Arrow Publications Chairs Multi-Platform Publishing Workshop at RT Convention

Arrow Publications presents its workshop on multi-platform publishing and portable devices at the Romantic Times BookLOVERS Convention in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, April 29, 2010 from 10 a.m.until 11 a.m.

Oh – did we forget to mention that anyone who attends and brings a business card is eligible to win a nook reader from Barnes & Noble! Yes – a brand new nook! How cool is that!

Panelists include: Liz Scheier (Barnes & Noble); Lucy Monroe (Award-winning Romance Author); Tom King (Arrow Publications); and Christina Brashear (Samhain Publishing). Topics to be discussed range from ebook publishing to information about App Development.

“Our panelists will be discussing the publishing industry and related emerging technology,” said Valencia Wood, Arrow Publications’ Director of Media Development. "Additionally, Arrow will provide more information about our App Distribution Program with Apple for the iPhone and iPad.”

Apple introduced the iPhone in summer 2007 and subsequently its App Store, which began as a game platform, but quickly turned into a mobile publishing platform — a mark in the win column for independent writers and publishers. Apple recently launched the iPad (an ereader, mini-computer, super-sized iPhone). All iTune Apps are available for the iPhone and iPad. OMGoodness – independent content producers are king!

Arrow has always been at the leading edge as an ebook romance graphic novel publisher. The colorful screen and accessibility of the iPhone made it a desirable platform for graphic novels. In early 2009, Arrow became a licensed App developer and made its titles available on the iTunes App Store. Now, Arrow has made its comprehensive App Program available to writers and independent publishers of other genres such as non-fiction, self-help, graphic novels, poetry, etc.

“We’re really excited about expanding this wonderful program to other writers and publishers,” said Pat White, CEO of Arrow Publications. “Since we have experience with App creation and working with Apps, we relieve content providers from some of the problems encountered in the program. Content providers are now empowered to create freely and to keep more of the income generated from sales.”

Arrow Publications, LLC distributes fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels for the iPhone. Additionally, MyRomanceStory, an imprint of Arrow Publications, is the premier source for romance graphic novels in ebooks, for the iPhone and iPad, and in paperbacks available in English and Spanish. Our novels are distributed online and in paperbacks. To locate them at the iTunes App Store type in keywords “Arrow Publications” or “myromancestory”. For licensing, advertising and distribution information, contact Valencia Wood, Director of Media Development at valenciaw@arrowpub.com.

About Arrow Publications
App Program

Earth Day and
Eco-Friendly Publishing
  Arrow goes green with ebooks and Apps

Earth Day – so what is Earth Day? Is it a day where we all do something with the soil or make mud pies? Or, is it a day where we perform different ceremonies to vow to care for the earth at every moment?

Okay, not to worry. These aren’t trick questions with a right or wrong answer, but simply posed to make us think. Earth Day evolved to protect the environment. And on April 22, 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin founded Earth Day. However, did you know that the concept was originally hatched beginning in 1962 as a way to bring attention to environmental issues and to get communities involved at the grassroots level?

Also, did you know that because so many citizens were concerned about the environment (clean air, water and soil) that President Richard Nixon established the EPA in 1970? Their mission is to boldly protect human health and the environment.

Earth Day involves cleaning our streets, planting trees, saving trees, recycling, saving our water ways and greening our environment (making all things sustainable that had once been unsustainable).

Arrow Publications is doing its part to bring green to publishing. Arrow’s titles are available as ebooks as well as on the iTunes App Store and on the iPad. So, if you want to read your favorite romance graphic novel, inspirational article, poetry or erotic romance, check out the iPhone App Store to download your favorite titles.

Not only have we greened our practices, but we’ve made our titles available to read at any place and anytime – without killing trees and adding to the carbon footprint.

Here are some cool green tips:

1. Recycle glass, paper and plastic

2. Donate like-new books to a literacy program

3. Start an herb and vegetable garden

4. Start an ebook library

5. Buy local vegetables and fruit

6. Walk or ride your bike to reduce carbon footprint

7. Weatherize your home (windows, doors, seal cracks, etc.)

8. Install new energy saving CFL bulbs

9. Try eco-friendly cleaning supplies

10. Organize a community Earth Day and connect with your neighbor

You don't have to make a zillion changes all at once. Choose one or two things to change and build from there.

Happy Greening Earth Citizens!

Arrow's March Romance Poll: Bestselling Authors Are…

Last month we asked our readers for their opinion on bestselling authors. Just over 57-percent of readers felt that bestselling authors were only as good as their last book. In contrast, nearly 43-percent of our readers felt that bestselling authors are getting better and better. We were a little surprised that no one thought that some bestselling authors were resting on their laurels.

This poll question for April is, What is your favorite romance subgenre? Tell us what you think at MyRomanceStory.com.

