That is my motivation!
Also, Heather, maybe you don’t like the gym. Do you like to dance? Sometimes my girlfriends and I take salsa classes, so much fun and great exercise! So maybe you can get involved in a dance class, yoga or pilates where u have an instructor pushing you to stay focused. Or take up a sport possibly? Or a brisk walk or jog? There are so many options, getting started is always the hardest but I think you can do it!! Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, girl, so get up and start movin, lol!!!! Or maybe just start planning what your move is gonna be!!
I hate to exercise. I wish that I did not, because my husband is an amateur strongman competitor and in really good shape. I hope no one looks at us and wonders what he see in me. However, that fear has not caused me to get in shape.
Maybe your story will encourage me to get moving….Stacy
Great interview Carey!!!!
Missing you girl!!!!!
xoxoxo
Annie
Thanks Annie, miss u too!
Hi Carey, your story is inspirational, thanks for sharing it with us. I’ve read where the endorphins from exercise help with people suffering from depression. You are so lucky to have a friend like that.
How much time does your modeling take up now in your work day compared to when you started?
3 http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/sandra.allan?ref=mf
Guess my question would be… Out of all the male models you posed with, who was the funnest? Not gonna ask who was the worst… hehe so bashing is not called for.
* Entered the Win a Kindle 2 Contest
* Voted in this week’s poll
RSVPed
Posted about it on facebook (Rachel Flesher)
Posted about it on my blogger (visionarydruid.blogspot.com)
Posted about it on my myspace blog and bullentin (www.myspace.com/visionarydruid)
Posted about it on my livejournal page (morriga.livejournal.com)
Hey Sandra, Yes, I was lucky to have such a good friend during that time! My modeling career definitely keeps me busy! I think when I first started I spent a lot of my time going on castings and so now that many photographers know me, I book a lot from referrals. So that means, I save a LOT of time not going on auditions!! So I’m putting less time in and yet I am working more, go figure, lol!!
Hey Raonaid, I would have to say hands down BILLY!!! Always puts a smile on my face!! I appreciate u not asking me who the worst is, haha!! Although, they are all great (I really mean that!)
Carey, that is a very inspirational story. You should share it with everyone you meet. Depression is serious and unfortunitely many people don’t treat it seriously. Good for you, especially since you deal with it the natural way.
rsvpd
voted
tweeted http://twitter.com/EllzReadz/status/5667381388
RSVP’D
Hey there! Glad to see you hear today. From what or who do you get your inspiration?
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Sorry I missed the event! I was on a plane at the time headed for the DCL Retreat in Nashville!
I admire your tenacity Carey. You’ve overcome your adversities and really triumphed. So good to have you on the DCL team.
Carpe Noctem,
Des
Sexy cover! I love it… and I’d love to hug a man like that. haha.
3. Entered the Kindle giveaway
4. voted and left a comment
1. congrats on losing the weight and getting in shape. Are there any genre that you’ve not been on the cover. Or is there any type of cover that you’ve not done that you would like to do.
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Hi Carey
1.I’m a lot like that and I wish I had a Friend that cared like that.that would get me in shape and out of the house.
2.I Spread the word on my myspace and facebook and here are the links
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks & facebook.com/sasluvbooks
3.Did
4.Did
*I RSVPed
From Stacey S
sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
Hi Carey welcome to BBB
Whatedyour favorite part of this job and if you could change something what would itbe and why
BBB i RSVPed
I voted on the poll
i spread the word
shared on face book: beverly Gordon
twitter: @bainesgoddess
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/forever14n9
and my blog : http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com/
Hi Carey!
1. How many covers have you done?
What book was your favorite?
2. Posted on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1017934013
Posted on myspace myspace.com/tonis_place36
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What camera do you use when you photograph your subjects? Also, what are your main subjects? are they people, landscapes, architecture, or anything you fancy?
Hi Carey,
Just wanted to stop by and say that truly was one of the best interviews I’ve read in awhile. Thank you for being so candid and honest with readers.
And I have no clue why, but a Legally Blonde quote came to my head. “Endorphins make people happy. And happy people just don’t go killing their husbands.” Totally off track but then again my mind does that to me.
I would like to know, what do you think while in the middle of exercising where some people would just like to say, “ok let me take a break here”?
Thanks for interviewing today. I am glad that you’ve found many things that make you happy. I don’t just like one job, either.
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RSVPd.
Hi Carey,
Thank you for joining us, I enjoyed your intereview and answers, even though I’m late, lol.
rsvpd
posted on FB:Dina Stornello
posted on Twitter:dlsmilad
enetered kindle contest
voted
thank you,
Dina S.
dlsmilad@yhaoo.com
Hey Carey! Thanks for taking time out to be here and for telling us your story. It was very inspiring:o) I went to school for photography and found it refreshing that you are a photographer! Any words of advice for those aspiring photographers out there? And just one more question, Who is your fav photographer?
I RSVPed
Posted on facebook,myspace,twitter,livejournal,Blood Bank-Giveaways
http://www.facebook.com/smckeehan1?ref=name
http://www.myspace.com/505153854
http://twitter.com/smck27
http://smck27.livejournal.com/
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/group/giveaways
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Thanks!
Steph M.
Hi Carey!
What qualifies as your favorites? Are there particulars that make you go “Ohhh!” and that makes it your favorite? Some of the most amazing covers I’ve seen have been fantasy I think; I like how it pulls away from the traditional corney covers. Are you a fan as well?
I believe I rsvp’d and completed 3 & 4
Thanks!!
I RSVPed. Hi! I understand alot of what you went thru with depression, not being able to go out of the house, but I can’t excerise, I have to have back surgery and I’m waiting on workerscomp. I have been for 6 years but that is another story. Do you do your own hair when you are at a shoot? I’m also a beautician and find I don’t trust many who I think are good enough to do my hair. I get the BBB newsletter, voted in the poll, http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Lisa673 Thankyou.