Cover Models for Floridawn Lewis Books
When I first started publishing my e-books back in 2011, I wanted the perfect cover models to complement my characters. I first found that perfection in a lovely young woman named Kelly Simon, whom I had the pleasure of watching grow up with my daughter. She became the character of Cassie Lynn Darlington Brady in the Beachmore Paradise Book Series which includes She Landed On My Doorstep and Promise the Sun and the Moon. I am in the process of writing the third book in the series entitled Written in the Stars, in which Cassie continues to star in.About the same time that Kelly started modeling, I found a wonderful woman named Skye Danielle Barker to model for the character of Zoë Jayne King in the Beachmore Paradise Book Series, mainly in She Landed On My Doorstep. I also watched Skye grow from childhood into the beautiful woman she is today. Skye also modeled for the cover of Open Arms as Laramie Bradshaw. If I ever publish my historical romance novel Treasured Memories, she also graces that cover and she will also be included on the cover of Written in the Stars.
After years of having Kelly's cover on Promise the Sun and the Moon, I decided to design a different cover with my favorite male lead in Promise the Sun and the Moon. I first saw Justin Zabinski's photos in All-American Guys magazine and their OhLaLa magazine, as well. As I searched for the perfect inspiration for the character of Dayton James Brady in 2010, Justin's long blonde hair and smoldering blue eyes caught my attention. I was able to actually coordinate my own photoshoot with Justin in the fall of 2014 and had hundreds of yummy photos to search through to exemplify the innocence and sensuality of the character of Dayton thanks to Justin's natural photogenic self. Now if I could be just as lucky to find Dayton's brothers for the characters of Taylor Justin Brady and middle brother Jayce Ray Brady. Shout out to Taylor Kitsch and Travis Fimmel!
I asked my three models to answer 10 questions about how they got into modeling and was able to schedule a recent photoshoot with Kelly and Skye as we enjoyed the sunshine and mountain air on the top of Keystone Mountain in Colorado. Promise the Sun and the Moon and Written in the Stars are based on fictional towns in the state of Idaho, so I have had to come up with backgrounds in the photos taken that depict rustic mountainous areas in which Paradise, Idaho could look like. I live in Colorado, which in some areas, look like the Palouse mountain range in Idaho. Finding the right kind of background was a little bit harder to do in Florida, where Justin lives, but he found the perfect ranch, so it all worked out.
Thanks to Kelly, Skye and Justin for making my dreams come true! ~ Floridawn Lewis
Kelly Simon
 | ||
| Kelly Simon as Cassie Lynn Brady in Promise the Sun and the Moon by Floridawn Lewis |
1. At what age
did you get into modeling and tell us the story about how you got into
modeling?
I got into
Modeling at 19. My roommate at the time was doing some modeling, and suggested
that I give it a try.
2. Do you have
another occupation besides modeling?
I'm currently a
massage therapist at a chiropractic clinic. We do a lot of injury
rehabilitation and pain management work.
3. Where have
you traveled for your modeling gigs?
I've only worked
in Denver so far. It would be fun to travel for modeling work at some point
though.
4. Do you work
for a professional modeling agency or do you freelance?
I used to have
an agency, but after my contract expired, I decided not to renew so that I
could focus on other pursuits.
5. What are your
future hopes and dreams for say five years down the road?
I'd like to do
some more modeling, but my primary focus is finishing my degree in natural
medicine.
6. What are two
of your favorite hobbies?
I really enjoy
doing outdoor activities like hiking and biking, as well as artistic pursuits
such as jewelry making and any other crafty things.
7. Have you ever
met anyone famous because of modeling and if so, who?
I have not met
anyone famous yet.
8. Would you
consider becoming an actor?
I would love to
get into acting if the opportunity ever presented itself.
9. Have you ever
modeled for a big-name company?
Most of my
modeling gigs have been for more local businesses.
10. What would
be your ultimate modeling gig?
I would love to
walk in New York Fashion Week someday.
Skye Barker
 |
| Skye Barker as Zoë Jayne King in She Landed On My Doorstep by Floridawn Lewis |
1. At what age
did you get into modeling and tell us the story about how you got into
modeling?
I was recruited by a modeling scout
for TruTalent Management at a mall shortly after moving to Salt Lake City, UT
at the age of 19. His name was Rhett Akers and he approached me while I was
enjoying some frozen yogurt and people watching at a picnic table outside. The
first thing he said as he approached was, "You have an amazing
smile." Because I thought he was attempting to flirt with me (and I wasn't
in the mood to deal with that) I initially glared at him. After my glare
registered he quickly assured me that was not what he was doing and pulled out
a business card. He explained that he was a recruiter and that he was looking
for someone with a look like mine for a new contract. After I received some
more information, I agreed to meet with an agent the following morning. The
next day I met with my agent Shawn, and he signed me for a two year contract
that day, and as an office employee in my off time.
2. Do you have another occupation
besides modeling?
I currently don't accept modeling
gigs as I finished my contract to go to college. I currently am finishing up
two degrees in Communications and Spanish. I would not be opposed to modeling
again when I have time, but as a hobby and not full-time.
3. Where have you traveled for your
modeling gigs?
