Introducing Cover Model
Martin Thomsen
By Deborah Grace-Staley
I recently had a conversation with Only You cover model, Martin Thomsen. His photo on the cover is generating a lot of attention, so in order to help you get to know him a bit better, here are his responses to a few candid questions.
DG-S: Tell us a bit about your background. Where you're from? Where you live now? What you do for a living, besides pose for romance novel covers.
MT: I am a salt-of-the-earth Mid-westerner. I come from a small agricultural community where the focus during the summer is how hot it has been getting and how much rain is expected. People are honest and hard working. Growing up, I spent lots of time outdoors from playing ball in the empty lot to spending time at my grandparents' farm. This love for the outdoors will always be with me and I still love camping, hiking, and all sorts of other outdoor activities.
For a daytime job, I am a computer technician at a major medical software company. I have just started with the current company, and I am really enjoying the job so far.
DG-S: Is this your first romance novel cover?
MT: Yes, this is the first cover for me, and I am really excited.
DG-S: How does it feel to be on the cover of a romance novel?
MT: I think it is a great honor. I have been active in theatre for some time and view this cover model opportunity as another way to inspire audiences. Life is all about building relationships. I believe having a good cover helps the reader build a relationship with the characters in the book. The cover is what first grabs your attention. Then as you get to know the characters, you start to look at the cover in a different way and the cover needs to encompass the new things you have learned about the characters.
DG-S: You competed in the Mr. Romance Cover Model Competition, sponsored by Romantic Times BookClub Magazine last October in Kansas City. What prompted you enter?
MT: I participated in what was essentially a preliminary contest that was held at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. I was one of the finalists at the Renaissance Festival contest and was selected to compete in the Mr. Romance Contest. The Renaissance Festival made the contest a lot of fun, and the fun only continued once we got to the actual Mr. Romance Competition!
DG-S: How was the experience?
MT: The experience was incredible. I have been involved with theatre for a number of years, so I had a blast at the costume parties each evening. Everyone was extremely nice and there was an attitude of fun and excitement that filled the air. I must commend Kathryn Falk and everyone who helped pull the conference together for creating an environment that provided so many great educational opportunities for the conference attendees and also a lot of fun.
DG-S: What do you like to read?
MT: I read several different hobby related magazines (muscle cars and renaissance festivals). Occasionally, I read self-help or business success books. For pleasure I like classic literature like Charles Dickens and Alexandre Dumas as well as things like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.
DG-S: Tell us about your role in the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. Will you be participating again this year?
MT: I have been Robin Hood for the past three years. It is a great honor being one of the greatest heroes of all time. Seeing the wide-eyed look of wonder on the faces of little kids as they meet their hero is great. I also love the stage combat and swordplay. However, the best part is that Robin Hood always gets his "Maid Marion." As of yet, I am not sure what my role will be this year, but I will be involved in some manner.
DG-S: What are your hobbies? What do you like to do for fun? To relax?
MT: Interestingly enough, like Cole, I do have some handyman in me and I just finished building a CD storage unit. I like all kinds of music, but "live" is always best! Kansas City has some great little blues and jazz clubs. Renaissance festivals are my biggest hobby. I love a bawdy wench and a good stout ale! I enjoy working out and running as well as camping and hiking. I also have a love of classic muscle cars and like working on my '68 Firebird when I have the opportunity.
DG-S: What's your idea of a romantic evening with your special someone?
MT: I think the perfect romantic evening should start with a small surprise, whether it be flowers or surprising your sweet ba-boo by picking her up from work at the end of a busy day. Off to a quiet little dinner and share a dessert. Then head to a park or maybe to a field, somewhere outdoors, to take a walk. As you both enjoy the oranges and reds of the setting sun, you marvel at how it dims in comparison to the woman by your side.
DG-S: What are your plans for the future? Any more covers in the works?
MT: I am certainly open to that possibility. I have a nice full-page photo in the latest issue of Renaissance Magazine (Issue 36). I have submitted photos to Echelon Press's Men of Entice series and am featured on your Dollar Download, The Trip. I have also submitted my recipes for the Romancing the Stove cookbook sponsored by Romantic Times BookClub Magazine. I plan on attending the convention in St. Louis next year. After that, who knows!
DG-S: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
MT: I just want to thank Deborah and Echelon Press again for this honor. I also want to thank all of the great new friends I have made in this foray into the world of cover models. It has been a great experience! I encourage all of you to keep reading, and every once in a while gather a little courage and live a dream!
Be Blessed! Martin