NEXT ISSUE OF STRAIGHT FROM ARROW

April 16 , 2010

APP OF THE WEEK

Rated 5 Stars — by Literary Lovers Bookclub Reviews

Sunshine Royal, author of Chemistry 101, on Erotica

Arrow Publications tracked down Sunshine Royal to find out what she’s been doing. Sunshine’s been very busy! Here’s what she had to tell us…

Arrow:  Every fan wants to know something about their favorite writer. Tell us a bit about you and what you like.

SR: I was born and raised in Cordele, a small town in South Georgia where I still reside with my husband, Ronnie. We’ve been married for 11 years and have three children (our 17-year-old son, 16-year-old stepdaughter and a four-year-old daughter). BTW – our son and four-year-old graduate in May. Also since 1994, I’ve worked full-time as a 911 dispatcher. Anyone who knows me knows that I love to read, write and spend time with my family.

Arrow:  Wow, 11 years! How did you two meet?

SR: My brother introduced us, but we knew of each other from high school.

Arrow:  You know your fans want to know, so let’s discuss a little bit about erotica and romance. How do you begin to create your stories and characters?

SR: It takes an active imagination to create a good erotica and/or romance. For me, I imagine something new and different. My characters are normally the complete opposite of me.

Arrow:  Yes, I agree about the imagination. It has to be free and clear to create its best work. So, are any of your stories or characters based on real life?

SR: To date, there are no stories and characters based on real life. The closest I came to that is my novel Cost of Our Affairs, but it’s a stretch.

Arrow:  One of the things that aspiring writers want to know is how their favorite writer got started. Can you tell us about that and also what brought you to the erotica genre?
SR: I’ve always been an avid reader and I’ve been writing short stories since elementary school. I didn’t necessarily know I wanted to write erotica until I saw Zane’s submission call for Succulent: Chocolate Flava II. I submitted Almost Identical and it was accepted.

Arrow: Wow – that’s really NICE! What about your other writings? Any awards?

SR: I’ve appeared in several anthologies to date. Succulent: Chocolate Flava II; Erogenous Zone: A Sexual Voyage; Mocha Chocolate: Taste a Piece of Ecstasy; Sugar & Spice; After Dark Delights; Sistahs Need Luv 2; and The Triumph of My Soul. I was also a 2009 AALAS Nominee (sponsored by African Americans on the Move Book Club) for my novel Consequences. In 2005, I won first place in the Black Expressions Annual Fiction Writing Contest for the original first chapter of my now published novel, Cost of Our Affairs.

Arrow:  And, what do you consider a captivating erotic story?

SR: What captivates me, as a reader of erotica, is an author who makes me use my imagination. I don’t need step-by-step details that read like a how-to-do manual…take my mind on a sensual journey. That’s what Sunshine Royal brings to readers.

Arrow:  I have to ask this – do you write every day?

SR: No, I don’t write daily because my schedule is really hectic. So, I write as much as I can when I can.

Arrow:  Every writer has a favorite writer. I know that you have one too – spill the beans.

SR: Kimberla Lawson Roby is my favorite author and I must say her writing style has been influential. My mentors, however, have been the likes of Jessica Tilles, Elissa Gabrielle and Wanda Campbell, to name a few. These women are not only gifted writers, but have hearts of gold.

Arrow:  What a line-up of ladies! Tell us, are you considering expanding to other genres or subgenres?

SR: I’m seriously considering Interracial Romance. The world is changing and I think love is a beautiful thing and shouldn’t be hindered by ethnicity.

Arrow:  Electronic publishing is all the rage right now. What made you consider publishing in this format?

SR: My sistah of the pen, Caramel Vixen, introduced me to Lady Leo Publishing. I am forever grateful.

Arrow:  Wow, this is great! What advice would you give to new writers looking to get published?

SR: The first thing is that I never sought an agent. However, it was an uphill journey to get published. I say that you should always edit your work. Next, learn all you can about publishing – this is important. And most importantly, don’t give up, even if you are rejected. There are tons of publishers out there so don’t let one rejection define you.

Arrow:  Fans are eagerly awaiting your next release. So, what’s on deck?

SR: Sometime this year, What’s a Wife to Do (Xpress Yourself Publishing) will be released. This will also be included in an upcoming anthology, Sistahs Need Luv 2 (Lady Leo Publishing). This will be in October.

Arrow:  With so many titles out there, what do you do to promote your books, your brand and yourself?

SR: I have created a web presence. I’m on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and several networking sites – posting excerpts of my work and talking to the readers. I interact with book clubs by sending them promotional material. And most importantly, I open the lines of communications with my fans.

Arrow:  I can’t believe that we’re almost out of time here. So, one last question, are you scheduled for a book tour, special appearances or events to promote your titles?

SR: My next event is the Literary Doves Festival in Hinesville, Georgia. The festival is being held at Lewis Frasier Middle School on Saturday, April 17, 2010, starting at 10:00 a.m. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Arrow:  This is the best! I know that everyone will enjoy meeting you. Okay, we’re officially out of time, Sunshine. Thank you for stopping by and good luck on the new releases.

SR: Thank you for inviting me. It’s been a real pleasure. Let’s do this again very soon!

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