While a lot of my work was local,
there was a period of time when I felt like all I did was travel. I have
traveled all over the states, mainly to Colorado, Florida, and New York. I have
also done some work in the Bahamas. I enjoyed my traveling opportunities, but
because of work, I didn't get the opportunity to do much exploring outside of
my jobs.
4. Do you work for a professional
modeling agency or do you freelance?
I was signed into an exclusive
contract with TruTalent Management which made my modeling rights exclusive for
the duration. However, I have done some freelancing work since then albeit few
and far in between.
5. What are your future hopes and
dreams for say five years down the road?
I have very ambitious goals for the
next five years. After college I would like to both commit myself to Teach
America as well as travel to Spain or South America to teach English for a year
or so. Afterwards, I plan to attend graduate school for Psychology and pursue
my dream of helping people achieve healthier thinking. I hope to work with a
wide range of audiences from troubled youth to addiction through a variety of
disciplines. My long term goal as of now, is to eventually open my own center
for healthier thinking that provides a variety of therapy.
6. What are two of your favorite
hobbies?
I love reading, writing, singing,
playing instruments, sports, travel, teaching gymnastics, performing, almost
any discipline of art, spending time with my family, and hanging out with my
boyfriend.
7. Have you ever met anyone famous
because of modeling and if so, who?
I have met a few celebrities but the
most prominent in my mind was Kevin Cosner . I was working in the TruTalent
office and he came in for a meeting with my boss (who was a former supermodel,
and I guess they were friends) for a movie he was going to be shooting. The
story is funny because as the office was very busy that day, when I saw him I
didn't recognize who he was. Of course I thought he was familiar but it just
wasn't clicking for me. So I treated him the same as any of the clients that
come in and had about a twenty minute conversation with him while still being
oblivious as to who he was. When his appointment came up he thanked me kindly
for being so hospitable and went on his way. Afterward, I was talking to a
co-worker and asked about him and she said, "Oh my god Skye that was Kevin
Cosner you idiot!" and I felt so silly. But I loved that he was so laid
back and didn't demand or act entitled to special treatment. I hope he
appreciated that I treated him like a human being.
8. Would you consider becoming an
actor?
I did some acting while employed at
TruTalent as well as took acting classes while there. I did some local
commercials and loved it. In addition, I have participated and performed in
theater practically my whole life (I began vocal performing at the age of
four). My mom says I have always loved the spotlight and jumped at
opportunities to take on different roles. I enjoy that aspect very much. In a
way modeling can be a harder branch of acting. During a photo shoot you are
trying to convey a message full of personality and you don't to communicate
that with words. That can be very tough, especially when what is required of a
particular job is very specific - you sometimes have to find a way to lose
yourself. My acting coach always said that being a good actor is always, first
and foremost, understanding the human condition. I love that. I also think
that's where my fascination with psychology and the human condition comes from.
I think being an actor would have so many wonderful opportunities, but I don't
really think I would like the celebrity aspect, crazy lifestyle, or all of the
attention. I like my privacy and don't do very well with constant criticism.
9. Have you ever modeled for a
big-name company?
I did a local outsourced gig for
Victoria's Secret once as well as Juicy Couture. Both were great fun! It's
crazy to work with such talented people, from makeup artists to photographers.
To this day I've never been able to achieve such a "fresh faced" look
doing my own makeup as some of those artists are. Their profession is highly
underrated.
10. What would be your ultimate
modeling gig?
I would absolutely love to do a
modeling gig for a cause I believe in. I am very artistic and producing a
picture that is beautiful, profound, and makes a compelling statement for
people to think about would give me the ultimate gratification.
Justin Zabinski
 |
| Justin Zabinski as Dayton James Brady in Promise the Sun and the Moon by Floridawn Lewis |
1. At what age did you get into modeling
and tell us the story about how you got into modeling?
I was 18, went to the
mall with some friends and was approached about a modeling career, I accepted
and here I am.
2. Do you have another occupation
besides modeling?
Massage therapy
3. Where have you traveled for your
modeling gigs?
All over the US and parts of the Caribbean
4. Do you work for a professional
modeling agency or do you freelance?
Freelance
5. What are your future hopes and dreams
for say five years down the road?
Too grow, experience new things, see new
places, and meet great people.
6. What are two of your favorite
hobbies?
Surfing and traveling.
7. Have you ever met anyone famous
because of modeling and if so, who?
Yes,one time in LA I met Weird Al and
Warren Sapp once, at the same time, in an elevator.
8. Would you consider becoming an actor?
Would love to do more acting, I've done
some B role acting, but would love to get more into an acting as a career.
9. Have you ever modeled for a big-name
company?
Yes I've modeled for AllAmerican Guys, Rugby
by Ralph Lauren, APC (France), Tony Meliilo fashion show NYC, Bruce Weber, GQ
Magazine (Germany) JC Penney, Hang ten, American living, Levis and Polo. And
I've been also been featured in People Magazine
10. What would be your ultimate modeling
gig?
Anything to do with surfing or a fat
check. lol
Keystone, Colorado
Skye and Kelly at Keystone Mountain, Colorado
Beautiful Women with an Awesome Background
